frets

[iommi1423]

I own an Aria pro SB II and i am tempted to remove the frets
It has EMG pickups

My others basses include a 2009 fender MIA jazz bass and an ibanez sr 705

is it a good idea to remove the frets and if i do can i put dem back on

[geoffbyrne]

No, and No.

G.

[ThomBassmonkey]

If you're sure you want it fretless, I don't see why not.

Don't be fooled into thinking that a pair of pliers and some elbow grease is all you need though, you can easily damage the fretboard.

They can be put back too if you don't want it fretless.

Neither job is easy or risk-free, I wouldn't bother unless you're 100% sure you want it doing and if you're that sure, I'd get it done professionally.

[4 Strings]

No and Yes from me. Anything's possible but whether its a good idea or not...

A nice looking fretless jap Fender Jazz just went for £300 in the dreaded ebay. My advice would be to get a proper fretless, they tend to be excellent value if you want one.

My worry about replacing frets would be cleaning the filler from the slot while trying to retain the original slot width so the replaced frets are a good fit.

[iommi1423]

ok thanks for the advice guys

[Cat Burrito]

I own a fretless that has been fretted by the previous owner. The dots will be out of line but you learn to adapt. Less of a good idea if you play a lot of different basses - so two others isn't a big problem. I'd think very carefully before proceeding though.

[Fat Rich]

Might be better off buying or borrowing a cheap fretless and seeing if you like it first, de fretting a bass can go quite badly wrong if the fingerboard is a bit soft.

[bartelby]

Of course, if the fretboard is a bit battered anyway then go for it.
Like I did to a Warwick.

[ezbass]

I did it once with a pair of pliers and coloured plastic wood and made a pretty good job of it. However, compared to the pro job I had done last time there's no comparison. Also if you do it yourself the likelihood of damage preventing a potential refret is quite high.

[bh2]

I took the plunge and had the frets on my 62 Jazz stoned down to the tangs... my luthier was very, very reluctant to do it but I pushed him.
It was a case inhabitant for a decade and a half, now it's my fave player.