Fretless 8-String & Fretless 5-String Basses

surfrat · Post by **surfrat** » Sat Jan 19, 2002 10:25 am

Hello everybody-
This is my first post to this site, what a great resource! I just wanted to introduce myself and show off a couple of unique Rick basses. I frequent the backwoods of western Montana, way out where the busses don't run! I've been a Rick fan for 20+ years, although my current obsession is a Hamer.

Rickenbacker custom made two fretless basses for me in 1987, a 4003/S8FL 8-string in silver, and a 4003/S5FL 5-string in red. I just put together a home page to show these off at http://home.centurytel.net/surfrat . I've also submitted photos of these to this site. Since Rickenbacker rarely makes completely custom instruments, I consider myself to be one of the luckiest guys around! Have fun!

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Jan 19, 2002 10:55 am

Mark: Very nice page. Thanks for sharing this information. These Rickenbacker basses are quite a find! Thanks for your description of the 4003/S8FL which is now posted on the Rickenbacker Registration Page.

eddier · Post by **eddier** » Fri Feb 01, 2002 6:44 am

Mark,
Very nice website, kudos.
A question for you, do you play with a pick or fingerstyle?

surfrat · Post by **surfrat** » Fri Feb 01, 2002 7:35 am

Thanks!
I started fingerstyle, but once I discovered a pick I've never gone back. Particularly when playing 8 or 12 string basses, they just don't sound very good if played with the fingers. Especially since I just play fretless basses, and there is no 'bite' to the sound from the interaction between the strings and the frets, so a pick is the only way to go. I use Dunlop Tortex sharkfins, the really light .060 gauge.