Why Fretless Basses are Great!

[@ljmiller96]

Sounds pretty cool and chorusy when you play in unison. I used to play violin so it's a familiar sound being surrounded by people who are playing almost exactly the same note, but not quite.

[@flynnwatson5971]

I had to learn on a fretless as it was the only bass available to me at the time. It really helped my ear develop from the start of my bass playing journey

[@milopokrovsky7620]

Hello, do you think it's a bad idea if I start learning bass with a fretless (I already play guitar, so I'm not a complete beginner) ?

[@flynnwatson5971]

@@milopokrovsky7620 I would say it’s a good idea, you just need to bear in mind that it will be harder than learning on fretted. It really does help develop your ear and creativity. Some great pioneers of fretless bass are Gary Willis and Jaco Pastorius if you’re into jazz and fusion music or Dominic “Forest” LaPointe if you’re into heavier music. There’s also Les Claypool who plays unorthodox techniques on a 6 string fretless

[@jonathanwingmusic]

​@@milopokrovsky7620 Get one which has fret line markings so it makes it a lot easier to adjust from guitar (knowing it's the same lowest four strings assuming you are in standard tuning). Rather than placing your fingers behind the frets as you would on a normal fretted guitar, you'll place them right on the 'fret' markers, but even then you can't always take this for granted so you should practice along with a drone, tuner, backing tracks and songs you like. If anything playing a fretless instrument which have the added benefit of even better ear training because you are really forced to use your ear, which I think is perhaps even more ideal for a beginner on any instrument to train from early on!

[@tylerwmbass]

Been primarily a fretless player for almost 10 years now. There are ranges of expression available on fretless from the exaggerated goofy stuff people gravitate to when first picking up the instrument to Tony Franklin, Gary Willis, Pino Palladino, Jaco, Steve DiGiorgio, and so on. I think it's worth learning how the instruments are setup but also how to master the range of fretless articulation (Study Gary Willis!!)

[@stereoroid]

I remember Pino Palladino was asked about fingerboard wear from roundwounds, and he said it was worth the cost of getting the fingerboard levelled occasionally.

[@pepmasters-999]

Pino Palladino is the first player that fretless brings to mind and his iconic lines on those big Paul Young records.

[@etpslick100]

Yes! Especially that song “every time you go away.” OMG! So open and wide. Get goosebumps to this very day when I hear it!😌🎶🎸👍🏾

[@Farewelltokingz]

@@etpslick100I suggest you listen to wherever I lay my hat. It’s so gooood.

[@etpslick100]

Oh believe me I have. That bass line is so smooth! I think Pino and Paul were a great combination! That’s why I call Pino Mr. melody. Love his approach to the Fretless.😌🎶🎸👍🏾

[@pocket1684]

yep, also check out Jaco Pastorious and self taught, Mick Karn

[@StewartGartland]

Long before Pino, Jaco was laying down amazing lines for Joni Mitchell.

[@effess8698]

For me the master of the fretless bass was the late Mick Karn. Some of those weird swoopy alien sounding basslines he did in Japan (the band) and afterwards just boggle my mind and just wouldn't have sounded the same on a fretted bass. Another genius musician gone too soon (it would have been his 65th birthday a couple of days ago). I have a fretless Squier Jazz (bought from Andertons, naturally) which sounds great but apart from endlessly playing the riff from Visions of China I have never quite given it the love it deserves. Maybe I'll try to give it a bit more of an outing.

[@KevlarVTX]

RIP. He was legendary, both in ability and onstage presence. F- cancer.

[@AlexandarShmex]

Mick is a legend, I bought a fretless because of him. One of a kind, may he rest in peace.

[@stephenbennett1643]

My fretless hero, he had his own unique sound that knowone has tried to copy ! Maybe thats a mark of respect to the great man ? If you want to get away from Visions Of China, try out his bassline to Dalis Car ! Only Mick could come up with a bassline like that . Very interesting stuff.👍

[@mgynther]

The setup on the bass was probably fine or at least closer than Lee thought. What you hear around 15:22 is that major thirds are sharp in the equal temperament system (at the lines). To make it sound perfectly in tune you need to play major thirds slightly flat which Lee does at 15:50. It's the same on fretted instruments, keyboards etc but one just doesn't usually think about it when there's no practical way to adjust the intonation on the fly. On a fretless however it is very intuitive to compensate.

[@erollf1972]

I played trombone prior to picking up the bass, which helped quite a bit on my intonation. Although my bass had lines, I pretty much just used them as guides because I was clueless on how to set up the bass.

[@jarretjohnston5287]

@mgynther Yes!

[@connorsykes564]

having played guitar for almost a decade, I thought that I'd branch out and play bass. I bought a fretless bass, as my first one as I'm really inspired by 80s music and felt particularly inspired by the wonderful sounds of Mick Karn of Japan. It took some getting used to but after a few weeks, I got there and my god are they fun to play, the creative choices that can be made are great.

[@Nils_Martin]

I saw Bob Daisley do one of the greatest bass solos ever on a Fender fretless when he played with Gary Moore. And we all know Bob Daisley is one of the greatest bass players that ever walkt this earth ✨

[@tonyevans9999]

correct

[@horse_dog]

i just love the tone of fretless bass. plus it’s a nice skill to have as a bassist. all fretless players can play fretted but not all fretted players can play fretless.

[@inber]

For those scared of fretless basses: I bought a fretless ten years ago, to get some variety to my P-bass and five-string jazz bass. Felt initially that it was a huge mistake, since I was out of tune all the time. Terrible! But after 17 days (I counted!) I could play effortlessly on it. I started to bring it to rehearsals with my band. My band mates did not complain, which I had almost expected… So try it, you’ll like it! (I’m 65 and have played for almost 50 years but I’m an amateur).

[@barrycole]

Fretless rules the bass world. Small discrepancies of intonation will never be noticed at these fundamental frequencies. Play it like you own it.

[@derPaul76]

True words

[@josephwalton487]

Seriously though. That is true. Best advice. You have to own it and once you do it is a walk in the park.

[@VarthDaver]

For me, hearing Steve Di Giorgio play Death basslines with a Fretless was what made me realize that they can be extremely versatile.

[@derPaul76]

Actually I started with a fretless - best decission ever; new to a instrument its hard anyway; the fretmarker helped a lot; nice videos

[@tsunami6082]

I enjoy the videos you do together. Keep them coming please

[@gcvrsa]

I play fretless, and haven't owned a fretted bass since 2012, now. I play fretless because it has a fundamentally different tone to fretted bass. Most people don't understand that fretted instruments are always a compromise in terms of intonation, and fretless instruments allow you to play in perfect intonation in every key. Even Cici made that mistake in the video. Fretted basses do not always play in tune. In fact, they always play slightly out of tune. That being said, it does takes some practice to play with good intonation on a fretless, where a fretted instrument will get you "close enough" almost every time. This is also the reason why I discourage people from buying lines fretless instruments. The lines are misleading, because the eye and the brain gravitate toward them, even when playing the lines will actually leave you slightly out of tune. What I loathe about fretless is that too many players think that just because you can play with portamento on a fretless, every other note should be played with portamento.

[@Nikosi9]

And, let's not forget their over-dependency on the "Mwah!. That sound drives me crazy (not in a good way).

[@ryangoodrow8829]

Props to Cici and Lee for making it through the video without saying "Mwah" to describe the sound of a fretless

[@jellybingus416]

I always thought fretless were so much prettier than fretted. The woods aren't interrupted by silver frets and just looks more natural. Plus they sound so cool! But damn I hate playing them lol

[@davidsharp3675]

Great to see CiCi always and fab player… also great to see someone not looking surprised on a KZbin page! Drives me nuts that does

[@leeellis4820]

I had my frets removed 3 months after receiving my 1st bass in 1991. I played only fretless until just recently.

[@myeyesarewaiting]

Watching this shows want an asset Cici is to this channel, such great advice and relevant information shared.

[@theruminator691]

I love the Cici / Lee combo but thanks to Oz for keeping them focused

[@reisselpud]

Lee is really good with this fretless !

[@danielwiklander8614]

The most important reason to get a fretless: The feeling when you’re playing it. Nothing like it.

[@kylekemp4776]

Always love the energy between you guys…. Have you ever considered doing a session based upon music from OpenAi?

[@gregmock6808]

The trick to playing a fretless for me is to use a chorus or flanger pedal...it hides my lack of accuracy pretty well..built in wobble

[@cchavez248]

Yes, Lee and Cici having a go with non- precision basses!!!! Woot!!!!

[@dennismullins4930]

These 2 and Oz as the voice is very entertaining indeed ☮️

[@henryeowens]

Great info. Great basses. Great sounds. Thanks Lee and Cici.

[@deanroddey2881]

Everyone should check out some of Remco's videos here on KZbin for crazy examples of what can be done on a fretless.

[@leonardpoindexter5289]

I bought my first fretless in early May. I love it but hated the strings that were on it. Shout out to Tomastik-Infeld for my new strings. They make a great difference and I feel are worth the cost.

[@barondavis5692]

I had a chance to play fretless today. Super cool and fun to play. You can get sounds you can’t get from a fretted bass. When I get better, I’m definitely going w get one.

[@jerseyanimall]

No matter what type of strings you have on your fretless bass, they will cut into the fingerboard. Same thing as a fretted bass and using flatwound strings, they will wear down the frets the same roundwound strings. Sometimes it's a bit slower or faster depending on how you play and how often you're playing that particular bass. If you play hard on the strings, they will wear down the fingerboard and frets quicker than having a lighter touch., etc etc.

[@kraigompls]

I haven't read the comments, but I find that fretless almost always works well in situations that are more acoustic in nature. If you can get by with a 1x10 or a 1x12 cab, a fretless just might be the thing to grab. Of course, both fretless and fretted work in all kinds of situations, but I don't look at the fretless as a novelty. It's a major part of my playing. For me, fretted might be more of a novelty or more of a chore, "I'd rather be playing fretless". I'm building up a Jazz Bass and I have a fretless neck laying around. Even though this fretted neck plays brilliantly, I'm talking myself on putting on the fretless neck.

[@Nikosi9]

Do it! You can always go back....

[@alanredversangel]

My favourite thing to do on a fretless is form an artificial harmonic with my index finger out flat over a string and pluck the string with my middle finger. Then slide up or down.

[@cvanhetkaar96]

Thank you for this playful and informative presentation! Love how you two make music together on those fretlesses ..👍🤠 Btw now you’re at it with those fretless basses , i think it would be wonderfully if yo u could do a comparison between Ibanez SHR500 and Cort B4 FL MHPZ , and maybe some others..

[@spynae]

I've played fretless primarily for the last 14 years, fretted just doesn't feel right to me unless the material absolutely requires it.

[@oscarsantos2608]

I think the fretless makes you a better bass player.😊 Thoes basses are gorgeous! 😍

[@mikeshanermusic]

My favorite parts were the intro and outro jams.👍👍

[@theruminator691]

I can't even play bass and I'm the first one here, get in!

[@Zwopper]

Me neither.

[@caprise-music6722]

I’m a guitarist, so I don’t really play bass, but these bass videos are my favorites!

[@matheusbarbosa6481]

@theruminator691 it's a sign! Play bass!

[@neilmacmusic]

another lovely vid from you both!

[@andrewpappas9311]

I’ve always loved the sound of fretless basses, they have such a distinctive sound and are definitely fun to experiment with but not to mention the fact they've also been used by a number of great rock bands including the likes of Pink Floyd (David Gilmour used on to record the bass parts on "Hey You" and "Pigs (Three Different Ones)", The Police (Sting owned a fretless Fender Precision Bass and fretless Ibanez Musician Bass), Primus (Les Claypool owns a custom six-string fretless made by luthier Carl Thompson, who built a number of other custom basses for him), Jaco Pastorius (1962 Fender Jazz Bass, aka the "Bass of Doom") and Tony Levin (who played a fretless Music Man StingRay on Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer") and Metallica (Jason Newsted on "Until It Sleeps" off Load) just to name a few

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

nice job guys , cool sink at the end cc on top form again.

[@danby8880]

My friend has a fretless and he’s always joking around on how great these things can be

[@Nikosi9]

It's no joke...

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Would love to jam with Cici. Very talented musician.

[@mauthemouth]

great outro jam

[@stationlightyears1532]

Was so waiting for a renditon of "Wal to Wal" 😀 Love the sound of a well-played fretless. Great demo!

[@MrNeilltupman]

Great video! I dont even play bass, but Lee and Cici bass videos are a lot of fun. I've always been a fan of the fretless bass sound, Paul Simon's 'Graceland' springs to mind, and Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam ('Oceans' off of Ten is a good example) is a fretless player that springs to mind. But it was the theme tune to the wonderful 90's TV series "Northern Exposure" that had an amazing fretless bass hook, that I'll always remember fondly. Has anyone ever made/played a fretless guitar? On paper its a nightmare, but surely someone's tried?

[@25chief39]

Inspired by Jaco's playing on Pat Metheny's debut Bright Size Life album, Pat had a luthier build him a fretless guitar.

[@Nikosi9]

I think an oud would be closest to a fretless guitar... Like anything... Practice!

[@yocraigst]

Can a fretless bass be played so that it DOESN'T sound like a fretless or is it always gonna sound like a fretless?

[@herpyderpy4366]

Absolutely. That stereotypical fretless sound is actually something people often have to work on achieving-you'll see a lot of new fretless players online asking how to achieve it because even though they've bought a fretless, they're not getting that sound (setup and EQ can both play a big part in it, alongside string choices). That applies tonally, at least. In terms of articulation, you also have to play in a way that hides the fretlessness, which requires a fair bit of skill, as it involves making sure you're really nailing the notes and not having to make too many on-the-fly adjustments. Nothing wrong with making those adjustments, but it certainly emphasises the fretlessness a little more.

[@paulsummerside]

Cool video Lee & CeeCee😎 Have always stayed away from even trying a fretless bass over the years. You’re making me really want one to add to my kit😎. This could become expensive quite quickly 🤣

[@ericm8025]

One of the best songs on fretless bass is Tiger Tiger by Duran Duran. Tony Franklin is also a monster on the fretless

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

Holy shit Cici! No idea you worked with Andertons now 😅 fellow Worcesterfarian here, I've been out of the music game 5years now, just getting back into it now and I'm searching for inspo and this pops up! Amazing

[@whitedarryl101]

Love it - would be nice to see a super close up of the string

[@intheworkscamp-inrv1147]

In my opinion, there are pros and cons between fretless bass versus fretted bass as an instrument. There are also pros and cons from the players that is using fretless bass or fretless bass. However, I observed that fretless bass has about 3 advantages over fretted bass. (1) for a beginner, playing on a fretted bass requires a player to keep looking at the fretboard more often especially when changing notes / chord progressions. Looking at the fretboard most of the time is an indication, the player is not a professional or someone doesn’t remember where all the notes are on the fretboard (2) for a beginner, finger press in the middle of the frets or slightly farther away from center will cause the string/fret to be buzzed. Playing with a string buzz is an indication of playing incorrectly, poor intonation, poor fingering method (3) for a beginner, on a fretted bass, fingering technique is crucial for playing clean and efficient. On the other hand, for a beginner, playing a fretless bass, doesn’t require to look at the fretboard as often. In fact, without looking at the fretboard kind of allowing the audience to assume the bassist is a professional. Playing without looking and doesn’t produce string buzz. In away, when we assume someone is a professional bass player, even if there is a mistake or not precise in intonation, we still think maybe the player is intentionally playing that way, playing his awesome style, among the best bass player in the world, etc… because none bass player couldn’t figure out how a fretless bass player plays flawlessly and effortlessly even at some time in their lives when they are faking it, the results are like wow! Accidentally can shock and awe the audiences into something what an amazing walking bass line that sounds great! Get a fretless bass guitar with fretted lines because fretless bass player hates it. 😮

[@peedubya7799]

I want to hear one of these hooked up to a Korg Miku

[@brucepiland]

I put fretless neck on my p-bass. Loved it enough to buy an Ibanez SRF700 (and I missed my fretted p-bass a little).

[@timothymckane6362]

Fretless basses have a very unique sound that I really like compared to fretted basses. Even though the fretless have their known place in jazz music, metal music also has their place as well with metalhead bass players using those instruments (which I like even more). People like Steve DiGiorgio, Dominic "Forest" Lapointe, and Linus Klausenitzer are a few examples that used those instruments.

[@bassnsax]

Fretl-Oz Great video! My fretless Frankenbass electric bass hasn't gotten much love lately, but I'll change that! I mostly play upright bass currently, but am itching to buy a 5-string upright-scale-length electric upright bass!

[@andypowell8079]

just want to say i am learning so much from all you guys at Andertons, amazing work, wonder if these two know they need ritalin? love you guys that jam at the end

[@BrentAdams]

Love the sound of a Fretless Bass. THX!

[@simonbowkett124]

21st Birthday present - Tokai Jazzsound Fretless. Everyone should have a fretless in their arsenal. You might not play it much, but it'll certainly teach you a thing or two. :)

[@mortondavisproductions7578]

The engineer that travels with Neil Young told me that flat wound strings on a bass have the fundamental present and that round wound strings do not. I have two fretless bass instruments and I love flat wound strings.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Fretless For Life - can't beat that sound (save for a proper double-bass).

[@joshuasprings6927]

Her bass is massive !

[@joermnyc]

Best example of fretless in pop music (I can think of right now), Paul Simon’s Graceland, specifically Bakithi Kumalo’s work on the album (there’s a few other bassist on the later tracks.)

[@handybunny]

I love Lee and Cici… miss Nathan though.

[@jamesclarke9957]

I bought a second hand Yamaha Pacifica 611 which on paper looked amazing. It played nicely and was very comfortable but in a live situation, it had no presence, power or life about it. Luckily I managed to move it on. On the other hand, very good friend of mine has a red label Nippon Gakki 000 style Yamaha acoustic from 1970 odd which is an absolute joy. I think Yamaha are similar to Ibanez in that they engineer a product very well, to the point of embarrassing some more traditionally popular brands, and if you get a good one you will keep it for life. Personally, I love a twin P90 sharp looking guitar and so I’m very tempted by the Revstar models. Perception and marketing sometimes ruin a great product which, on its merits would actually blow the competition into the weeds. Anyway, that’s my thrupenceworth. 😊

[@Tone_Jammer]

Im gonna take the plunge on a fretless soon.... But im gonna suck at it!

[@chrisjs6123]

Strangely I have round wounds on my fretless and flats on most of my fretted basses. Not a huge fan of fretless but it’s nice to have one.

[@ShyrusBean]

Would be cool in this kind of video to show more fretless models

[@thebigeasy8609]

Fabulous!

[@erollf1972]

as a former fretless only player....I love the jam...I played country and metal on a fretless p bass because it was all I had.

[@garysanders3193]

I am presently having my Fender American Deluxe 5 String Jazz turned into a fretless. I am excited to say the least. My question is, should I get a protective coating over the pao ferro fretboard?

[@ramonpresta6433]

Great video. Thanx Lee and Cici!

[@detunedpaper]

What bass is the guy playing? Can’t find it anywhere

[@LouisCiarlo]

All good points and they did say expressive however, they didn't provide more details regarding how. It's good to note that the fretless bass when played correctly, is expressive in the same way as the Human Voice. Think of a good Opera or Jazz singer, the notes they sing aren't fretted. The voice of a fretless bass truly sings, almost like a human. 🎶🙂

[@pablofichaje]

I absolutely love playing fretless for myself and I study a lot with a fretless at home. But I don’t think they actually fit that well in a band situation, I end up bringing the fretted bass to work

[@chrislaarman7532]

That was great: playing two fretless bass guitars. :-) However, I'm getting under the impression that the greater part of the fretless sound would be due to the flat-wound strings. That suits me, as I feel unfit for playing a fretless bass. Last year, I bought my fourth bass guitar, promising myself to let this one keep round-wound strings (though I purchased higher-quality strings to eventually replace the factory ones with). But yes, that is related to my personal wishes (what and how). Getting carried away: I enjoy the sound of the piëzo pick-up in one of my acoustic basses (yes, with flat-wound strings).

[@kimginnerup5819]

Why should you play a fretless bass? Because it is a lot of fun. Genre? You can play all genres.

[@xplanet2112]

good clip that guys, well done.

[@gregmock6808]

flatwounds also save frets from getting chewed up...

[@josephwalton487]

One thing to note,..some fretless bass as move higher up the neck you may have to "chase" the intonation slightly before where you would fret precisely in lower registers. Thanks to the concept of our "standard" tempermental system of tuning. But not on all basses. Honestly I find that the more frets you deal with on fretless the more you have to chase the pitch higher up. Again as stated this where ear training comes in.

[@johnnyfreeman1018]

Also called " the guessing stick ".......🤷‍♂️

[@ewetoo]

I have a fretless Yamaha Motion-B (someone did their own work on it) and its a very interesting bass.

[@joannalewis5279]

I've been looking for a fretted fretless for a while but noone seems to make them

[@peterbarratt2415]

Cool jam.

[@ddenis991]

the best two ads i have ever seen

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

Please stop implying or suggesting primarily to beginner, novice, amateur, and hobbyist bassists that part of the reason for using a fretless bass is so that you can slide! No wonder they feel invited or obligated to do so when they take it up. Instead, why not explain that a fretless lets you to perfect your tuning by allowing you to infinitely adjust and compensate the pitch in accommodation of requirement, by enabling you to, amongst other tonal necessities, lower the third of the chord (which always needs to be lowered, sometimes drastically).

[@tammiavery1964]

Plug into a tuner to find your notes for reference.

[@damasterkarej]

Sire quality - no sharp fret ends!

[@nathanminert3119]

3rds sound better slightly flat. 5ths sound better slightly sharp. The lines on the bass are misleading, even if the intonation is perfectly set. Tony Franklin has a video about, and it's also the reason he doesn't use a lined fingerboard. 15:37

[@herpyderpy4366]

Probably better to say that they're more justly-intonated slighter flat/slightly sharp. Sounding better depends on the context-if you're playing in a harmonic context where other thirds and fifths are ringing out in 12TET, you're not doing the overall sound any favours by playing them justly-intonated. That said, without those 12TET sounds already on the go on other instruments? Absolutely!

[@nathanminert3119]

@@herpyderpy4366 good point 👍

[@martianmurray]

Can you use a slide on fretted bass to sound like a fretless bass?

[@Vykk_Draygo]

It doesn't sound the same, but yeah.

[@mark.guitar]

No need to fret about it...

[@soulstart89]

How come no bass videos in three months? New basses have been released by fender

[@wademiyataki9221]

Wow, no mention of the Fretless Monster…

[@bhouse92101]

Tony Franklin on Blue Murder's first album was the first time I had ever heard a fretless bass actually stand out (keep in mind that the whole reason I got the album was because I am a huge John Sykes fan). I didn't even know who the Fretless Monster was. I was amazed. I didn't even know it existed prior to that album. Love the sound!

[@cchavez248]

Am I the only weirdo who likes fretless bass better than fretted?

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

Mick Karn, David J.

[@billyellow4849]

I prefer an unlined neck. No temptation to stare at the stripes instead of just playing by ear/instinct.

[@TwoBadBassist]

I miss Nathan…

[@f4cafx]

i recommend you guys check out seru giran from argentina, his bassist player used a lot of fretless bass for their music.