I'm thinking of buying the Tony Franklin fretless P bass. Does anyone have one? What do you think of it? This will be my first fretless. Thanks!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Tony Franklin (fretless)
- Thread starter jadenjazz
- Start date
Why i don't own a Tony Franklin P Fretless. I personally would think J pickups would sound better for fretless than p pickups. That's just my opinion.
The Franklin fretless gets rave reviews in almost all forums. The fact that it is an unlined modern Fender makes it a rare animal. If you have no budget restrictions, it would be a remarkable addition to your arsenal. But...if you are a beginning fretless player, you might want to consider a cheaper starter, just in case it is not your cup of tea. An MIM or Squier Vintage lined fretless would be excellent starters. JMO
There are a few threads here if you search. I owned one and it is a great bass. I just prefer active basses. Other than that I really couldn't find fault with it.
Engine207
Losing faith in humanity...one call at a time.
Dude's right. I started with a SVMF, went to a MIM, and then went unlined. I love playing unlined, and in my opinion, there's no better fretless player in rock than Tony Franklin. A Fender Franklin Fretless is number one on my gas list. I have a poor-man's version.
This is a Squier Precision Special with a Warmoth maple plank. I may install the 3-way switch when I clean up some other projects I have in the shop...
I have about $350 in the neck and $75 more in the loaded body. If you have the spare coin for a TF, go for it.
Dude's right. I started with a SVMF, went to a MIM, and then went unlined. I love playing unlined, and in my opinion, there's no better fretless player in rock than Tony Franklin. A Fender Franklin Fretless is number one on my gas list. I have a poor-man's version.
This is a Squier Precision Special with a Warmoth maple plank. I may install the 3-way switch when I clean up some other projects I have in the shop...
I have about $350 in the neck and $75 more in the loaded body. If you have the spare coin for a TF, go for it.
wow, that is a maple plank all right! I would really like a Tony Franklin fretless. I have a Sterling fretless and a '78 P fretless, both of which are great:
but a TF looks great as well, might be better than either for my purpose.
I bought nostatic's TF fretless back in June. It really is a great bass. Incredibly easy to play with low low action and versatile tone. I have played fretless basses for nearly 20 years. This is my first passive one and I have no regrets.
Engine207
Losing faith in humanity...one call at a time.
AndyMan just sold a really nice looking one in the Classifieds for $1100.
It'd be mine if I got a bonus for going on stupid calls in the middle of the night...
It'd be mine if I got a bonus for going on stupid calls in the middle of the night...
My bro bought one and sold it after a week!
He just couldnt deal with the fact that there isnt a way to blend both pickups at different volume!
Since all you have is Volume, tone and a three way switch you really dont have that much options! Its all or nothing!
IMO it would be a good idea to mod it to add a balance pot or a second volume... My bro is to impatient to fool around so he just got rid of it...
He just couldnt deal with the fact that there isnt a way to blend both pickups at different volume!
Since all you have is Volume, tone and a three way switch you really dont have that much options! Its all or nothing!
IMO it would be a good idea to mod it to add a balance pot or a second volume... My bro is to impatient to fool around so he just got rid of it...
I have one - great action, great feel, gets the mwah, has enough tonal variation for me. While it has suitable "grit" and growl for rock-oriented settings, it can also be suitably mellow for jazz settings. Incredibly well built, too. Looks good, too. My bandmates tell me they like how "big" the tone is, too - really fills the "sonic space," in a good way. I've had a few Fender fretlesses (and an old Hagstrom) over the years, and this one is the best by far. Don't know how it would compare to other brands in the same price range.
ONLY issue I have (and it's not a big one): head stock is a bit heavier than I'd like due to the drop-D tuner, which I've never had a reason to use. So maybe I'll end up switching it out.
One thing to consider: While it "streets" for around $1600 new, if you look around hard enough, and wait long enough, you can likely find one slightly used, in great condition, for $1100-$1200 or less. The waiting is annoying, but even if you ordered direct, you'd have to wait for quite a while, as they don't make tons of these basses. I found mine on Guitar Center's used site - a very good deal, and in like-new condition, with plastic still on the pickguard, pristine original case, and unopened case candy.
Also, while I got the tobacco sunburst, and it is a nice color, I think I'd go with the black version if I had to do it again.
Edit: One other thought: I'm liking the TF fretless so much that I've been jonesing to try a TF fretted. But I've not found any to check out in my area. Probably will have to drive to Bass Central in Orlando if I ever want to try one..
ONLY issue I have (and it's not a big one): head stock is a bit heavier than I'd like due to the drop-D tuner, which I've never had a reason to use. So maybe I'll end up switching it out.
One thing to consider: While it "streets" for around $1600 new, if you look around hard enough, and wait long enough, you can likely find one slightly used, in great condition, for $1100-$1200 or less. The waiting is annoying, but even if you ordered direct, you'd have to wait for quite a while, as they don't make tons of these basses. I found mine on Guitar Center's used site - a very good deal, and in like-new condition, with plastic still on the pickguard, pristine original case, and unopened case candy.
Also, while I got the tobacco sunburst, and it is a nice color, I think I'd go with the black version if I had to do it again.
Edit: One other thought: I'm liking the TF fretless so much that I've been jonesing to try a TF fretted. But I've not found any to check out in my area. Probably will have to drive to Bass Central in Orlando if I ever want to try one..
