Tony Franklin • 1990 Fretless Bass Course with Carmine Appice

[@owlperchedsilo3745]

one of the most unique bass players in rock this guy.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you

[@jasons.9313]

Agreed 100%

[@owlperchedsilo3745]

@@FretlessMonster, you are welcome Mr. Franklin.

[@scottwhite2757]

Yep you and Carmine jamming been a fan before and ever since ,, would love to catch up with you someday Tony this made me smile 😊 👍🤘🏻

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks Scott. As always

[@karennewton113]

Love your playing. You and Carmine are awesome together.

[@FretlessMonster]

👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks

[@thema3v6]

A friend of mine: "Rock and Fretless? Fretless is only for Jazzies." Me, in reply: "Just check Tony Franklin."

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Good answer!! 😂😂😂👍🏻👍🏻

[@birdsoffir]

Got my signed DVD today! It’s awesome! Thank you Tony!

[@FretlessMonster]

I’m happy to hear that! Enjoy! 🤩👏🏻

[@powerdavid6235]

I still have the original VHS, at the time I thought it was great doing the Mad Hatter entrance.

[@FretlessMonster]

Ha! Great. I wanted to have fun with it!

[@powerdavid6235]

@@FretlessMonster I'm still wondering where that last 31 years went... Call me old fashioned but I loved the fashion sense back then... Oh to be young again..LOL.

[@trueknits]

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your memories of making this VHS, I hope I can get a hold of it soon!

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thank you

[@joex9865]

The joy you radiate while jamming is infectious. I didn't know you live in the States, although someone once took me you lived near by

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you!! Yes I’m in the States. 30+ years. Southern California

[@jamesmoore4320]

Very cool as always

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩🤩👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks

[@saidboogeron-the-air9525]

That early 1990 presentation use to be here on KZbin years ago in its entirety, however, it was removed. I still remember your famous Jaydee pickups question line, 'So how does a pickup made of wood pickup?',....(or something to that effect). I just ordered my soon-to-be 'PERSONALLY SIGNED' by Tony Franklin 1990 Fretless Instructional Course DVD today,....Now that's RADIOACTIVE! Best regards from 'Bryan' in Monroe, N.C., my friend.

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha that’s right. The wooden pick ups. Cool on the order!! 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mikal]

I wonder if the original company who filmed it still has the footage? If so, you could possibly get a 1080p or even 4k print to put on DVD/Blu-ray, depending on what they filmed it with. Plus, you could edit out all of the "uhh... ummm..." that you don't like. Ha.

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh all that stuff is part of the charm. 🤷‍♂️😂

[@SteelTearsJulie]

You’re always an inspiration to me I love your personality beautiful heart beautiful soul your humor absolutely beautiful fun… Thank you for sharing I love listening to you speak of music you’re beautiful memories Ty ✌️❤️

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much.

[@SteelTearsJulie]

You’re welcome love… Ty ✌️❤️

[@Jon_Bass4001]

Very happy to see this DVD is still available. I’ve ordered a copy and am looking forward to the music! (and all the “um” and “ah” too 😎). Thanks, Tony, for this preview. 🎸

[@FretlessMonster]

Great! Thanks so much. 🤩

[@MUGSYBROWN]

I’m still enjoying this stuff Tony. A Lot. I’m glad I found your page man. I’ll watch all of it at some point too. Thanks for putting it out there too. We’re right around the same age. Real close. You’re 62 and you were Born in 62 ……… 🤔. Heehee 😉 I’m right behind ya. I’ve known and listened to YOUR MUSIC for at least 35-40 years now, I think, and loved every stinkin’ minute of it !! You made my life a little better than it woulda been if you never picked up a bass. I can hear YOUR bass playing in my head whenever I want, with or without the album. That’s a good thing in my book. It all brings back memories of my best times in life too. So …….. Thanks for picking up that bass however long ago you did. You colored our lives, brother. 😎👍 I KNOW I’m Not Alone. All my best friends would say the same. Rock on 🤘 Tony. And don’t get all wishy-washy on me now. Just enjoy it. You earned it. 😎✌️🤘😊

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for your great comments! And without getting wishy washy haha - it truly means a lot to me!! Yes 62… and 62! 👏🏻😂👍🏻

[@thomasirwin4099]

What a DELIGHT to see this! Thanks for putting this up here, and thanks as ever for the inspiration and for being so approachable and friendly! I'll be ordering the DVD straight away. Hope all's well in your world.

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks so much. Truly appreciated! Cheers!

[@NikkieRoxxx]

Omg... this really pushes me to tighten my belt even more; to buy that sunburst mikro ibanez bass, and have it defretted!! Mind that i already own the 5 string version and an RG :)

[@Jo-si3ot]

I used to have this on VHS way back, took me down the rabbit hole! Thanks for your awesome bass playing!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Great. It literally took you down the rabbit hole!! 😝😂

[@dwightdawson3578]

Being born to a father who was born and raised in England, RIP Roger Dawson 4-4-40 to 7-28-2022 I was told many times that as far as English humor goes “it’s not funny until you say it eleven times” which officially makes you a master of English Humor. Yes, I know you were born there. Whilst still in mourning for me dear old dad, thanks I needed that extra “der”!?! Excellent! May I have the honor of having a lesson with you? No pun, I’ll bring cash.

[@FretlessMonster]

My deepest condolences for your father’s recent passing 😢 It’s understandable that you’re still mourning. So great that he had the British humor. There’s nothing like it. Duh…. Haha. Appreciate you asking but I don’t offer private lessons. I’m honestly not that great at it. I’m not structured enough. Great teachers are organized and methodical. I barely know how to describe what I do!! Haha. However I have a fretless bass course that captures a lot of what I do. It’s not expensive and there are free samples too 😊 truefire.com/bass-guitar-lessons/fretless-foundations/c1289 Cheers!

[@dwightdawson3578]

@@FretlessMonster thanks for taking the time to read the comments. I do watch tons of video and there’s some people that never read or reply to anybody but you take it seriously as part of who you are and I believe you are doing something that is essential in maintaining a fan base. Right on! I have had the honor of sitting at the feet of some of the people who have mastered the bass and shaped the definition of music we listen to and appreciate. Carol Kaye taught me how to play properly and not get tired. Gerald Johnson describing Steve Miller asking him to play bass with his band. Tim Bogert had a rake style that was incredible. Vic Wooten OMG!. I even learned a little jazz along the way lol! I even got to meet Flea and I taught him everything I knew at the time lol! Cheers!

[@ScottLittle-z1q]

This is gold. Thank you.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you.

[@amosamaralmarao7846]

Não ter rolado um segundo álbum com a formação original do Blue Murder foi algo que provocou desapontamento grande,em virtude do impacto fulminante provocado pelo debut! Não vivemos num mundo perfeito. Abraços do Brasil,formidável baixista,Tony!!!

[@Rekles]

I like you it’s good to be able to laugh at yourself especially now a days everyone is so up tight, thanks enjoyed

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks! Definitely important to laugh. And I give myself plenty to laugh at 🤩😂😂

[@michaelsantangelo126]

Tony, you are the coolest. What a unique sound truly amazing Monster fretless style. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent.🤘

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re very kind. Thank you so much.

[@chrislestermusic]

I bought a Peavey Max because of you. Loved that head. It weighed a ton.

[@FretlessMonster]

How cool. Great amps. You’re right tho, very heavy.

[@HunterOfDoofus]

Sweet!!! Thanks Tony!! I just ordered mine!!

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great. Thanks so much! 👍🏻😊

[@HunterOfDoofus]

@@FretlessMonster Just received, thanks!!

[@RichieLee-dn3fd]

That'd be something- the Mad Hatter busting out w a fretless bass solo in the middle of the dinner scene- up on the table,failing round. DVD sounds very cool,gonna have to try to get ahold of a copy, if they're still available. Cheers mate!

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s all good fun. I don’t have any more copies. Very limited amounts. You might get lucky though.

[@RichieLee-dn3fd]

@@FretlessMonster it's all good. Thank you!

[@Papa-gn2gp]

That was great Tony, you’ve aged much better than me. Somewhere since 1990 my hair has gone missing.

[@FretlessMonster]

Ah thanks. Hope you manage to find it! Sorry couldn’t resist. Thanks my friend

[@paullawson8610]

1990 we was gurning at raves 😂i think that was due to the substances we were taking ,great fashion and hair styles back then ,ive always been scared of playing fretless you make look easy cheers Tony

[@FretlessMonster]

Great times. I was clean as a whistle by then. I’d had my crazy days though. Fun memories and fashions

[@marcoballa]

Yeah, I want 😊🤣 Ordering right now. Always great source of inspiration!!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Fantastic thanks so much.

[@marcoballa]

@@FretlessMonster done!!!! thanks to you for all this great music!!!!!!

[@gordonorante509]

Kool guy rocks.

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

Heading to the site and hoping there is a copy left... Thanks Tony.

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re good at this point. They’re moving fast though.

[@paulbuzzard6661]

Just ordered ours! Cheers Tony!

[@FretlessMonster]

Fantastic. Thanks so much.

[@paulbuzzard6661]

@@FretlessMonster it has arrived this morning! I'm sitting with the kids, 12 and 8. Three very happy Tony Franklin / Blue Murder fans. Thank you so much.

[@princesswendala8287]

......oooh.....don’t forget about your curly haired friend....you just know that I have to have a copy!!! I just love this soooooo much ( wendala’s arms are stretched out).... love, love, love this!! Thankyou for making me smile!! xo.....p.s. don’t forget to make a hair tutorial too!! You just know everyone wants one!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks so much. Here’s the link if you need it 😊 fretlessmonster.com/store

[@karst41]

A Bass player and Drummer when properly in tune with each other is Magical. Ol Dennis Woods would set me up for some sneaky riffs that the rest of the Band missed, And when DW was ready My Bass would set it up and be in full rhythmic support. Nothing Better! The Drop D would be Harmonically tuned with the Bass Drum. It NEVER MISSED! Cheers My Brother on Bass

[@FretlessMonster]

Great stuff! Yeah nothing beats it.

[@manoffunk]

It's odd that those jd fretless basses were quite rare, and I got one almost exactly the same at my local music store in Leicester! Hope the old girl is playing well again, and you're enjoying being reunited with her. All the best young man

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks David. Yes I got mine in Derby. John Diggins being in Birmingham, it makes sense he would have them in local-ish shops. Amazing basses. Mine still needs work. I’m sending the electronics to JayDee.

[@PrizeWinningPig]

Ordered!

[@FretlessMonster]

👍🏻👍🏻🤩🤩 Great

[@johnglynhughes4239]

Thanks so much for sharing this Tony: Great memories. Alongside your good self I was heavily influenced by Jaco, Percy Jones and Mick Karen ... Hope you don't mind me asking who influenced your own approach when starting out?

[@FretlessMonster]

Jaco was my Fretless spark. I also loved John Deacon of Queen. James Jamerson is the king for me, though that came later.

[@АлександрСтафиевских-с5д]

Tony Franklin super good luck. Благодарю за трансляциию. Всех благ Вам и удачи.

[@FretlessMonster]

🙏🏻🤩

[@Lagoberto]

El vídeo completo estaba aquí en KZbin y desapareció. Si ya no hay unidades disponibles del Dvd, qué podemos hacer los que no pudimos comprarlo pero queremos material de estudio del fretless bass? Los únicos dos bajistas que han hecho videos instruccionales son Steve Bailey y Tony Franklin, es por esto que aproximarse al fretless bass es algo casi que misterioso.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. I have a more recent Fretless bass instructional course through TrueFire if you’re interested. It’s more thorough than my original course. There are some free samples on there too. truefire.com/bass-guitar-lessons/fretless-foundations/c1289

[@Lagoberto]

@@FretlessMonster Muchas gracias Tony, estoy muy interesado. Bendiciones.

[@TheMichaelseymour]

where can i get the DVD please??? PS: glad to see the cross around the neck too ...and Chemistry ? Carmine is a Sag and you are an Aries .....perfect alignment combo for a rhythm section !!

[@FretlessMonster]

Unfortunately all the DVDs are sold out. You may have to search the internet. Yes we had a powerful chemistry 👏🏻🔥

[@fluxcobalt4646]

I will have to get this video. Just for poops and squiggles I recently converted a cheap Ibanez Bass to fretless and put in a EMG Geezer Butler Signature PJ Bass Pickup Set. I love the sound. I'm 57 years old and I just started playing the Bass about 5 years ago and I thought this would be a fun project. I'm not that good at it but it sure is fun to play and another Bass is in my collection.

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s the right attitude. Age doesn’t matter. Just have fun and enjoy it. If you’re interested I have an updated instructional course through TrueFire. There are some free samples there too 😊 truefire.com/bass-guitar-lessons/fretless-foundations/c1289

[@nicktucker4916]

I would love to find a copy of that!!

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s on my website. Limited amounts. Signed and personalized fretlessmonster.com/store

[@NikkieRoxxx]

Ah, raised a frech canadian (acadian), i understand and love british humor :) the faces!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha great. Thanks so much. Gotta have fun. Not everyone catches all the British humor, so it’s great that you understood it. Sometimes it’s subtle! 🤪😂🤷‍♂️

[@paulherzog8214]

Cool.Love the "play" in your playing.🤪

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. Yes we “play” music not work it. 👏🏻🤩👍🏻

[@ka-bar5060]

Sadly I missed getting a signed copy. Maybe one day more copies can be made even if unsigned.

[@DavidFrick-w7f]

Thanks for sharing...Been digging the fretless bass for aa couple months now, very liberating!! Saving up for the lineless fretless LOL Do you have any recommendations for a brand? I realize a person really has to play it to get the feel, but there are nice looking ones out there :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Fretless is fun. And as you say, liberating! The only bass I play is my Fender signature Fretless. I’ve had my original Firm Fretless (which became the signature model) since 1979. See if you can find one to try. It’s the only bass I can truly recommend. I don’t know any others!! 🤷‍♂️😂

[@DavidFrick-w7f]

@@FretlessMonster Right on, Sir! Thanks for the input, unfortunately in Montana there isn’t much variety to try fretless basses LOL However, I am having a lot of fun with my Fender fretless. I guess playing bass for 30+ yrs, then going to fretless is very helpful for the transition. While yes, it is an adjustment and I am still learning, it’s a real blast!!😀

[@stephenbennett1643]

Great stuff as always Tony . I'd like to pick your brains if i may? I have an Aria Pro 11 frettless, that sounds great when amped up ! But when doodling with no Amplification the open A string sounds dead ? All the other fretted notes on the string sound fine apart from the open A . I wondered wether you would know wot this problem may be and how to rectify it ? Many Thanks. Frustrated 🤔

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. There can be many factors with your bass. If it’s the same issue you with a new set of strings then it’s clearly not the strings. For some reason the A seems to be the most fickle of all. Maybe try a different brand of string? I use DR Sunbeams. Cannot say enough about them. Next try adjusting the truss rod, even if it’s set up well, a twist back and forth can be like a chiropractic adjustment. Have a professional do it if you’re not comfortable. The bridge saddle on the A may be “dead” / made of a material that doesn’t match the others for some reason. Does the string height look even between all the strings? Adjust if necessary. Finally the nut may need replacing. Ugh. That’s a job for a pro. Good luck!!

[@rakknivrecords]

Cool!

[@drprick7432]

So cool. Fretlesses are in a league of their own! And silence is also better than, like, you know, like,like,like, uh, the word like. 😂😂😂

[@FretlessMonster]

Uhhh yes!! 🤣🤣 Fretless is a different world for sure.

[@blackpanterpower-fh5gn]

would be nice to see you going on the road again with carmine appice mabby with a othere guitar player ?????

[@FretlessMonster]

I don’t think so.

[@luccas_bracco]

Tony, are you sure you're not the real Doctor (Who)? Either way, it's easy to agree that you play the coolest bass lines in this galaxy (and possibly others)...

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Maybe I am 🤷‍♂️😂😂 Thanks so much.

[@mixc8]

Tony do you still have copies?

[@FretlessMonster]

Unfortunately not.

[@thehighest1]

How would one acquire said dvd?

[@FretlessMonster]

Here you go 👍🏻🤩 fretlessmonster.com/store

[@thehighest1]

Thanks for the quick link! Just placed my order.

[@qwargy]

I lived in Duffield outside of Derby for 6 months and took a few classical lessons with the guitar virtuoso Nicola Hall back in the 90s, before she packed it in! Beautiful area!

[@FretlessMonster]

I remember Nicola - she was amazing - and I know Duffield. My first real girlfriend was from there. Until she moved away with her family! 😩🤣

[@qwargy]

Haha, been there! Yes Nicola was amazing, played with blistering speed (see old vids on KZbin). She developed a right hand issue, couldn’t use her index finger so she used thumb, middle and ring instead. Could still burn it up with that combination but she’d had enough by then and went on to study law!

[@nunoharris]

Hi .Mr Tony. What was the year of your chorus and octave pedals ? Thanks.

[@FretlessMonster]

Hi. I got them in 1983 or 1984! Classic pedals.

[@MainelyW212]

The biggest issues I have with fretless bass? Finding the 10th and 11th frets accurately for open string chords… yes, the lines on my Sire V5 5 string help… but on the Dean Edge Fretless 6 string…. And the fact that it’s a 35 inch scale…. Yes, practice practice practice… is it because I swap from 34 inch to 35 inch and then to 32 occasionally? I love the variety… I think short scale fretless 5 string is in my future… Sire makes a bad ass U5 Fretless 5 string short scale… I just find the passive electronics from Sire to be lacking.

[@FretlessMonster]

The scale “shouldn’t” make a difference. It’s all relative. So yes, practice practice. For the record, I’m generally not a fan of active electronics. Those boosted frequencies sound great when the bass is by itself, but with a band they can get in the way of the kick drum and other instruments. A passive Fender Bass always cuts through the mix, because it stays in its own lane and doesn’t step on the toes of other instruments. Hence the reason music producers often favor a passive Fender Bass. 🤷‍♂️🙃

[@MainelyW212]

I’m not a fan of active much, either, especially after my pseudo-fail… I grabbed a Pacific Blue Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition and though how cool it would be to throw a Les Claypool Pachyderm Gold pickup in it… and I didn’t check the specs and it turned out to be active pickup. Took it to my local luthier and had him throw a battery box in the back of it. I threw on some Earnie Ball Cobalt Flats and…. Thought it was a Jazz Bass. Bright, punchy… and no “P-Bass”. Does it sound good? Yes. Does it sound P-Bass? Absolutely not. So… now it’s time for either a 40th Anniversary Squier Vintage P-Bass in Dakota Red or the Slime Green Squier Sonic and throw the 40th Anniversary pickup in it. The Sire is passive… and the pickups sound like they were designed to be active… so… I have my eyes on the some Lindy Fralin pickups and a 1962-style stacked knob control plate. You are absolutely right; Fender basses just work… in the studio and on stage. I honestly wasn’t a P-Bass fan for the longest time, I always liked the additional tones the Jazz offered. Then I saw Corrosion of Conformity live and it wasn’t a week until that 40th Anniversary was delivered. But…. And it will be mine one day… Fender Japan, in the 1990’s, did a limited run of a hollow bodied P-Bass with F-holes, a fretless neck, a wood bridge with a Piezo pickup in it, and (I think) a lace sensor P-Bass pickup in the standard position. Anyway…. Thank you for being so cool as to engage with us, and with me. 😊

[@Al_Mac125]

I saw Sabbath back In the day with either Carmine or Vinnie, can't remember which one?

[@3rdmm]

Carmine was in Ozzy's band for about 5 minutes, never in Sab or H&H, so that would have been Vinnie.

[@Al_Mac125]

@@3rdmm cheers yes I make you spot on. The longer I thought about it, I was convinced it was Vinnie

[@FretlessMonster]

That would have been Vinnie.

[@davidleewrath6919]

What black bass is that on the cover, Tony?

[@FretlessMonster]

My old JayDee Bass. Which I still have.

[@davidleewrath6919]

@@FretlessMonster Yeah, you got reunited with it, I'll watch that a little later. Thanks!

[@atlantaguitar9689]

I don't think people mind so much those spontaneous interjections in light of the information being presented. In this case I think it's more organic and laid back than it would be if coming on like a pro level speaker. I do agree that it can be distracting in public speaking or broadcast situations wherein the delivery is expected to be tight and efficient. But yea, everyone can relate to filler words that creep into one's speech while searching for the next word or thought.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. I’ve consciously tried to eliminate or reduce those things - as they annoy me now!! 😂😂 I’m super conscious of them!

[@ThomTremblay]

I still have my Tape.

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice!!!

[@ThomTremblay]

@@FretlessMonster It's the only instructional video that I've ever purchased. Loved the Clarinet work.

[@v2vroth]

wow was that Tom Petty in the beginning lol...Great video I have it on VHS

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s right. 😂😂👍🏻

[@Al_Mac125]

Ah the JD! Butyle 👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Yep. It’s a classic.

[@exhainca]

This drummer is so on! BTW - interesting thing about your accent now is that you actually sound quite South African.

[@FretlessMonster]

Carmine and I were so tight. From day one. Yeah my accent is a complete mixed bag. 🤷‍♂️😂

[@massapower]

Now i see where FLEA from the Chili Peppers got his movies From 😂

[@FretlessMonster]

🤷‍♂️🤩

[@wademiyataki9221]

The barefoot fretless monster!

[@FretlessMonster]

Yep. I was still barefoot then.

[@christophercheney1006]

You just got my money

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks! Your order is going out today.

[@senemorcaykalyoncu6369]

AFTER ALL THESE BASS HISTORY AND SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE ...HOW ABOUT A REUNION RECORDING ?

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice idea. Probably won’t happen.

[@nerminsalkic6360]

Again no shoes--- Better tone he

[@FretlessMonster]

Hmm. You may be right. 🤷‍♂️😂😂

[@jackienelson5804]

Crazy Tony love that bass LEMAY NELSON VANCOUVER WASHINGTON NORTH WEST PACIFIC USA

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. That’s my old JayDee Bass. I’ve never seen any others like it.