Don't post much, but I've noticed some level of disdain for 24-fret basses, not just on this forum. What's the problem here? Is it not objectively better to have more frets to work with, why the hate for 24-frets, you can objectively do less with 20 frets
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What's the problem with 24-fret basses?
- Thread starter Dexterzol
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- 20 frets 24 frets bass necks frets
Hmmm. Hadn’t seen it. Can you post a couple links? I’m curious now.
The only downside I can see is maybe for slappers, as having three or four more frets up there changes the "point of impact" of the strings. Then again, not sure it's that big of a deal.
i'm with Goatrope --- unaware of any "problem" with two octave boards....maybe you should enlighten us.....
i don't recall anyone with any negative attitudes about 24 fret basses.
It's more a matter that some people don't "understand" why a bassist would "need" 24 frets, suggesting that bassists shouldn't be spending much (if any) time in the upper register anyway. Those basses therefore get flack in the same manner as basses with active electronics, exotic pickup configurations, additional strings, lightweight basses, and basically anything else that differs from a meat-and-potatoes Fender or equivalent classic passive 4-string.
Ive had 24 fret basses, I barely every used those frets, even during a solo. Then there is the old saying "theres no money above the 5th fret" which I've found to be true. Like I don't hate on an instrument with 24+ frets, ill also never seek one out
The only downside I’ve seen described was in Will Lee’s case, where he likes the ash tray bell cover over his neck pickups. The two octave board gets too close to that cover, so it encroaches on his right hand positions. Same could be true for Marcus.
For the rest of us, I’m unaware of any issues. I’ve got two octave boards on several instruments.
The thing is that the two octaves are nice to have, but not really necessary. So, not really a big deal either way.
For the rest of us, I’m unaware of any issues. I’ve got two octave boards on several instruments.
The thing is that the two octaves are nice to have, but not really necessary. So, not really a big deal either way.
There aren't many things no one ever complains about and this is one of them.
When I started playing bass, I hated 24 frets, they just got in my way. I’ve actually pulled four last frets from my bass and swear it sounded different after this operation, like softer with less fret clank. I also concluded that I liked 21 fret on that bass better than 20.
Time passes, I play two 24 fret basses now (and one 21 fret) and totally okay with that.
Bass players often rant on something that is unusual for them: string spacing, string count, neck profile, number of frets. Don’t overthink this, they all deserve to be played. Other side of the coin: not everybody really needs a 26 fret 6-string.
Time passes, I play two 24 fret basses now (and one 21 fret) and totally okay with that.
Bass players often rant on something that is unusual for them: string spacing, string count, neck profile, number of frets. Don’t overthink this, they all deserve to be played. Other side of the coin: not everybody really needs a 26 fret 6-string.
I like having options. Sometimes you just want those notes for that one moment it fits. I find myself missing it when it’s not there.
I don't have a problem with 2-octave necks but I do have a problem with some implementations. For example, my Warwick Corvette has a 2-octave neck, but the lower cutaway/horn design makes access above 21 pretty much impossible without drastic changes in hand position...
Interesting. I have not encountered that here. So I'll have to guess.
I'm guessing anyone who would have a problem with 24 frets is ridiculously traditional.... meaning they would have a problem with ANY design feature on a bass that occured anywhere other than Leo Fender's shop and any time after 1959.
Those weirdos do exist (here and elsewhere). But I've never encountered their flames and arrows being directed at frets 21-24 specifically.
That being said, the "Get off my lawn!" crowd can get stirred up about pretty much anything. Baby boomers in particular tend to think there hasn't been a single good idea or quality product made since they were in high school. They'll go on the internet to piss and moan about.... the internet.
Wanna kick a hornet's nest? Just ask one of them to join you for coffee at Starbucks.
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Nothing wrong with 24 frets, or 5 strings, or active electronics, or any other modern innovation.
But there will always be a market for the classic sound and feel of passive, 4-string, 20-fret basses.
The cool thing about 20 frets is that it's the exact number of frets necessary to play a 2-octave scale in any key. I think this is too frequently overlooked as a reason why the Fender bass ruled 20th-century music: the ability to play up to 2-octave bass lines, in any key, in tune and with easy technique.
But there will always be a market for the classic sound and feel of passive, 4-string, 20-fret basses.
The cool thing about 20 frets is that it's the exact number of frets necessary to play a 2-octave scale in any key. I think this is too frequently overlooked as a reason why the Fender bass ruled 20th-century music: the ability to play up to 2-octave bass lines, in any key, in tune and with easy technique.
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Interesting thought. Personally I don't actually find any difference when slapping on a 24 fret versus 20(ish) fret basses. Though I did learn to slap on 24 fret basses, so perhaps I'm biased in some way.
By that logic we should all be playing these:
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In normal-people-land, there's a trade-off between having more room to get your fingers under the strings between the end of the board and the pickup vs having more higher notes. Each player will have a different cutoff point they prefer.
Me too. I've been here for years and don't recall ever seeing a 24 fret hate post. People prefer different numbers and buy accordingly, but that's about it.
Not that it matters, but I really like 22.
There’s nothing wrong with them
The 20 fret Fender crowd puts them down as some sort of new fangled thing. They’re great for soloing if you’re into that
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Nothing wrong with any bass that a player likes. I'm old and know what I like feel-wise. I've had a couple 24 fret basses and played others. May sound goofy, but 24 fret basses hang a bit differently in my experience, moving the neck leftward. So my muscle memory gets thrown a bit. 21 or 22 is my favorite, generally speaking. I like having at least the high E.
I like it, but it needs 2 more strings.
