• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Playability factor.. 5-string fretless basses?

B

Bassman45

Jul 16, 2005
26
0
#1
I notice that a lot of manufacturers don't make these, or at least require them to be special ordered. Is the combination of 5-strings and no frets too difficult for most bassists to feel comfortable with?

This week, I buying my first 5-string "recording bass" but I'm having trouble making the decision to go fretless, even though I'm aware that it would add another dimension to my recordings.

What'd you think? Too much at one time? Better to buy them separately? Thanks :)
 
#3
PasdaBeer said:
eh, fretless market is smaller then fretted, 5 string market is smaller then 4 string...you do the math : P


edit: if your comfortable on 5 strings normaly, the freetless shouldnt be to hard.
Click to expand...
+1.

check the second hand market, i've seen 5 string fretless yamahas available here in australia, so in the states they should be more available. they're out there man, you just need to look.
 
#4
I have been using 5-string fretless basses for about 15 years now. My first was a Ken Smith Burner and my current one is a Carvin B5F (bolt-on) which I absolutely love. I found adapting to a 5-string no problem (I played a 4 stringer for many years before that) and having that low B made the bass even more versatile. It is only recently I have reverting back to using 4-string (picked up a fretless Jazz). But if I was in a studio, my Carvin would be my first choice to use...
 
#5
ras1983 said:
i've seen 5 string fretless yamahas available here in australia, so in the states they should be more available.
Click to expand...

Funny you should bring up Yamaha... here's the bass I'm currently looking at buying.

Link Removed

It has everything I could conceivably want, and at a pretty good price too. Coming from a 4-string background though, the neck width + fretless design is a little intimidating. Oh well, gotta start somewhere right?
 
#6
Learning a 5-string fretless is just the sum of its components... learning how to play fretless, and becoming comfortable with the extra string. There's no added challenge, and if you intend to learn both aspects, there's no harm in learning each of them on the same bass. Besides, if you buy a fretted 5'er or fretless 4, you'll eventually want a fretless 5, and end up having to buy a second bass. Just find a bass that suits your specs, and your fingers will catch up with practice. :)
 
#7
i'd advise against the yamaha. i've played it, same model and all, in a yamaha shop. it was just awkward to play, and i'm one who likes big necks. i'd go for an aria igb-68 five string fretless. i was very tempted to buy one recently. you may need a new pickup though, not the strongest. one mm style. alot cheaper than the yamaha too.
 
#8
My Spector Rebop 5 is still up for grabs(I just lowered the price)at BassNorthWest in Seattle. Check out the used basses section of their website. PM me if you're interested in the bass, or talk to Aaron at Bassnw. It's really a great bass, but I like wider spacing & more strings. :rolleyes:
 
#9
More strings on a fretless should only increase playability IMO. The more you can keep your hand in one position and move across the board instead of up and down it, the more likely you are to be playing in tune.

Everyone else seemed to answer the availability questions for you already :)
 
#10
ladros2 said:
i'd advise against the yamaha. i've played it, same model and all, in a yamaha shop. it was just awkward to play, and i'm one who likes big necks.
Click to expand...

:hmm: It doesn't look any wider than other 5's... was it the thickness of the neck that bothered you? So far I've seen nothing but great reviews for this one (TRB1005F).
 
#11
Juneau said:
More strings on a fretless should only increase playability IMO. The more you can keep your hand in one position and move across the board instead of up and down it, the more likely you are to be playing in tune.
Click to expand...

Very good analysis! Never thought about it that way. Thanks :D
 
#13
I defretted my peavey axcelerator 5 for my first fretless 5. I would do the same again but I want un unlined board. If that isn't an issue for you, then defretting a fretted five is a great option. It's a great way to learn a little luthiery as well.
 
#14
Well, I might as well buy a fretless while I don't have 5-string either... thanks anyway.

I think I'm just gonna go with my original idea and buy an American Fender Jazz Bass V. I like their string spacing, and I can always buy a fretless simulator for effect. I'd have to wait until the end of the year to get a fretless Jazz V anyway:crying:... Unless of course you guys wanna sell one you already have? :) Thanks again...
 
#15
I started on a 5, and now play 6 and 4. I find playing 5's too akward, as there is that 'middle string' aspect and whatnot.

I currently tune my fretless for to BEAD. It works well for jazz. Play up between the 5th and 12th frets, and I get most of the range I need on all charts, and it keeps me better in tune, without using open strings.

A detuned fretless 4 is a great option as well.
 
#16
TheEmptyCell said:
I currently tune my fretless for to BEAD. It works well for jazz. Play up between the 5th and 12th frets, and I get most of the range I need on all charts, and it keeps me better in tune, without using open strings. A detuned fretless 4 is a great option as well.
Click to expand...

That seems like a pretty good idea. Do you use a real B string.. like a 130? If so, do you have a specially made nut at the first fret to accomodate the different string sizes?

I tried detuning my Fender P-Bass E-string to B but it flopped around horribly... totally unplayable! I can't imagine doing this without the proper strings. Thanks for the suggestion...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back