I'm buying a fretless. Anyone got any suggestions?

[brewer]

Hey everyone. I typically in the past haven't trusted anyone w/ advice on buying my instruments. I'm now in the market for another frettless. I have a f--der jazz 4 string thats ok, but I want something in the 5string family because i need the b-string. Since i'm an EB/MM certified nut, I'd like to get another eb/mm. I'd also like everyone's input as to your favorite eb fretless basses b/c I haven't had the opportunity to play one b/c i can't find one at the local stores. So, I'm trusting you, my fellow forum junkies, w/ your advice and expertice on this issue. What are your thoughts about the eb/mm frettless?

 

[tkarter]

While I don't play fretless much I would surely go Bongo. Of course one could live with the SR 5 too so.. Not much help I reckon.

tk

 

[Mobay45]

Where's Bassmonkee when you need him!?!?

 

[spectorbassguy]

I just LUVS the sound I'm getting from my '92 fretless SR5 (lined of course 'cause I'm a cheater)! On some stuff I add a Boss bass chorus pedal that make it sing. Got it strung with T-I Superalloys that help it get a very rich, variable sound. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Psychicpet]

I just LUVS the sound I'm getting from my '92 fretless SR5 (lined of course 'cause I'm a cheater)! On some stuff I add a Boss bass chorus pedal that make it sing. Got it strung with T-I Superalloys that help it get a very rich, variable sound. That's my 2 cents.

absolutely, my converted SR5 sounds great... just wwaiting on a fretless Bongo5 though.. Monkee??

ps. the lined factor... Jaco had'em too

 

[scottbass71]

Yeah I have a 96 fretless 5 String which just sings I too have the lines - worth getting if you are starting out (It is good to have a safety net sometimes)

 

[tkarter]

IMHO the 4 band eq on the bongo makes it that hands down choice. It will or should do what all others do plus. Not saying other fretlesses don't get the job done of course, but if the bongo can't do it it prolly ain't getting done if you know what I mean.


tk

 

[brewer]

Guys, thanks so much for your opinions. Yall are a great help.

 

[armybass]

You can't beat a Fretless SR5 or a 3 band Stingray. Really!

 

[prickly_pete]

My new fretless SR4, with piezo, should be here tomorrow! Hard to go wrong with any EBMM fretless I'm sure.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Heh--I didn't notice this thread before.

I think my Bongo fretless 5 is the best fretless bass I have ever played. I don't think you can go wrong with a Bongo fretless, but I have played some really nice fretless Stingrays, too. The B string sounds great, and the notes all sing. The setup on mine was particularly nice (thanks, Jon!).

I've got some sound samples recorded, but I've been too busy/lazy/drunk (pick one or two) to finish them up and get them online. I'll try and do something soon.

If you aren't looking to spend too much, you could always go with a fretless SUB, too. I played one at NAMM last summer, and it was a very nice bass.

My favorite tone from my SC/H/P Bongo is the neck pickup soloed with some piezo added (60/40 mag/piezo).

My fretless Bongo is nice and light, but since my fretted is about 2 lbs heavier, you never know what you are going to get.

Are there any specific questions?