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Should I get fretless?

#62
I really can't say yes or no. I bought one, had to have, waited nearly 6 months for it to be on stock during covid. Kept it for roughly 2 years and sold. Why? For me, I simply could not (or did not) dedicate the proper time and effort it takes to become reasonably proficient. Could I play odds and ends and goof around? Sure. Finally decided it was better to give it a good home than let it collect dust. That's my experience.
 
#63
I have an SX lined PJ fretless. Like some others have mentioned it doesn't get much play time, which is probably just as well because i'm quite a lousy player. I did have to do a lot of detail work to the neck and nut which transformed the bass. The SX basses are amazingly well built for the money, but always seem to need some "fettling". As others have said the O.P. can easily flip it if it doesn't work out.
 
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#66
I wanted to see if I liked fretless bought cheaper Ibanez 5 string. I used to play it a lot more than I do recently. But once or twice a month I still pick it up. If that SX fits your budget you'll never know until you try. An if it turns out it's your thing great upgrade later or if doesn't you're not out of much money. But if it doesn't work out you'll know Bass isn't your thing.
 
#68
I have a fretless MIM Fender Jazz. Picked it up almost 10 years ago. I only play it every once in awhile. Nonetheless it feels like a cool thing to have in the arsenal even if it’s not my go to. Honestly there are probably more pragmatic choices that you’ll reach for more often. But hey it’s your money. ✌️
 
#69
Brownie3rd said:
Hi, I'm new here and just like the topic says I'm thinking of getting a fretless.
Now I know asking strangers online if you should buy something is pretty much always answered with a yes, but I thought I'd explain myself and get some advice.
First off, I'm not a bass player, I'm a guitarist and while I do own a bass it has largely gathered dust in the years I've owned it.
The main reasons I'm considering getting it are because I've always thought it'd be cool to have one, it's cheap and it'd be a birthday present. By cheap it's $300 AUD, and the same shop is selling a Squier mini P bass for $320 so you can better adjust that price to your currency.
I'm worried that it'll end up being a novelty that largely gathers dust despite my intentions to actually learn how to play it so what do you think I should do?
Click to expand...

Definitely do it! I had been playing acoustic and electric guitars for decades when I got talked into filling in for an absent bass player. I got by but it never really caught my attention - until I tried a fretless bass at a guitar show. I was hooked and am still playing fretless 15 years later.
 
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#71
Brownie3rd said:
Hi, I'm new here and just like the topic says I'm thinking of getting a fretless.
Now I know asking strangers online if you should buy something is pretty much always answered with a yes, but I thought I'd explain myself and get some advice.
First off, I'm not a bass player, I'm a guitarist and while I do own a bass it has largely gathered dust in the years I've owned it.
The main reasons I'm considering getting it are because I've always thought it'd be cool to have one, it's cheap and it'd be a birthday present. By cheap it's $300 AUD, and the same shop is selling a Squier mini P bass for $320 so you can better adjust that price to your currency.
I'm worried that it'll end up being a novelty that largely gathers dust despite my intentions to actually learn how to play it so what do you think I should do?
Click to expand...
Does owning stuff, even stuff that just sits in the corner gathering dust, make you happy?

If so, buy it.
 
#73
I wanted to play fretless so I took my only bass and took the frets out.
I learned quick as I was gigging at the time.
It was years before I got another fretted bass.


Now I have three, the original my DJ Bebop 62 P Bass of Doom, a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz, a 40s Kay M-1.

:)
 
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#74
Pocket Dave said:
The fact that your fretted collects dust and you're not a bass player doesn't inspire confidence in your prospects with a fretless, which arguably takes more time and finesse than fretted to just be able to play at a fundamental level.

My own limited experience - When I started back into bass after a decades long hiatus playing guitar, I bought a fretless as a second bass; It gathered dust and I was actually playing some bass at gigs. Now that I'm gigging regularly on bass, I've got another fretless that I've actually put a fair amount of time into. It's actually getting some regular gig use.

BTW, $300 AUD = just under $200 AUD. Not a lot, unless you're having to replace a roof, pay for major vehicle service, or have kid(s) in college. Only you can say for sure if it's worth spending $ on.

Personally, I wouldn't at any cost if it were just going to gather dust; My wife and I are trying to sell and otherwise move unused "stuff" out of our lives, not in. Every week I try to take a full load to the dump, consignment store or donation point; It gives me a great sense of contentment.
Click to expand...

BTW - past the edit/correction deadline - I meant to say $300 AUD = just under $200 USD. I think y'all got that, right?

As you were.
 
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#76
Welp, the decision kinda got made for me, went to the shop to check it out only to discover it had sold on the weekend and the website hadn't updated. I do want to thank you all for the advice you gave though and for the record, it was pushing me to buy it, but it looks like it wasn't meant to be at this time.
 

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