I've been playing bass for about eight years now, but I've only ever played 4 string fretted basses. I've wanted to make the step up to playing fretless for a while now, but I've also wanted to experiment with more strings in general; my question is, would it be worth getting a 5-6 string fretless bass or stick to 4 as someone who's never played a fretless before?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Getting a fretless bass
- Thread starter bmat4
- Start date
If possible I'd try and play a 5 string fretless first to see how it feels. It would be easiest to start on a fretless that is as close as possible to one of your fretted basses but if you're wanting to explore the 5 string there's nothing wrong with that.
My first fretless electric 5er (Carvin and LB75f) was proceeded by all fours and it worked out fine for me. However I had also played upright for 4 years so YMMV. 20 years later I'm back to a 4 string fretless but I sure had fun with that Carvin.
My first fretless electric 5er (Carvin and LB75f) was proceeded by all fours and it worked out fine for me. However I had also played upright for 4 years so YMMV. 20 years later I'm back to a 4 string fretless but I sure had fun with that Carvin.
Last edited:
Hi bmat4 
Welcome to TB!!!
It is always worth to try something new!
Switching from 4 string to 5 or 6 string will bring some changes for your left hand technic.
A wider fretboard has a different feeling, that you will have to get used to.
On a fretless bass you will have to strech your fingers more that on a fretted.
I don' t see a problem. You can do both at the same time.
The problem will be to find a bunch of basses to compare.
Shops that carry a selection of 5 and 6 string fretless basses are rare!
Maybe try every fretted 5er and 6er that you can find to find your neck and
check if there is a fretless version of it.
greetings
Wise(b)ass
Welcome to TB!!!
It is always worth to try something new!
Switching from 4 string to 5 or 6 string will bring some changes for your left hand technic.
A wider fretboard has a different feeling, that you will have to get used to.
On a fretless bass you will have to strech your fingers more that on a fretted.
I don' t see a problem. You can do both at the same time.
The problem will be to find a bunch of basses to compare.
Shops that carry a selection of 5 and 6 string fretless basses are rare!
Maybe try every fretted 5er and 6er that you can find to find your neck and
check if there is a fretless version of it.
greetings
Wise(b)ass
It's not really a step up, more of a step sideways.
Unless you need a 5 just get a 4. If you choose a 5 it doesn’t take much to get used to the extra string. You’ll need to put in some practice either way and get used to finger positions on a fretless, you can’t get “lazy” with your fretting hand but it’s very rewarding.
I find a narrow spacing on a fretless 5 is easier to mute also.
Best of luck in your fretless quest.
I find a narrow spacing on a fretless 5 is easier to mute also.
Best of luck in your fretless quest.
i'm with https://www.talkbass.com/members/lfmn16.202464/ : fretless is just another version of something with which you're already experienced.
i'd have slightly different advice for you if i knew your general age, but in general: if you have the willingness to commit to the 'labor' involved in acquiring new skills = it doesn't matter. also: no one else can tell you if you'll be good at anything (or how difficult it will be to learn) before you find out for yourself! good luck! welcome to TB!
