White Cloud

Just a wee update I made initial contact with Chris May today and it seems that the best way to go is to plane the fingerboard off, then replace with a new fretted one. Rather him than me 😮 Considering Chris hand made this bass I reckon he is 'the man' for the task..

Yes, I can now see the confusion... no intention to confuse, apologies to all for the omission. I've taken your advice btw and contacted Overwater for guidance. Nice steer!

I wouldn't want to get into that 🙄... I received it from the very fellow who comissioned it. He was a very nice chap indeed and I had the better end of the deal!

Thanks! Yes, I can play it quite well however, I think it'll make a killer fretted👍

I suppose this thread is useless without pics😁

I think an inquiry to Chris May is probably the best option!

I agree; I consider this bass to be in the 'Wal category'

It has side dots in the conventional fretted position (commissioned this way by the original customer against the advice of Chris May aparently). Definitely want to keep this bass, have wanted one for decades... I'll keep it as a fretless if needs be.

Its unlined, a gorgeous piece of Ebony!

Hi fellow basschatters: I'm seeking some guidance. I've recently acquired a fantastic handmade Overwater Progress Elite 5 string fretless in a trade... It's a stunning bass as is -however, it would probably better serve my musical adventures with frets. So, the defretting process of a conventional fretted neck is very well documented... but conversely there is next to nothing out there on t'internet on adding frets to a factory fitted fretless! Can it be done? As the Overwater is neck-thru I'm guessing a new fingerboard might be the only way... unless you know better???

Fantastic account, thanks for sharing! I've been a JB fan since the early 80's... I live about s 45 minute drive from that venue: I had no idea it was happening... Gutted😣

That is James Finnegan. I bought his Vigier Arpege from him back in the day: oddly enough, he bought a nice vintage Fender Jazz from me!

I own a featherweight ACG & a lightweight Fender Jazz: I usually avoid any bass over 8.5lbs however, the Overwater just sounds and plays so wonderfully that I've decided that it is worth the weight... strengthening my shoulders could be a left-field (as in unexpected) but very useful idea!

Some really good suggestions; thank you all!

Fellow Baschatters I've recently been lucky enough to acquire an Overwater Progress 3 deluxe - absolutely gorgeous looks, playability and tone: the only downside is that it is a bit of a heavyweight (and my shoulder is feeling it after an hour or two). Can any of you recommend a wide and well padded strap that would assist ease the weight? Thanks in advance!

I think this describes my own sentiments on bass playing perfectly.

Superb! Well written and personally evocative for me because it echoed much of my own experiences regarding my own musical influences (Genesis, Yes, Brand X) - and subsequent 'sell everything to buy a Wal' purchase - around the same era. My Wal was fretted - and long gone - but not disimilar from yours. Thanks for sharing this.

There is something very special about early Smith's.. this one is an absolute corker!

Maximise your options by going used; this opens up instruments like G&L Tributes, Ibanez's and Sires etc.