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Which Fretless?

Vintage Fretless Jazz or Modern Tony Franklin

  • 1974/78 Jazz Bass

    Votes: 3 4.9%
  • 2019 Tony Franklin

    Votes: 39 63.9%
  • Something Else

    Votes: 19 31.1%

  • Total voters
    61
What is the other fretless you own?

I agree with what some others that are saying you can get more bang for buck on the quality control on for the price of either of those two. The weight is a bit of a turn off too, but that’s just me.

If you already have something covering a basic solid fretless sound, then I’d say go with something different in sound like a Rob Allen, Rick Turner, or Godin.
 
G&L
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Or Carvin
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Tony Franklin for the win IMO. Versatile tone switching, great feel, and exceptional build quality. :thumbsup:

if you want something truly different then maybe consider a Willcox Lightwave Saber bass. I have one along with a Godin and Aria Pro II fretless. The Saber has become my main fretless bass since I got it. One big feature is its optical pickup which allows you to use any type of string, including non-magnetic strings with it. Zero noise and totally immune to hum and interference. It’s also rechargeable so you don’t need to swap batteries. I bought mine used and it came with a lined neck which i don’t need. But it doesn’t bother me either. Willcox does offer unlined necks however.

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Gave my younger sister her first lesson on it and she had exceptionally good intonation going within the first hour.

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What is the other fretless you own?

I agree with what some others that are saying you can get more bang for buck on the quality control on for the price of either of those two. The weight is a bit of a turn off too, but that’s just me.

If you already have something covering a basic solid fretless sound, then I’d say go with something different in sound like a Rob Allen, Rick Turner, or Godin.

I have a 5 string GWB105, so yeah having something very different appeals to me.
 
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If it had to be a choice between those two, I’d lean towards the Tony Franklin because I’d prefer the ebony board.

I voted ‘Something else’ in the poll, and my #1 choice would be to assemble a bass myself with a Warmoth neck and body, and my preferred electronics, hardware, etc. If you know what you want, and it’s a little different than what’s readily available at music stores, you can make it a reality with a parts bass.