Fretless bass

[The jazz metal flum]

As a bassist I have been playing for about 2 years. Recently I have thought about trying a new thing so I am starting to consider whether or not to buy a fretless bass. I was wondering I any of you more advanced bass players think it would be a good idea to take it up now or to carry on with fretted bass now untill I'm better?

[Wintermute]

Sure, why not.

If you've built up decent muscle-memory, converting to a fretless isn't really that hard - especially if you get a lined fretless.

Besides, fretlesses rock.

[the101er]

Alex, is it possible to slap on a fretless without twatting the fretboard?

[LewsTherin]

Alex, is it possible to slap on a fretless without twatting the fretboard?


yes. i use rounds on my fretless, and i slap it silly, and theres no noticeable/important damage.

[slickric3462]

epoxy that bad boy

[Machines]

If you're comfortable with a fretted then go for it, I wouldn't advise a fretless to a beginner or someone who wasn't moderately competent on a fretted bass.

[LewsTherin]

epoxy that bad boy

you dont really have to.

[Wintermute]

Alex, is it possible to slap on a fretless without twatting the fretboard?

It will make visible marks on a rosewood fretboard - but I'm assured they're purely aesthetic, or at worst can be sanded out. Personally, I don't slap on it anyway. Doesn't suit my slap style.

[Sade]

It will make visible marks on a rosewood fretboard - but I'm assured they're purely aesthetic, or at worst can be sanded out. Personally, I don't slap on it anyway. Doesn't suit my slap style.

If slapping with flatwounds left marks, then so would fretting.

As long as you have flats, you won't see any damage. Fretboard-ware is natural and it gives character to the instrument.

[Sade]

It will make visible marks on a rosewood fretboard - but I'm assured they're purely aesthetic, or at worst can be sanded out. Personally, I don't slap on it anyway. Doesn't suit my slap style.

If slapping with flatwounds left marks, then so would fretting.

As long as you have flats, you won't see any damage. Fretboard-ware is natural and it gives character to the instrument.

P.S. WM is right. Fretlesses RAWKK!

[LewsTherin]

If slapping with flatwounds left marks, then so would fretting.

As long as you have flats, you won't see any damage. Fretboard-ware is natural and it gives character to the instrument.

P.S. WM is right. Fretlesses RAWKK!

my flats left visible lines on my fingerboard....not damage, but still visible marking.


and even the rounds i use on my fretless dont do much. no damage on the end of the fingerboard from slapping, and a little grooving but nothing major from fretting.

[radiance]

I got my fretless about a month ago, which is roughly 7 months after I started playing, and I can't say I find it difficult, or ever found it difficult. Sometimes I go a bit sharp or flat but it isn't really noticable to the untrained ear (ie, my ear, a friend says I'm sometimes a bit sharp/flat).

[sinister]

Wouldnt muscle memory just confuse the matter because you need to be dead on where the fret would be rather than just above it?

Im gonna defret my first bass next week, if im not slapping will any damage be caused to the fret board if i use round wounds?

[Machines]

Wouldnt muscle memory just confuse the matter because you need to be dead on where the fret would be rather than just above it?

It's more about distances than positions in my opinion.

[The jazz metal flum]

Im now wondering what fretless bass I should get? want something cheap as when starting off I don't want to spend a lot on something that I might not get into.

[radiance]

If you're in the UK I'd recommend Vintage v940, only about £200 and it's the best fretless I've played for under £1000, thiough I will admit, I've only played maybe 4-5 fretless basses, 1 of which was £2500.

Im gonna defret my first bass next week, if im not slapping will any damage be caused to the fret board if i use round wounds?
It causes marks on the fretboard, as I'm using round wounds at the moment but I don't see it doing any damage to the sound or playability.

[Wintermute]

Which country do you live in?

If you're in the UK get a Vintage v940FL

Heh, yeah, that's what I was getting at. :)

[The jazz metal flum]

Which country do you live in?



Heh, yeah, that's what I was getting at. :)

Yer its cool, I live in the UK.