Double Bass fretting about frets

[jeffdime]

I'm looking to get into playing EUB, and I wonder whether I should start with frets or jump straight to fretless. I play the piano and guitar, though not particularly well (the forum rules say to represent yourself honestly, so...). I'm inclined to go fretless from the outset (this is one of the major draws for me, I think), but a few friends have suggested that I should consider starting on a fretted EUB because it is easier.

Thanks for any advice you might have!

 

[DoubleMIDI]

It is easier in the beginning, but you will loose a lot of what you think you can play when you remove them. I did this with my very first double bass (had holes in the neck for the frets) and it was easy in the beginning but hard after I removed them.

I think better start without frets if you want to play without frets later.

 

[jobo4]

Go fretless. If I can, anyone can.

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Frets aren't easier, they're just different. You still have to put your finger in the right place. I find frets get in my way on bass guitars, because I'm so acclimated to fretless instruments.

Just go straight to the way you want to do it, don't even think about 'shortcuts'.

 

[Thumpie]

Frets aren't easier, they're just different. You still have to put your finger in the right place.

Ehm, with a fretted instrument, the "right place" is anywhere between the frets, not a precise place.

Yes, they're different, but a fingerboard is harder because it requires additional skill-sets. Example: you can play a fretted instrument without a sharp sense of pitch.

 

[bassteban]

Ehm, with a fretted instrument, the "right place" is anywhere between the frets, not a precise place.

.

Not entirely true- try fretting(on a fretted bass)too far *behind* the fret and it doesn't really work- not ver well, anyway. I am of the opinion that fretted is slightly easier in general but wouldn't suggest it for an EUB. Wasn't aware there was such a beast, actually

 

[jeffdime]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you're encouraging me to go fretless. Playing a fretted UB seems like driving a Harley with training wheels. I'm looking at starter EUBs, and the Palatino VE-500, the NS NXT-4 and the Ergo seem to be good options. I don't like the Pace because the bridge is flat and I may try bowing (arco?). Any recommendations?

Hey, thanks for indulging a newbie. Much appreciated.