Question Fretless without lines

[bassguy411]

I can't recall seeing to many fretless Stingrays over the years and after searching the web it seems there's a lot out there but less without fret lines. Who decides how many get lines and how many without? I know, I know, the man behind the curtain right? Which do you guys prefer ? with or without?

 

[bovinehost]

It depends (fretlines or not) on what the dealers/customers order....the factory doesn't just build stock in case someone wants it. That's the magic formula!

 

[dmarotta]

Lines, lines ,lines = good intonation. Its the only way to go for me.

 

[bovinehost]

Hoo, if I were going to play fretless (again), I'd want lines, too. I've had both and I prefer some markers over all that empty real estate. (I'm no purist, I'm a realist.)

 

[drTStingray]

I think that as well but its surprising how quickly you get used to a blank plank. The top edge markers are quite crucial for me though.

 

[cellkirk74]

(I'm no purist, I'm a realist.)

That. Without the lines I`d be doomed...

 

[fly]

yup.........I NEED the lines.............now I just need an EBMM Fretless

 

[oli@bass]

I am realistically confused by lines (without the dots), and I hardly am able to look at the fretboard in the proper angle so that I can rely on the visual information that lines give me (believe me, I've tried)... thus I no lines for me.

 

[MadMatt]

+1

When I play a lined fretless I catch myself leaning over to try and see the FB. The top markers on the blank plank seem to get me close enough (I think) and I dont look at the FB as often

 

[bassmonkeee]

All of my fretless basses are unlined. I've owned lined fretlesses in the past, but I definitely prefer unlined. I will admit to the occasional clam, but heck--I have those on fretted basses, too.

I just finished boxing up one of my fretlesses to have it refinished. I can't wait to get it back!

 

[Rick Auricchio]

Three of my fretlesses are unlined; two have lines. I only use the side marker dots anyway, just when making some position changes. It's all by muscle memory and hearing anyway. Much of the time I'm never even looking down when I play.

An unlined fingerboard is beautiful to behold...

 

[DTG]

I am looking at a red stingray 5 fretless blank plank today ! Can't wait to hear that low B on a fretless

 

[keko]

I am realistically confused by lines (without the dots), and I hardly am able to look at the fretboard in the proper angle so that I can rely on the visual information that lines give me (believe me, I've tried)... thus I no lines for me.

+1

I feel exactly that way too!

Small dots over upper edge of the fret board are enough for me!

 

[stu42]

On an unlined fretless bass I know that the top markers are positioned where the lines would go.

However, on a lined fretless where do the top markers get placed? Are they halfway between the lines, as they are on the fretboard itself, or are they positioned where the lines go?

 

[AnthonyD]

Unlined...

I pretended to be a fretless player for a period (and may return to the masquerade some point in the future).

Unlined for me. Supporting the previous unlined commentary, the side marker dots get you where you need to be. Can't really see those lines anyway unless you're staring hard at the surface of the fretboard. May be acceptable for recording, but I wouldn't want to perform live that way.

Muscle memory will get you close and your ears will do the rest - a little practice goes a long way. It is not as scary as it seems.

 

[clmjlg]

I have never played on a fretless bass. So I am curious what kind of sound difference is there from a fretted bass?

I starting to save up for my next bass and I either am getting a bongo or an unlined sterling if they dont do unlined bongos. I do notice that when I play i usually use the dots more often than anything else so I would think that the lines would not need to be there if there are dots.

 

[njhammer]

Never played a fretless in a live environment, but use my lined for recording on occassion. Being that I want to get as close as possible to "bang on" (and with the advantage of multiple takes, if necessary), lined is the way to go for me.

 

[DirtyHippie]

Aesthetically, I prefer unlined. It just looks cool. As for playability, it doesn't matter because I do my best to play by ear, and make adjustments as I go.

 

[gafman]

I have two fretless basses and they both have unlined boards. After owning several fretless basses both lined and unlined, I am comfortable with a blank plank. I find I easily get my reference points from the side dots along the neck. I am always looking for new gear and actually find myself steering clear of lined boards these days for fear of confusing myself between a fretless with side dots and a bass with fret lines.

 

[MudvilleStomper]

Just looking at a gorgeous blank plank inspires me to play.