Tony Franklin - Exploring my 1977 Firm Fretless with low B, E, A, D tuning.

[@markmilner842]

Beautiful bass. Amazing tones.

[@joeyedwards253]

The sound that inspired so many!!!!!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bAgRiMoIrEsS.4]

On a scale from 1 to 10. Ten being the best. Your Bass tone tips the scale at eleven 11.. Very nice Tony..

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh wow. I love that. Thanks so much.

[@wendygould7836]

Feel that tone right down to my toes 😊💛

[@erinelam3003]

Forgot to mention....love that low end....👂💜🎸

[@scottmcfadyen293]

I have never been a huge fan of fretless bass as i find it to be a one trick pony. A fretted bass you have to scuffle with to get the tone and sound you want and that takes a lot of fulfilling work to get it .. but i love the work and the sense of accomplishment. You have such a tasty way of bringing out those extra bits of the fretless. i hope to get one one day and be as flavourful as you are sir. thanks for the inspiration !

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Truly. I love the subtle expressions of the fretless. It’s not about the “tricks” and big slides for me. It’s about the subtle expressions. It still needs to hold down the low end and maintain the groove. I hope you get to try one soon. It’s a lot of work to begin with, but worth it. It’s fun.

[@scottmcfadyen293]

@@FretlessMonster You make me want to get into it Tony. Thanks for inspiring !

[@michaellawson9027]

Sir, I just purchased one of your signature Fender basses. It was instantly comfortable and playable. Thank you Mr. Franklin.

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing that. Have fun! Which color?

[@michaellawson9027]

@@FretlessMonster the sunburst

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice!

[@NikkieRoxxx]

I am hoping not to get tomaten thrown at... any shortscale modelspoor available...?

[@NikkieRoxxx]

Darn auto correct.... but when u speak 3+ languages u just wish it could be OFF i meant TOMATOES :)

[@kingnotail3838]

I've heard many, many actual 5-strings that don't handle the low end as well as this. Amazing sound.

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re right. And that’s one of the reasons I favour this over an actual 5 string.

[@BradleyDillman]

That was great, Tony, I can't help but smile after watching ... and now I have to pick up my own P-bass and mess around with the tuning. Cheers!

[@FretlessMonster]

Try it out. It’s fun. 😊

[@thomasfioriglio]

I can listen to fretless bass all day. I really need to get one again.

[@FretlessMonster]

I have to agree. And you definitely should!

[@JL-bu8bz]

You deserves a Fender Signature Custom Shop Fretless PB with through body and flatwound strings in this beatiful blue

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks! But I like this regular (US) production line model. It’s been in production since late 2005. It’s based on my 1977 “Firm” Fretless. Not flats though. I cannot get my sound.

[@ruthbernard5495]

Tony you are so cool on your Bass. Wow. Love your band Too BLUE MURDER. NEVER HEARD YOU BEFORE. LOVE YOU GUYS.

[@FretlessMonster]

You may want to check out the albums. They’re pretty good 🤩👍🏻👍🏻😂

[@suprchickn7745]

Amazing tone and feel, love it!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you.

[@YF-lk8bt]

Finger picking sound so beautiful !

[@erinelam3003]

Her neck is so shiny!! I love Firm Fretless. 💞♾️

[@FretlessMonster]

I know you do 😆🤩👍🏻

[@samueltractorton2088]

Kickass!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks 👍🏻🤩

[@gustavoviveros8394]

Thank You 👍🏻 Nice bass ! Nice playing !

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you.

[@klistarf]

Wow Tony, that was amazing. Superb playing, as ever, but what incredible tone she has! I can see why she is so special to you. She certainly is a beauty... \m/ (:o)

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. Yes she’s a beauty. 🙏🏻🤩

[@ilndboy7]

Oh yes! and the stories I would like to hear it tell. 😀

[@AndresSchmalbach]

He recently posted on twitter about this bass with that tuning, now it's great to hear how it sounds and it's awesome. I can't tuning my cheap bass in that way. Thanks Tony for the video.

[@nathanwalsh3028]

Your right hand technique is similar to Jaco in the sense that you pick/pluck very close to the bridge. Gives it a very nice Clean/ Precise sound. Most guys dig towards the pickups and it gets a little clanky. As a drummer I always pay attention to the little things. Lol!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. Actually my right hand position varies depending on the song and style. I’m big on the right sound though. Very important.

[@nathanwalsh3028]

@@FretlessMonster Exactly I've seen you get very close to the neck at times also but I love you understand those techniques and how it can affect the sound without changing the amp.

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

I have a backup spare bass, it's an early 80's MIJ Fender/Squier P, and the quality is truly quite impressive. I put the low end of a DR 5-string set on there, BEAD. The versatility and low notes, are like have a narrow-necked 5'er. The quality of this instrument is very surprising. I've honestly never even given thought to just down-tuning regular gauge to BEAD, but now I will! Thx Tony, you're an inspiration to us thumpers.

[@FretlessMonster]

Those MIJ basses are more than decent. Curious to know if you experimented with the different strings.

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

@@FretlessMonster Everyone that plays that MU '83 Squier Precision in BEAD, fall in love with it. Those necks were just a tiny tiny hair bit smaller in the palm, gives it a pinch more room for a ham hand to play with added comfort and speed. For now, I am very happy with the DRs, they just feel and sound right. Although I do play a bit of bass, I pull double duty and play electric guitar as much, and so I have two loves. Keeps me well calloused.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Rhis video inspired me to try BEAD tuning on my old Epiphone Accu-Bass. It sounds amazing and the feel is still good. I would have thought it necessary to go to a heavier string gauge, but it worked fine.

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s killer. Great to hear. Yes I was honestly surprised about the strings. In some ways I think it’s better. The sound is big, the action is easy to play. No big thick heavy strings. Can’t dig in too much though. 🤷‍♂️😊

[@ricardog.s2505]

Never really thought of downtuning a fretless bass, but it does makes sense as tension aside fret buzz is the main problem when using regular strings when you go really low but obviously the problem doesn't exist here as there is no frets lol

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes it’s true. Though the reduced tension can sometimes cause the strings to rattle on the fingerboard. Often I just need to player more lightly, or adjust the truss rod if it’s detuned for a longer time.

[@crankjazz]

That Bridge pickup sounds great :-)

[@ASTOUNDEDatSTUPID]

It's beautiful...Hands Tony... HANDS ! thank you.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Yes it’s all in the hands! 😊

[@RichieLee-dn3fd]

In times before, you've said her fingerboard is about gone. As shes yr precious baby,I'm sure Fender would replace her fingerboard w either rosewood or ebony/ not the neck,as her yrs of experience could remain intact,but she could continue to sing thru more yrs. Cheers,mate!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. Yes I’ve thought about doing it, but there’s something sacred and meaningful about keeping that original fingerboard. There’s so much music and many memories associated with it, and it still plays - I use it for certain sessions, not travel. I think I’d be heartbroken if I replaced it. 😩🤷‍♂️🤩 Cheers!

[@claudevieaul1465]

Nice!! Lovely growl, and great sonic options from that pickup combination... That's exactly what I did with my fretless Thunderbird some years ago: simply tune down to B 😀 And I really enjoyed that additional low end it offered while retaining the feel of a 4 string neck! That bass has 2 sets of strings I can play with, depending on the sound I'm going for: D'Addario Chromes in standard BEAD, and Rotosound black nylonwounds for tuning in fifths AEBF# Keep rocking Tony! 😀👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. That’s great. Yeah I love the simplicity of the set up, which is incredibly versatile.

[@DanHomeAtLast]

Please do a full review of your bass top stuff mate cheers

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much

[@vincentcuevas]

Sounds Amazing!!!

[@HautaAntero]

I recently bought 6-string fretless bass, and I've been use very lot B-E-A--D tuning. Only problem, my bass hasn't arrived yet.

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. 6 string Fretless. That will be something else. Have you played Fretless before? Hope it arrives soon.

[@HautaAntero]

@@FretlessMonster Well, I have only played normal bass guitars, but I have been fascinated about fretless bass guitars for a while. And recently I have try to learn more things about them before my bass arrived.

[@spookybaba]

I use 105 to 45 piano design on natural finish fingerboard and play in C F Bf Ef. That extra semitone down is too sloppy for me. Though I would prefer it. Just can't seem to find heavier gauge strings in that design. 😔

[@FretlessMonster]

Hmm that’s a challenge. I do love my Sunbeams 🤷‍♂️😊

[@handoromper7987]

That sound is just insane. Do have an album of just you soloing and jamming, would love to buy it if you have such a thing. Cheers mate 👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. It’s in progress!!

[@MisterJawaman]

Is there any truth to fretless basses sounding more musical when tuned down below standard E? My '73 fretless P neck wasn't liking the tension of the flats I have on it, although they're not bridge cables like some, so I tuned it to E flat just as an experiment. Although it's a bit of a trade-off with some minor things I think the sound and playability of the bass is enhanced, vibrato is even more fun and it's a blast to mwah those lower notes. I might even try to go down to D standard to avoid the black keys, but it might begin losing too much string tension for me. Definitely not as much as tuning down to BEAD though haha!

[@FretlessMonster]

I think every bass has its own “resonance” which varies from bass to bass. And can change over time. I’ve never been a fan of flats, for various reasons. We just have to find what works for us and our instruments. 😊👍🏻

[@MisterJawaman]

@@FretlessMonster Thanks for your opinions! At first I wasn't sure if flats were going to be ideal for me on fretless, but they give me a lot of (modern) tonal options I wasn't expecting. The smooth feeling combined with the lack of frets is so liberating and inspiring. Also gives very nice vintage tones, add a little drive and you're in Jack Bruce territory!

[@FretlessMonster]

@@MisterJawaman Very cool. Which brand of flats are you using?

[@MisterJawaman]

@@FretlessMonster The D'Addario ECB81 set. Been using their flats for some time, but also have a lot of good experiences with Labella, Thomastik and GHS. They're definitely more modern sounding flatwound strings, some people don't like that. The feel is also subjective, but I think they are really smooth on the fingers.

[@FretlessMonster]

@@MisterJawaman It’s cool you’ve found what works for you. Rules are just guidelines, not locked in stone. 🤷‍♂️😆

[@kevinjp5990]

🔥🔥🔥

[@countzero1972]

The secret is the white bridge pickup🤘

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes it is. It also comes in black - though I didn’t know that at the time. The same black Model J (DiMarzio) is in my Fender Fretless Signature Bass. 👍🏻🤩

[@michaelhall736]

So you've never used it on the road? That would explain why it's in such immaculate condition. It's really cool looking and probably the best fretless bass I've ever heard. I believe no one rocks the fretless bass better than you.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much.

[@donhill3rd]

Where is the MusicMan Sabre I remember you playing a lot?

[@FretlessMonster]

I let it go in 1987 or so. No regrets. Sold it through a music shop in Derby England. Didn’t even meet the owner. I used it on the first Firm tour. Great bass. I liked it but didn’t love it - I couldn’t get my sound. 🤷‍♂️

[@Cobra-c8j]

How do the other 4 strings hold up with this low tuning, do you need to get a130 gauge?

[@FretlessMonster]

They’re great overall. I’ve done occasional gigs with this tuning which required a heavier gauge. I used .125. In a more controlled environment - like recording, the regular strings were fine. Though I’d have to use a lighter touch.

[@trance9158]

That's a precision bass with jazz pup at the bridge?

[@spookybaba]

And selector switch. Yeah!

[@trance9158]

@@spookybaba okay cool...not a fender fan personally but thought your bass looked a bit different.

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes it’s a P Bass with a DiMarzio Model J bridge PU

[@FretlessMonster]

@@spookybaba Yep. The selector switch makes it super versatile... and simple. Not a fan of the separate volumes.

[@spookybaba]

@@FretlessMonster Me thinks he thinks you're the Spooky Baba :-D You'll have to do a tune called such. Wink wink 😉

[@handgunner1911]

tony i see the fingerboard shining what is it covered with im thinking you must have resurfaced it and then coated it?

[@FretlessMonster]

I’ve had this bass since 79. The board was wearing thin. Had it refinished a number of times. Finally had a light epoxy put on it, maybe 20 years ago. It saved it. That’s why my signature bass has ebony 😊👍🏻

[@billasegan3261]

YOU BASS PLAYING SOUNDED KILLER IN COLLABORATION WITH PAULIE Z , YOYOKA JIMMY SAKURAI.. THAT LITTLE GIRL YOYOKA IS AMAZING FOR HER AGE

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. Yeah she’s quite something.

[@billasegan3261]

@@FretlessMonster SHE WILL BE A FORCE TO REKON WITH IN ANOTHER COUPLE YEARS. JOHN BONHAM REINCARNATED IN A 11 YEAR OLD JAPANESE GIRL. PAULIE Z AMAZING VOICE. MR JIMMY AMAZING TOO. ANYTHING IN THE FUTURE WITH THE 4 OF YOU.

[@jamcam9]

Whoa, does the fingerboard have a coating of some kind?

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes a very light epoxy. My rosewood board almost went down to nothing. I had the epoxy applied to save it.

[@yoheff988]

For the love of god, how do you play without the support of the thumb behind the neck? It can cause a horrible injury.

[@FretlessMonster]

Been doing it that way for 48 years. So far so good. 🤷‍♂️🤩

[@yoheff988]

@@FretlessMonster 👍 I hope it will remain that way, lots of health 😀

[@brooksonly7337]

Tony was it a music man u played in the radioactive video? Also. How do u think a ampeg stack will sound with your fretless models?

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes. It was the MusicMan in the video but the Fender on the recording. I played Ampeg for many years. It’s a killer combination 👍🏻👍🏻

[@brooksonly7337]

@@FretlessMonster sweet! Thank you tony.

[@brooksonly7337]

@@FretlessMonster also if you ever feel you need to thin the heard any of your basses i would be honored to have. Lol! But thank you tony. You are my bass hero.

[@FretlessMonster]

@@brooksonly7337 Haha. Thanks. I’ve had quite a few folks say the same thing. 😆👍🏻👍🏻

[@townbiz75]

Wow,that's low.

[@townbiz75]

What a Flippin' Beautiful Instrument. All those road miles & look at it.👍🏾

[@FretlessMonster]

Definitely low. Not my preferred choice but sometimes it’s needed for the situation.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. Yes it has this weird black rubbery finish that rarely chips or wears. It’s really dense. If it gets wet, that black finish turns grey / white. Then changes back! Fender apparently had issues with some of their black finishes at time period.

[@ChezzOnBass]

BEAD is nothing new. I’m sorry but I need to find more of your music to listen to that may convince me otherwise: Right now, I’m just not getting the hype.

[@FretlessMonster]

No hype. Just me sharing. I guess not too many Fretless players play rock. I’m just being me.

[@ChezzOnBass]

@@FretlessMonster i appreciate that