This video explores every aspect of playing fretless bass guitar. Steve Bailey covers intonation studies using various interval, fingering, and muscle memory techniques. He also demonstrates his sliding and bending techniques and advanced exercises. This video includes a special section on fretless effects. With booklet. (90 min.)

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The ABJ25/CM4 boasts rich acoustic tone with smooth fretless attack.

Its extra-deep jumbo body, solid Western red cedar top, and Breedlove Atlas bracing system generates warm, deep bass tone. It also comes with solid mahogany back and sides, abalone soundhole rosette, offset Breedlove pattern pearl fingerboard inlays, JLD Bridge Truss system, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Fishman Classic electronics, and chrome Grover tuners.

Breedlove crafts acoustic instruments that reflect the principles of uncompromising craftsmanship, environmental consciousness, and customer focus. The best aspects of traditional guitar making are fused with new ideas and relevant technology to create instruments with unsurpassed tone, feel, and visual appeal.

Each spectacular Atlas Series bass is designed and engineered to attain these same qualities at an accessible price. They feature scalloped bracing, a pinless bridge, a dual-action truss rod, and the JLD Bridge Truss System. The bridge, fingerboard, and peghead overlay on each model are made from Indian rosewood and tops are crafted from solid wood. They have an ebony end pin, dovetail neck joint, and a slightly narrower nut (1-5/8"). All models have the same low string action for fast, comfortable playing. They're all set up and hand-inspected at Breedlove headquarters and come strung with light-gauge D'Addario EXP strings.

Breedlove Atlas ABJ25/CM4 Fretless 4-String Acoustic-Electric Bass Features:

• Deep jumbo body style with soft cutaway
• Solid Western red cedar top
• Breedlove Atlas series bracing
• Solid mahogany back and sides
• 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
• Fishman Classic pickup
• Breedlove bracing system
• JLD Bridge Truss system
• Black binding on body and neck
• Abalone soundhole rosette
• Offset Breedlove pattern pearl fretboard inlays
• Gloss finish
• Rosewood bridge
• Hand-rubbed neck
• Dovetail neck joint
• Dual-action truss rod
• Chrome Grover bass tuners
• Ebony end pin
• 1-5/8" nut width
• D'Addario EXP light-gauge strings
• Designed by Kim Breedlove, crafted in Korea
• Quality assured in Bend, Oregon, USA

Breedlove Atlas ABJ25/CM4 Fretless 4-String Acoustic-Electric Bass Includes:

• hardshell case

If you're after deluxe acoustic tone and smooth fretless playability, the ABJ25/CM4 is your bass. Order now!

An affordable version of a Conklin custom bass design!

Features a tone-rich, lightweight ash body topped with figured maple. Multilaminate neck constructed of incredibly stable wenge and purpleheart, carved to an extremely comfortable profile. Angled-back headstock increases tension over the nut and improves sustain. Beautifully contoured neck heel and deep cutaway body shape allow unobstructed access to every position on the neck. Active electronics and Conklin's trademark locking input jack.

Conklin GT-4 Four-String Bass Fretless Features:

• Tone-rich lightweight ash body topped with figured maple
• Multilaminate neck constructed of incredibly stable wenge and purpleheart
• Neck carved to an extremely comfortable profile
• Angled-back headstock increases tension over the nut and improves sustain
• Beautifully contoured neck heel and deep cutaway body shape allow unobstructed neck access
• Active electronics and Conklin's trademark locking input jack

Order from Musician's Friend today and save.

The right tool for the big groove.

The Conklin GT-5 5-String Fretless Bass has a swamp ash body with figured maple top. 5-piece wenge/purpleheart neck with purpleheart fingerboard. Conklin active pickups with volume and blend bass and treble controls. 34" scale. 16" radius. Bolt-on neck.

Conklin GT-5 5-String Fretless Bass Features:

• Swamp ash Sidewinder body with figured maple top
• Five-piece wenge/purpleheart neck with purpleheart fingerboard
• Conklin active pickups with volume and blend bass and treble controls
• 34" scale
• 16" radius
• Bolt-on neck

It's gorgeous, distinctive, and the sound is awesome. Order yours today.

Just one string short of being two basses in one.

It takes a big bass player like Bill "Buddha" Dickens to handle an axe like the Conklin GTBD-7 Bass Guitar with its full seven strings to range over. Constructed with a maple and purpleheart thru-body neck and swamp ash wings topped with curly maple. Gold hardware tricks it out. The GTBD-7 electric bass has totally custom-made Bartolini Bill Dickens pickups and custom electronics, including a 3-position parametric preset rotary switch and mid-frequency selector.

Conklin GTBD-7 7 String Bass Guitar Features:

• Seven strings
• Custom-made Bartolini Bill Dickens pickups
• Custom electronics including a three-position parametric preset rotary switch and mid-frequency selector
• Maple and purpleheart thru-body neck
• Swamp ash wings topped with curly maple
• Gold hardware

Buy it today (if yo man enuff to play it).

The most innovative bass guitar in years!

Guild created the original Ashbory Bass in the 1987, and now De Armond offers its authorized version and is making the strings readily available once again to all Ashbory Bass owners. The 18" fretless scale and super light weight of the Ashbory make it easy to create the round tone of an upright bass. It features a patented transducer and unique silicone rubber strings which make it an exceptional instrument in the recording studio and a treat to play on stage.

De Armond Ashbory Bass Features:

• Unique silicone strings are easy on fingers
• Super light and easy to hold and play
• 1" fretless neck and silicone strings get a true string bass sound

De Armond Ashbory Bass Includes:

• gig bag

Get a great string bass sound from the super portable and easy-to-play Ashbory. Order today.

A well-crafted bass that's piggy bank friendly.

With the EAB Acoustic-Electric Bass, Dean has put together a deceptively top-notch fretless starter bass guitar. Not only can you afford the EAB bass, but you'll also discover that it sounds incredibly great as well. It's just the right instrument if you're entering the foray of acoustic-electric bass playing. The EAB fretless bass has die-cast tuners, and the frets are lined to help you place your fingers in the right place. Helping you capture the deeper, fuller tone with full access to the long, easy-playing neck of this 34" scale length acoustic-electric bass is a built-in Dean preamp and quality tuner/EQ.

Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass Features:

• Set neck
• Lined fretless
• Built-in preamp, tuner/EQ
• 34" scale length
• Die-cast tuners

Experience a well-crafted acoustic-bass without breaking the piggy bank. Get yours today.

Upright sound, plugged-in presence!

The Dean Pace 4-String Electric Upright Bass is well built and well priced. Position markers on the side help you keep track of where you are on the neck as you transfer your hard-won chops to the moaning, liberating sound of a fretless upright. Solid maple neck-through construction with slotted headstock, standard 35" scale, and traditional 6"- radius rosewood fingerboard. Piezo bridge with buffer preamp lets you plug right into a standard bass amp. Double-braced tripod stand and black chrome hardware make the Dean Pace Bass easy to manage and very cool looking.

Dean Pace Bass 4-String Electric Upright Features:

• Position markers on the side
• Solid maple neck-through construction
• Slotted headstock
• Standard 35" scale
• 6"-radius rosewood fingerboard
• Piezo bridge
• Buffer preamp
• Double-braced tripod stand
• Black chrome hardware

Dean Pace Bass 4-String Electric Upright Includes:

• double-braced tripod stand and semi-hard case

Covers all your acoustic and electric bases! Order today.

Upright sound, plugged-in presence!

The Dean Pace 4-String Electric Upright Bass is built well and priced right. Position markers on the side help you keep track of where you are on the neck as you transfer your hard-won chops to the moaning, liberating sound of a fretless upright. Solid maple neck-through construction with slotted headstock, standard 35" scale, and traditional 6"- radius rosewood fingerboard. Piezo bridge with buffer preamp lets you plug right into a standard bass amp. Double-braced tripod stand and black chrome hardware make it easy to manage and very cool looking.

Dean Pace Bass 5-String Electric Upright Features:

• Position markers on the side
• Solid maple neck-through construction
• Slotted headstock
• Standard 35" scale
• 6"-radius rosewood fingerboard
• Piezo bridge
• Buffer preamp
• Double-braced tripod stand
• Black chrome hardware

Dean Pace Bass 5-String Electric Upright Includes:

• double-braced tripod stand and semi-hard case

Covers all your acoustic and electric bases! Order today.

A jazz and fusion player's dream.

The Dean Rhapsody HBF Fretless Bass has a semi-hollow mahogany body with cat's eye f-holes and a full-scale maple and walnut neck with ebony fingerboard. A soapbar pickup gives this elegant Dean bass a tone all its own. Fret-line inlays help the fretless novice stay properly intonated.

Dean Rhapsody HBF Fretless Bass Features:

• Semi-hollow mahogany body
• Maple and walnut neck with ebony fingerboard
• Fret-line inlays help those new to the fretless bass
• Soapbar pickup
• Cat's eye F-holes
• 34" scale
• 1-1/2" nut width
• 24 fret lines
• Die-cast tuners
• Black hardware

Get it and learn what rich, round bass tone is all about. Order today.

This superbly crafted professional upright is the talk of the town.

Close-grained spruce top with a beautiful natural blonde finish, curly maple back and sides, maple neck, and a gorgeously crafted ebony fingerboard make the Engelhardt ES9 sweet to the touch and easy on the eyes. The Swingmaster possesses a remarkably rich and vibrant tone throughout the entire range.

Engelhardt ES9 Swingmaster Model Upright Bass Features:

• Spruce top
• Curly maple back and sides
• Maple neck
• Ebony fingerboard and tailpiece
• Standard 3/4 size

A nicely made bass, great for rockabilly and beyond. Click or call to order the ES9 Swingmaster Bass today!

The pinnacle of U.S.-manufactured Fender bass guitars.

"Deluxe" is the right name for this Jazz. It combines the best of the Fender tradition with the best new technology: premium alder body (depending on finish), 3-band active EQ, new design Noiseless J Bass pickups that offer classic tone with reduced noise, a graphite-reinforced neck, and much more. It truly represents the pinnacle of U.S.-manufactured Fender bass guitars.

Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass Fretless Features:

• U.S. manufactured
• Premium alder body
• Graphite-reinforced maple neck with contoured heel and modern C shape
• Rosewood fretboard with rolled edges
• 18-volt active preamp with 3-band EQ
• Noiseless J Bass Samarium Cobalt pickups
• Fender/Schaller Deluxe Lite-Bass tuning machines
• Deluxe chrome-plated steel bridge plate (string-through-body or top-load) with nickel-plated brass saddles

Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass Fretless Includes:

• standard molded case

Play this one and you'll love the Jazz more than ever. Order today.

Updated bridge and Fender-design tuners modernize this classic!

This American Standard Series Jazz Bass Fretless has a vintage body radius and contour for a classic vibe and feel. The body is rendered in premium ash or alder for optimum tone and sustain. Its rosewood or maple fretboard features detailed nut work and fret marker inlay work. The neck is graphite-reinforced and has rolled edges for a broken-in feel from the get-go. Features S-1 switching to change pickup coils from series to parallel to give a brighter, snappier Fender Jazz Bass tone. HMV Bridge (high mass vintage) increases sustain, provides punchier tone, beefier looking plates and 3/8" diameter vintage saddles. String height adjustment screws have nylon patches for a tight fit that won t vibrate loose.

A 12-gauge cold rolled steel plate machined brass backstop increases mass, enhances top end. Socket head intonation screws are engineered for a tighter fit, and are now more stable. Features Fender®/Hipshot® tuning keys. The work great, and are 30% lighter, minimizing neck dip. Classic 20:1 tuning ratio, cast zinc with aluminum string posts and mounting nuts, and steel clovers. Brass worm gears, steel worm drives.

With a thinner undercoat, the American Standard P Bass body breathes easier and has improved sound (more wood influence). Neck pocket paint buildup has been reduced by 40%, greatly improving the wood to wood connection/reaction.

SKB rectangular design case, exclusive to Fender, has TSA recognized and accepted locks. Fiberglass reinforced nylon trigger release latching system, indestructible cushioned rubber over-molded handle with flush lock out. Injection molded feet and exclusive arched stacking system.

Fender American Standard Jazz Bass Fretless Features:

• Ash or alder body
• Graphite-reinforced neck with modern C shape and satin polyurethane finish
• Rosewood or maple fingerboard with rolled edges
• 20 medium jumbo frets
• Open-back cast machine heads
• 2 U.S. Jazz Bass single-coil pickups
• Volume/volume/master tone controls
• S-1 switching (parallel/series)
• HMV Bridge (high mass vintage)
• Chrome hardware
• Thinner undercoat
• Improved neck pocket

Fender American Standard Jazz Bass Fretless Includes:

• Fender hardshell case

It's the kind. Don't think about it; just get it.

Play the bass that carried Jaco's musical genius to the world.

The Fender Pastorius fretless electric bass preserves the memory of legendary Jaco Pastorius, a beacon for generations of aspiring bass players who bridged the gaps between R&B, rock, jazz, classical, and Caribbean musics. He changed the musical world of bass guitar with his uncanny gifts and visionary approach to the instrument. And he did it with one fundamental tool a Fender Jazz Bass. Fender has re-created Jaco's well-played Jazz Fretless in painstaking detail, so you can enjoy a special connection with this great artist.

Fender Jaco Pastorius Fretless Jazz Bass Guitar Features:

• Body: alder
• Neck: maple
• Fingerboard: rosewood, polyester finished
• Scale: length 34" (864 mm)
• No. of frets: 20
• Vintage-size fretline markers
• Width @ nut: 1.500" (38 mm)
• Machine heads: vintage style
• Pickups: 2 vintage Jazz pickups
• Controls: '62 style
• 3-knob, volume (neck), volume (bridge), master tone
• Pickguard: brown shell (shipped in case)
• Bridge: U.S. vintage Jazz
• Unique features: special shape neck
• Accessories: brown Tolex case, strap, cable

If you're after the subtle gravity of Jaco's tone, go for the instrument that's heavy enough to pull it off. Order now.

A perfect re-creation of the instrument played by the perfect bassist.

Jaco lived hard and played hard, and his bass paid for it. But despite consistent and brutal abuse (he was rumored to drag the thing around with no case), his trusty Jazz Bass still delivered that inimitable Jaco sound. Aside from a perfect new fingerboard, this is a faithful re-creation, right down to the peeling paint and screw holes from a previous pickup. Select alder body, special shaped maple neck, epoxy-coated fretless rosewood fingerboard, and replacement P Bass control knobs. Hardshell Fender case included.

Fender Jaco Pastorius Relic Jazz Bass Features:

• A re-creation in minute detail
• Select alder body
• Special shaped maple neck
• Epoxy-coated fretless rosewood fingerboard
• Replacement P Bass control knobs
• Comes with deluxe Fender case

Fender Jaco Pastorius Relic Jazz Bass Includes:

• deluxe hardshell case

You ain't no Jaco Pastorius, but that's no reason you can't give yourself an edge by playing his instrument. It's a collector's item already. Order now.

The latest fretless version of the all-time classic Fender Jazz bass.

The Fender Fretless Jazz Bass has the classic offset, contoured alder body with standard pickups and controls for definitive J Bass sound. The maple neck has a modern C profile, comfortable satin finish, and rosewood fretboard. Chromeplated hardware. Includes Fender gig bag.

Fender Standard Fretless Jazz Bass Features:

• Classic offset body shape
• Alder body
• Modern C shape maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Standard J Bass pickups
• Chromeplated hardware
• 3-ply pickguard

Fender Standard Fretless Jazz Bass Includes:

• Fender gig bag

Classic look. Smooth feel. Killer sound. Order your J Bass today.

Designed by the session great himself!

The Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass guitar is built with input from the bassist who has played with the Firm, Whitesnake, David Gilmour, and many others.

It has an alder body and a modern C-shaped maple neck with an unfinished, unfretted ebony fingerboard with side dot position markers. That trademark growl comes from an American Series Precision Bass neck pickup and a Tony Franklin signature Jazz Bass bridge pickup with hex screw lugs and bar ceramic magnets. Other features include vintage tuning machines with a Hipshot Bass Xtender Drop D tuning key on the E" string to get way down low, and three-way switching for maximum tonal choices.

Fender Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass Features:

• Alder body
• Modern C-shaped maple neck
• Unfinished, unfretted ebony fingerboard
• Side dot position marker
• American Series Precision Bass neck pickup
• Tony Franklin signature Jazz Bass bridge pickup with hex screw lugs and bar ceramic magnets
• Vintage tuning machines
• Hipshot Bass Xtender Drop D tuning key on the E" string
• Three-way switching for maximum tonal choices

Fender Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass Includes:

• hardshell case

Own a fretless with massive tone and showtime looks. Click or call now!

Minor scratches, this item only.

Designed by the session great himself!

The Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass guitar is built with input from the bassist who has played with the Firm, Whitesnake, David Gilmour, and many others.

It has an alder body and a modern C-shaped maple neck with an unfinished, unfretted ebony fingerboard with side dot position markers. That trademark growl comes from an American Series Precision Bass neck pickup and a Tony Franklin signature Jazz Bass bridge pickup with hex screw lugs and bar ceramic magnets. Other features include vintage tuning machines with a Hipshot Bass Xtender Drop D tuning key on the E" string to get way down low, and three-way switching for maximum tonal choices.

Fender Blem Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass Features:

• Alder body
• Modern C-shaped maple neck
• Unfinished, unfretted ebony fingerboard
• Side dot position marker
• American Series Precision Bass neck pickup
• Tony Franklin signature Jazz Bass bridge pickup with hex screw lugs and bar ceramic magnets
• Vintage tuning machines
• Hipshot Bass Xtender Drop D tuning key on the E" string
• Three-way switching for maximum tonal choices

Fender Blem Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass Includes:

• hardshell case

Own a fretless with massive tone and showtime looks. Click or call now!

Honoring the awesome bassist of Weather Report fame.

In designing this beautifully crafted, exotic wood J Bass, Fender incorporated a host of features guided by Victor Bailey himself. The sleek body has a koa top over rosewood and mahogany. Noiseless pickups add warmth and lows that complement the body's natural clarity and brightness. The circuitry has been tweaked with a pre-shape, boost, and EQ settings to enhance the unique sonic nature of the exotic woods. For maximum headroom, the tone circuit is powered by an 18-volt supply. Includes a Fender hardshell case.

Fender Victor Bailey 4-String Fretless Jazz Bass Specifications:

• Scale Length: 34" (864 mm)
• Width at Nut: 1.50" (38mm)

Fender Victor Bailey 4-String Fretless Jazz Bass Features:

• Koa and Rosewood Over Mahogany Body
• Modern C" shape neck,
• Rosewood fingerboard, 9.5" radius (241mm)
• Fretless, 22 inlaid white fretline markers
• 2 Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Jazz Bass pickups
• Controls: Master Volume, Pan Pot, 3-Band Active EQ with:
• Treble Boost/Cut: +/- 10 db @ 8kHz, a shift in the cut frequency, and about a 2dB slope per octave.
• Mid Boost/Cut: +10dB, -15dB @ 500Hz, and a wide band slope.
• Bass Boost/Cut: +/- 12 db @ 40 Hz, with a 4dB slope per octave.
• Pickup Switching: Pan Pot
• Deluxe gold plated steel bridge plate, (strings-thru-body or top load), with gold plated brass saddles
• Fender/Schaller Deluxe Lite-Bass Tuning Machines
• Gold plated hardware
• Koa Headstock Overlay,
• Victor Bailey graphic on headstock,
• 5 countersunk neck bolts
• carved asymetrical heel for better upper register access
• Posiflex graphite neck support rods
• Abalone dot position inlays
• Rolled fingerboard edges
• Highly detailed nut work
• Side dot position markers centered between fretlines
  
  

Fender Victor Bailey 4-String Fretless Jazz Bass Includes:

• hardshell case

Own a superior Jazz Bass crafted in unusual woods. Order with the assurance of our Dual Guarantees now!