Fretless from fretted? Or should I even bother...?

Posted by Brian Revels on June 25, 2014 at 1:52pm

Here's an interesting question... I am not much of a Bass player, play more electric/acoustic guitar than anything, but I do enjoy playing the Bass.  I am going to eventually build a bolt-on neck CBG Bass.  I have all the parts from a old Rogue Bass that can't sell and thought to just scavenge from (neck, pickups, pots, etc...).

My question is... I have seen some things online about people taking a fretted Bass and making them into Fretless Basses.  My favorite Bass I have ever played was an old Ampeg Fretless with a scroll headstock (looked just like this one: http://www.steveswanguitars.com/items/electric-basses/1967-ampeg-amub-fretless-scroll-bass/).  What would be a disadvantage to making my Rogue neck fretless? Should I bother?  Thoughts?  Concerns?  Criticisms?

Thanks in advance!

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Replies

  • Jack Bo July 8, 2014 at 5:54pm

    Dear' its not an interesting question, it bends rather toward a stupid one :-(( Putting hands on that MARVELLOUS Instrument is a sacrileg!!! Hands off and learn about real values, stupid kid you are:-((

    From Switzerland, Jack

    • Wichita Sam > Jack Bo July 11, 2014 at 8:53am

      Jack,

      What's all the hate? Can't we all get along. Now everyone, let's have a chorus of "Kum-di-Yah".....

      Seriously, take your agression to a site where that is the norm. Certainly not here....

      the best,

      Wichita Sam

    • eK > Jack Bo July 9, 2014 at 8:38pm

      I think I missed something here...

      1) Which "marvellous instrument" are you referring to?

      The bass in question is a Rogue - which is an extremely inexpensive ($99-$230 USD) line of basses sold as a "store brand" through MusiciansFriend. Rogue instruments are routinely bought as modding instruments by many musicians who wish to experiment and learn about hardware without running the risk of ruining a professional or more expensive instrument.

      2) There's really no such thing as a "stupid" question. Only silly and/or disrespectful replies. ;-)

  • The Phrygian Kid June 29, 2014 at 11:33pm
    Ripping the frets out of a cheapy bass was all the rage in the 70s (thanks Jaco :)
    It's not difficult at all just be gentle doing it, you can easily pull out splinters from the fret slots if you're not careful, especially if the fingerboard is dry and has had little love recently. They can look quite classy with veneer pushed in and scraped back.

    Be warned, fretless is much harder to play. Enjoy
  • eK June 29, 2014 at 5:14pm

    There's a really good and detailed series of conversion videos (plus proper setup instructions) you can take a look at starting here. Might be overkill for a CBB - although I don't see why it should. The more info you have before you start any instrument project the better in my experience.

    For some inspiration once you do start playing a fretless, have a listen to Pino Pallidino, who is probably one of the most accomplished fretless players currently out there. Gorgeous tone and drop-dead accurate intonation. Check out this short interview below:

    Luck with the conversion and your playing!

  • Wichita Sam June 27, 2014 at 9:31am

    Playing fretless is mostly looking for a sound that is more "nuanced" than you can get out of a fretted instrument.  Since you have played a fretless and liked it, I say go for it.

     

    As far as turning you Rogue neck fretless, that is relatively easy.  Get a pair of small nippers to grab the frets (usually starting from the end) and gently pry the fret up, going back and forth across the fret until it releases.  If the neck is older, you can expect some tear out of the fret board, but that is not really a problem.  To finish the process, you can fill the fret lines with colored epoxy, or wood putty, then lightly sand and finish.  That should leave you with a good looking and playable neck.

    • Brian Revels > Wichita Sam June 27, 2014 at 4:03pm

      As always, thanks a lot Sam. I guess I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something completely absurd, or considered a travesty to do.    

    • eK > Brian Revels June 29, 2014 at 5:31pm

      One additional note: as far as a travesty is concerned...

      If you were doing this to a totally vintage 50/60s Jazz or PBass it would be a travesty since an instrument like that has historic value.

      You'd also be screwing yourself out of several thousand dollars since you could easily sell a vintage instrument to somebody who appreciated and wanted it, then got yourself a nice new fretless plus a real bass combo amp (which makes a big difference when playing an electric bass)  - and still end up having $2,000 to $3,000 left over.

      If ever buying a new "first fretless," check out a Fender Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass.They go for about $300 new and they're a joy to own and play. Not quite as fancy as the Fender Jaco Pastorius Fretless Jazz. However,  the Squire runs about for $1400 less that its signature model cousin.

      I've tried both and wouldn't hesitate taking either to a gig or recording session. They're both capable instruments. And 80% of bass is found in your hands anyway.

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