why fan-fretted basses?

[SanDiegoHarry]

Agreed. The only reason there isn't one currently in my stable is because I haven't bought it/them yet.

I'm afraid I'd like it too much and I'd hose up my playing my other basses!

 

[Scarey Larry]

To the OP's question regarding what appeals (to me). Love it. It is exceptionally well made, positively roars, I actually find the no money frets very easy to use with my small hands, and don't care what anyone else thinks about the aesthetics. The few people who have even noticed the frets try it and after a few minutes find it is easy enough to get used to.

I purchased my Dingwall as a curiosity after demo'ing a couple. I would buy another. It was expensive, but I felt, a good value.

 

[Gabbs]

I'm afraid I'd like it too much and I'd hose up my playing my other basses!

I go between fanned and parallel all the time. Took about a month to get used to going back and forth. Don't really notice it anymore.

 

[J Posega]

Don't downplay the ergonomic benefits of a fanned fret bass. Hold your hand in the position for the first fret, now move up to the 12th and beyond. Notice how the fanned frets mimic your hand/wrist's natural angle as you progress in exactly the way parallel frets don't? It wasn't the primary goal from a design perspective, but it's a nice ancillary benefit.

This, so much this! Thats what makes a Dingwall more comfortable than say an Ibanez BTB... Even though it's longer, the design works with your body, not against it.

 

[monsterthompson]

I read that the frets are also designed in such a way to be as naturally ergonomic to the hand as possible? Or did i make that up?

Helps in some positions. Not in others. That longer low B reach can be annoying. Higher fretting can get weird too. Mid board is nice in my experience.

 

[bholder]

I'm afraid I'd like it too much and I'd hose up my playing my other basses!

I often suffer from this same "I'm afraid I would like it too much" issue, often more of a concern than being afraid I won't like it. Main reason I've never actually ridden a motorcycle, and steer clear of most such toys (ATVs and such).

 

[P. Aaron]

Now I wanna find & play a fanned fret bass.

 

[Tanner5382]

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk198/lfmn16/homer-simpson-doh_zpsr0hxaef6.jpg

 

[Tanner5382]

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk198/lfmn16/homer-simpson-doh_zpsr0hxaef6.jpg

Well that didn't work as I wanted it to. Doh!

 

[lfmn16]

Well that didn't work as I wanted it to. Doh!

 

[Maiden Bass]

Also helps with clarity and tension when down tuning!

Once you switch to a Dingwall you get hooked and can never escape!

 

[Fartacus]

Just got a ABZ 5 about a month ago - first time with a 5 and first time with fanned frets. The equal string tension is better than any 4 string I've ever played and it sounds wonderful. How does it look? Who cares! (but it does look awesome)

 

[Kragnorak]

I think you are thinking of Torzal Twist. I do not think there are ergonomic benefits to fanned frets, I have never noticed any. I also like to chord and use harmonics so I find fanned frets awkward at times.

I don't own any fanned-fret basses, but I have considered them. Barre chords are a bit more awkward, but I really like that my pinky can reach upper extensions easier so the chordal applications balance out. I'm sure if I owned one I'd get comfy easily

 

[dtsamples]

The liking it too much thing is a legitimate concern. I can't speak for other fanned-fret brands, but the Dingwall Super Series is pretty ridiculously on point.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

It tends to make the tention on each string more similar to every other string than on a standard instrument, doesn't it? Seems like that would be a slight ergonomic advantage.

I don't think the scale affects that as much as the string gauge does. I have been dabbling in balanced sets over the last year, I am so far a fan.

 

[Marko 1]

It keeps bass players in the audience from asking to sit in.

 

[radioface]

Is there such a thing as a fanned fretless bass?

 

[ole Jason]

Is there such a thing as a fanned fretless bass?

Yep, they obviously have lines

 

[sotua]

Is there such a thing as a fanned fretless bass?

Dingwall offers fretless option, so yes. Fanned fretlines or maybe call it "multiscale fretless".

 

[steelbed45]

I had an order already in with Little Guitar Works when he started building his first fanned fret torzal twist model. He let me check it out while it was still in the building phase; I was able to get a feel for it. Super, super cool.