Marc Day

Not right from the start like you but I had an unlined Status S2 for about 15 years, so I understand what you're saying and playing the thing isn't the problem. Unless you're a robot, by it's nature playing fretless could never be an exact science. Isn't that what all the sliding around's about? However, there are certain mechanical aspects of the bass itself, that couldn't hurt to get as close as you can.

There is something about what you say that I don't quite get though and I'm not being rude. Since were talking about a mechanical problem that can be dealt with by a few adjustments to the bass, how is deliberately placing your fingers a little out to find the right note any kind of a solution?

I take my hat off to those who can instinctively intonate the bass by being able to slide into the position giving the correct pitch.  Sadly, that's not a skill I have, but I would like to play fretless, even if that means I need to keep an eye on the side dots as well as the dots on the page; which is challenging.

@Ambassient;

What tuner were you using please?

Mine has latency that would make it slow progress if I was to apply it to practice it that manner.  Generally, the lower the note the more dithering the thing does.  It could do with being shielded better too as it appears to find the G note when there is no note audible.

It stands to reason that a tuner needs a minimum number of cycles to tell what frequency (note) is on the line.  I'm thinking there is a point beyond which tuners can not go despite being expensive and full of "helpful" features.