Unlined or Lined: Irrelevant?

[Dr. Cheese]

View attachment 3747913 View attachment 3747911 Mine.

I find the lines ugly, distracting, and unnecessary. In fact, I think they can actually be detrimental, since one of the main benefits of fretless is not being restricted to the inevitable intonation compromises of frets, and the lines make you reach for them instead of trusting your own feel and ear.

Your basses are beautiful!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I have 2 Rickenbacker 4003 FL. A 1978 fireglo and a 1985 jetglo.
No lines on those...... I love em and never looking back.
Got rid of pedulla buzz bass because mike pedulla wouldn’t get rid of the lines for me.
Loved the bass. Hated the lines.
If you have the ear for it then I say run with it!

My point in my OP was anyone who wants to play needs to focus on playing. I am used to lines, so I feel no need to change. Those who love unlined should do the same.

 

[luciens]

I dunno now. My jaco is kind of turning me into a lines believer.... yeah my preference is unlined but I have to say, I no longer dislike a lined fingerboard... I hope this bass doesn't turn me into a slacker....

L

 

[jerry]

Me in 1978. I’ll add my two cents on the lined/unlined thing. When I first went from a unlined to a lined fretless bass the first mistake I made at was using the lines instead of my ears, I got over it quick but what I’m saying is the lines are no guarantee, always use you ears.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Me in 1978. I’ll add my two cents on the lined/unlined thing. When I first went from a unlined to a lined fretless bass the first mistake I made at was using the lines instead of my ears, I got over it quick but what I’m saying is the lines are no guarantee, always use you ears.View attachment 3748294

The thing is that everyone who plays a lined fretless figures out very quickly that lines are not exact. I honestly think lines are helpful because when I am not looking or playing something fast, I happen to catch a glimpse, and see a finger is noticeably out of position, and the lines reorient me. Sometimes I hear a sour note and realize a finger has strayed and lines help me. Many of you have seen my videos, my playing is not complex, but it is in tune on my lined fretlesses, and I am not constantly looking at the fingerboard either.

I am not trying to convert anyone, I am just saying what works for me.

 

[gtrbasser]

My point in my OP was anyone who wants to play needs to focus on playing. I am used to lines, so I feel no need to change. Those who love unlined should do the same.

I understand and agree. Nothing like a Fretless.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

learn to play without looking at the neck. then it doesn't matter.

 

[Tom Bomb]

… never looking back.

Brilliant!