View Full Version : thinking about getting a fretless
British Kid
03-26-2006, 01:42 AM
title says it all. I was thinking just a Fender Standard Fretless Jazz Bass. I don't wanna spend a whole lot, since i'm not sure if a fretless would suit me. What are some other good choices in a similar price range? also, i guess that with most fretlesses i would have to use flatwounds, right? I would like to have the option of switching between roundwound strings and flatwound strings so i would need something like an ebony fretboard, right? or would it be easier to just go all jaco-style and put some marine epoxy on the fretboard, rather than search for a cheap but good bass with an ebony fretboard?
Blk-Widow
03-26-2006, 02:06 AM
Personally id rather let my fretboard crap out on me than use those piece *** strings. i hate flatwounds cuz i keep thinking they are bars and not strings. but ive smoked myself retarted, and its just me.
Machines
03-26-2006, 02:12 AM
When I first got my fretless the fretboard was a little scratched from shop usage. I put flatwounds on and they've been on over a year.
I got bored of them yesterday and put some old Warwick Yellow roundwounds on from my RBX775 (just bought some D'Addario Prosteels which have gone on).
The sound difference is immense, the flats sounded dead and had little sustain, the rounds (even old ones) sounded superb.
I think it's down to personal preference really - the flatwounds have a vintage vibe to them, but really are dull.
The Brad
03-26-2006, 02:18 AM
AHEM!
http://musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=447272
Radiobass81
03-26-2006, 07:21 AM
Really, the whole thing about rounds chewing up the fretboard is true, but it's hardly noticeable. I've been using rounds for the most part on my SX, without any protection on the neck, and it's just as fine as when it arrived.
Also, the MIM jazz is a nice fretless, but maybe get it some new pickups. MIM Jazzes (and CIJ) sound too thin, IMO.
EDIT: Get Brad's.
muthafunkabass
03-26-2006, 07:25 AM
Get Brad's bass. You won't regret it.
The Cort B4FL, very nice little fretless for the price. (Barts, 3 band EQ, active/passive switch)
Only thing is it has a rosewood fretboard and not ebony. I don't know if thats a deal breaker for you.
It plays like a dream with a very rich warm tone. I am using D'Addario Chromes on it. Seems like a good match, the chromes also are a lot brighter than most flats.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/ebe9/DSC03702.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/ebe9/DSC03702.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/ebe9/DSC03695.jpg
(takes this oportunity to whore his)
British Kid
03-26-2006, 08:32 AM
AHEM!
http://musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=447272
i'd forgotten/assumed it had sold..... but unfortunatly, i don't have the money right now. If i do get a fretless, more than likely, it will be a few months down the road, when i have some money. However, i do like the looks of that one.....
the101er
03-26-2006, 08:48 AM
Why buy a Jazz as a first fretless? Look on ebay for an old one/cheapo one. Then, if you don't like it, you haven't wasted $XXX on an expensive bass you'll never play
Blk-Widow
03-26-2006, 01:56 PM
theres also a rouge 4 banger fretless for about$100 on musiciansfriend.com. and rouge are ****ty, but for a first fretless it wouldnt be bad. i would actually get a rouge for my first but ive played a fretless at a friends house enough to know wut they are like and wither or not idd want want. wich i do. and the fender jazz fretless on mf is not that expensive its only $400. wich isnt bad for a fretless at all.
Left Shoe
03-26-2006, 02:02 PM
theres also a rouge 4 banger fretless for about$100 on musiciansfriend.com. and rouge are ****ty, but for a first fretless it wouldnt be bad. i would actually get a rouge for my first but ive played a fretless at a friends house enough to know wut they are like and wither or not idd want want. wich i do. and the fender jazz fretless on mf is not that expensive its only $400. wich isnt bad for a fretless at all.
dont reccomend rogue (<--correct spelling) for anyone, they are really bad, and not worth the money, id rather buy 1 fender for 400 than 4 rogues
BassVirtuoso
03-26-2006, 02:09 PM
Get Brad's bass. He's been talking about it for like 4 months. Please buy his bass so he can stop posting it in every thread.
The Brad
03-26-2006, 02:38 PM
Owch.
My family's just in a financial bind and I am trying to do what I can to help out. :(
I'll stop the pimping though.
Chris K
03-26-2006, 03:49 PM
Hmm...I do love Flats on a fretless, but I think I'll go for some roundwounds next. Someday, I'll have to buy a fretless jazz bass, since I do love their tone...
I saw a video of Tom Jenkins playing one today, god I loved the tone! And apparently, some guy called "Jocko" or something uses one! :p
BassVirtuoso
03-26-2006, 04:19 PM
Owch.
My family's just in a financial bind and I am trying to do what I can to help out. :(
I'll stop the pimping though.
I was just joking broski.
ak50324
03-28-2006, 12:20 AM
Rondomusic.com
They have a nice fretless jazz for $100
The Cort B4FL, very nice little fretless for the price. (Barts, 3 band EQ, active/passive switch)
Only thing is it has a rosewood fretboard and not ebony. I don't know if thats a deal breaker for you.
It plays like a dream with a very rich warm tone. I am using D'Addario Chromes on it. Seems like a good match, the chromes also are a lot brighter than most flats.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/ebe9/DSC03702.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/ebe9/DSC03702.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/ebe9/DSC03695.jpg
(takes this oportunity to whore his)
+1. Seriously good bass for the money. It'd be perfect if the board was ebony though.
good rats
03-28-2006, 12:32 AM
Rondomusic.com
They have a nice fretless jazz for $100
About time someone said it.
I haven't played any rondo/SX/Brice basses but I have heard great things about them from everyone. I say you get a fretless jazz from there, they are cheap and perfect for modding according to lots of people.
By the way, its http://www.rondomusic.net
The Brad
03-28-2006, 12:39 AM
Well mine is sold, so that deal has sailed. Sorry.
NastyNate
03-28-2006, 02:50 AM
I like to use half-round strings on my fretless.
wicked_child
03-28-2006, 11:15 AM
why not get a garage sale fretless and try diff strings on it. :) choose what suits you best
Radiobass81
03-28-2006, 04:05 PM
Rondomusic.com
They have a nice fretless jazz for $100
Along with goodrats:
No, no, no. Not worth it, overhyped, heavy, unbalanced, etc.
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