Question about playing a fretless..

[FU.CKY.OU]

Alright, so the dealio is, I'm pretty set on getting a MK acoustic bass for christmas (along with a sleek n' sexy Zen Micro mp3 player.) But I don't know if I want a fretted or fretless version, because theres one thing I'm not sure of. When you play a fretless, can you fret where the spaces in between the frets would be, or do you have to fret exactly where the fret would be? For example, if I wanted to play 3 on a fretless, could I fret it between 2 and 3 (like on a fretted,) or would my finger have to go exactly where the fret would be?

That might have lost some of you, but even trying to help is mucho appreciated.

[Tryxx]

It would go exactly where the fret would be. That being said, intonation varies and you will have to compensate for that a bit. For the note to be perfectly in tune you fret a hair behind the dot, (towards the nut) usually.

[Thonk]

I think you have to be exactly where the fret would be.


edit: damn you tryxx.:p

[FU.CKY.OU]

Awesome. I think I'm going to get a 4-string fretless dragonfly then. I don't know what color though...

[muthafunkabass]

Alright, so the dealio is, I'm pretty set on getting a MK acoustic bass for christmas (along with a sleek n' sexy Zen Micro mp3 player.) But I don't know if I want a fretted or fretless version, because theres one thing I'm not sure of. When you play a fretless, can you fret where the spaces in between the frets would be, or do you have to fret exactly where the fret would be? For example, if I wanted to play 3 on a fretless, could I fret it between 2 and 3 (like on a fretted,) or would my finger have to go exactly where the fret would be?

That might have lost some of you, but even trying to help is mucho appreciated.
i have it in black :D

[FU.CKY.OU]

i have it in black :D

So what would you rate it? out of 10, 10 being best obviously...

[EADG]

Also, the higher you go up the neck, the more behind the line you have to go. So no, you don't play exactly on the lines, but they are there for a reference point.

[802.11-NGR]

Also, the higher you go up the neck, the more behind the line you have to go. So no, you don't play exactly on the lines, but they are there for a reference point.


Well, actually, on a well constructed fretless, the lines are where you should fret, rather than where frets would be.

But what do I know, I prefer unlined.

[EADG]

Well, actually, on a well constructed fretless, the lines are where you should fret, rather than where frets would be.

But what do I know, I prefer unlined.


Yes, but not on a homemade fretless where the fretlines are where you took the frets out.

I should have specified.

[Low_End_Communications]

Well, actually, on a well constructed fretless, the lines are where you should fret, rather than where frets would be.

But what do I know, I prefer unlined.

Well constructed or not, peoples fingers are greatly different. I find that since I've got lanky, thin fingers, I fret more on the line. But my buddy who's got fat fingers has to be farther behind the line.

Lines are simply to say "Play near me!" Your best bet is playing with a chromatic tuner, so you can see where the notes are, but then just work on your playing by ear.

[EADG]

Well constructed or not, peoples fingers are greatly different. I find that since I've got lanky, thin fingers, I fret more on the line. But my buddy who's got fat fingers has to be farther behind the line.

Lines are simply to say "Play near me!" Your best bet is playing with a chromatic tuner, so you can see where the notes are, but then just work on your playing by ear.


It's true, even on a factory fretless, where you play still depends on the width of your fingers and the intonation on your bass.

[apacherosepeacock]

Well, actually, on a well constructed fretless, the lines are where you should fret, rather than where frets would be.

But what do I know, I prefer unlined.

the construction is irrelevant... assuming the lines are where they should be it depends entirely on the players technique and the basses innotation.

[muthafunkabass]

So what would you rate it? out of 10, 10 being best obviously...
9, the smallness and controls bother a little but besides that, WOW!