fretted or fretless

That's a tough call bro. i had to make a similar call lately and i went with the fretless just cause i couldn't take the GAS anymore.

 

if a price isnt an issue...buy both

 

Well that was going to be my advice until I read your post. But I must agree, if price isn't an issue you could consider getting a fretted and a fretless. I know guys who have done it and couldn't be happier.

 

It may be that the fretted bass could be upgraded with a fret job or new pickups. Or even a new neck.

I would go with the fretless. I play in a rock/blues context most of the time, and the fretless is fantastic. WHen I play Rush, though , I have to break out the frets.

Usually, I try to play fretless on every tune I don't sing when I am with the blues band.

 

Would you give us an indication of what your budget is and which builders/models you're interested in...for both fretted and fretless?

 

If you get a fretless, then you should NOT slap. Since you said you rarely do that nayways then that is a one point for the fretless buy. You will need to undergo a learning curve with the fretless. You have to make sure your fingers play the same way EVERY time... one slight movement left or right changes the notes and stuff like that...

Getting a better fretted would also be a plus because I noticed for me that a better made bass, makes me acheive more milestones then I've had before. All of a sudden, a better bass makes finger tapping better, slap better, and stuff like that. Either way, it is good to upgrade.

 

In my opinion, and assuming you work with a wide array of styles, the best is having both fretted and fretless. To me, fretted is great for driving, aggresive basslines and fretless for mellower, acoustic-type ones. I'm not saying that fretless can't be aggresive (Les Claypool proves the contrary). It's just that I don't see the fretless that way.

Again, just my two cents. Hope they will be helpful.

 

i echo the "buy both" sentiment.

if i was starting over:

for fretted, you can get an exceptional instrument for a wide range of prices.

for the fretted fender sound, i'd get the Geddy or the 75RI.

for a modern fretted sound, MTD and Spector make great budget and "boutique" models.

now...

for fretless, i wouldn't spare expense.

Rob Allen
Zon Sonus
Pedulla Buzz

i've owned MANY MANY fretless basses. and those 3 are the CREAM!

save some money for a decent amp/cab. get as much power you can afford.

as i've said before: its not the power you have, it is the power you have left.

f

 

Why not?

 

fingerboard damage.

 

i love slapping all of my fretlai.

no damage.

especially on my Zons.

f

 

don't they have special fingerboards? like diamondwood?

 

I think Zons use a composite fingerboard on their fretless models

 

yea that's what i was thinking. Ebony, Phenowood (i think this is zon's right F?), and Diamondwood ones are pretty stinkin' tough.

 

phenowood, diamondwood, etc...

are all Pakka Wood.

great stuff.

heck, i slap on my Rob Allen:



f

 

You sir, are clearly a mad man! Sweet bass btw. very acoustic vibe.

 

Same here.