Fretless Bass Ukulele Vs Fretted Bass Uke - U Bass Comparison

Bass Ukulele Comparison - Fretless Vs Fretted U Bass Comparison
A guide to fretted and fretless bass ukes. The physical differences , the playing techniques and the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Both the fretless bass ukulele and the fretted bass uke are played to demo the sounds.
Bass ukulele - fretless vs fretted:
00:00 Intro to fretted and fretless bass ukes
00:59 Fretted bass ukulele guide
04:05 Fretless bass u bass guide
07:42 Fretted bass uke sound demo
08:40 Fretless bass ukulele sound demo
09:39 Conclusion of fretless bass ukulele compared to a fretted uke
Bass ukuleles and equipment featured in this video:
Kala U-Bass - SMHG FL Fretless Bass Uke
Gear4Music Bass Ukulele - UK400NTE Fretted Bass Uke
Warwick CCL ND4
Website: ukulele.wales/
T-Shirts & Merch: www.redbubble....
Ukulalien Play Along Channel: / ukulaliensukuleleclub

[@oldmanzen6682]

I went with a fretless as my first bass, though that was primarily because that's what was available at the time. I wish now that I'd waited and gone with fretted. And that's as a guitarist with 44 years playing. The micro-tonal differences on the shorter scale neck is noticeable. Thanks for the video.

[@UkuleleWales]

Not the correct answer but you could try and get a cheap fretted to try and get used too?

[@Ignacio.Fernandez.Santamaria]

I am a classical guitarist and I want to learn to play ukelele bass; I love much more the sound like an upright so I´m thinking to buy a Kala fretless. At the end, did you get play the fretless without so much micro - tonal differences?

[@oldmanzen6682]

@@Ignacio.Fernandez.Santamaria I've gotten better, though I credit that with more practice on a Squier bass (with frets). Just getting the feel of what's expected, then transitioning to the fretless seemed easier for me. Not sure that makes sense, but there it is. No longer disappointed I got the fretless, if that helps. Though far from the comfort I have with a guitar.

[@Ignacio.Fernandez.Santamaria]

@@oldmanzen6682 I forgot to ask you if your ubass fretless it´s with or without drawn lines. I´m thinking picking a Kala ebony fretless but with drawn lines, hoping the process of learning be less hard. Thank you very much for answering.

[@oldmanzen6682]

@@Ignacio.Fernandez.Santamaria Mine has the lines. And yes, it certainly makes it easier. If I close my eyes and just work on relatively simple bass lines, I know I'd be ok without the lines, however for more complex playing, I certainly appreciate the lines as a reference... even with the side dots.

[@suzannealexander9681]

I have just ordered a fretless which is arriving today. Good job I watched this video before using it; I would have been playing between the fret lines and wondering why I was out of tune! Thank you so much.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hope you are having fun with the fretless! Yes, it is always obvious with the fretless where to put your fingers if you don't know. Let me know how you are getting on.

[@giuseppeg.8461]

What a fantastic video. You are a gifted teacher/communicator! Thanks for sharing your knowledge :)

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank You for such a lovely comment, much appreciated! 😊

[@starlifeforce]

I like the subtle glissando on the fretless

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks. I’m just a double bass player at heart 😊

[@scubamage]

This was absolutely fantastic, thank you so much for your demo. I absolutely love the sound of the fretless. I play uke, guitar, and electric bass. I'm considering grabbing the fretless specifically to force myself to listen better and build a better awareness. Do you think that awareness would translate well to other instruments?

[@UkuleleWales]

Playing fretless definitely means you rely on listening carefully for sure and that can really only help playing any other musical instrument, fretted or not. If you do go for it and have any questions, please feel free to ask. i am intending on doing more fretless videos soon too.

[@latenight5865]

I think the moment that fretless is difficult to play is when I play the bass without memorizing the notes or chords of the tunes; it is really hard to let my fingers be on the right spot of the fret when I don't see the frets.

[@UkuleleWales]

I completely understand. Try really listening - play something you know the tune of (the easier the better) and not looking at the fretboard, close your eyes if need be, just to see if you can play only by listening. It takes time but it does get easier over time.

[@HaydenMZ79]

I really like the sound of the fretless! Wow! I have a fretted I put round wounds on and I love those strings. Much more volume. My buddy has a fretless Kala much like yours which he put flat wounds on and he said it’s a great pairing. Thanks for the video! I didn’t know about the markers on the fretless...cool!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks for the fab comment. Yep, I'm definitely going to be trying flat wounds at some point as that is what I use on my fretless bass guitars. Agree, the flatwounds sound GREAT!

[@HaydenMZ79]

@@UkuleleWales ...very cool! I’d love to give the stand up bass a try but I’m not sure one would fit with all my guitars, ukuleles and other various instruments...and there are quite a few 😂

[@UkuleleWales]

@@HaydenMZ79 Hayden, I'm sure you could squeeze one into a corner somewhere! Might be a bit awkward for a cartune though! LOL

[@HaydenMZ79]

@@UkuleleWales ...ha ha! You ain’t kidding! I just finished filming a Cartune with my beloved banjo from Carver Banjos and it’s even a bit tricky to maneuver in my little tiny car. Lol

[@GameOfDepth]

I found my way to the fretless Bass Ukulele and enjoy the slide and upright bass sound to make it talk. Plus the lack of Fretnoise for “wrong” notes.

[@UkuleleWales]

Really glad to hear you discovered fretless and yes, completely agree about upright bass and sliding whilst playing.

[@michaelmeers8333]

Watching this as I wait for my fretless and thinking perhaps I should have watched this video last week. Great video!

[@UkuleleWales]

Hope your fretless has arrived safely Michael and that you are enjoying it.

[@michaelmeers8333]

@@UkuleleWales It did.. you actually helped me on FB regarding positioning the saddle! I picked up my Electric Bass for the first time the other day and it seemed so large and had such taught strings! :) There has been very little time where it was farther than an arm's reach away. Thanks again!

[@terrytd376]

Great advice...and clarity, thank you.

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you enjoyed it, Thank You.

[@Just_Me_TG]

Love your accent! :D

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank you! 😃

[@jonneet2126]

Very, very interesting! Thank you!

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you enjoyed, Thanks.

[@connork.7132]

i just love hearing her say "fret-less" awesome videos btw!! :)

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank you Connor! 😃

[@TheKarsino]

Really helpful video. Thanks.

[@UkuleleWales]

My pleasure, so glad it helped.

[@turtlepamplemousse5571]

Merci pour ces éclaircissements ! J’ai du mal à choisir !! Mais je vais réfléchir à vos conseils !

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank You, much appreciated.

[@jlo272]

Your awesome...thanks

[@UkuleleWales]

You are so welcome and Thank You for your support as always.

[@LarkVsOwl-de3op]

you are or you're

[@yloko77]

Thank you for this video, Uke Wales

[@UkuleleWales]

My pleasure, glad it helped.

[@loree3212]

Thanks, helpful!

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you found it and found it useful Loree. Hope it answered all your questions but please ask if you have any more.

[@hobbymakanmusikbdg7859]

Amazing, perfect

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks a lot!

[@jeremyball6598]

Thanks for the great videos. I am just learning to play the uke bass and I am most interested in playing along with my jazz music probably by myself as opposed to in a group. That is why I have been thinking more seriously about Getting a fretless model as it does seem to sound more like a jazz double bass. Any advice?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Jeremy, great to hear you are enjoying the bass uke. If you are already playing a fretted bass youcould certainly try a fretless too. It does involve a lot more listening but definitely sounds more a jazz double bass.

[@songstermusic1]

I bought a Kala ubass with round wound strings, my issue is that it really hurts my fingers. I have developed a callus but the fingers hurt after just a few minutes of playing. I have purchased Thundereds and hope to put them on, and hoping not to have to change the nut. I wonder if you have any advise. I watch your programs and really enjoy them. You have the best ubass program on KZbin. Thanks

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks for the lovely comment. 😊 The Thunder Reds or any rubber strings will be easier on your fingers both right and left hand. They take a little getting used to but definitely worth it. My favourites are the Thunder Browns. 👍

[@songstermusic1]

@@UkuleleWales do you have to change the nut if you use Thunder browns?

[@julesV1223]

Rachel, I've some news to share about Ruby. She has a rather serious intonation issue. Once I discovered it, I tried everything I knew to correct it---such as changing & stretching the strings, no more than 2 winds on a post, graphite in the nut slot, fretting lightly, and cursing. (Especially cursing.) She needs more help than I can give her. So I contacted Kala, and they said they'll make it right. Ruby is in California now, and I miss her but hope for a positive outcome!

[@UkuleleWales]

I got worried when I started reading your comment about Ruby, oh dear. So glad Kala are helping and feel confident (love the tone of your comment) that Ruby will not just return, she'll be even better. Hope it's a speedy return, will be thinking of you both. ;-)

[@julesV1223]

@@UkuleleWales Ruby Update! Yesterday I found out that instead of round wound strings, Kala now is recommending ONLY polyurthane strings on ALL California U-basses. They now have a disclaimer posted on their site under each California U-bass web page stating that only polyurthane strings should be used! Even the Nik West now shows under the specifications that the strings it comes with are "Road Toad Pahoehoe," rather than the round wounds they listed in the past. I gave Kala the go-ahead to change the round wounds to the Road Toad strings and set her up with those. (I think they have to put in a different nut to fit the poly strings.) Ruby is under warranty so all of this will be at no charge, and, hopefully, it will address the intonation issue. I've only ever used round wounds, so I hope I like the polyurthanes. I know they take some serious stretching when installed, but will they sound good? Time will tell! Please excuse this long message, but I wanted to share what I learned, especially in case you find it applicable to your Nik. 8^)

[@UkuleleWales]

@@julesV1223 Thank for the update, very interesting indeed. I haven't noticed any intonation issues but I will certainly keep a close eye on things. I have to admit, I'd be a bit gutted if I do ever have to change them. Again, Thanks for the info, I'm sure you'll either love them or at least get used to them, let me know.

[@julesV1223]

@@UkuleleWales Rachel, I asked Kala to place the original nut in the bag, just in case I can't stand the polyurethane strings and want to go back to the round wounds. I agree that the round wounds sound pretty awesome, intonation aside. I hope I like the Road Toad strings, but I want to keep my options open. For sure, I'll let you know how it goes.

[@thenukuleles4531]

Hi. I went with a Mahalo, after liking a tenor uke by the same company. I've cut the bridge into sections, as suggested on KZbin. Maybe it's my amp set up?

[@UkuleleWales]

When the amp is switched off or the bass isn't plugged in, try really firmly pressing down the 2 strings on top of the saddle. You have probably tried this but it has worked for me in the past. Also, is there an electronics compartment in the back? If so, have you been in there just to have a look? It probably wouldn't show you anything or solve the issue but you just never know.

[@thenukuleles4531]

Hi, my favourite ubass teacher . . . Could you do a string review. I have the regular white ones, but the E and A seem more quiet, I have separated the bridge to separate the strings but those two still seem quiet. I'm wondering if either changing the strings to Thunder Reds or flat wound will help. Or is there an upgrade on the pickup?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, TBH I haven't started changing the strings yet (apart from going to Aquila thunderguts on the Kala electro acoustic. As I start swapping I will certainly cover them. It's probably NOT the strings causing the quieter volume on the 2 strings and if you've already checked the pic-up it's a tricky one. May I ask what make is the bass?

[@EnricVilarrasa]

Thanks. Do you know if that kind of rubber strings are also available for an acoustic bass, long scale?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, I don't think I've seen the rubber strings for a long scale acoustic, it might be worth checking with Aquila strings though, they be able to help.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

I play guitar, piano and a little bass. I’ve own a fretted UBass before. I would love to get a kala solid body fretless UBass. I’ve never played a fretless instrument but think I could get use to it. What’s your thoughts on going fretless?

[@UkuleleWales]

If you are happy to really listen for intonation playing fretless is great and obiously having played other instruments will have helped too. If you've also already played fretted bass uke that will have really help. Good luck if you do decide to go for it, on my list one day................. ;-)

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

@@UkuleleWales I found a fretted used one online and just purchased it.

[@davidbrown9132]

Ive just bought my first pono uke 2nd. I cant seem to find any videos on truss rod adjusting? Also im looking for my first ubass and could do with some advice. I am a bass player by trade but this is a whole new world. Cheers David

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi David, I'll be honest, I stay well away from trussrods unless the neck is truely unplayable. They are so sensitive and can really mess things up if adjusted too much - and that's on bass guitars, so even more sensitive on smaller ukes. Is there a problem with your Pono's neck?

[@davidbrown9132]

@@UkuleleWales hi. I dont think so. I fiddle with my bases truss rods. Adjusting action n so on. Thought id have a fiddle with the action before shaving bridge. Ive also just bought or going to buy a aklot ubass off a friend for cheap. But was wondering if its worth spending alot more on another make or shud stay with this for a while ? Cheers

[@UkuleleWales]

@@davidbrown9132 If you are okay with the trussrods that is cool, I just know players "messing" and in some cases making the instrument unplayable. The only thing I'd say about the Aklot, check to see if it has the back cover for removing the strings. Some of the cheaper ones don't and make changing the strings more fiddly.

[@davidbrown9132]

@@UkuleleWales yes its got the back cover. Tried thru a rig. Seems ok. Trying different strings on it now. Still struggling with the E and the A been rubber. The thundereds D and G feel good tho. They seem to have a plastic coating on them which i prefer. Ive been on the hunt for something similar to them. Ive got some thunder blacks coming tomorrow. See what they are like. I have a full size fretless and a fretted bass with flats and nylon strings on them. But i do love the ubass sound and is much easier on the hands

[@UkuleleWales]

@@davidbrown9132 good news on the back. Shall be interested to hear your thought once you get the Thunderblacks on. 👍

[@joaomarcuslemos2667]

Hi! I'm learning to play bass using a fretted acoustic bass, but in the future I want to play Upright bass, is it a good intermediate to buy and learn Fretless U Bass?

[@UkuleleWales]

Great question! The hand position would be different because of the scale but it would certainly help with your listening and intonation. Plus, a fretless is a nice sound too.

[@loree3212]

Do you know the difference between a half size bass and a bass ukulele? I would like a solid body uke but mostly over $1000.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Loree, a half size or short scale bass guitar is still much larger than a bass ukulele. Agree the Kala solid body basses are very expensive but here is where I have bought a much cheaper one - www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Ukuleles/16224/m.html?item=363051228785&hash=item54878a1e71%3Ag%3AEXUAAOSwMN5d50Ql&_ssn=eastensound2018

[@loree3212]

Thank you!!!!

[@LarkVsOwl-de3op]

some nickel kala strings work well.

[@UkuleleWales]

I shall have to try some, Thanks.

[@johnsnowie4157]

Damn she talks a lot! LOL. If you see this, you are still a wonderful woman! Love your appreciate for music!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks John ;-) Yes, I am Welsh and a teacher, the combination is lethal LOL

[@johnsnowie4157]

@@UkuleleWales You're welcome. Bought my first uke today, 5 sting lanakai!

[@emergencyremedialtruth8593]

I am still deciding I want to learn before I spend money on an instrument thanks

[@UkuleleWales]

Always good to take your time making decisions. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. 👍