Bridgehouse Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 Really odd discussion for me. It's a sound you can use. And so I use it. Sometimes when writing bass lines I will consciously choose an open string rather than fretted equivalent for the sound/flow/feel It's a tool in the toolbag and I don't see why you wouldn't use it. Right tool for the right job etc.. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 3 minutes ago, MoJo said: I was going to ask about zero fret basses They tend to be quite common on European instruments - I don't know why everyone doesn't use them, tbh. They also make getting a super low action easier. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 2 minutes ago, ped said: They tend to be quite common on European instruments - I don't know why everyone doesn't use them, tbh. They also make getting a super low action easier. There is one on my Hayman 4040. I like them, they eliminate any possible nut problems and faffing about with nut files, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 Just now, discreet said: There is one on my Hayman 4040. I like them, they eliminate any possible nut problems and faffing about with nut files, etc. They can wear out quicker tho - specially if they are the same material as your other frets, and you use rounds. Over time you will get little ruts. I looked at a 60s bass with a zero fret and it's intonation was all over the shop - the zero feet looked like the Lake District.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MoJo Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 Just now, Bridgehouse said: They can wear out quicker tho - specially if they are the same material as your other frets, and you use rounds. Over time you will get little ruts. I looked at a 60s bass with a zero fret and it's intonation was all over the shop - the zero feet looked like the Lake District.. Peak District surely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 Just now, MoJo said: Peak District surely Nah - Lake District has higher peaks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 3 minutes ago, Bridgehouse said: Nah - Lake District has higher peaks And only one lake! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 1 minute ago, ped said: And only one lake! Very true.. there was more than one "lake" in this zero fret tho I did see one bass once with a Titanium zero fret - dunno if it helped or if it affected tone tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 9 minutes ago, Bridgehouse said: They can wear out quicker tho - specially if they are the same material as your other frets, and you use rounds. Over time you will get little ruts. I looked at a 60s bass with a zero fret and it's intonation was all over the shop - the zero feet looked like the Lake District.. Ahh... only used flats on that bass though, but I'm sure you're right. Titanium frets, that's what we need... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 2 minutes ago, Bridgehouse said: I did see one bass once with a Titanium zero fret... Just now, discreet said: Titanium frets, that's what we need... Snap... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 3 minutes ago, Bridgehouse said: Very true.. there was more than one "lake" in this zero fret tho I did see one bass once with a Titanium zero fret - dunno if it helped or if it affected tone tho I THINK my zero frets are all the same material as the other frets, could be wrong, but one was built in '88 and it's nice and flat like Norfolk (with the possible exception of the Broads) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 (edited) 1 minute ago, ped said: I THINK my zero frets are all the same material as the other frets, could be wrong, but one was built in '88 and it's nice and flat like Norfolk I'm in the fens in South Lincs - I bet it's flatter here than your zero fret (unless you have a board of less than 12" radius ) Edited November 22, 2017 by Bridgehouse 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 I'll play whatever the song requires. Don't see any difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M@23 Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 3 hours ago, nightsun said: I've never played footloose using open strings (well only the E on the run)...I'll try it, although muscle memory will probably bugger me up. I've got pretty big hands, but pedalling that open A in the chorus is way easier for me than fretting an A! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 (edited) I'll play open strings if possible gives me more time to get to the next fret, but don't play 2 together to avoid damping problems edit, that's one after the other not together literally Edited November 22, 2017 by PaulWarning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upside downer Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 Use them. They sound fine. Handy for passing notes and tricky riffs/fills if you're an enthusiastic weekend warrior like me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 Players of double basses and fretless electrics play a lot of open strings, as it keeps your intonation correct when you're playing an unfretted neck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Dave Posted November 23, 2017 Share Posted November 23, 2017 If I'm trying a line out either an open string or the same note fretted will fall under my fingers easier than the other. I've enough on singing so I'll always go with the one that allows me to play on autopilot but in bits where I don't sing - weirdly - I often do the opposite. I expect it's an insecure desire to let the williams know I'm actually doing something. Quite often I take my hand away if I'm paying an open note too which probably began as showing off but now is just a habit , though sometimes it's so I can quickly wipe my hand on my combats or make some kind of posy rock gesture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Dare Posted November 23, 2017 Share Posted November 23, 2017 Jamerson, no less, reportedly used open strings whenever he could, although with ancient flats and a high action, it probably didn't sound any different to a fretted note. I use a mixture, like most. If I want a mellow/less bright sound, I do prefer a fretted note, especially on the D and G strings, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolverinebass Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 Most definitely a vote for open strings. Triplet pulloffs are somewhat easier with them. Even if I didn't do that, open strings are great anyway. I've always kind of felt the way they ring is totally different. More overtones and harmonics, but it was just my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 On 21/11/2017 at 11:50, thebrig said: Open A for me on Whole Lotta Rosie, much easier than going from the fretted 5th fret on the E string and back like a lot of players do Really? I find it easier playing the 5th on the E, also makes the bass line punchier to my ears. I suppose we are all different!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creeper Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 I must admit that I do prefer fretted notes, they sound fuller to my ear, although I’m the mix of a live performance there won’t be much difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telebass Posted November 25, 2017 Author Share Posted November 25, 2017 A most informative thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftyyorky Posted December 21, 2017 Share Posted December 21, 2017 Muse "Hysteria" and Yes "Sound Chaser " are 2 great examples of the use of open strings. The great John Entwistle used them a lot especially when soloing. IIRC "40" by U2 has the bass played by The Edge and not Adam Clayton, certainly on "Live at Red Rocks" anyway. 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steantval Posted December 21, 2017 Share Posted December 21, 2017 I personally struggle with open strings when they are part of a repetitive riff - Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi springs to mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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