I've decided to take the plunge and invest in a fretless. My main bass is a fretted 5, though I increasingly rotate in fretted 4. I have a line on a great deal for a fretless 4. Should I go for it or wait for a fretless 5 to pop up? I plan to woodshed for many months (years?) before integrating it into a band setting. So what say you, TB: fretless 4 or 5 to learn?
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Learning fretless - 4 or 5 string?
- Thread starter burgerdj
- Start date
4 or 5 wont matter much, you’ll get used to it. Fretless just requires more practice, good technique and a keen ear to pitch correctly.
It ain’t rocket science though and if I can do it anyone can. Interestingly I prefer unlined fretboards, lines are OK for relative positioning but don’t let them become a crutch.
It ain’t rocket science though and if I can do it anyone can. Interestingly I prefer unlined fretboards, lines are OK for relative positioning but don’t let them become a crutch.
In my opinion, there is no difference about the first approaching to the fretless, especially if you are already familiar with 5.
Usually isn't too good get a fretless 5 strings, if you barely player the fretted 5, just because you have to get used to the intonation and maybe the fifth string could cause a bit of confusion.
So I suggest going straight for a 5 fretless.
Ciao. Enrico
Usually isn't too good get a fretless 5 strings, if you barely player the fretted 5, just because you have to get used to the intonation and maybe the fifth string could cause a bit of confusion.
So I suggest going straight for a 5 fretless.
Ciao. Enrico
I have been debating taking the fretless plunge.
In theory you won’t have to move around as much if you anchor on the fifth fret of the B, so I will likely pick up a Fiver when I go for it.
In theory you won’t have to move around as much if you anchor on the fifth fret of the B, so I will likely pick up a Fiver when I go for it.
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
If you play a 5er and prefer it, get a 5er. Don't worry, when a 5er fretless pops up, it'll be a good deal too. Fretless basses tend to take a bigger hit on resale.
I went with a lined fretless JB (4 because I have a 4 fretted and as noted, two challenges would likely mess me up and make the learning curve too steep). I will pass along a recommendation I just got from a very accomplished multi instrument musician taking up violin for the first time. He uses and recommends an app that displays the note and whether you are flat or sharp. I am sure there are others, but he recommended Tunable. I just got it today and it really helps. It can be a challenge with a phone getting it where you can see it while playing if you have to visually orient yourself on the neck. Probably easier to see with a pad. At any rate, any app like this is a good aid for going fretless. In the example, cents are 1/100’s of a step -50 is a half step flat the example shows 14 cents sharp
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Are the newer clip on tuners fast enough to show as you go? If so, that may be easier for practice as well. The app styles only run $4 USD. Getting back into bass after a 40 yr hiatus, I have not been able to find enough info on the speed of any clip on.....but that goes to a different forum.
Bet there is a fretless 5 out there now just waiting for a new home!
Bet there is a fretless 5 out there now just waiting for a new home!
How fast should it read?
Are you playing fast sixteenth notes at 120 BPM?
Or a real slow tune?
Are you trying to look at the tuner while playing?
You should rely on your ear for intonation while playing.
Rather than a tuner.
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I highly recommend going five if you are also going to transition to fretless. I noticed I was much more interested in using my B string when I made the switch. Who have you been listening to that made you jump ship?
I've also had positive experiences with active electronics on fretless instruments, especially extended range ones.
I've also had positive experiences with active electronics on fretless instruments, especially extended range ones.
If you're comfortable on a four, I don't think it will matter much. I prefer 5'ers, so I went that route when I wanted to try a fretless, but I'm much more comfortable on a 5'er, and didn't want any more adjustments than necessary.
I took the fretless plunge 2 years ago and I love it. I didn't find it to be nearly as difficult as I thought it would be.
I took the fretless plunge 2 years ago and I love it. I didn't find it to be nearly as difficult as I thought it would be.
Fretless is only challenging when playing high or playing chords. Number of strings is no problem.
I prefer fret lines- & a 5’er. Gary Willis, & many top pro players use lined fretless basses, they aren’t a “crutch” imo, they are just helpful tools (just like our eyes & ears)
to navigate the board.
to navigate the board.
doesn't make any difference --- whatever your fretted experience is (what you really prefer) just go with that. either way: getting rid of the metal things will be a liberating experience. if you're not afraid of 'too much' freedom: go unlined! be sure to report back with pics of your new ax! good luck with your fretless quest!
I have real trouble converting back to a 4 string - so my fretless, like my others are all 5 string. That way your fingering and positions stay the same. I'd hate to go to a 4string and fretless all at the same time, if it was my first fretless.
I agree that they are not a crutch. To me it's more of an aesthetic thing, because I don't need them, and I very much prefer the look of unlined boards.
If you prefer 5, buy a 5. Currently selling my lined Tobias Growler 4. Love the bass in all aspects except for the missing string. I pretty much never play 4 string basses. At this point the only 4 string I am keeping is my first bass. Noting that it is not because I cannot play 4. I play them just fine. I have just spent so much time playing a 5 that I prefer them.
Now if you are indifferent between number of strings (many are). Buy the 4 if you can get a good deal on it. Odds are you can flip it if you find a 5/later decide you need a 5.
Now if you are indifferent between number of strings (many are). Buy the 4 if you can get a good deal on it. Odds are you can flip it if you find a 5/later decide you need a 5.
Well, I couldn’t pass up this beauty, despite its missing string. She is a ‘98 Streamer LX with a three piece wenge neck and ebony board. So far, so good - the neck is arrow straight and intonates well. Currently wearing Labella flats, will likely wear some round core DR soon.
