Fretless Rickenbacker

[steviedee]

Anyone ever tried a fretless Ric? Be keen to hear opinions. I realise they are rare so It's unlikely I'll pick one up anytime soon but I'm on the look out. I have fretless Jazz and a Stingray, the Musicman in particular is a great bass, to be honest, I'm after the Ric simple because I like the look!

Edited December 31, 2015 by steviedee

[Shaggy]

I used to own a 4003FL and they're lovely - the varnished rosewood board feels similar to an epoxied one, and dialling in a "Macca thump" type tone on the neck pickup sounds even thicker and woodier on fretless. Massive sustain. Only potential downside I suppose could be that many don't find the slab body comfy for finger style, but I've never found that an issue with Rics

Chris (Beedster) will be along in a minute to comment I'm sure as he's also keen on these (it was his I used to own, only traded it back to get my mitts on his '65 P......

I've tried pretty much every passive fretless out there, personal favourite is definitely my '77 Ovation Magnum 1

[visog]

I've never tried one (or even seen one) but I remember the bass player in one of Dave Brubeck's bands had one and made it sound very good... if that helps. (Which it probably doesn't.)

[Cosmo Valdemar]

I tried one - a mate's shop had a load of them which they were re-fretting for customers (?). Unfortunately I had a hideous experience with it as I'd not had much experience with the fretless way, and as it was a Rick I found myself dialling in a Geddy Lee clank and playing with my usual ham-fisted approach. It did not make a pleasant sound.
However I'm sure with a different approach it would make a superb bass - there's no reason why it shouldn't.

[steviedee]

Thanks guys info much appreciated, I have the added problem of needing a lined fretless. Potentially look at having a fretted bass defretted, tho I'm never sure how well that works out. The 4003s has no binding so it might be less problematic to defret.

[visog]

[quote name='visog' timestamp='1451560355' post='2941496']
I've never tried one (or even seen one) but I remember the bass player in one of Dave Brubeck's bands had one and made it sound very good... if that helps. (Which it probably doesn't.)
[/quote]

Found this which may help... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLqb1YFlyM

[visog]

Off-topic as this clip has frets but further to previous post of 'Rick in Jazz' shock! Here's Stanley rocking a Rick with RTF... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppUpj90YAFU

[Bassman Sam]

I had one in the '70's. It was my main bass for about 3 years. I used it in a rock and prog covers band and it sounded great. I replaced it with a '75 Fender Precision as that sat better in the mix. Good luck with your search Stevie, you don't see many about.

[steviedee]

Cheers Sam they do seem a bit thin on the ground!