Why are lined Fretless even a thing?

[king rew]

I think that fretless basses have long, straight featureless necks/fingerboards without much point of reference. The violin family has a few points of reference, like the stop of the neck and body contours that help key in position memory. Those instruments also are tuned in fifths, so there is a little less need to shift up and down the neck (to some degree, and depending on the music being played). I can't comment on upright basses since I don't play them, but even they have a stop of the neck that can be used for reference. I used to chase the cool factor of having an unlined fingerboard, but like others posting here, I also found that intonation only improves when there is a lined fingerboard to complement the ear.

 

[JoeWPgh]

You look at the lines before the song starts so you start dead on.

 

[vid1900]

Some performing professionals like Doyle Von Frankenstein even have the note letters labeled on the backs of their necks.

He's playing stadiums, guys here are worried about fret markers in their bedrooms.

 

[TFunkadelic]

It's handy when you're playing a gig or session where you can't hear yourself (well or at all). I would be amazed if anyone could play a fretless bass perfectly in tune with no auditory or visual feedback, when most people can't play a fretless bass in tune with visual and audio cues.

Do you keep your eyes open when you take a piss?

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

It's handy when you're playing a gig or session where you can't hear yourself (well or at all). I would be amazed if anyone could play a fretless bass perfectly in tune with no auditory or visual feedback, when most people can't play a fretless bass in tune with visual and audio cues.

Do you keep your eyes open when you take a piss?

LMBO....... I tend to look. Was always taught, don't make a mess.

 

[dan1952]

A 34" scale electric bass has a LOT longer expanse of fingerboard to deal with, without reference points, than a bass violin, which has the neck heel well before the octave, to help find one's place. It would be nearly impossible to get through Simandl on an unlined Precision fretless.
Based on personal experience and questionable intonation...

 

[juancaminos]

Well...I imagine that my story is a lot like many others. When I decided to go fretless 1) I was scared 2) I could only find lined fretless in the stores I frequented. I thought that unlined fretless basses were for the top tier elite and that wasn't me for sure. So I went from store to store and ended up bought the bass that felt good to me, it was a Hamer Cruise lined fretless. I played that bass exclusively for many years.

Fast forward to about a year ago where I put together a parts bass with an unlined fretless neck that I got a good deal on. Again I was scared and thought I would try it then sell or trade the neck for a lined fretless neck. But I took to it like a duck to water. I love it! Now tt's all I want to play! Why didn't I do this sooner?

Now I have two lined fretless basses that will be sold or have the necks replaced. HA!

 

[FunkHead]

It's handy when you're playing a gig or session where you can't hear yourself (well or at all). I would be amazed if anyone could play a fretless bass perfectly in tune with no auditory or visual feedback, when most people can't play a fretless bass in tune with visual and audio cues.

Do you keep your eyes open when you take a piss?

I need to hear myself. Frets or not. I wouldn't even bother with a session that didn't let me hear myself. That's just silly.

 

[TFunkadelic]

It's not always possible. Would you walk off the stage before a big show or important recording session because your mix was bad?

 

[lavmonga]

For the same reason they put fret dots.

 

[FunkHead]

It's not always possible. Would you walk off the stage before a big show or important recording session because your mix was bad?

You're just being ridiculous. No engineer would make you play "Blindly". In fact, a good engineer wants you to get "your sound" so you are most comfortable. Of course I wouldn't walk off stage but I make sure I have my sound behind me at gigs.

 

[sean_on_bass]

The lines are there for when you need them, but you don't have to use them. Serves as a good point of reference when you find yourself getting lost on the fingerboard. I don't think it makes anyone less of a musician, it's just a visual feature on the instrument. The whole opinion just seems like macho posturing.

Also, some folks saying they can't see the lines/frets when playing? I find that very strange. The lines of my fretless are very visible when looking at the bass from the top even when standing up with good posture. I have a squier vintage modified fretless jazz bass. Same on my fretted jazz bass...the frets are visible on the top of the neck...

 

[Groove Master]

Why being a purist?

 

[TFunkadelic]

You're just being ridiculous. No engineer would make you play "Blindly". In fact, a good engineer wants you to get "your sound" so you are most comfortable. Of course I wouldn't walk off stage but I make sure I have my sound behind me at gigs.

I'm not being ridiculous. I've played many shows, from small to big, where there was not enough time to achieve a good mix. It happens pretty often and it's a situation one needs to be prepared for if it arises.

I'd also add that a player who can work without fussing over an imperfect, or even bad mix, is a lot easier to work with.

 

[groooooove]

theyre a guide.

they became accepted because the first fretless electric basses were fretted originally, and you had to fill those fret slots with something...

anyway, no, I don't stare at them. I play violin, cello, and double bass regularly and those instruments really don't need lines or references for a few reasons. I still think an electric bass calls for fret lines, it's just a little more practical.

but I would strongly discourage someone from staring at them..

 

[FunkHead]

I'm not being ridiculous. I've played many shows, from small to big, where there was not enough time to achieve a good mix. It happens pretty often and it's a situation one needs to be prepared for if it arises.

Sounds like you're having more problems than just lines vs. no lines on a fretless.

 

[Potomuss]

Well done, good sir! End of thread, who wants to go grab lunch?

Best response ever. Thank you!

 

[TFunkadelic]

Sounds like you're having more problems than just lines vs. no lines on a fretless.

I'm not. I'd wager I've played more, and bigger shows than you though, and have more experience to qualify my opinion.

 

[sonojono]

Some performing professionals like Doyle Von Frankenstein even have the note letters labeled on the backs of their necks.

I did that once during a Jazz ensemble. Was picked on from the rest of the band but I didn't care, at the time I was learning music fundamentals while also catching up on Jazz standards I never experienced or heard in my life. I basically threw myself into a pool of sharks. That's how I learn and it's kept me going for 4 years now.

 

[bucephylus]

Ridiculing other players for their various approaches on string instruments is childish. Shame on all those posting that kind of commentary.

First, there are volumes of threads on this topic. A little research might be more informative than posting ill informed opinions.

Second, even skilled upright players have been known to place and use marks on their finger boards. Ever heard of Edgar Meyer? Only one of the top handful or so of solo double bass players in the world; and he has dots (and uses them) on upper register positions on the fingerboard of his 17th century Gabrielli. So, let’s not get all high and mighty about one approach vs another.

Third, what matters is what goes to the audiences’ ears or to tape. There is no police force to enforce rules for how to get there.

Sheesh, let’s be kind. Might even learn something.