Question Does anyone really need a Fretted bass?

[MingusBASS]

It's kind of an odd question. It's like, does a painter need the color red? I guess he could paint without a certain color but red elicits an emotional response that is different than yellow. I look at certain basses the same way. Sometimes a fretless bass is the appropriate choice but sometimes it just sounds wrong. It also comes down to the player and his technique/dynamics.

 

[Duarte]

I love fretless, but currently don't own any (unless a double bass counts). I've had a fretless Ray and it could do anything the fretted could, except maybe slapping. It is also not as difficult as one may think, at least for me - I used it retty much exclusively until I sold it for a Bongo - and that was for all kinds of music. With different playing techniques, finger placement, and dynamics I believe fretless is much more versatile than fretted. But in the end I couldn't resist the call of the Bongo...

Man I miss that bass...but the guy I sold it to said I can buy it back at any point!

 

[Bassmedic14]

I do like a fretless neck.....but I have use for the freted as well so I would say it's a wash.....but I'm sure I could get by with a fretless.

 

[GreyDad]

I like both, although I'm a lot better on one than another

My fretless isn't an EBMM though: I beg forgiveness and have started my purchasing penance... although it will take many years to get over this sin

 

[Gordon of Eden]

I'm sure if you took a poll the question would be "Does anyone really need a fretless?"
Don't get me wrong, I love playing fretless and I feel I play it well but after years of trying to play fretless on everything I am often dissapointed when listening to recordings of shows with the fretless on certain types of music.
My ear wants to hear the fretted for more situations. Also when i bring the fretless to gigs, auditions, sessions etc, most band leaders are looking for the fretted and maybe the fretless for a song or two.
Point is I feel you need the right tools to do all different styles and why (if you have more than one bass) wouldn't you have a fretted in your arsenal (and be able to play it proficiently) when you need it?