Glarry Fretless vs. Fender Tony Franklin Precision

[Dr. Cheese]

This was interesting. Obviously, the Tony Franklin costs 17x as much as the Glarry, but both are P-basses and P-basses sound like P-basses. The Fender has a deeper and richer sound, but that was exacerbated by the fact that I did not check the Fender’s tone knob and the Fender had the tone rolled off while the Glarry was full on. Still, regardless of tone control position, the Fender had a more full tone. The Glarry is super light, so it feels almost like an acoustic guitar compared to the Fender. The other major factor is that it was just easier to navigate on the Fender because the dots are in the proper position. For instance, I learned the melody of Miles Davis’ Freddie Freeloader today, and although I learned it on the Glarry, it was easier to play in tune on the Fender because of accurate position markers. Putting markers in the right place is my next project for my a Glarry. One plus for the Glarry is the tuners. They are just as accurate as the a Fender tuners. I will say that I may just go against my word and get that Tony Franklin because I can’t leave it alone, and the store will let me take a long time. That would give me more than a view fretless basses. The Missus may have something to say about that.

 

[godofthunder59]

This was interesting. Obviously, the Tony Franklin costs 17x as much as the Glarry, but both are P-basses and P-basses sound like P-basses. The Fender has a deeper and richer sound, but that was exacerbated by the fact that I did not check the Fender’s tone knob and the Fender had the tone rolled off while the Glarry was full on. Still, regardless of tone control position, the Fender had a more full tone. The Glarry is super light, so it feels almost like an acoustic guitar compared to the Fender. The other major factor is that it was just easier to navigate on the Fender because the dots are in the proper position. For instance, I learned the melody of Miles Davis’ Freddie Freeloader today, and although I learned it on the Glarry, it was easier to play in tune on the Fender because of accurate position markers. Putting markers in the right place is my next project for my a Glarry. One plus for the Glarry is the tuners. They are just as accurate as the a Fender tuners. I will say that I may just go against my word and get that Tony Franklin because I can’t leave it alone, and the store will let me take a long time. That would give me more than a view fretless basses. The Missus may have something to say about that.

Life is short buy the bass! Once I got a fretless I found more uses for it and more fretless basses found me! I really dig playing mine it's a whole different voice and experience.

 

[selowitch]

Not to throw a monkey wrench into this discussion, but have you considered fretless basses in between these two in price, e.g., Fender Player Fretless, Godin A4, Squier Classic Vibe 60s Fretless? Just wondering.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Not to throw a monkey wrench into this discussion, but have you considered fretless basses in between these two in price, e.g., Fender Player Fretless, Godin A4, Squier Classic Vibe 60s Fretless? Just wondering.

I have three years experience with an even more expensive PJ, a Pedulla Pentabuzz. I went into the comparison knowing the basses were not equal. Frankly, I think the $99 Glarry looks pretty good compared to the Tony Franklin.

 

[Inara]

Not to throw a monkey wrench into this discussion, but have you considered fretless basses in between these two in price, e.g., Fender Player Fretless, Godin A4, Squier Classic Vibe 60s Fretless? Just wondering.

He already has a Squier CV 60s fretless and a Pedulla PentaBuzz.

Edit: didn't see that Doc himself had already answered lol

 

[Dr. Cheese]

He already has a Squier CV 60s fretless and a Pedulla PentaBuzz.

I have a short scale fretless SX P-bass. The Squier has been banished to the pawnshop because of set up and fingerboard issues. The Glarry has a nicer fingerboard and action than that Squier.

 

[selowitch]

Gotcha. Awright, the Glarry does seem like a helluva good buy.

 

[Inara]

Frankly, I think the $99 Glarry looks pretty good compared to the Tony Franklin.

How's the action on the Glarry now? I'm not sure how you like your fretless action set, but I like mine very low, so any unevenness on a fretless fingerboard gets in my way quickly.

 

[Inara]

I have a short scale fretless SX P-bass. The Squier has been banished to the pawnshop because of set up and fingerboard issues. The Glarry has a nicer fingerboard and action than that Squier.

I should stop posting lol. Thanks for answering my question in advance!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

How's the action on the Glarry now? I'm not sure how you like your fretless action set, but I like mine very low, so any unevenness on a fretless fingerboard gets in my way quickly.

My Glarry is lower that it was but still a bit high, but it is comfortable for me.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Gotcha. Awright, the Glarry does seem like a helluva good buy.

It is a great deal if one is willing to put in the work and spend a few dollars to really make it sing.

 

[Killing Floor]

I think that's awesome. A fretless that people can afford, and even afford to just try once or twice, will ultimately encourage more people to play. And when they play more, they'll want nicer basses. The Glarry is no Fender Franklin but it's not all that bad either. I know there are $500 basses that are no better. Just saying it's a great jump off point.

 

[selowitch]

I recently tried a fretted Glarry owned by a buddy of mine. I was honestly predisposed to tell him what a piece of junk it was. Then I played the thing and apart from a sharp fret or two (easily remedied) and maybe a single slightly wonky nut slot for the D string, I had to confess that I really liked it. It felt and sounded nearly as good as my MIM Fender that I bought new for $600 over a decade ago. The knobs turned well and didn’t crackle. The pickup sounded very smooth. The neck was nicely shaped.

The Glarry basses are the real deal and a real steal.

 

[WillyW]

There are a lot of inexpensive instruments these days that aren’t cheap.

but I still love my Franklin....

 

[bobyoung53]

This was interesting. Obviously, the Tony Franklin costs 17x as much as the Glarry, but both are P-basses and P-basses sound like P-basses. The Fender has a deeper and richer sound, but that was exacerbated by the fact that I did not check the Fender’s tone knob and the Fender had the tone rolled off while the Glarry was full on. Still, regardless of tone control position, the Fender had a more full tone. The Glarry is super light, so it feels almost like an acoustic guitar compared to the Fender. The other major factor is that it was just easier to navigate on the Fender because the dots are in the proper position. For instance, I learned the melody of Miles Davis’ Freddie Freeloader today, and although I learned it on the Glarry, it was easier to play in tune on the Fender because of accurate position markers. Putting markers in the right place is my next project for my a Glarry. One plus for the Glarry is the tuners. They are just as accurate as the a Fender tuners. I will say that I may just go against my word and get that Tony Franklin because I can’t leave it alone, and the store will let me take a long time. That would give me more than a view fretless basses. The Missus may have something to say about that.

Cheese, you KNOW you need a TF.

 

[sleddogn]

that blue TF one just calls me and you doc

 

[selowitch]

that blue TF one just calls me and you doc

Love the blue but the sunburst keeps me up at night.

 

[TheDirtyLowDown]

Love isn't rational, and thank goodness for that. The best bass for you isn't the best looking, or the most expensive, or the one with the best provenance. It's the one you can't you keep thinking about, the one that takes you somewhere different and amazing, the one that brings out the best in your playing and that just feels and sounds right in your hands. I'm lucky to have one fretless bass guitar like that (Wilkins) and one EUB (NS CR4M). I have a few other very nice basses, but they're backup instruments, or a sentimental one that I won't sell, and one more that I should sell.

My advice, and it's the same as with love, is don't over-think it. You're a smart, thoughtful guy, so you'll think about the choice a lot, and considert it from all the angles, and that's fine. But deep down you know what you really love. Go for it, and play it with a smile!

PS: I love that blue TF!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I kind of wish someone would just buy it. I know I would totally love the Tony Franklin, but it is definitely a want and not a need.

 

[bobyoung53]

Love the blue but the sunburst keeps me up at night.

Yup, the sunburst TF is beautiful although you can't really tell from my lousy photography.