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Six String Fretless Suggestions?

T

theinfamous

Dec 22, 2014
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#1
I've been mulling over (and saving for) a fretless six for a while now. Most of my desire came from watching a bunch of Steve Bailey's videos on youtube. It is really difficult for me to play test a lot of different basses, especially six strings, in my area. Therefore I have very little idea what I am even looking for. I have a Carvin B4 that I've played for years and have been very happy with, so Carvin will definitely be on my short list.

My price range will be around $1000, give or take, since that seems to be what I'll need to shell out to get into the game.

Suggestions?
 
#2
If you're looking at Carvin for a 1000 you'll be able to get a used one, new one will be more than that. My 6 string fretless is a Carvin Icon which I got in 2013. Very happy with it, but ideally I would prefer to have a choice of my own pickups (replaced Carvin with Delano later). p.s. There's actually a couple of them (fretless carvin 6-ers)
on ebay right now.
icon6.jpg
 
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#3
jg42 said:
If you're looking at Carvin for a 1000 you'll be able to get a used one, new one will be more than that. My 6 string fretless is a Carvin Icon which I got in 2013. Very happy with it, but ideally I would prefer to have a choice of my own pickups (replaced Carvin with Delano later).
Click to expand...

I've got around a grand in my head, if I have to wait to save a bit more, so be it. If anything less than $3000 is a waste of time, I'll take that into consideration.

What was your reason behind changing the pickups if you don't mind me asking? I've been happy with the versatility of my Carvin pickups except for the fact that they can't effectively reproduce a p-bass sound.
 
#5
theinfamous said:
I've got around a grand in my head, if I have to wait to save a bit more, so be it. If anything less than $3000 is a waste of time, I'll take that into consideration.

What was your reason behind changing the pickups if you don't mind me asking? I've been happy with the versatility of my Carvin pickups except for the fact that they can't effectively reproduce a p-bass sound.
Click to expand...

Well, the stock pickups were a little dark for me (I was looking for a more aggressive sound), so Delano delivered. Yes, no P-bass sound from this bass either, but quite a wide range of fretless tones, nevertheless. Ideally, you should look for ones that have a piezo (it's a 100 dollar option) - gives a whole new dimension to the tone (if you want it, that is).
 
#8
Even a used Steve Bailey model is going to cost you more than $1,000. In TB classifieds, ads for the Fender signatures are occasionally posted between $1,800 - $1,900.

There are 2 versions with Warwick, the official signature and the Artist Series (non-German built.) I haven't priced the German built instrument, but the Steve Bailey Artist Series 6 was priced at $2,249. Sort through the various options/suggestions from TB members.

I own a 6-string fretless bass, which was a custom order. Whichever manufacturer/model you decide to go with, I discovered my main issue was the lack of options for 6-string flatwound strings. I wanted to enjoy the fretless "mwah" tone.

After sorting through various options, I ended up finding a set of RotoSound flatwounds (RTS RS776LD), which happens to be a flatwound 5-string set with a single high C-string included. I ordered through JustStrings.com and the cost at the time was $47.11.
 
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#9
TolerancEJ said:
Even a used Steve Bailey model is going to cost you more than $1,000. In TB classifieds, ads for the Fender signatures are occasionally posted between $1,800 - $1,900

After sorting through various options, I ended up finding a set of RotoSound flatwounds (RTS RS776LD), which happens to be a flatwound 5-string set with a single high C-string included. I ordered through JustStrings.com and the cost at the time was $47.11.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice! I heard some unfavorable things about the Fender signature Steve Bailey model- that it was very neck heavy and not very well built, so I think I'd rather spend my money elsewhere. Unless of course I get some glowing reviews. I do however want a bit more tonal options than the classic j-bass pickup configuration.

This is just kind of a "feeler" of sorts since I haven't committed to a price range, or do I even really know what I want. I have to find out what's really out there first!

And yes, I would probably want to go with flatwounds, so that is some good info right there.
 
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#10
theinfamous said:
Does anyone have experience with this Ibanez 6 string fretless?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/ibanez-btb676f-fretless-6-string-bass
Click to expand...

I've played the 5 string version of it quite a bit (a friend's bass, not mine), and it's pretty nice. I'd probably do a pickup/preamp swap to an Audere pre and Nordstrands. But that's just personal preference. You'd still be pretty close to budget (within a couple hundred), even with an electronics swap. Neck is great; I'm just not a fan of the Korean Barts.
 
#11
bradjonesbass said:
I've played the 5 string version of it quite a bit (a friend's bass, not mine), and it's pretty nice. I'd probably do a pickup/preamp swap to an Audere pre and Nordstrands. But that's just personal preference. You'd still be pretty close to budget (within a couple hundred), even with an electronics swap. Neck is great; I'm just not a fan of the Korean Barts.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have been curious about this bass for a while, since it seems to be one of the few (if not the only) production fretless sixes out there. I'd really rather not shell out several grand on a super custom boutique bass since I'm not sure I'll end up liking it, because I've been an exclusive four string player for years. If I do really like it who knows? :)
 
#12
theinfamous said:
Thanks. I have been curious about this bass for a while, since it seems to be one of the few (if not the only) production fretless sixes out there. I'd really rather not shell out several grand on a super custom boutique bass since I'm not sure I'll end up liking it, because I've been an exclusive four string player for years. If I do really like it who knows? :)
Click to expand...

The BTB will be 35" scale, with 17mm string spacing at the bridge. I just figured I'd let you know incase you didn't already... These two factors alone may make or break this model for you.
 
#13
jg42 said:
Well, the stock pickups were a little dark for me (I was looking for a more aggressive sound), so Delano delivered. Yes, no P-bass sound from this bass either, but quite a wide range of fretless tones, nevertheless. Ideally, you should look for ones that have a piezo (it's a 100 dollar option) - gives a whole new dimension to the tone (if you want it, that is).
Click to expand...

I get a great P bass sound from by Delano quad coils- when switched to that position. They are an incredible upgrade for anyone looking for a clean/malleable sound.
 
#14
#18
DiabolusInMusic said:
The BTB motto is "big body, big tone" which translates to "big weight."

I should add that I loved how it sounded and played, I just love my Carvin more. The Carvin B string smokes the BTB in my experience.
Click to expand...

Since I've lately been noticing some left shoulder tightness and soreness after playing long two-night gigs, weight is something that I am concerned about.

I just did a build on the Carvin website and my total (with the xcellerator as the base because I like the way it looks) came to $1309. Now I guess I just need to convince myself its a good idea, and play a few more gigs to pay for it.

Although, that used one for 649 looks pretty decent...
 
#19
Brother Goose said:
I get a great P bass sound from by Delano quad coils- when switched to that position. They are an incredible upgrade for anyone looking for a clean/malleable sound.
Click to expand...

Awesome - this is My Carvin's neck PU sound (Delano Dual Coil) - nice deep sound, but doesn't sound like a P to me - the real P sound has to come from a Split Coil in a P position (at least that is my criterion).
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#20
At around a grand you could go for a used carvin. Warwick also has some 6 string fretless basses in that price range if you can actually find a place to buy them, their distribution has been terrible lately.

The Warwick alien rock bass deluxe 6 string acoustic

the Warwick pro series has a fret less streamer 6 that's slightly over a grand.

The Warwick Steve Bailey artists series price isn't that crazy either if I remember correctly they are around $1800 new and have the same pickups, hardware, fingerboard and look of Steves own bass. I do believe the neck and body woods are different but I may be wrong.
 

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