• 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.

help! severe fretless drought!

UnderDogbassist

UnderDogbassist

Jun 2, 2010
205
2
North Vancouver, B.C.
#1
the guitar shops in my area have only 1 fretless bass in stock; a squire fretless. nuff said. i'm looking for some good fretless bass models and unfortunately i don't know if i will even be able to audition em cuz the stores i go to don't stock em. so i need help, should i try a gamble and buy a fretless onlien without trying it, or should i go with plan b, which is buy a fretted bass and do a de-fretjob on it. plz help a.s.a.p. thx.
 
#4
If you are talking about the sunburst jaco esque squier then I suggest you give it a try, I'm a bit of a bass snob myself, I own a Roscoe, USA fenders, lightwave, warmoth etc... I played this at a local shop, thought cool... But... It's a squier... Even though I loved the tone. My girlfriend bought it for me for Christmas, after a good setup it was better than any fretless I've ever played. Period! I owned a Gary Willis ibanez, thatwas owned and setup by Gary himself! And this kills it IMHO! After awhile I threw in some basslines, a warmoth neck I had lying around (radiused and epoxied by my local luthier) a gotoh high mass bridge, and schaller tuners, black
hardware, black headstock, sunburst body=killer! It's a monster! I took it in the studio this week and the guys were blown away! Just give the squier a chance I'm serious!
 
#8
mat b said:
If you are talking about the sunburst jaco esque squier then I suggest you give it a try, I'm a bit of a bass snob myself, I own a Roscoe, USA fenders, lightwave, warmoth etc... I played this at a local shop, thought cool... But... It's a squier... Even though I loved the tone. My girlfriend bought it for me for Christmas, after a good setup it was better than any fretless I've ever played. Period! I owned a Gary Willis ibanez, thatwas owned and setup by Gary himself! And this kills it IMHO! After awhile I threw in some basslines, a warmoth neck I had lying around (radiused and epoxied by my local luthier) a gotoh high mass bridge, and schaller tuners, black
hardware, black headstock, sunburst body=killer! It's a monster! I took it in the studio this week and the guys were blown away! Just give the squier a chance I'm serious!
Click to expand...

Pics???
 
#9
The one I linked to is a two tone sunburst, I think the picture just isn't great.
Give it a try, see if you like it. Otherwise, there's the Fender Standard Jazz Bass fretless for about $600.
 
#11
kreider204 said:
The one I linked to is a two tone sunburst, I think the picture just isn't great.
Give it a try, see if you like it. Otherwise, there's the Fender Standard Jazz Bass fretless for about $600.
Click to expand...

i'm actually quite interested in a fender standard jazz fretless, althouth the problem is they don't stock em normally, so if i ordered one online i wouldnt be able to try it in order to comfirm that i like it. do you guys think thats a safe enuf bet?
 
#12
UnderDogbassist said:
the guitar shops in my area have only 1 fretless bass in stock; a squire fretless. nuff said. i'm looking for some good fretless bass models and unfortunately i don't know if i will even be able to audition em cuz the stores i go to don't stock em. so i need help, should i try a gamble and buy a fretless onlien without trying it, or should i go with plan b, which is buy a fretted bass and do a de-fretjob on it. plz help a.s.a.p. thx.
Click to expand...

There is no reason whatsoever to buy a fretted bass, then de-fret it. None. :rolleyes:

Since you must buy online, I would suggest Carvin. I've owned several of their bass guitars, including two fretless models, and I would say the workmanship is excellent. Since precision workmanship is especially crucial for a good fretless, this is not an insignificant concern.

Try Carvin... :hmm:

MM
 
#14
Ok, pics, not that it's been forever or anything... New fender samarium cobalt noiseless jazz pickups too...
 

Attachments

  • image-3227633360.jpg
    image-3227633360.jpg
    23 KB · Views: 61
  • image-2045097634.jpg
    image-2045097634.jpg
    36.6 KB · Views: 60
#17
mat b said:
Ok, pics, not that it's been forever or anything... New fender samarium cobalt noiseless jazz pickups too...
Click to expand...

Fender SCN pickups? Well, enough said! I've got a MIM Fender Deluxe V that looks like a million, plays like a dream and always had tone that was Meh. Dropped in a new set of SCN pickups (getting hard to get too!) and that bass in now ready to take on ANY bass regardless of price or name on headstock!
 
#19
Congrats on your decision to go fretless. I'd check craigslist in your area, because you might find a good deal as I did. Fretless basses don't tend to sell easily (most bassists play fretted). I can't speak for any particular brand, but I think you could start with any quality bass that feels and sounds right to you. Strings are important - I like D' Addario Chromes and GHS Precision Flats. Good luck!
 
#20
Nothing wrong with the Squire; whether price point, or playability. I'd give it a try and see what you think. I have been pleasantly surprised by many of the Squire models I've played lately. If you like it; who cares what the badging on the headstock says, later on down the road if something else comes along, you can trade up, or add to your collection.

I personally steer clear of buying online, as you really can't inspect, or get the feel of the instrument you're going to get... Good luck...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back