spiltmilk_2000 Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 Hi all, was browsing in a local shop today and spotted a squire fretless p bass. I've fancied trying my hand at fretless for a while but have never really been able to justify the cost and space for another bass that may not see a lot of use... Especially as I usually have a penchant for the more expensive models ;-). Anyway, what really grabbed my attention was a nice looking 3tsb / tort fretless bass at a VERY low price. On closer inspection the ticket said it was a part ex (explaining the price) but in immaculate condition, even with the protective film over the scratch plate and pick ups. I had a little play and was really impressed with the feel and set up. A very shallow and comfortable neck and a super-lightweight body and flat wounds that felt brand new. Anyways... Since returning home I can't get it out of my head. Am seriously considering picking it up tomorrow so thought I'd ask a litt advice here first seeing as I'm a fretless novice. What is the general consensus on build quality of these models? Any issues or problems I should look out for? It almost seems too good value so I'm wondering what the catch is. Any advice greatly received. Thanks all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocketflup Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 Nowt wrong with the Squires. Is it the 'Jaco' fretless? I beleive that one has an ebanol fretboard that I personally didnt like, a matter of personal taste I think. If it feels good to you, why are you asking here? get it bought and enjoyed lad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 Sods law states - it won't be there when you go back! Should have bought it seconds after seeing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 Well it's a squire so it will be fine, as far as I know the fret less models have no issues. Being a vm model slightly higher up than a standard, affinity. If it plays well and you like it go for it. Give it another once over before you buy, all the usual stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiltmilk_2000 Posted November 21, 2015 Author Share Posted November 21, 2015 Ha! Cheers sprocket! That's my thought exactly. Keep thinking it seems so nice for the money but I've never shopped for or even played a fretless so have no point of reference... Have no idea what materials are available for fretboards etc. I know I won't be getting ebony at this price point though :-) It's not the jaco Jazz. It's a sunburst p bass with a very cheap looking tort plate which was the only thing that looked really 'budget'. I did notice a few bits of slight string rash on the fretboard but I assume this is normal? I did wonder if it might have been strung with round wounds at some time which had left marks but I'm sure even flats will leave some minor marks. Anyway, thanks for the advice :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiltmilk_2000 Posted November 21, 2015 Author Share Posted November 21, 2015 [quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1448146258' post='2913356'] Sods law states - it won't be there when you go back! Should have bought it seconds after seeing it [/quote] I really hope not! It was there an hour before closing time so I'll be really gutted if it's gone by opening tomorrow! But knowing my luck.... :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 A fretless bass in an instrument shop? Go for it. You might never see a fretless in a shop again. Rare things off the shelf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 I'm not enough of a connoisseur to give a reliable review. But, I tried one VM fretless jazz and thought it was absolutely the bees knees. To me (see disclaimer) there is a difference between the 'proper fenders' and even VM squires. But, the VMJ I tried felt absolutely perfect. I didn't like a VM fretless precision I tried nearly so much, that felt a bit cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiltmilk_2000 Posted November 22, 2015 Author Share Posted November 22, 2015 Well, it was still there when I went back today. Needless to say it is no longer there ;-) tiny tweak to the truss rod to flatten the neck slightly and it plays really nicely! Thanks guys ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikki_Sixx Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Tell us what happened!! Did you buy? We need to see it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocketflup Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Bon appetit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiltmilk_2000 Posted November 23, 2015 Author Share Posted November 23, 2015 [quote name='Rikki_Sixx' timestamp='1448210102' post='2913677'] Tell us what happened!! Did you buy? We need to see it! [/quote] Of course... I'll try and get a pic up tonight :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiltmilk_2000 Posted November 23, 2015 Author Share Posted November 23, 2015 (edited) [URL=http://s304.photobucket.com/user/haywardruss/media/FullSizeRender_zpsz8cjfz7t.jpg.html][IMG]http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn170/haywardruss/FullSizeRender_zpsz8cjfz7t.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Here she is (assuming the link works!) with a few of her new family ;-) Russ Edited November 23, 2015 by spiltmilk_2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretlessguy Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 A wise choice. It seems to fit in your bass family well. The cheap tort pickguard can always be replaced if you desire. I think you will grow to really like the tone well and enjoy playing the bass. Fretless is a different animal, and are very rewrading to play. Be sure to look at some of the fretless videos on youtube. Lots of good technique stuff you can pickup from there. There is always a great debate overe what string type to play on a fretless. Some say rounds for the classic singing mwah sound, and others will tell you to use flats to save wear on the finger board (flats sound more "uprightish" and are less abrasive to the finger board). It really depends as to what style of music you play.I suggest using whatever string you prefer to play now. It is a good place to start. I prefer compressed woundround strings since they give you aspects of both rounds and flats. Don't give up if it is difficult at first. stay with it and you will enjoy the results. If you do go with rounds for the mwah sound, then in vest in a chorus pedal. They sound fantastic on a fretless bass. I wish you well in the world of fretlessing. FG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiltmilk_2000 Posted November 24, 2015 Author Share Posted November 24, 2015 Thanks for the advice fretlessguy! You are right it's a very different instrument. After day 1 I'm already starting to identify technique issues contributing to poor intonation. If I play a b5 interval between finger 1 and 2 it goes really flat so I need to reconfigure my hand shape a little. Having to fight the urge to slide into every note too :-) To be honest I'm really enjoying the flat wounds. Really lovely woolliness and they feel great under my fingers. Huge amount of work ahead though before it will begin to feel natural! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 I had the Squier VMJ version a few years back, and it was perfectly playable, unfortunately with a prominent dead spot, G string, 7th or 8th fret , though this could happen to many basses. I eventually changed pups for Aaaron Armstrong customs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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