Dueling Banjos: Semi Fretless vs. Fretless

Welcome to Banjo Quest 30 where I share my thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of semi fretless banjos. You can hear a rare recording of a semi fretless on my album "Sinful to Flirt". Check out track number 10:
store.cdbaby.c...
Next week on Jan. 31st, 2019, I will be live streaming from my studio with a special guest. This event is open to Patrons who pledge at the "Captain" level and above.. If you'd like more information about this, please hop on over to www.patreon.com/tomcollins
This video is made possible by my generous supporters all over the world.

[@petrovichluzhin]

Great video Tom. One thing that you didn’t mention but might be worthwhile is that having a short scale 25.5 (but not A scale) could get you in a more versatile range for tuning GC/AD on a semi fretless where the bridge position is fixed

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks! Glad you liked! Yes, the Enoch is a 25.5 scale, but those strings feel mighty stiff when trying to do anything up in the fretted portion of the board. I've gotten used to it, but when I go back to my Omega it's sooo much easier! Thanks for tuning in!

[@lawabidingcitizen5153]

Nice video on the topic! Kinda funny hearing the Banjo resonate over your voice^^

[@theuc]

Regarding the semi fretless recordings, have a listen to Rob Stenson's Gold Mountain EP. He's one of my favorite clawhammer players and uses his semi fretless to it's full extend.

[@clawhammer704]

The old timers used capos.

[@eiyhka8779]

Good vid. Hope you checked out Stenson his tradesman has a 13inch pot that he had custom made insyead of the usual 12. Has a unique deep tone and he's a fine player like yourself

[@ukaszgawryluk83]

where can i buy a fretless banjo??

[@FretlessFury]

They can be a little tricky to track down, but I'd take a look at Reverb, Elderly, Bernunzio's and the Banjo Hangout Classifieds.

[@librandy77]

You are brilliant there is no other word for you sir… 🪕🪕🪕I wanted you to know that I am studying the fretless now, you might have seen me, all my fretless study is on your teachings. You really are a great teacher, It would be great to fly to the USA just to have a jam with you I would learn so much…..mad cool…🪕🪕🪕

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you so so sooooo much for these kind words, my friend. Perhaps someday we'll be able to share a tune together. Much love to you! Tom

[@colleenparker3556]

Your videos are so helpful!! I was just lucky enough to obtain a gorgeous semi-fretless, but I'm really struggling with buzzing when I fret the strings. Any tips on how I can work on minimizing this?

[@FretlessFury]

Hi Colleen! First, congrats on the semi-fretless!! There are so many variables when it comes to buzzing strings so without seeing the problem it's impossible for me to give solid advice. I am available for one on one lessons (via Skype) if you're interested. Email me at fivemiles (at) gmail (dot) com if you'd like to learn more.

[@TheFDGog]

y u no pley it

[@TragicMask]

Why aren’t you using the cling pro pick?

[@FretlessFury]

Oh man, the cling pro saved my bacon during my week of lessons. The second break is pretty painful though, so I opted for some down time. Big fan of the cling pro!

[@TragicMask]

Tom Collins ah makes sense. Got my cling pros a few weeks ago and I use to play with a thimble. But, since getting them I haven’t gone back. Thanks for the recommendation.