Fretless Bass
 

Okay, so, I'm hardly a bass player, but yesterday I got around to diddling around with a fretless one at the local music store. I sort of dug it, actually. Doesn't seem like it would be inordinately hard to get a hang of, and I need a bass.

Has anyone played one? Thoughts?

Never played one but they sound ****ing cool. Mick Karn's Bassline on this Japan track is a shining example of the fretless sound:

I've played one. I've played a fretless guitar too. The biggest and most obvious hurdle is intonation. Finding the sweet spot for each note will take some getting used to.

If you're getting one simply because you need a bass, then that's a big hunk to break off and chew. Why not get a fretted one for starters?

Never played a fretless but love the sound of them in the right hands.

Pino Palladino

Just forgo the fretless and get a double bass. Those are fretless as well and they sound a lot cooler.

I'm with you on that one. There's a certain "cool" factor playing a double bass as opposed to a bass guitar. Just takes a little gettin' used to, that's all. As someone else said the biggest hurdle is intonation and that's easily solved, too.

Not to mention when you have a standup everyone wants you to join their jazz troupe without actually hearing you play first.

Exactly, the sound and power of the upright is something to be cherished.

Kinda like if you own a PA system you don't have to pass an audition. :p:

I know one guy who is in five bands and counting because he built a stage in his backyard. He's been playing for six months.