Plain strings on fretless

[Nateshost]

I'm almost done building my 7 string fretless bass, and am debating whether or not to coat the fingerboard in a poly finish. All the strings will be flat wound except one. The highest string will be a plain .20, and I wanted to know if this would damage an unfinished fingerboard.

Thanks,
Nate

 

[ixlramp]

Yes do. A plain steel string is like a flat and will not damage the board. However smaller lighter strings have less momentum and the finger damps the vibration faster, so a hard board will help with sustain. Also, with a small string there is more finger-board contact and more resistence to sliding, so you need a very smooth board too (i play a fretless with 2 plain strings on it).