How much does consistent string spacing matter when learning fretless?

[jco5055]

Hi guys,

I was thinking of getting a fretless, but wanted to go rather cheap (Like $400 or so or less) just because I'm completely unsure if I will stick with that/like it, or I'll just hate the learning curve. I'm not trying to be a session player or anything where having some fretless skill is pretty much a requirement. But I definitely understand that one should probably stick to a consistent scale length when learning fretless (and probably ideally play the same on fretted), but is different string spacing enough to throw someone off/make fretless playing harder?

I ask because the only bass I own right now is a 6 string Ibanez SDGR, with 16.5mm spacing. I can slap on it, but when I go to a store and play on a much normal 18 or 19mm spacing it's like I've magically practiced slapping for months longer in-between my apt and getting to the store lol, so I think ideally I'd like at least 18mm spacing on a fretless since I definitely know I prefer 18mm+ spacing in general. But most 5 or 6 string cheaper fretless I see seem to also be Ibanez, and often have 16 or 16.5mm spacing. So I was just wondering if I picked up one of the more narrow spacing guitars (with the idea that I'm just experimenting so who needs ideal specs), would that cause some issues if I did stick with fretless, but then bought a better fretless eventually that has wider spacing? Or is it a much quicker adjustment compared to scale length?

Thanks!

 

[Mrmatt1972]

Wider spacing is easier for slap, but not something that stops me much. I play some narrow spaced frettless 6 and 7 strings. What matters most for my comform when popping is the space between the fingerboard and the pickup. My MG Extrememan suffers from this (30 frets++) but my Yamaha John Myung 2 fretless conversion is totally a slap monster.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Yesterday I played my SR1350B fretted after long hiatus, and it took about 2 minutes or less to adjust to the difference in string spacing and fret placement compared to the SR370EF I normally play. I would now agree string spacing and fretboard scale, unless grossly different, does not matter. I think the different feel and action of the fretless may be more of an issue, the lighter touch required, but that too is easily adapted to.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Hi guys,

I was thinking of getting a fretless, but wanted to go rather cheap (Like $400 or so or less) just because I'm completely unsure if I will stick with that/like it, or I'll just hate the learning curve. I'm not trying to be a session player or anything where having some fretless skill is pretty much a requirement. But I definitely understand that one should probably stick to a consistent scale length when learning fretless (and probably ideally play the same on fretted), but is different string spacing enough to throw someone off/make fretless playing harder?

I ask because the only bass I own right now is a 6 string Ibanez SDGR, with 16.5mm spacing. I can slap on it, but when I go to a store and play on a much normal 18 or 19mm spacing it's like I've magically practiced slapping for months longer in-between my apt and getting to the store lol, so I think ideally I'd like at least 18mm spacing on a fretless since I definitely know I prefer 18mm+ spacing in general. But most 5 or 6 string cheaper fretless I see seem to also be Ibanez, and often have 16 or 16.5mm spacing. So I was just wondering if I picked up one of the more narrow spacing guitars (with the idea that I'm just experimenting so who needs ideal specs), would that cause some issues if I did stick with fretless, but then bought a better fretless eventually that has wider spacing? Or is it a much quicker adjustment compared to scale length?

Thanks!

string spacing doesn't really matter from the perspective of picking up fretless. as you mentioned, scale length would be a more material variable in that respect. but even that shouldn't really sway you much.

Also, know that basses with more strings tend to have tighter spacing to account for more strings and not have a neck so wide it hurts. when you switch to wider spacing it can feel easier, or harder, depending on what you are used to.

 

[sean_on_bass]

thanks! yeah I've seen Tosin's stuff but for some reason I've never had the urge to do it on guitar lol

i heard a myth that Flea would slap on a guitar to increase his accuracy when he moved back to bass.

but also, you CAN slap on a fretless bass. don't listen to the nay sayers.