My first decent bass was a fretless precision. It is a tremendous help to have a fretless early as you will be forced to discipline your technique and play in position. If you find yourself sliding around looking for the pitch, your left hand technigue (right hand for lefties) is improper. Since it is much harder to unlearn than learn, it is very helpful to begin in this way.
I bought my left-handed daughter a fretted Glarry bass, based on your review a few months ago. She plays 4 instruments and sings, but bass was new to her. I had to adjust the nut (it was sky high) and the rod needed a twist, but its actually now a good sounding bass. I might get one of these cheap fretless ones for fun- Ive been wanting one lately.
Hello, Jermaine, You have a good didactic approach and do not worry you will "master" the fretless bass way of phrasing in less than one week !!!!! Thanks
Thanks so much for your review! I've been playing guitars for about 40 years and never had a fretless bass guitar experience. You actually encouraged me to get one of these to try. Thanks again!
Hi Mr. Morgan. I learned how to play on an 1978 Ovation Magnum fretless back in 1981. Have played one off and on over the last 40 years. Haven't played one in a minute. I wanted to get back in. I saw the Glarry Fretless. I then saw this video. From what I see, it isn;t a P bass or a Warrior. Then again, it isn't marketed to be. It's a great entry level fretless that appears to be very reliable. This video made me pull the trigger. Thanks for sharing this. Mine arrives today, 8/31/20. Can't wait to learn it all over again. Peace to you and yours. Stay safe!
Hi Jermaine, great video. The peek behind the curtain about your video making equipment was interesting. I’m thinking about both making some amateur video as well as getting a fretless. I agree that a player can’t complain about anything when you only spent about $100. I’m tempted to spend around $700 for a fretless Sire, because I bought a fretted Sire and I really appreciate the rolled fretboard edges. I was looking at 5 strings on line and saw one for $500 that was incredible. It has neck-thru 24 frets, Bartolini pick ups, 18v active electronics. I think it was a Cort. I came across one in a music store and when I played it, the fretboard edges were so sharp I thought a person might get a splinter of wood in their hands sliding up the neck. That was a deal breaker. I can’t understand a builder not taking 10 minutes to ease the edges. Anyway, thank you for your videos bass brother !
I had experimented with a cheap Yamaha and really didn't care for its sound. I still wanted to pursue fretless playing so I stepped up to the Gary Willis signature fretless from Ibanez. It isn't a boutique build, but it sure plays and sounds like one.
Have enjoyed your videos for years. Glad to see you explore the fretless bass! The angle and positioning of the fretting hand fingers requires close attention; I have found a daily routine of the basics, performed slowly, to be beneficial in dialing in intonation. Triads, arpeggios, intervals,scales played in diatonic arpeggios and sequences, double-stops, etc. Using drone tones and open strings as reference points is helpful. For those wanting to play fretless, record your practice and practice SLOWLY; it takes time and patience and persistence, on a daily basis, to play in tune consistently. The other thing to be aware of is the set-up/action/string height: if it's too low, there will be buzzing notes and a lack of roundness and presence to them, and if it's too high, even if correctly intonated, the upper register notes will be " choked off ", as in not resonate fully, and the bass will be hard to play. If you are used to playing with a ramp and use a super-light touch, you can get away with super low action, assuming the neck is straight and the nut and the bridge are properly adjusted. I prefer a medium action with a wee bit of relief in the neck, as the notes have some point and roundness and that warm fretless sound, without an excessive "mwah" or nasal tone...Much respect to you for your hard work and dedication! Thanks for your videos👍🏽😁
I recently got a new bass just to keep my main workhorse at home. It's a Fender Jazz deluxe V with upgrades on the preamp and to be honest I started to get scared of taking her out after some dude took pictures of it after the gig ended. It's safely on her case only for recordings or important gigs. I replaced her with a luthier made Jazz. The price range is close to a Sire V7 first gen, but used lol. It's friggin'amazing and my main babe sits at home! Great video and great channel men , keep it going !
One thing to remember about fretless basses is you shouldn't do the normal type of vibrato. You gotta do the violin style vibrato where you pull the string lengthwise toward and away from the bridge.
Ive a fender american jazz fretless bass with the fretlines and its my only bass. My suggestion is that if the player is not that experienced they can get a squire fender jazz for about 300 dollars. They sound great and as you say easier to play in tune as they have fret markings. In your case yours is free so I dont blame you for accepting Id do the same too! Its a rewarding experience playing fretless with all the expression one gets out of the instrument. They dont sound great for slap playing but you can play in that style. However you can play some lovely ghost notes for funk playing and the growl sounds amazing. Great video!
Great clip, thanks! I'm a beginner, and thought the Glarry might be a good place to start. I've been really surprised by the quality of the build and sound for such an affordable bass. (Having looked at other basses.) I got a Glarry jazz and the precision fretless, figured I'd start working on the muscle memory for fretless right off the bat. I wanted to have some markers at least on the side of the fingerboard for the fretless. Got some ideas off the internet, and started with very thin white pinstriping tape, and then went to marking the sides with a thin line white posca pen (acrylic paint). It depends on how permanent you want them. (I found that I kept knocking off the tiny pinstripe tape markers.) You can free downloads to print scale marker templates on the internet or use an existing standard scale bass to make a template. Thanks again!
Try the GHS Pressurewound strings, they're smoother to the touch but have more growl than flats. I use them on my fretless and love the sound and feel.
Sounds like you'll be working that bass pretty good. Jaco Pastorius , used Rotosound round wound strings. I don't play bass but , my son does and I've been looking to get a fretless just so he'd play it. I wrench all his equipment
Its the same approach as learning 8 string guitar after starting out on a 6. You just have to consciously remind yourself of where you're at and pay good attention until it becomes second nature.
It’d be nice if they made a lined fretless model too. If I got one of these I’d probably swap some of the hardware out but other than that it’s pretty nice looking.
I got my Bass a couple of days ago and it was a hot mess the neck bowed the pick ups were messed up the magnets in the pick up fell the bottom of the pick up.
Great review... For that price, since I needed to check out a fretless, I had to order one... They are up to 109 now... But, still. How wrong can I go for that? Thanks for the review.
This will most definitely be my next instrument.. one more paycheck lol.. I’ve been wanting a fret less for a minute and I got rid of all my basses so perfect time to learn fretless and will compliment my classical guitar and my Ibanez RG.. I’m basically a beginner on all those. 🙌🏾 the universe is speaking to me lol. Side note 📝: getting a Yamaha THR 10II that can handle all three styles of guitars I will have for only $299.. man.. what a time we live in.
WARNING!!! The dots on the side are in the same place they would be if it were fretted. They obviously used the same necks. A straight edge 34" (used to check the neck straightness of a fretted bass) will show you were the marks should be. This is a link to the tool I used: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DCJ9DCW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you want to go even further with fretless I’d recommend an electric upright. Something like a used Palatino or a Dean Pace if you’re on a budget. I’d stay away from Stagg, their electric uprights are pretty unreliable in terms of quality.
I have tried to get into freltess basses for 8 years. My objective was to make it be a replacement for upright bass. NOT the best idea. So l went back to double bass. I play fretted bass guitar only lol. Done with fretless bass guitar.
My first decent bass was a fretless precision. It is a tremendous help to have a fretless early as you will be forced to discipline your technique and play in position. If you find yourself sliding around looking for the pitch, your left hand technigue (right hand for lefties) is improper. Since it is much harder to unlearn than learn, it is very helpful to begin in this way.
Smart
I bought my left-handed daughter a fretted Glarry bass, based on your review a few months ago. She plays 4 instruments and sings, but bass was new to her. I had to adjust the nut (it was sky high) and the rod needed a twist, but its actually now a good sounding bass.
I might get one of these cheap fretless ones for fun- Ive been wanting one lately.
Thanks man. I've been waiting for someone to review one of these before I pulled the trigger and bought one.
Love the honesty! Definitely helped influence my decision to buy this bass! Thanks!
Hello, Jermaine,
You have a good didactic approach and do not worry you will "master" the fretless bass way of phrasing in less than one week !!!!!
Thanks
Thanks so much for your review! I've been playing guitars for about 40 years and never had a fretless bass guitar experience. You actually encouraged me to get one of these to try. Thanks again!
In beginning orchestra, we used very thin tapes to mark some of the positions - basically 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th frets.
Hi Mr. Morgan. I learned how to play on an 1978 Ovation Magnum fretless back in 1981. Have played one off and on over the last 40 years. Haven't played one in a minute. I wanted to get back in. I saw the Glarry Fretless. I then saw this video. From what I see, it isn;t a P bass or a Warrior. Then again, it isn't marketed to be. It's a great entry level fretless that appears to be very reliable. This video made me pull the trigger. Thanks for sharing this. Mine arrives today, 8/31/20. Can't wait to learn it all over again. Peace to you and yours. Stay safe!
Hi Jermaine, great video. The peek behind the curtain about your video making equipment was interesting. I’m thinking about both making some amateur video as well as getting a fretless. I agree that a player can’t complain about anything when you only spent about $100. I’m tempted to spend around $700 for a fretless Sire, because I bought a fretted Sire and I really appreciate the rolled fretboard edges. I was looking at 5 strings on line and saw one for $500 that was incredible. It has neck-thru 24 frets, Bartolini pick ups, 18v active electronics. I think it was a Cort. I came across one in a music store and when I played it, the fretboard edges were so sharp I thought a person might get a splinter of wood in their hands sliding up the neck. That was a deal breaker. I can’t understand a builder not taking 10 minutes to ease the edges. Anyway, thank you for your videos bass brother !
I had experimented with a cheap Yamaha and really didn't care for its sound. I still wanted to pursue fretless playing so I stepped up to the Gary Willis signature fretless from Ibanez. It isn't a boutique build, but it sure plays and sounds like one.
you should try a frettless acoustic man its awsome
absolutely, Harley Benton has one (stupid cheap) that is perfect for practice
Defrent kind of play also.must be more gentle more feel more touch.
Have enjoyed your videos for years. Glad to see you explore the fretless bass! The angle and positioning of the fretting hand fingers requires close attention; I have found a daily routine of the basics, performed slowly, to be beneficial in dialing in intonation. Triads, arpeggios, intervals,scales played in diatonic arpeggios and sequences, double-stops, etc. Using drone tones and open strings as reference points is helpful. For those wanting to play fretless, record your practice and practice SLOWLY; it takes time and patience and persistence, on a daily basis, to play in tune consistently. The other thing to be aware of is the set-up/action/string height: if it's too low, there will be buzzing notes and a lack of roundness and presence to them, and if it's too high, even if correctly intonated, the upper register notes will be " choked off ", as in not resonate fully, and the bass will be hard to play. If you are used to playing with a ramp and use a super-light touch, you can get away with super low action, assuming the neck is straight and the nut and the bridge are properly adjusted. I prefer a medium action with a wee bit of relief in the neck, as the notes have some point and roundness and that warm fretless sound, without an excessive "mwah" or nasal tone...Much respect to you for your hard work and dedication! Thanks for your videos👍🏽😁
Mark Foster Thanks Mark. Noted 👍🏾
@@JermaineMorganBass Play on!😁✌🏾
I recently got a new bass just to keep my main workhorse at home. It's a Fender Jazz deluxe V with upgrades on the preamp and to be honest I started to get scared of taking her out after some dude took pictures of it after the gig ended. It's safely on her case only for recordings or important gigs.
I replaced her with a luthier made Jazz. The price range is close to a Sire V7 first gen, but used lol. It's friggin'amazing and my main babe sits at home!
Great video and great channel men , keep it going !
One thing to remember about fretless basses is you shouldn't do the normal type of vibrato. You gotta do the violin style vibrato where you pull the string lengthwise toward and away from the bridge.
Ive a fender american jazz fretless bass with the fretlines and its my only bass. My suggestion is that if the player is not that experienced they can get a squire fender jazz for about 300 dollars. They sound great and as you say easier to play in tune as they have fret markings. In your case yours is free so I dont blame you for accepting Id do the same too! Its a rewarding experience playing fretless with all the expression one gets out of the instrument. They dont sound great for slap playing but you can play in that style. However you can play some lovely ghost notes for funk playing and the growl sounds amazing. Great video!
It's not bad, I purchased the same one and for some reason I play it pretty good you can't go wrong for the price, thanks for sharing Bro✌👍
Great clip, thanks! I'm a beginner, and thought the Glarry might be a good place to start. I've been really surprised by the quality of the build and sound for such an affordable bass. (Having looked at other basses.) I got a Glarry jazz and the precision fretless, figured I'd start working on the muscle memory for fretless right off the bat. I wanted to have some markers at least on the side of the fingerboard for the fretless. Got some ideas off the internet, and started with very thin white pinstriping tape, and then went to marking the sides with a thin line white posca pen (acrylic paint). It depends on how permanent you want them. (I found that I kept knocking off the tiny pinstripe tape markers.) You can free downloads to print scale marker templates on the internet or use an existing standard scale bass to make a template. Thanks again!
Try the GHS Pressurewound strings, they're smoother to the touch but have more growl than flats. I use them on my fretless and love the sound and feel.
great review, thank you.
I hope being a violist gives me an advantage on fretless bass😂
Sounds like you'll be working that bass pretty good.
Jaco Pastorius , used Rotosound round wound strings.
I don't play bass but , my son does and I've been looking to get a fretless just so he'd play it.
I wrench all his equipment
Seems they only sell 4 string bass.. I'm learning on a 5 so I've wondered if I'll be confusing myself by playing a four.
you just gotta remind yourself about what your lowest string is on the bass, whether it would be E or B. After that, you'll be fine.
Its the same approach as learning 8 string guitar after starting out on a 6. You just have to consciously remind yourself of where you're at and pay good attention until it becomes second nature.
Hi Jermaine,was wondering if youve tried Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats?.I reccomend them if your still looking around for Flatwound strings.
My sx fretless is sweet came perfectly setup with flats
Depends what kind of sound you are looking for enjoy 😀👍
They could have put some fret lines on the side of the neck. I have a Squire fretless Jazz WITH fret lines.
It’d be nice if they made a lined fretless model too. If I got one of these I’d probably swap some of the hardware out but other than that it’s pretty nice looking.
I got my Bass a couple of days ago and it was a hot mess the neck bowed the pick ups were messed up the magnets in the pick up fell the bottom of the pick up.
Great review... For that price, since I needed to check out a fretless, I had to order one... They are up to 109 now... But, still. How wrong can I go for that?
Thanks for the review.
Did he play the bass? I skipped forward 10 times and didnt hear one note.
Great straightforward review. By the way, have you done any mods to the bass or would you recommend any modifications?
The strings may be half round.
What do you think of the Orange O bass
redskysaturn75 Never heard of it
its a new bass from the makers of Orange amp
I really do want one of these fretless bois. Maybe even their $120 Ibanez style 5-string.
This will most definitely be my next instrument.. one more paycheck lol.. I’ve been wanting a fret less for a minute and I got rid of all my basses so perfect time to learn fretless and will compliment my classical guitar and my Ibanez RG.. I’m basically a beginner on all those. 🙌🏾 the universe is speaking to me lol.
Side note 📝: getting a Yamaha THR 10II that can handle all three styles of guitars I will have for only $299.. man.. what a time we live in.
WARNING!!! The dots on the side are in the same place they would be if it were fretted. They obviously used the same necks. A straight edge 34" (used to check the neck straightness of a fretted bass) will show you were the marks should be. This is a link to the tool I used: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DCJ9DCW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Do I hear regular bass strings? Get some flatwounds.
This was an out of the box demo
Get a chalk marker and draw the lines on!
😂😄
@@JermaineMorganBass it's what cello students do!
If you want to go even further with fretless I’d recommend an electric upright. Something like a used Palatino or a Dean Pace if you’re on a budget. I’d stay away from Stagg, their electric uprights are pretty unreliable in terms of quality.
I have tried to get into freltess basses for 8 years. My objective was to make it be a replacement for upright bass. NOT the best idea. So l went back to double bass. I play fretted bass guitar only lol. Done with fretless bass guitar.
This looks like a dirt cheap way to get into unlined fretless.
Tape wounds, l think.😎😎😎
Dude. R U in L.A.? I'm coming over. ha ha ha ha
less talk more bass ..
I gave you a like...you seem to be a talented player...but you talked for 7 minutes...
I bought it ! You sound amazing for not playing one! Holy shit
The bass, is it good?