Newbie going fretless.

[kevteop]

I've had a few fretlesses, played only fretless for many years.

I never had a bass with a lined board, but I do think they can be useful especially in the upper register as has already been said. I don't think a lined board will get in the way of your learning - most unlined basses have side dot markers anyway, and most players rely on them, although they might tell you otherwise.

 

[Bassmickeyd]

I've been playing fretless since 77 and some necks lend themselves to be played in tune, easier than others. ...... Some I pick up and can do no wrong, some I can do no right. .... A fixed hand position and understanding of getting around the neck will help with intonation. ..... Though you won't know how good or bad your intonation is until your playing along with a fixed tuned instrument, like piano or guitar. ..... I don't think it matters whether it's a lined or unlined neck. The size of the neck compared to the size of your hand is more important. ..... Your ear will improve the more you practice and play with other instruments.

 

[Sketchy]

As stated above by many, you'll get better if you practice it, and if you practice enough, no matter how long you've been at bass before getting a fretless, you'll be fine. You pretty quickly get used to the fretlessness of it.

I guess the justification I'd use for if you're still unsure is this: Have you ever seen a vioin or a cello with frets? Hell, I know people who played a fretless before they played a fretted.

 

[SCMan88]

Having lines or even dots(Fender for example) on your fingerboard is fine.

If you buy a cheap fretless lined bass its ok!!
Its good for the start,so you can remember how the notes really sound on a fretless bass,then when you feel you know your fingerboard good enough,you can move to a clear with no lines fretless bass.

Its perfectly fine to get a lined one for the start.
And well...Jaco also had his fretless basses lined.
Its ok to look on your fingerboard(as long as you don't ALL the time) to find out where you are.

It won't make you look silly or whatever crap...