Ed Friedland - The Bass Whisperer demonstrates the Tom Clement 5 string fretless bass for Bass Gear Magazine, issue #4. Read the full, in depth review at www.bassgearmag.com.
@Vizillar2505 - They are roundwounds. I always use rounds on fretless, I like the sound. But over time, they can chew up the board a bit. I have a relatively light touch in the left hand, that helps, plus - I don't play fretless a lot, so I've never had any problems with serious wear on the neck. Your results may vary.
@rickysaur One way to get the bass to really mwah is to set the truss rod straight so that as you slide the string will fret out across the fingerboard. It's a delicate operation and takes time to discover the sweet spot between too much and too little but once you do you're set for life. Also playing with an aggressive attack will help if you don't have the relief in such a way
@WoWintosh - The basses I review get sent to me by either the magazine I'm working for (in this case, Bass Gear) or by the manufacturer. After I'm done, I send them back - most of the time. Occasionally I will buy it if I really like it.
Great review Ed! That's a sweet axe for the price! I thought the Clement's were more expensive than that. Thanks for bringing that to our attention. Peace!
@DMBassNVox - It was so long ago, I don't remember the neck profile vividly. Bolt-ons are perfectly capable of having good sustain, if they're well made!
@DonaldWaughMusic - I have always used roundwounds on fretless. I am not concerned with fretboard damage because: 1) I have a light touch with my left hand 2) I don't play fretless all that much anyway 3) I prefer the sound
I just took possession of my first boutique level instrument, a Roscoe, and I have to say, there is no comparison, the Roscoe is above and beyond any mass produced instrument I have ever played and I have played a ton of them. That isn't to say that you can't get a good off the shelf bass, however. Full Disclosure: I love cheap basses, especially the VM Squier series, so I certainly not a snob.
Thank you for your quick response! I have a fretless Spector with flatwounds and a passive EMG-HZ on it, but i can't really get that mouch "mwah"-sound out of it. Are the strings a big part of the sound, or do you think I'm just "doing it wrong"? :)
Hey man you're doing some really amazing work on reviewing. Any chance on getting your hands and wisdow on Mayones or Warwick basses? Thanks for your videos, all the best!
At first, I wasn't nuts about the shape, but I grew to really like it. I think it looks cool, and the wood... is stunning. And... the sound really kicks ass.
@AUDEPrecords - Well, I think it's the proximity of the J coil with the treble coil of the P, but as you know... I'm not really a PJ fan. I think this bass sounds best with one or the other pickup.
hey ed, is that flat wound set of strings or round wound you got on? (my guess is round form the look of it) and I'd like to ask also, is it a good idea using roundwound on rosewood fretless fingerboard in the sense that the strings would mess up the fingerboard so so quickly? thx ed
hey Ed, just stumbled upon this vid. thanks for posting, as I am currently researching woods to have Tom make me a 2nd single cutaway (i own his #155, limba neck w/ Swamp Ash body). i'm trying to go P/MM, and i've been thinking about going all Black Limba. it's a remarkable wood, and i have loved not only the response and feel, but it seems to stand up to the humidity of New Orleans weather. i will probably get something very similar to this, so thanks for giving me ideas!
@felporocker - Of course it's possible to switch back and forth. It takes a little getting used to, but it's possible. And yeah, a 5 string is fine for funk rock.
Hey Ed, I am in the market for a Fretless Bass. Never own one so I would like your advice on what string I should get. Some people are saying stick with round wound others say flatwound. What's your take on that?
I know it doesn't have much to do with the video but i need some help. I am planning to buy a 5 string and i already have a 4 string. I wonder if it is posible and easy to regulary switch from a 4 string to a 5 string without much effort and if a 5 string maybe good for funk rock. My influences are the chili peppers and a little aerosmith, i know that Flea and Hamilton don't use 4 strings regulary but i like tuning my E to C.
Indeed I just prefer the tomne on the lightwave. Thanks for the reviews by the way. Any chance of some EBS reviews i just got a 210 neogorm combo and man its something else.
@MushroomDisorder - Well, he has changed his prices since this bass was reviewed. I did not buy this bass, it was sent to Bass Gear Magazine to review. at the time, the price was as quoted. I owned one of Tom's 6-strings, and it was great, a real bargain really.
Good vid, Ed! There are a lot of things I like about this bass based on this video. First, it's gorgeous! Second, it's not a fortune! Third, it's passive, and fourth, it's fretless! I still don't like the sound of the blend, though. I think it still has an unfavorably pro-J bias on the ADG strings (the lower bobbin of the P-Pup.) When playing a J/J in blend, I hear no bias. That's part of why I love J so much! Are you sure there isn't something to my whole "polarity" theory from our PM thread?
It's a combination of how the fingerboard is planed, the straightness of the neck, the nut height, the string, the way you play it, the amp, basically - everything or anything.
No worries. I've done lots of Fenders, Music Mans, G&L, regular working stiff basses... so there's a balance. Soon you'll be seeing the Fender 50th Anniversary Jazz bass, so hopefully that works for you!
Tom informs me that this particular bass is actually $1500 not $1350 as reported. The extra pickup and wood adds to the cost a bit, but still... $1500 for that? Such a deal!
@BassGuitarMag I want it epoxyed for the tone, the Jaco ,Gary Willis kind of tone, you know ! A light touch is key on a fretless or any electric bass ! Thanks
@bag12 - Well Clement basses are typically more than $1K, but you might inquire to see what he's got. Otherwise, look around my demos... maybe you'll see something you like.
why building a single cut like that with a bolton-on neck? Neck throug would be easier to build (in this case) and more stable, with a bit more sustain and more confortable to play on the last frets imo, can you hear or feel any benefit from a bolt-on neck in a bass like that?
also, we're talking about bass, here. Bass construction is far more relevant to the final recording than guitar. Guitarists who do their job well deserve mad props but you've gotta understand that some of the very best sounding guitar solos of all time were processed and modulated out the arse. A great sounding bassline, imho, starts with the first tree fall.
@bag12 The only G&L I've played is the JB Rustic, check out the demo. It was a way more expensive bass than the Am. Std so it's not really a fair comparison, but I really liked it. The Am Std are very good basses too, I'm not partial to that particular neck profile, I prefer the neck on the new Am. Special, more like a 70's neck.
@boxtrap21 - Yeah, and I bet it's worth every penny of that $230. Maybe even up to $300. I've played on budget imports, I own several of them. They can be surprisingly good, but they will never compare to a top tier instrument. Good to have something cheap that you don't have to worry about. And frankly, with guitars, I think it's less of an issue. Low frequency vibrations are harder to produce and reproduce with cheap woods and workmanship.
@eaterofcandy - Thanks. I have a lot of different influences, Jaco, James Jamerson, Jerry Jemmott, Chuck Rainey, Marcus Miller, Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, to name a few.
@mcg413 - Well, I wouldn't choose a fretless bass for hard rock/metal, but that's me. You could certainly do it, but I would probably use something with frets.
@Mrsfatblackchick - I've played a US Masters, it was nice. I never see them anywhere though. There is a guy here in Texas that makes high quality short and medium scale basses - Birdsong. I'd like to try those out.
@pleximanic - Ask Mr. Clement, he can be reached through his website: clementbass (dot) com. I once had both epoxy and non-epoxyed fingerboards on the same bass - the epoxy makes the bass sound brighter, taking it off made it sound warmer and more natural. I preferred it without. Some people are concerned that their strings will chew up the board, and while that will happen with roundwounds, some rounds are more destructive than others. It also helps if you play lightly with the left hand.
Ever heard of Fodera, or played one? Tons of people are willing to pay their $5000 - $15,000 price tag for the best bass money can buy, and they have a 1-2 year waitlist. And it is a LOT easier to get a good tone on guitar as it is to get a good tone on bass, in my opinion.
i owned a clement in 2004 if anyone needs an opinion they are increbile and he is amazing person. i can show u a mp3 of mine with a solo and groove in it.
@BassGuitarMag I disagree. There are instruments that are extremely cheap just because they don't have popular brand names on them. I've been playing GUITAR for 7 years, and I have a $200 guitar, which after setting it up and swapping it out with $30 pups (Guitarfetish and guitarpartsonline) it has a killer tone! Same with my other guitars. I suspect it is the same with Bass. Rondomusic is a great place to buy instruments also.
Man you are one versatile player; funk, jazz, blues, rock, + slapping, fingerstyle, picking, etc etc.
the rate you've been putting out these videos lately is superb! and the quality is better than ever! Thank you for doing a great job!
Theeee most fun and informative reviews on the Y'ube. Thanks Ed.
Nice fretless bass it has a gorgeous finish and has a good clean tone.
Great Review for a great Bass built by a great guy!
Mine's nearing completion and I can't wait!!!
Thanks Ed for the great video about my bass. I just got a u-tube account so I can keep tabs on what you are up too. Thanks again..tom
And on top of that, Tom is a pleasure to deal / work / communicate with. Can't give him enough props.
My Clement Arrived yesterday.
One word - Awesome!
Thanks Ed wasn't sure what he meant. Looking forward to your build.
Great review Ed...
Sounds awesome Ed!
Beautiful tone and good looks on that bass. Nice job Tom!
Thanks
@Vizillar2505 - They are roundwounds. I always use rounds on fretless, I like the sound. But over time, they can chew up the board a bit. I have a relatively light touch in the left hand, that helps, plus - I don't play fretless a lot, so I've never had any problems with serious wear on the neck. Your results may vary.
@BassGuitarMag
I already did. I really appreciate that!!
Ed is the best.... execellent review. goodbye from italy ;)
dude nice review of this bass
@rickysaur One way to get the bass to really mwah is to set the truss rod straight so that as you slide the string will fret out across the fingerboard. It's a delicate operation and takes time to discover the sweet spot between too much and too little but once you do you're set for life.
Also playing with an aggressive attack will help if you don't have the relief in such a way
I've been a busy man, and lots more to come. Thanks for watching.
The action is adjustable, so you can put it wherever you like. Yes, it has side dots.
I love how it sounds, I want a fretless bass, it's my dream
@WoWintosh - The basses I review get sent to me by either the magazine I'm working for (in this case, Bass Gear) or by the manufacturer. After I'm done, I send them back - most of the time. Occasionally I will buy it if I really like it.
Great review Ed!
That's a sweet axe for the price!
I thought the Clement's were more expensive than that. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
Peace!
@DMBassNVox - It was so long ago, I don't remember the neck profile vividly. Bolt-ons are perfectly capable of having good sustain, if they're well made!
@DonaldWaughMusic - I have always used roundwounds on fretless. I am not concerned with fretboard damage because: 1) I have a light touch with my left hand 2) I don't play fretless all that much anyway 3) I prefer the sound
Tom makes these one bass at a time. He builds to order but does have a few on hand for direct sale. I should have my 183 in about two weeks!
I just took possession of my first boutique level instrument, a Roscoe, and I have to say, there is no comparison, the Roscoe is above and beyond any mass produced instrument I have ever played and I have played a ton of them. That isn't to say that you can't get a good off the shelf bass, however. Full Disclosure: I love cheap basses, especially the VM Squier series, so I certainly not a snob.
Great vid, great bass!
Ed, have you touched on playing a fretless bass in any of your DVDs?
Thank you for your quick response!
I have a fretless Spector with flatwounds and a passive EMG-HZ on it, but i can't really get that mouch "mwah"-sound out of it. Are the strings a big part of the sound, or do you think I'm just "doing it wrong"? :)
Hey man you're doing some really amazing work on reviewing. Any chance on getting your hands and wisdow on Mayones or Warwick basses? Thanks for your videos, all the best!
Lovely bass and sound. The pickups are passive? Will definitely look into Tom Clements basses for a future purchase.
At first, I wasn't nuts about the shape, but I grew to really like it. I think it looks cool, and the wood... is stunning. And... the sound really kicks ass.
Sounds great Ed, as usual... What strings are you playing here?
How do you think this would sound with two jazz pickups in the 60s position?
Glad you like it. Yes I agree.
@AUDEPrecords - Well, I think it's the proximity of the J coil with the treble coil of the P, but as you know... I'm not really a PJ fan. I think this bass sounds best with one or the other pickup.
hi...were you using round or flatwound strings?..greetings
You wouldn't regret it, he builds a great bass!
May I ask something about this bass: does this bass go well with hard rock/metal, and if so, would it sound good with a distortion/overdrive effect?
hey ed, is that flat wound set of strings or round wound you got on? (my guess is round form the look of it) and I'd like to ask also, is it a good idea using roundwound on rosewood fretless fingerboard in the sense that the strings would mess up the fingerboard so so quickly? thx ed
hey Ed, just stumbled upon this vid. thanks for posting, as I am currently researching woods to have Tom make me a 2nd single cutaway (i own his #155, limba neck w/ Swamp Ash body). i'm trying to go P/MM, and i've been thinking about going all Black Limba. it's a remarkable wood, and i have loved not only the response and feel, but it seems to stand up to the humidity of New Orleans weather. i will probably get something very similar to this, so thanks for giving me ideas!
@felporocker - Of course it's possible to switch back and forth. It takes a little getting used to, but it's possible. And yeah, a 5 string is fine for funk rock.
Hey Ed, I am in the market for a Fretless Bass. Never own one so I would like your advice on what string I should get. Some people are saying stick with round wound others say flatwound. What's your take on that?
Ah, but they do make it to the UK!! Mine safely arrived in Guernsey! Packed really well, no issues at all
how did you get your sterling bass to hang from a curtain? are you playing in front of a green screen?
I know it doesn't have much to do with the video but i need some help.
I am planning to buy a 5 string and i already have a 4 string.
I wonder if it is posible and easy to regulary switch from a 4 string to a 5 string without much effort and if a 5 string maybe good for funk rock.
My influences are the chili peppers and a little aerosmith, i know that Flea and Hamilton don't use 4 strings regulary but i like tuning my E to C.
How do you get these basses and what happens to them after the demo?
is it you that you have three tobias pre gibson tobias basses?
How do u keep your intonation so precise!!!!
Indeed I just prefer the tomne on the lightwave. Thanks for the reviews by the way. Any chance of some EBS reviews i just got a 210 neogorm combo and man its something else.
@MushroomDisorder - Well, he has changed his prices since this bass was reviewed. I did not buy this bass, it was sent to Bass Gear Magazine to review. at the time, the price was as quoted. I owned one of Tom's 6-strings, and it was great, a real bargain really.
I wonder if Epoxy coated fretboard is an option?
Totally different beast, they both have great qualities.
Good vid, Ed! There are a lot of things I like about this bass based on this video. First, it's gorgeous! Second, it's not a fortune! Third, it's passive, and fourth, it's fretless! I still don't like the sound of the blend, though. I think it still has an unfavorably pro-J bias on the ADG strings (the lower bobbin of the P-Pup.) When playing a J/J in blend, I hear no bias. That's part of why I love J so much! Are you sure there isn't something to my whole "polarity" theory from our PM thread?
It's a combination of how the fingerboard is planed, the straightness of the neck, the nut height, the string, the way you play it, the amp, basically - everything or anything.
As it is a true custom bass, you can specify (pretty much) any pre that you want!
Thanks for playing some Jazz on a fretless, please do that more often since a lot of jazz players like fretless basses!
That jazz bridge pickup still sounds good.
"Unilaterally focused"?
please explain? Thanks .t
@freshprince159 - Thanks. Same guy. Glad to be of help.
Me? I always use rounds on a fretless.
@Mrsfatblackchick - And actually... the guy that built this bass - Tom Clement builds lots of 32" scale 5 AND 6 strings, haven't tried one though.
great job :)
No worries. I've done lots of Fenders, Music Mans, G&L, regular working stiff basses... so there's a balance. Soon you'll be seeing the Fender 50th Anniversary Jazz bass, so hopefully that works for you!
were the strings flatwound on this one?
Have you ever played a Skjold Bass
@bag12 - Fender is active, G&L is passive.
and also there is the issue with us playing clean. that really makes a difference in the quality of instrument necessary...
Tom informs me that this particular bass is actually $1500 not $1350 as reported. The extra pickup and wood adds to the cost a bit, but still... $1500 for that? Such a deal!
@BassGuitarMag
I want it epoxyed for the tone, the Jaco ,Gary Willis kind of tone, you know !
A light touch is key on a fretless or any electric bass !
Thanks
i have played 5 string bass;s with a 32 in scale lenght, and they sound great. also you should do a review of us masters bass there great
@bag12 - Well Clement basses are typically more than $1K, but you might inquire to see what he's got. Otherwise, look around my demos... maybe you'll see something you like.
why building a single cut like that with a bolton-on neck? Neck throug would be easier to build (in this case) and more stable, with a bit more sustain and more confortable to play on the last frets imo, can you hear or feel any benefit from a bolt-on neck in a bass like that?
also, we're talking about bass, here. Bass construction is far more relevant to the final recording than guitar. Guitarists who do their job well deserve mad props but you've gotta understand that some of the very best sounding guitar solos of all time were processed and modulated out the arse. A great sounding bassline, imho, starts with the first tree fall.
@bag12 The only G&L I've played is the JB Rustic, check out the demo. It was a way more expensive bass than the Am. Std so it's not really a fair comparison, but I really liked it. The Am Std are very good basses too, I'm not partial to that particular neck profile, I prefer the neck on the new Am. Special, more like a 70's neck.
@boxtrap21 - Yeah, and I bet it's worth every penny of that $230. Maybe even up to $300. I've played on budget imports, I own several of them. They can be surprisingly good, but they will never compare to a top tier instrument. Good to have something cheap that you don't have to worry about. And frankly, with guitars, I think it's less of an issue. Low frequency vibrations are harder to produce and reproduce with cheap woods and workmanship.
This is certainly one of the most beautiful wood I've ever seen as an instrument.
Thanks.
@eaterofcandy - Thanks. I have a lot of different influences, Jaco, James Jamerson, Jerry Jemmott, Chuck Rainey, Marcus Miller, Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, to name a few.
@mcg413 - Well, I wouldn't choose a fretless bass for hard rock/metal, but that's me. You could certainly do it, but I would probably use something with frets.
Does anyone else occasionally look at the drum set behind him and imagine a ghost playing along with him? Just me? Cool.
@Mrsfatblackchick - I've played a US Masters, it was nice. I never see them anywhere though. There is a guy here in Texas that makes high quality short and medium scale basses - Birdsong. I'd like to try those out.
Okay, check out the Lightwave Sabre demo, there's some Jazz in that one too.
why do all the fretlesses you review have rounds?
@pleximanic - Ask Mr. Clement, he can be reached through his website: clementbass (dot) com. I once had both epoxy and non-epoxyed fingerboards on the same bass - the epoxy makes the bass sound brighter, taking it off made it sound warmer and more natural. I preferred it without. Some people are concerned that their strings will chew up the board, and while that will happen with roundwounds, some rounds are more destructive than others. It also helps if you play lightly with the left hand.
Well, I thought it was unusual, but it seems to work. The B was very solid...
This may sound noob but what are the point of fretless board?
Ever heard of Fodera, or played one? Tons of people are willing to pay their $5000 - $15,000 price tag for the best bass money can buy, and they have a 1-2 year waitlist. And it is a LOT easier to get a good tone on guitar as it is to get a good tone on bass, in my opinion.
i owned a clement in 2004 if anyone needs an opinion they are increbile and he is amazing person. i can show u a mp3 of mine with a solo and groove in it.
Sebastian there were rounds on it when he did the video.
Mainly because that the way they come in, but I always use rounds on my own fretless too. I prefer the sound, that's all.
As far as tapewounds try the Deep talkin' Labellas get them from Carvin they are a great string and price. Enjoy...tom
Is this your funniest review or what?!
@slappingpopping - Like a Jazz bass.
@BassGuitarMag I disagree. There are instruments that are extremely cheap just because they don't have popular brand names on them. I've been playing GUITAR for 7 years, and I have a $200 guitar, which after setting it up and swapping it out with $30 pups (Guitarfetish and guitarpartsonline) it has a killer tone! Same with my other guitars. I suspect it is the same with Bass. Rondomusic is a great place to buy instruments also.
@tylerwylie It really doesn't matter. As long as it's a Clement it will be brutal.
@boxtrap21 - A $200 bass is worth about that much, if you're lucky.
Think I would go for the lightwave before that
Dear Santa,
@tylerwylie I'm in on the joke. Talkbass member :)
I posted a Facebook page for Clement Basses. Just do a Facebook search for 'Tom Clement Basses'
What a cool axe!
*****
~R
That's a whole lot of class A tone and looks for $1350.