Jerry_B

I think [url="http://www.hartnollguitars.co.uk/products.asp?id=4644"]Hartnoll's in Plymouth[/url] still have the older versions of the SX in stock. Sqiuer Affinity Jazzes are good as a modding project IMHO.

I know what you mean. I put some Hammers into my fretless Jazz awhile back and they've really filled out and chunkified the sound. Great stuff

This is what happens when George Lucas has a go at bass design... I mean, 're-imagining'...

I use LaBella 760FXs on my fretless and my P/J. I think they tend to keep their sustain better than Chromes. IMHO Chromes also go dead rather quickly, particularly the E and A strings. The E and As from LaBella 760FS sets also tend to get this, but just not as quickly. In terms of tension, the 769FXs are still nicely taught despite their thiness - just not as overbearingly hight tension as Chromes.

[quote name='Ancient Mariner' post='1239651' date='May 21 2011, 07:52 PM']How are you finding the less expensive flats (D'Addario & Roto) tension-wise? I popped some flats on my Ryder bass and found they had a [b]very[/b] high tension. They also lack sustain compared to the rounds I had previously: that's not often a problem, but sometimes it's just really nice to leave the note rumbling in the background instead of adding more percussion to the sound.[/quote] High tension flats can lack some sustain, but that sometimes also depends on the guage you're using.

You guys may also like Aurore Rien. Similar stuff...

Yep, very nice. Did you have to drill new holes for the pickguard or did you get a custom one made?

Did they charge more for the metallic finish?

I tend to think that the 'mwah' comes from lower tension strings. They seem to produce the effect better by being more likely to vibrate as you play.

[quote name='Legion' post='1235560' date='May 18 2011, 12:31 PM']Here's my (more boring and predictable) much loved fretless[/quote] Tasty! I wish Fender would release cheaper versions of this, maybe with 3 controls and an enbanol board...

Here's my current gigging bass, a MIJ Jazz.

I use a Boss HM-2 ('heavy metal' distortion) and it seems to handle the bassiness just fine, with a bit of tweaking.

Blimey - very nice! Apart from the black hardware, this is exactly the same as the bass I want to build. Is the board ebanol or ebony?

I bought a wiring kit from John for my Jazz. Everything arrived nicely wrapped up and is perfect for my needs. John has also been a top bloke to deal with!

Di Pinto have [url="http://www.dipintoguitars.com/product.php?id=11"]this one[/url] and [url="http://www.dipintoguitars.com/product.php?id=10"]this one...[/url]

I agree. The badge on the headstock doesn't count for much really - tone and playability is much more important. It's probably only other bassist who will look at the badge perhaps, but b*ll*cks to 'em if they look down their nose at whatever you're playing

I've always wanted a black unlined fretless Pbass. One day, one day...

[quote name='wingnutkj' post='1224156' date='May 8 2011, 02:57 PM']Squier do a "Precision Special" - P bass body, P-J pickups, Jazz width neck. I had one a few years ago and it was very nice for the money.[/quote] +1 - you can still buy certain versions. AFAIK, these are black, 'antique burst', and black with a matching black headstock and mirror scratchplate. They have a 38mm nut. I have a walnut satin one, which is very playable

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1225086' date='May 9 2011, 01:53 PM']I have to say, I do smile when people say 'wow! its a fretless'. There is a tacit assumption that fretless players are in some way a cut above fretted players. Its nonsense. The 'additional' skills required to played fretless over fretted bass are about 1% of the whole package. The big issue is learning to listen to what you play rather than to assume that becasue you are on the thrid fret, you muct be in tune (I have heard plenty of fretted basses played out of tune. A fret is no guarantee!! ). If you can't hear what you are playing on a fretless, you may experience problems. However, IME, if I can't hear it, noone else can either so it matters not a jot Don't be frightened of it. Its not hard. Just different.[/quote] Yep, couldn't agree more!

Gub - do you intend to play the fretless with a plectrum or not? I ask as doing tends to add a few factors that may take some getting used to.

Interesting idea! How do you attach them? Forgive the somewhat naiive question...

I have quite a few favourite albums and I know the basslines for all of them, which must be quite a few songs. As to why - well, why not? If you enjoy the music it's a good motivator, let alone good practice.

I use Couch straps for all of my basses - they're very well-made indeed.