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Fretless worth it?

#21
I think that we are all in agreement that playing fretless is definitely worth the time and effort required to play it well. My experience with having basses defretted is that you simply don't know what the end product will sound like. You might be lucky like Marshy and end up with a bass that you love or you can end up with something that you would rather not play. I have had very very good basses defretted and they did'nt have that fretless tone that I was craving. I have had very inexpensive basses defretted and I have loved them. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.
 
#22
Originally posted by Figjam
You can get an Essex fretless for the price itd cost to get a Squier professionally defretted, and the Essex is better.
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Can't help but feel that this is too black and white an approach - the fact that my own bass sounds rather nicer than a fair number of $1000 fretless basses I've tried (no, I haven't tried them all, but a fair few) at least lends credence to the argument that it's more complex than you suggest.

My personal theory would be that there's Squiers and Squiers: for a start, they've been produced in a number of countries, to a number of subtly different designs over time. Start with a straight an honest (but dull one) and you may be lucky. Start with an acknowledged nail of an instrument, and I guess you're on a hiding to nowhere - as per KeithPas' point above.

I'm just struggling with the concept that less and $150 buys you something better then an originally more expensive instrument with a professionally done defret.
 
#25
posted by Jonki:
is there any difference? :confused:
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<b>To explain: I sing and play fretless at the same time. I'm also the bandleader, no time to look at lines. The instrument needs to give you the cues on position, by neck feel. Lines only get you close, specially on a defretted instrument. How wide were the frets? How hard did you press on the strings when fretting? Intonation varies by player, so lines are only a ballpark clue, not a steadfast answer, IMO. For some real fun, try reading a few bop charts and looking at your fret lines at the same time. Not happening, especially if you're as lame at reading as I am. But, do whatever works. I know plenty of good players who have lined fretlesses, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Heck, for that matter, I think playing fretted bass encourages bad habits, in regard to playing fretless. My abilities on fretless improved a lot when I got rid of my fretted basses.:cool:

Braid, elevators? No worries, just lay off the patchouli, OK?:hmm: </b>
 

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