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Posted

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..

  • Like 2
Posted
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.

  • Thanks 1
Posted
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.

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Posted
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..

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Posted
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 xD

Posted
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

Posted
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...

Posted
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

xD

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)

Posted (edited)
1 minute ago, ped said:

xD

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 :biggrin: )

Edited by Bridgehouse
  • Haha 1
Posted
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!

Posted (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 O.o

Edited by PaulWarning
Posted

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.

  • Like 1
Posted

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.

Posted

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.

Posted

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.

Posted
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!!:crazy:

Posted

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.

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

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. 😊

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