Tony Franklin • Fretless Intonation Set Up • Plus Jamming

I've been asked many times about this. How do I set the intonation on a Fretless Bass? I share my methods, which may be unconventional, but I've found them to be effective. And I need very few tools. I hope you find it helpful.

[@tawnyalee9317]

You're like a bass instructor who doesn't charge for lessons ✌️😉

[@FretlessMonster]

I love to share it. Thanks

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

That gives me ideas about showing people how they can learn to play with their fingers. Most guitar students never think about that, because they think the only way will ever be able to play is with a pick.

[@jonbongjovi1869]

@@FretlessMonster You gotta do a Side Channel Project where you are a Bass Rock Star named "The Bass Instructor"..... (super-hero / mad scientist outfit?)....and each one of your SONGS is you teaching some bass thing! (The "lyrics" are you either singing or speaking your instruction!) (To catchy music!) (Did you see Charles Berthoud did a super-innovation that has not caught on yet: he put his annoying SPONSORED-BY ads......into a catchy little JINGLE! Everyone on T should do that!)

[@RC32Smiths01]

Very informative to learn from a class musician. Always appreciate it Tony.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@FretlessMonster Always!

[@jkm1962]

I just bought my first fretless bass (after almost 50 years of playing) & I was wonder how to set-up the intonation, this video was very helpful & informative. Thank you very much Tony...

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great to hear. Glad it was helpful. If you have t seen it already check out my TrueFire Fretless instructional course. There are some free samples on the page also. 👏🏻👍🏻 All the best truefire.com/bass-guitar-lessons/fretless-foundations/c1289

[@rsnell22]

One of the best posts on intonation. Spot on, sir.

[@FretlessMonster]

I truly appreciate that. Thanks for watching!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Tony, your videos are always so entertaining and informative! Even when I think I’ve got a handle on something, you always say something that makes me see it in a different light! Thanks for sharing your experience, perspectives, and sense of humor! Take care!

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. That’s amazing. Thanks for that. Cheers

[@wjamyers]

so kind of you to do this!! I was a little bit non-plussed trying to check the intonation of my stunningly gorgeous Tony Franklin Signature Fretless and so I looked up "how to intonate fretless" and here I find Tony Franklin himself telling us how... that's perfect! Thank you for this bass, good sir, when I pick it up it just feels thrillingly good, never mind the flawless tone.

[@FretlessMonster]

What an amazing message. Makes me happy. Happy I could help. Have fun with your TF!!

[@MEGAMIGA]

Love how your slightly unorthodox technique creates such a great, expressive sound!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. I’ll stick with it then. 😂👏🏻 Can’t change now.

[@refbassist]

Thanks tony always something to learn from you checking other positions not just the 12 fret 😊 I’m using a card to fret on the 12th fret, learned that from Mark Egan 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice one! 👍🏻😊

[@nitrogenbalance6103]

I started fretless about a 1yr ago this is good stuff. Thank you! Such a valuable lesson and tool. I'll never forget. 10min gave such an understanding and I'll know this for a lifetime.

[@FretlessMonster]

Wonderful to hear that. Enjoy!

[@toddstropicals]

Thanks Tony! I do most of my own set ups also. I learned to do it a long while ago, as I figured it'd save me money taking it to a luthier to do it.

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great. And very true. Plus it’s a lot more convenient too.

[@toddstropicals]

@@FretlessMonster Yeah man.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I really enjoyed this. It's quite interesting to see how fretless basses are tuned and played. Cheers, Tony! ✌️

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much!

[@humblegeorge]

What a down to earth super cool fellow ! great teacher too ! Cheers Tony :>)

[@FretlessMonster]

I truly appreciate that!! Thank you

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Most folks don’t have a clue when it comes to instruments, humidity, temperature, and even basic, and more complicated set-ups, and what is involved to get the right sound. ( Let alone the thousands and thousands of hours of dedication, and practice to make it just so. Usually clueless. All the majority of folks know is if it sounds like the record, or if it is bad, or really, really good. You probably take some basic notes about tunings on different basses, depending what you will be performing. Tony, you take any any other notes, or do you try to remember it all, or as much as you can? The more basses, the different types of basses certainly makes it all that much more interesting. Just saw a recent to me Jeff Beck video where he was going over some guitars, fretting, still, about exchanging his Yardbirds guitar to Floyd Rose, and the different guitars other musicians had given him. It was a good hit. You are always a great “hit”, my friend. I think I saw where you guested on another Frontiers album. I hope 2023 is a great year for you, and yours. :-)

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks as always! As with any craft, trade or art, once you dig deeper and go beyond the “big things”, it’s all about the fine tuning and subtleties. There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. And that’s where the magic is made. Regarding notes and tunings, it varies. I love to take notes, though sometimes it’s pure feel and instinct. I like using both. Cheers!

[@MainelyW212]

Yeah… most folks are “clueless”…. At first. Jaco was obviously clueless when he bought his upright bass in Florida… and woke up the next day with it in pieces due to the humidity. Of course throwing the term “clueless” at a legend like Jaco would be considered off putting… and pretty much anyone else who is learning. It is our responsibility as advanced, educated and experienced musicians to “clue in” the “clueless”. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are potential virtuosos who were immediately discouraged because of a bad setup or poorly finished instrument. At the same time, there are famous artists whose action is so high ships pass under the strings and their main axe has a warped neck… completely “clueless”…. No theory.. just a bass, a pick and some pent up emotions… And neither way is wrong. 🙂😎

[@michaelblaney4461]

A very good explanation ,Tony.

[@Sannypowa]

Thank you for your lesson, Tony, you are amazing ❤

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks for watching. 🙌🏻🤩

[@pine3737]

One should be able to set up their bass. BUT! with fretless one has to know how to set their bass up. Any change will change your sound. For example; on fretless I like the first fret on the fingerboard to have a tiny buzz on the A,D. and G string. fretless is a very individual instrument and needs to have it's action checked every time you play it. Very good tips on achieving intonation, the hardest setup part of a fretless for all the reasons you mentioned. As always thanks!

[@FretlessMonster]

100% right on all that. Fretless is a different animal. The subtleties make all the difference. 👏🏻

[@SteelTearsJulie]

Ty, for the Jam and Informative Instructional fretless bass information. 💪🎸🎶✌️❤️

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩🤩👏🏻👏🏻

[@SteelTearsJulie]

✌️❤️

[@seanm4124]

My TF P Bass will be here tomorrow! Black. Can’t wait!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. Congrats. That’s really exciting. Keep me posted.

[@seanm4124]

@@FretlessMonster I love every part of this bass. Great job designing this! I would have replied earlier but I can’t stop playing her! What a great playing and sounding instrument!

[@mekagunner5786]

A Wizard of fretless ❤

[@FretlessMonster]

🤪🤩

[@user-ib9zm5kf3m]

Tony Franklin благодарю за рассказ об игре на ладовой бас гитаре осталось выучить английский язык. отлично показано про безладовую бас гитару. Всех благ Вам и здоровья.

[@FretlessMonster]

👏🏻🤩 Thanks for enjoying it.

[@stein0niets]

It is exactly the same way I do it and yes the action can definitely through it off sometimes. Also putting the finger in a relaxed fashion (as if playing a normal line, in the same angle and amount of pressure.. sometimes i check all fingers even on the 12th).

[@FretlessMonster]

Yep!! Whatever gets it done (without pain) right? 👏🏻🤩

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks for sharing Tony amazing video

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks as always Paul 👍🏻😊

[@joemacfern]

Thank you master, precious information!!!

[@jamescoderre9595]

Thanks Tony, I also use the 12th fret for reference as well as checking the intonation at other spots on the neck, ... I actually get a bit obsessive with it once I get going 😅 anyway thanks for this invaluable video that will help many in regard to intonation on a fretless bass 😀👍

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great. Thanks. I think it’s okay to be a bit obsessive about this. The intonation is important - even though it can never be “perfect” - 🤷‍♂️😩😂

[@jamescoderre9595]

@@FretlessMonster So true Tony 😊

[@Micouniverse]

Thank you very much. You and your videowork are wonderfull! 🙏🏽🍀

[@FretlessMonster]

I truly appreciate that

[@Micouniverse]

@@FretlessMonster you are awesome 👏

[@sprintbass]

I got white tape wound labella strings. I'm having a hell of a time with set up. I had the black ones and they were just fine

[@FretlessMonster]

Hmm. I find the tape wounds to be very specific. They either work or they don’t. I’ve used the DR Sunbeams for 30+ years now. Never an issue. Worth a try. Rounds, but gentler on the fingerboard. A little wear but nothing significant. The sound is the most important thing.

[@ruthyates6324]

Intriguing what one learns what you in these videos , I do have what may seem a silly question . Have you or would you ever try using a slide on bass? Would it be a total bust or just take the fun out of it ? Truly curious . Do really enjoy seeing you cut loose and have fun with the videos and sharing , keep sharing that sweet smile ❤😊

[@FretlessMonster]

I’ve never used a slide on bass. It doesn’t work so well. Plus on the Fretless, we can slide - without a slide! 😊

[@ruthyates6324]

@@FretlessMonster grins ❤️

[@kevmac1230]

The Fretless Monster, with great hair.🎸😆

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩👏🏻😂

[@scottwhite2757]

interesting Tony Thank You !!

[@FretlessMonster]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🤩🤩

[@stevegosney]

You can make tuning sound musical!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Great. 👏🏻🤩

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I tried paying better attention to your tips about maintaining the intonation, Tony, but I was distracted by something. Before you picked up the ‘77 and it was in the background, I thought the fingerboard looked as reflective as a mirror or a clean window. Had me wondering whether you had put three or four separate layers of epoxy resin on it for protection. Have you done anything like that? *Would you do* something like that? You instruct via TruFire. Nice. Keith Williams of the Five Watt World channel recommends that teaching resource.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Yes there is a light epoxy coating on the ‘77 Firm Fretless. My luthier put it on there 20+ years ago. We thought it may last a couple of years, but it held up very well. It was to “save” the fingerboard - as it was so thin, as you can see. It’s the only bass I’ve done it to, and it’s honestly not my preference, but there weren’t too many options. It’s rosewood, so it’s not as durable as ebony, which is on all my signature basses. I wouldn’t apply epoxy to ebony. TrueFire is great!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Much obliged, Tony. It was on my mind, because I tend to play a lot of slab stuff. In ‘96 when I bought my first bass guitar, I was dissuaded from getting a fretless one. Then, I was told about how smearing the fingerboard of one with boat epoxy would protect the fingerboard from the backlash caused by the slapping.

[@Lance37a]

Like Frank said you do it your way.

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s it 🤷‍♂️👍🏻🤩

[@MainelyW212]

I wonder if a luthier could take the fingerboard…. And grab another piece of Rosewood or Ebony (or Purpleheart!)… and laminate the original fingerboard on top of the new wood? I can almost see the original fingerboard with the purple of the purpleheart acting as almost a binding.. as long as the original fingerboard remains unfinished, it should have the same tone… feel… just an idea😎

[@FretlessMonster]

I’ve inquired about it actually. Seems like it’s better to remove the rosewood and replace it completely. Thankfully the bass is currently holding up. If I was to do anything I’d replace the complete neck and keep the old one intact

[@klonieisland5455]

I like ur hair now Lol. U d man. U n jaco r the best. Think ur better.

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Yeah me too. 👏🏻🤩

[@el.guitarmaniac295]

I'd like to ask you a question - maybe that would be a suggestion for new video. What can you say about a tape-wound strings? Would it work on a fretted bass? Thanks for your video, cool as usual. Cheers from Kiev!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for your suggestion. I’ve been happily using the same kind of strings (DR Strings Sunbeams) for 30 years. So I have no idea about the tape wound strings unfortunately. The only way to find out is try them yourself. 🤷‍♂️🤩👏🏻

[@diegomoises82]

I’ve got a fretless inspired by you.

[@FretlessMonster]

Love hearing that!! 🙏🏻💙

[@stevegosney]

Very interesting! Thank you for all your great content! Can i ask what video editing software you are using? You have taken great care in the still picture inserts in this video. Very professional!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. I’m just using the stock iMovie that comes an any Mac computer 👏🏻🤩

[@LeftiBassist]

Waiting for my fretless to arrive. Can you recommend a good book for learning fretless? Love your playing. Thanks for the videos!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. I don’t know about books but I have a Fretless bass instructional course through TrueFire. It’s affordable and there are free samples! I’ve had lots of great feedback about it. Worth checking out. truefire.com/bass-guitar-lessons/fretless-foundations/c1289

[@SourSnatch]

Rock On!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩👍🏻

[@fedearanda9435]

Hey tony for a fretless bass it's better flat or round strings? i listen people says round strings can add more of that "mwah" to the fretless bass You can listen to pedro aznar bass if i can't explain well

[@FretlessMonster]

I’ve always used rounds. I’ve never been able to get my sound from flats. Rounds are much more versatile. You get that mwah and punch, attack, and fullness.

[@NikkieRoxxx]

Bought my mikro 5 strings in fall 2020; didnt intonate it yet, i bend it if its out of tune...

[@FretlessMonster]

Hey whatever gets it done!

[@nate6692]

The final harmonic on the intro - I've watched that clip a dozen times and I can't see where it gets tapped/pinched/anything other than the plucking finger and ummm 'fretting' finger.

[@FretlessMonster]

You are correct. I made a video to explain it here. 👍🏻🤩 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIvIanuFnrGFitk

[@nate6692]

@@FretlessMonster Ah - I neglected the possibility of an open harmonic being fretted. I've tried to get them on fingered notes but I just can't with a pick. Playing with fingers I can tap a stopped string, but not with a pick. (Which is frustrating considering how easy pinch harmonics are on guitar)

[@boblove2912]

You may as well just check your open note ( or 12th fret harmonic ) against the 17th fret position. There is only one intonation screw per string so you can only set it in one position. Its either right or wrong and you cant adjust it for different note positions up and down the neck. So you really are wasting your time with this method. I agree that using the 12th ( fretted ) position as a reference is not the key. Use a much higher position as its the higher positions that need the most compensation. So the outcome is the same but you can get there a hell of a lot quicker.

[@FretlessMonster]

If that works for you that’s great. I like the extra check point. I “average” it out between them. Not a waste of time for me… so far 🤷‍♂️🤩👍🏻

[@WimRijksen]

I always think of "a short sharp shock". Sharp means short, shocking huh? haha

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Whatever helps right?? 😂🤷‍♂️👏🏻

[@eljay2343]

Mustaine never played bass till now

[@FretlessMonster]

🤷‍♂️🤪😂

[@chriscuthbertson]

Sharp = Short, Flat = Far

[@FretlessMonster]

That works!! 😂👏🏻

[@bobpond6381]

sharp=short=genius Ive always checked more than one harmonic but brain farted on which way to adjust.

[@FretlessMonster]

I understand! It took me a long time to figure something out!

[@tlc2011jlc]

What is your true fire bass university?

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh it’s not a university. It’s a Fretless bass instructional course I released through TrueFire. Very affordable and some free samples to check out. 👍🏻😊 truefire.com/courses/bass-guitar-lessons/fretless-foundations/c1289

[@markgrimm3564]

tony what flat wounds are you playing

[@FretlessMonster]

I never play flats on my electric Fretless. Cannot get my sound. I’ve used DR Sunbeams for 30+ years.

[@donharrold1375]

I notice you use a lot of vibrato. Vibrato is the magic that helps to deal with intonation issues. Good players instinctively just push notes until they sound musical and in tune.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. I liken Fretless to the human voice. Very expressive, emotional and intuitive

[@donharrold1375]

@@FretlessMonster You're a super expressive player. The first time I heard Jelly Roll, my reaction was wow, what is that - it was a bass but not as I'd previously heard it. The smooth phrasing and melodic lines were on a totally different level. That whole album was fantastic (I remember listening to it when I was working as a kid in 89). It felt like a much more logical follow up to "87" than that terrible "Slip of the tongue" record.

[@bryanbahantka6969]

Flea with a wig?

[@FretlessMonster]

😂😂