Fretless as a second bass?

[Kragen]

I'm thinking about getting myself a second bass soonish as was wondering about buying a fretless instead of a fretted bass - it's something i'm definitely intrested in learning to play. The alternative I suppose would be to get myself a decent fretted bass and buy a cheap fretless (deftretting my current bass isnt really an option - it's only a squier jazz, but I still like it, besides, if I want to play fretless seriously, I might as well do it properly).

Just wondered if people thought this would be a good idea or not - a decent second fretless seems like the best plan to me (although i might feel the need for a decent fretted bass from time to time, at least that way I wouldnt end up with extra instruments I never used).

Am I just better off leaving the learning fretless till i've been playing for longer?

[Left Shoe]

i dont think you can start too early on fretless

[Munky_Jam]

spend the money if you can get a bass originally fretless, save time and hassle, and it'll be better for it. Good luck do it and have fun

[Radiobass81]

My second bass was a fretless.

Mediocre bass, but fretless is fun. I actually don't regret it.

[Son of Magni]

Fretless as a second bass? No, no, no! You got it backwards :smoke:

[JonRc]

ill sell you my fretless for cheap if your interested? it got the fretlines which really helped me, now i can play with out them easily. Its a washburn, natural finish, brand new strings all that good stuff. if you look it up on here you can search fretless for sale. but just post on here if interested.

[bottlerocket]

Stick with your fretted a bit longer and experiment on a few fretlesses at your local music store if you can get some in. That will give you time to think about it, jam on a few fretlesses, and allow time to get you cash where you can buy a better bass (fretted or fretless, your choice).

Fretlesses are awesome to have around. Their tone's different and you can get a lot more different sounds from it...they add a lot of versatility, both tonally and in feel. :thumb:

-Gav

[StickNaving]

Fretless is fun to play around on, but don't skimp and get a crappy one.

One of the nicest features is having super low action without fretbuzz, but if you have a crappy fretless like my Rogue...you wont be able to go very low.

Also be prepared to slide. A lot. Just random slides on a fretless are fun as hell.

[Led_Zeppelin678]

Fretless as a second bass? No, no, no! You got it backwards :smoke:

Thors are actually my favorite fretless basses, as far as what I've heard of their tone on videos and such.

[nopicks4me]

i defretted my peavey beginner bass and i dont regret that. fretless basses are loads of fun. dont think twice about it. Personally i think you should defret your bass unless you have a really super-uber nice bass. ifs its somewhat cheap, defret it and youll feel 100% closer to it.

[gronk]

I'm in the same position Kragen is in. Getting my 3rd bass soon (first was a Samick el cheapo, 2nd was a MIM Jazz) and I'm stuck between getting a 4 string fretted, a 5 or 6 string fretted or a 4 string fretless. I figured I would just defret my J bass and upgrade the pickups and bridge cause I do like the feel of it. I'm just not sure if I would get as much use out of a fretless though.

[Chris K]

I'd say it's a great idea going for a fretless bass as a second bass. If it feels like you can't better your fretted bass unless you spend a whole lot of money, go for a decent fretless. Unlined.

[roargoar]

hey man thats a really good idea, my main bass is a 1985 peavey dyna bass and my second is a fretless fender J..id definitely go for it im really happy

GO FOR IT

FRETLESS FOR THE WIN

[Kragen]

ok - next question - fret lines or no fret lines?

I want to be able to play without them, but will I get there quicker with or without them?

[Kragen]

Ok, just been into town and played the only fretless bass there :( The build quality wasnt really upto the standard that I was looking for, and I didnt like the look of it at all, but playing it was so fun! Fretless basses are so cool! I must have one!!! :D

Yeah, so any reccomendations? I want to try getting some of those places to order some in, but I have no idea where to start.

[Left Shoe]

i have fretlines, they are slightly misleading but a good reference once you get comfortable with them. like i know that i have to be behind my 12th fret line to be in tune

[ebe9]

I own a fretless and it was pretty much my second bass (sold the squier and got a cort, so technically my 3rd) and it was a really good buy. But definetly as many have said, buy a fretless outright rather than doing a defret job yourself.

Have a look at the Cort Artisan B4FL (Fretless) I own one and it is a great bass for the cash.

(the Cort whore........and newly initiated Warwick whore strikes again)

[Visti]

Fretless as a second bass? No, no, no! You got it backwards :smoke:

Amen.

[Son of Magni]

Thors are actually my favorite fretless basses, as far as what I've heard of their tone on videos and such.
Thanks man! And anyone who is near Brooklyn NY can hear one tonight at 1 Main St. at Bubby's :chug: