Fretless dot markers

[Scotbear]

Controversial I know but I do refer to them and don't stare into space not looking at fretboard, even after 35 years. So, I know (or think I know) that some big names have same necks as fretted and so dots are NOT on the note where the lines are/would be. And some do...can anyone give me examples of good quality (£250-£350m used) basses with dot markers on the note - so a specific fretless neck? I was told Fender/Squire have same necks as fretted which is a real shame....

 

Many thanks 

[Thump]

Have you tried 2nd hand? at that price i think you are only going to find Harley Bentons new , i have not tried one so cannot comment on them.

 

I picked this up for about £180 a few years ago. Early 80's , ebony board , side dots on the note ,  lovely to play

 

[Thump]

2 minutes ago, Thump said:

Have you tried 2nd hand? ( Edit: yes you have. Re reading the post renders some of mine obsolete , apologies.)   At that price i think you are only going to find Harley Bentons new , i have not tried one so cannot comment on them.

 

I picked this up for about £180 a few years ago. Early 80's Aria , ebony board , side dots on the note ,  lovely to play 

 

Edit 2 : I had a very late night and early morning , and thats how i managed to quote myself instead of hitting the edit button 🤦‍♂️

 

 

Edited October 5, 2023 by Thump

[Scotbear]

I have a superb cheap one too.....£190 and quite the thing!! But I was hoping to get something more pleasing on the eye and slightly better build quality. And 2nd hand is definitely an option.

 

[velvetkevorkian]

Possibly a stretch to get one in budget but my (unlined) Metro Express has the dots where the lines would be.

[Scotbear]

The Sadowsky is a decent price even new....thanks 

[tauzero]

11 hours ago, Scotbear said:

Controversial I know but I do refer to them and don't stare into space not looking at fretboard, even after 35 years. So, I know (or think I know) that some big names have same necks as fretted and so dots are NOT on the note where the lines are/would be. And some do...can anyone give me examples of good quality (£250-£350m used) basses with dot markers on the note - so a specific fretless neck? I was told Fender/Squire have same necks as fretted which is a real shame....

 

Many thanks 

 

Almost invariably, the dots are where the frets would be (3, 5, 7, etc) for unlined instruments and where the fretted dots are for lined ones. So any unlined one should meet that criterion.

[King Tut]

8 hours ago, tauzero said:

 

Almost invariably, the dots are where the frets would be (3, 5, 7, etc) for unlined instruments and where the fretted dots are for lined ones. So any unlined one should meet that criterion.

Unless it’s a Crafter Acoustic Fretless like I had - unlined with the dots mid fret - grrrrrrrr!

[police squad]

ive only really seen/played with dots on the fret line

until I bought a neck from EY guitar parts. fretless maple board.

I got my local luthier to put new dots on it, in the right place

[BlueMoon]

Changing the dot side-marker positions is certainly doable for somebody competent at DIY. It also gives you the chance to install Luminlay (glow in the dark) side markers, which can be helpful on dark stages. Of course, a luthier will do a top job as well.

[3below]

Chowny swb-1, ebony board, dots in the correct place, no dot at first fret position. Took me ages to find one then it appeared on bc £300 iirc. Another good option  is the Warwick Corvette, ebony board, dots at 1,3 5,7 etc. My ash bodied one is very light weight, a pleasure to play. One went on ebay last week £500 ish from memory.  You may be searching for a long time.

Edited October 6, 2023 by 3below

[Geek99]

Could you use “hangover lines” like sting did ? Luminlay tape over the top of the next on the fret lines and a short way across the fretboard? That’s virtually free

[Scotbear]

I am now thinking of luthier changing existing bass into a fretless....