Block markers and fretless bass.

[alembic1989]

hi to all.
Simple question.
Can basses with necks that have block markers...(like a jazz), be defretted to make a good fretless, or will the block inlays scupper the idea?
I've just pulled the trigger on a Sire Marcus Miller...and was considering buying another one to convert to a fretless.

[visog]

Purists (notably) Alembic say it changes the tone, which it probably does when you think about it, but that said, I've seen it done many times... Just be careful with the fingerboard wood though, darker woods work well but I'd say my maple fretless conversion was a fail... (Only every seen Sting with such a beast as me but he seemed to make work ok).

[sammybee]

I'm having a fretted neck (rosewood) with blocks converted to fretless as I type. I hope it will work.

[zero9]

Should be fine, Birelli Lagrene did just that.

[alembic1989]

[quote name='sammybee' timestamp='1427956725' post='2736182']
I'm having a fretted neck (rosewood) with blocks converted to fretless as I type. I hope it will work.
[/quote]

Any chance you could let me know how it all worked out?

[alembic1989]

[quote name='zero9' timestamp='1427958390' post='2736200']
Should be fine, Birelli Lagrene did just that.
[/quote]

Hmmmm...he's a fine bassist..I guess if it's good enough for Birelli......

[MrWalker]

It will work, but I don't know how it will stand the test of time without an epoxy treatment. :-)

[sammybee]

[quote name='alembic1989' timestamp='1427958599' post='2736202']
Any chance you could let me know how it all worked out?
[/quote]

Sure thing, when I get it back I'll take some pictures and let you know how it is.

[White Cloud]

It will work....might look a bit unusual though (my opinion of course).

[miles'tone]

A friend of mine had a late 60's fretless jazz with block inlays, converted to P/J.
He gigged it for over 15 years with no epoxy and no problems.
He played it through a vintage Fender Bassman valve head and 2x15 cab.
It is still THE most sexiest sounding bass I have ever heard. He's a really tasty player too though.
Go for it.

[alembic1989]

[quote name='miles'tone' timestamp='1428173910' post='2738857']
A friend of mine had a late 60's fretless jazz with block inlays, converted to P/J.
He gigged it for over 15 years with no epoxy and no problems.
He played it through a vintage Fender Bassman valve head and 2x15 cab.
It is still THE most sexiest sounding bass I have ever heard. He's a really tasty player too though.
Go for it.
[/quote]

Sounds like the way to go then. Thanks for that..I believe I am suitably reassured.
I'm particularly pleased that it stayed good even tough it was gigged regularly AND without being epoxied.