More and more bassists are opting for the freedom of fretless playing.
This rise in popularity has opened up the cheap fretless bass market to
those of us on a budget.
If you're new to fretless
playing, the below gem will make the transition accessible and fun.
Every bassist should ideally have a fretless as part of their gear
arsenal.
Cheap Fretless Bass Pick
For that authentic double bass imitation, Squier offer a very capable,
cheaper alternative to the legendary Fender Jazz Bass. Often quoted as
being worth considerably more than its price tag, it has impressed both
beginners
and experienced players alike.
The budget fretless pick...
Body: Agathis / Neck: Maple C-Shape (Polyurethane Finish) /
Fingerboard: Fretless Ebonol with Inlaid White Celluloid / Pickups: 2
Duncan Designed JB101 Single-Coil Pickups with AlNiCo 5 Magnets /
Controls: 2 volume 1 tone / Bridge: Standard 4-Saddle / Machine Heads:
Standard Open-Gear Tuners / Hardware: Chrome
User Review
Summary
Standard, simple jazz bass features with slim neck profile and 3 knob
(2 volume, 1 tone) control for the dual Duncan Designed pickups. The
electronics are passive, but users are generally happy with the range
of tone
available. The agathis body is cut thinner than the standard Jazz Bass,
so it's relatively lightweight.
Most find the Jazz to be playable right out of the box, but do spend
some time on the bridge - you'll find you can get the action very low
(if that's your thing). It's also worth restringing with flat wounds,
replacing the factory rounds if you want to enhance that upright bass
imitation.
The stock Duncans do a surprisingly decent job delivering a smooth yet
punchy low end but with enough depth and clarity to feed through that
characteristic upright-esque "bwow" (sorry for the crude onomatopoeia).
The controls offer a decent range of tones, right up to bright and
snappy. But it has to be said the Vintage sounds more in its element
with the tone pulled back.
There's even a bit of growl to be found buried beneath that smooth
exterior, or some brighter, poppy tones if your fingers seek
them. Overall a very natural, responsive tone that
will emphasise your unique playing style.
For players of the fretted P and Jazz basses, removing the "speed
bumps" has made them realise just how quick, smooth and effortless
their playing can be. The Squier Vintage Jazz is a fine cheap fretless
bass to make that transition and discover a rewarding new way of
approaching the fingerboard.
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