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Fretted/fretless bass
- Thread starter Dave Siff
- Start date
How about that tone?
But really it's a bad design. Because it has two horns and the strap connects to the horn so you can't really flip it without stopping to move the strap to the other button. So it's not only a dumb design from the aspect of having your thumb on strings but also in that you can't switch back and forth without a huge hassle.
I say this because there is a local guy who builds switchable basses. They are REALLY nice! The way they work is there is this array of frets that raises and lowers with a lever. VERY few moving parts. instant switch from fretless to fretted and back. Extremely reliable and unaffected by weather etc.
I want one SO bad, but he only build 4 stringers at present. I've been all over his case waving wads of money at him for a 5 or 6 (especially a 6 string) but so far no dice. I guess the tooling is expensive and he wants to get ahead a bit before investing.
Maybe some day. It's called the Stockwell Twin bass. Frets are stainless steel and fingerboard is Dymondwood. Cost about $3500. See U.S. Patent 8,153,874!
The more of them YOU buy, the sooner he'll have a 6 string for me!
If I may get serious for a bit...How about that tone?
(Although I was amused.)
If a bass (or guitar as well) has everything else perfect, except I don't like the neck--I wouldn't buy it.
I've got a real Fretted/Less...
Right now it's at the LowEnd shop where Brian is putting in Nordstrand DB Neo's + B3 Pre.
Right now it's at the LowEnd shop where Brian is putting in Nordstrand DB Neo's + B3 Pre.
Have you played it much? How does it work out? I've seen these and also a version where frets only cover half the neck on the lower two strings. I'm a bit skeptical because when I play fretless I don't just play it on the upper half of the neck. In fact I'd say the upper half is not especially emphasized. That's why I liked the Stockwell because when it's fretless it's fretless and when it's fretted it's fretted.
I did play it a little, but it really needed a set up when I got it. It's exactly as advertised, half fretted / half fretless, and besides that it's just a really nice bass. Personally, I think it would be cooler if the fretless portion started at the 8th fret, but it makes sense doing half and half. Would I pay the $6000 for it new? Probably not, but that's just a lot of money. Luckily I got a great used price. There's a fancier 5-string Fretted/Less in the Classifieds right now for a great price. If I didn't have this one I'd definitely be buying it.
O.K.Based on the other comments there's supposed to be a video in your post.
I don't see it.
There's a space,but no vid.
Any one else not see anything?
I can see it. Here it is again, and if you still don't see it, go the the Bass Love page on Facebook.
