72 Musicmaster Fretless Project

[ped]

19 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

 

It's also a demonstration that although high mass is different, different doesn't automatically mean better.

 

Honestly, I was amazed by the difference (sounds like a YouTube video title)

[Beedster]

Lovely bass, and yes some basses prefer low tech bridges 👌

[Andyjr1515]

Fascinating.  In that they are so similar in many respects, I wouldn't have thought it would make that much difference.  Just a wild thought - in that the original saddles share two strings each, I wonder if there is some sort of impact from the two sources and characteristics of vibration on each pair.

 

But yes - a surprising result whatever the explanation!

[Andyjr1515]

This is what AI says - although it may have just regurgitated the above discussion 🤣

 

"Yes, there can be a subtle sonic difference, with individual saddles generally providing a slightly tighter, brighter, or more focused sound, and two strings sharing a single, larger saddle (common on vintage-style bridges) potentially offering a warmer, "ballsier" tone with a more pronounced midrange. 

The difference is generally minor compared to other factors like string type, pickups, or playing technique, and is largely a matter of personal preference." 

[Beedster]

11 minutes ago, Andyjr1515 said:

Fascinating.  In that they are so similar in many respects, I wouldn't have thought it would make that much difference.  Just a wild thought - in that the original saddles share two strings each, I wonder if there is some sort of impact from the two sources and characteristics of vibration on each pair.

 

But yes - a surprising result whatever the explanation!

 

IME a change in bridge can have the effect of micro EQ (change overall tonality), micro filter (notch certain frequencies), micro envelope shaper (change attack/sustain), or micro compressor (even things out a bit). On most instruments switching bridges makes little real difference, but on some it can be tangible and helpful. It's always worth some trial and error 

[ped]

A little video, not much good but it gives a good idea of what the bass might sound like in better hands!

 

 

[Stub Mandrel]

Nice mwah

[Hellzero]

If you play mwah twice, does it become mwah mwah?

 

Just asking for a friend.

[ped]

Merry Christmas guys x mwah 💋 😂

[Geek99]

On 12/08/2025 at 14:24, Beedster said:

 

That neck..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It just needs a little fairy sparkle to be photo-shopped on 

[Si600]

 

1 hour ago, Hellzero said:

If you play mwah twice, does it become mwah mwah?

 

Just asking for a friend.

 Does it go mwahahahahaha with sustain?

[Beedster]

5 hours ago, ped said:

A little video, not much good but it gives a good idea of what the bass might sound like in better hands!

 

 

Won't let me play which is odd. Says I have to sign in which I've never done before., is this adult fretless content 🤣

 

Quite relieved really as a) Ped'll just be another bloke who plays FL better than me and b) I'll have short-scale FL GAS  

[Richard R]

FB now always seems to ask for a login if you're either on a VPN or a cloud hosted virtual PC.  Presumably to "confirm you are a real person, enhance your online experience and harvest your kidneys. Sorry should have said data"

[Beedster]

On 22/12/2025 at 11:21, ped said:

The Osmo oil finish on the fretboard is holding up perfectly, I am pleased to report. Amazing stuff!

 

@ped do you know which variant of Osmo Oil was used? I'm keen to oil a couple of my necks and have a few tins os Osmo lying around the place 👍 

[ped]

13 minutes ago, Beedster said:

 

@ped do you know which variant of Osmo Oil was used? I'm keen to oil a couple of my necks and have a few tins os Osmo lying around the place 👍 

 

Hi mate it was the glossy clear version, I think you can get a small tin for about £20. A bloke on TB used the satin version which looked good, too.

[Beedster]

1 hour ago, ped said:

 

Hi mate it was the glossy clear version, I think you can get a small tin for about £20. A bloke on TB used the satin version which looked good, too.

 

Thanks Ped, do you think the oils are all much of a muchness, I appear to have Osmo floor oil, worktop oil, and furniture oil (as well as some decking oil but I suspect that'll not be the best bet)?

[Andyjr1515]

43 minutes ago, Beedster said:

 

Thanks Ped, do you think the oils are all much of a muchness, I appear to have Osmo floor oil, worktop oil, and furniture oil (as well as some decking oil but I suspect that'll not be the best bet)?

If I can interject here, as well as tinted versions, in the non-tinted Osmo Polyx range there are 4 types from memory, which are various levels of sheen from Matt to Gloss.  

However, there is another product Osmo produce that is thinner, and probably soaks in a bit more, and can take multiple coats to progressively build up the finish to what I would describe as Satin finish.  It's called '1101 Farblos Transparent'.  I think that @Jabba_the_gut  uses that on his magnificent short scale basses?

[Andyjr1515]

54 minutes ago, Beedster said:

 

Thanks Ped, do you think the oils are all much of a muchness, I appear to have Osmo floor oil, worktop oil, and furniture oil (as well as some decking oil but I suspect that'll not be the best bet)?

Oh - and in my experience all oils are absolutely not much of a muchness.  For basses, especially on fingerboards, you have to be sure that it is going to fully set with no finger drag.  I've used oils in the past that NEVER set fully hard. 

Edited 4 hours ago by Andyjr1515

[ped]

Ah righto I wasn't aware of the different types. I'll ask which one he used and let you know. It's holding up really well, but I suppose it would be good to know in case I want to give it another coat one day

[ped]

This is the one I sent him the link to, so presumably it was this one but I'll check

3011 CLEAR, GLOSSY

https://osmouk.com/product/polyx-oil-original/