NBD: 1974 Fender Fretless!

[Lujon]

Despite this poll with near unanimous recommendations to get either a Tony Franklin or something else entirely: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/which-fretless.1622442/#post-27808074
I decided to go with what felt right for me.

Story is the previous owner bought it new in 1974, and at some point swapped out the neck for a 1978 fretless Precision neck. He gigged with it regularly and along the way swapped out the neck pickup for a DiMarzio and the bridge with a Seymour Duncan “Seymourized” pickup. Still has the original pots, no body routes, and the poly finish has developed some great finish checking. Oh and it’s 9.5lbs.

This was a pretty big bass purchase for me, and after the poll I almost changed my mind. However, I sat and played it three separate times and each time I just loved the tone and feel of it. Ultimately, I decided I can always find another Tony Franklin but I definitely won’t find this again. So, now it’s mine!

 

[eastcoasteddie]

Though I ultimately voted for the TF Fretless, this Jazz is incredibly bad-assed.
The fact that it felt great to you is most important.

 

[Lujon]

Though I ultimately voted for the TF Fretless, this Jazz is incredibly bad-assed.
The fact that it felt great to you is most important.

Thank you, I really appreciate that!

 

[modenaboy]

That’s a Sweet bass! Hope it brings you years of pleasure.

The fretboard wood looks really tasty too especially near the body.

Well done, totally agree that it will be easy to find a TF you want to get one of the future, but you’re probably not going to easily find another bass just like this!

(I have a Tony Franklin, and I love it, but there’s nothing like finding something already well played in that just fits you like a glove)

 

[Lujon]

That’s a Sweet bass! Hope it brings you years of pleasure.

The fretboard wood looks really tasty too especially near the body.

Well done, totally agree that it will be easy to find a TF you want to get one of the future, but you’re probably not going to easily find another bass just like this!

(I have a Tony Franklin, and I love it, but there’s nothing like finding something already well played in that just fits you like a glove)

Thanks!