Hybrid fretted/fretless

[JB_From_Hell]

Anybody intrigued by the idea of a 5 string bass, frets on the bottom 3 strings up to the 15th, then fretless on the top 2 strings?

[eclecticsynergy]

That's kind of a cool idea.

[treyhaislip]

I like that idea, would be versatile!

[Mincer]

One of my favorite players, Trey Gunn, has an instrument like that. He plays a Warr guitar, which is a tapped Chapman Stick-type instrument. One of his instruments is semi-hollow with weird nylon strings, and half fretless like you describe. I think it is 10 strings, with 5 being fretless.

[jeremy]

who is the metal bassist who has frets up to like the 12th then fretless?

edit: the guy from venom! my brain is slooow

[JB_From_Hell]

The bass in question shows up about 4 minutes in.

Unrelatedly, the purple 8 string around 8:30 is my guitar.

[Der Oberherr]

Seems interesting, although the title of this discussion reminded me of this thing...

[JB_From_Hell]

I’ve seen that Ibanez model before, but I like Frank’s layout of having all the “money notes” being fretted. His offset fretless intonation would certainly be better than having to shift back and forth as well.

I’m also aware that I’m comparing a production instrument to a handmade boutique.

[jeremy]

thats the best feature for sure and not something ive seen before

[JB_From_Hell]

I’ll report on it soon-ish, and post some more pics.

Has a two-piece walnut neck, and the typical stellar Falbo neck joint. I love that it’s the same basic design as my 8 string, but adapted to work for a 34” instrument.