Regarding the lines, be aware that the lines may not be entirely accurate...especially as you move up the neck and the margin of error becomes smaller.
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TO GO FRETLESS OR NOT?
- Thread starter Jjacks651
- Start date
I defretted a bass once. It was fun. Got the experience. It sounded and played OK. I sold it. I wouldn't do it again. Just get a $299 fretless and try it. I hate to get into the whole line debate, but all of mine have been lined. Many greta players have played lined. Many play unlined. They "clean" look of an unlined is fine. Play what you want. I like the crutch once in a while. I guess if it were my only bass and I played all the time so pitch wasn't an issue maybe. I play upright and that has no marks, but I don't feel like that's a fair comparison. Apples and oranges.
The fact that your basses are all Fender products, puts you in an excellent position to buy an aftermarket or even stock fretless neck. There are several out there, some for reasonable money, that will fit a standard Fender body. Good luck.
Using Fender-type parts it’s pretty easy to put together a decent parts bass for well under $500. I pretty much only play fretless and have several basses ranging from very low money to lots of money ... all play well and I use them all interchangeably. This bass was under $200 to put together and plays/records like a charm ...
Consider the Ibanez SR370EF - should be easily in that price range, and it's a lovely instrument.
Sire's probably worth a look as well, if you're reluctant to stray too far from the Fender blueprint.
Sire's probably worth a look as well, if you're reluctant to stray too far from the Fender blueprint.
If you want a thumpy, dead tone, or if you're going to use flats on your fretless, ignore my advice.
If, however, you want mwah dripping from your instrument, I'd suggest a Mighty Mite fretless neck - they have ebonol fingerboards, which, with a good set of rounds, will mwah your socks off. Some people say you can make a fretless sound just like a fretted instrument. Those people haven't played my fretless - seriously.
I normally buy roasted maple Warmoth necks with graphite rods, stainkless frets, etc - real top quality, and darn expensive necks. The Mighty Mite fretless neck is about a third the price of one of my other necks, but it's so darn good at what it does, I don't care.
If, however, you want mwah dripping from your instrument, I'd suggest a Mighty Mite fretless neck - they have ebonol fingerboards, which, with a good set of rounds, will mwah your socks off. Some people say you can make a fretless sound just like a fretted instrument. Those people haven't played my fretless - seriously.
I normally buy roasted maple Warmoth necks with graphite rods, stainkless frets, etc - real top quality, and darn expensive necks. The Mighty Mite fretless neck is about a third the price of one of my other necks, but it's so darn good at what it does, I don't care.
Some basic observations about fretless:
There are Always MIM Jazz fretless used in like-new condition under $500 because people grab them and decide they don’t want fretless.
Playing fretless makes you cooler.
Playing fretless makes you more appealing socially.
And lastly, just add something dumb about Jaco...
There are Always MIM Jazz fretless used in like-new condition under $500 because people grab them and decide they don’t want fretless.
Playing fretless makes you cooler.
Playing fretless makes you more appealing socially.
And lastly, just add something dumb about Jaco...
Yes... and no. I’ve owned four myself (two of which I have now), and had an upright in the house.
most folks here see fretless as something uber-special. it's not. it's just another way to play some bass notes. good luck!
It IS special. It makes sound in a way a fretted instrument does not. It has capabilities unavailable on a fretted instrument. And it requires far more dedication to play well, as hitting the correct pitch requires you to be precise in your finger placement. To get the benefits of the first two things, you have to dedicate yourself to diligently practicing the third.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
With a fender style bass you can bolt on a fretless neck. This way you can build a parts bass or modify an existing bass. I have a fretless in my arsenal. I love it but it will never be my main bass.
In my own experience over 40 years on fretless I find you intonate very rapidly with a group. Ever see a symphony? But when you are alone it’s really easy to rise or fall a few cents even on a lined neck. I practice with a tuner running at least a couple times a week.
And more natural vibrato helps.
ok, i'm convinced! seriously: i think they're special, too. but they're only more difficult than some fretted instruments and not unlike other fretless instruments, including the members of the violin family --- which have been learned/played by children for centuries. 
that ax is the bomb!
True, I easily stay in on lined or unlined fretless when I am playing during a service, but I am less accurate during a lesson.
Harley Benton B-450FL BK for $164.00 plus shipping (3 day shipping from Germany). I purchase a bass from them and the shipping was around $70. Glarry has one for $99 but they are sold out... or as Thomas998 suggested, get an inexpensive bass and go "dental" on it!
I think it must be like singing in choir. Your brain (even my tiny brain) controls your hand based on the immediate feedback from your ears?
I’ve played a long time but I feel as if I could play a fretless blindfolded “just OK” but if there was a guitar or keyboard to sync to I think the could dial it in right away. Magic.
Is that Harley-Benton’s Jaco Jazz style fretless? It is tempting considering the low price.
I began my musical career i.e. learning on violin, so I understand intonation and natural vibrato, it will just be on a larger scale than that 10" neck! LOL
Thanks for the good advice of practicing with a tuner.
John
I'm always torn by this. I understand getting a cheap a$$ instrument until you know if you'll like it. But a cheap a$$ bass may give you the wrong impression as well - especially fretless. Why not spend a little more for something decent that will give you a good playing experience. If you do indeed decide it isn't for you, you can sell it with maybe more success than a really cheap bass? Maybe not. But if you like it you will already have a decent bass to continue with.
