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G&L Club Part 7

#12,063
I've been having some fun expressing myself while playing the SB-2. Playing familiar bass lines on a fretless just brings out a different character to the notes. A few years ago I wouldn't have thought to try an unlined fretless, but I gave it a go with an 80's Fender Precision Bass Special, and I actually found I have an easier time playing with an unlined board, as long as the side markers are placed on the "fret" position instead of in-between. I do still have to set it up, but even with a slightly higher action than I'm used to, it still plays easily. Chords are more challenging to play compared to a fretted bass, but it gives me something more to work on.
 
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#12,064
Tbone76 said:
I've been having some fun expressing myself while playing the SB-2. Playing familiar bass lines on a fretless just brings out a different character to the notes. A few years ago I wouldn't have thought to try an unlined fretless, but I gave it a go with an 80's Fender Precision Bass Special, and I actually found I have an easier time playing with an unlined board, as long as the side markers are placed on the "fret" position instead of in-between. I do still have to set it up, but even with a slightly higher action than I'm used to, it still plays easily. Chords are more challenging to play compared to a fretted bass, but it gives me something more to work on.
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There were no lined fretless available when I started on fretless, late '60's, only unlined and defretted fingerboards. That's when I discovered lines are more of a nuisance than a help. I guess learning upright at the same time helped with that mindset. YMMV.
 
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#12,065
TomB said:
There were no lined fretless available when I started on fretless, late '60's, only defretted fingerboards. That's when I discovered lines are more of a nuisance than a help. I guess learning upright helped with that mindset. YMMV.
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Agreed.

I got accused of being a troll for stating this before but really it's just my opinion.
IMO having lines on a fretless bass is a disservice to the player. Its a crutch from which if you get too used to it is near impossible to make the leap from line follower to expressive musicianship. We don't play fretless instruments with our eyes we play them with our ears. Subtle variations in intonation and the ability to correct them on the fly to me are better served with the training wheels off. By putting lines on the neck we have essentially slowed the process down of becoming a musician that has the ability to let the brain go and become an extension of the instrument. If we are holding onto the lines the brain cannot let go so we play in a somewhat restrained state. For those who have never crossed this bridge it may be quite difficult to understand and may make them angry but really its a leap of faith of whom after taken is immensely satisfying.

Spread your wings and fly if you have lines close your eyes. Trying to encourage a leap of faith not a controversy.
 
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#12,067
Red Planet said:
Agreed.

I got accused of being a troll for stating this before but really it's just my opinion.
IMO having lines on a fretless bass is a disservice to the player. Its a crutch from which if you get too used to it is near impossible to make the leap from line follower to expressive musicianship. We don't play fretless instruments with our eyes we play them with our ears. Subtle variations in intonation and the ability to correct them on the fly to me are better served with the training wheels off. By putting lines on the neck we have essentially slowed the process down of becoming a musician that has the ability to let the brain go and become an extension of the instrument. If we are holding onto the lines the brain cannot let go so we play in a somewhat restrained state. For those who have never crossed this bridge it may be quite difficult to understand and may make them angry but really its a leap of faith of whom after taken is immensely satisfying.
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Well you ARE a troll albeit a curmudgeony kinda lovable one and truer fretless words have not been spoken. IMO lined-fretless players are the kids who never dared color outside the lines. My scale has a 1000 notes, give or take.
Here we go again...
Yours Trolly,
SVT
 
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#12,068
Red Planet said:
Agreed.

I got accused of being a troll for stating this before but really it's just my opinion.
IMO having lines on a fretless bass is a disservice to the player. Its a crutch from which if you get too used to it is near impossible to make the leap from line follower to expressive musicianship. We don't play fretless instruments with our eyes we play them with our ears. Subtle variations in intonation and the ability to correct them on the fly to me are better served with the training wheels off. By putting lines on the neck we have essentially slowed the process down of becoming a musician that has the ability to let the brain go and become an extension of the instrument. If we are holding onto the lines the brain cannot let go so we play in a somewhat restrained state. For those who have never crossed this bridge it may be quite difficult to understand and may make them angry but really its a leap of faith of whom after taken is immensely satisfying.
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Have you ever played with a Pedal Steel Guitarist? They have lines, and are some of the most expressive, emotional musicians I have ever met.
 
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#12,070
But lets get back to G&L's. Gratuitous IT'S FRIDAY post. They look sexier naked.

Ash L1K Fl a.JPG
 
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#12,079
My jazz band mates want me to play Higher Ground à la Marcus Miller. I'm working on my slap technique, and now two questions :
1) Best way to get the bass line at the same time as the solo? Looper? Octaver? ask the keyboard player?
2) Best strings for that with my vol/vol maple board SB-2?
 
#12,080
Red Planet said:
Agreed.


I got accused of being a troll for stating this before but really it's just my opinion.
IMO having lines on a fretless bass is a disservice to the player. Its a crutch from which if you get too used to it is near impossible to make the leap from line follower to expressive musicianship. We don't play fretless instruments with our eyes we play them with our ears. Subtle variations in intonation and the ability to correct them on the fly to me are better served with the training wheels off. By putting lines on the neck we have essentially slowed the process down of becoming a musician that has the ability to let the brain go and become an extension of the instrument. If we are holding onto the lines the brain cannot let go so we play in a somewhat restrained state. For those who have never crossed this bridge it may be quite difficult to understand and may make them angry but really its a leap of faith of whom after taken is immensely satisfying.
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Not offended,but just because bass players,don't play fretless basses,makes their brain have any less ability? As long as you enjoy playing the bass,fretless,or fretted,is what it is all about right? Enjoy the ride! Nice natural fretless G&L that was just posted.
 
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