Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was thinking of possibly soon of ordering a fretless, in a Cheyenne model. But, on the Ric website, it doesn't show that option.
While we're on the subject, can anyone comment on the sound quality/playability between the Cheyenne and Laredo?

Robert-- Mark Arnquist converted my Cheyenne I to a fretless. I love it! I've never heard a Laredo so I can't offer a comparison between the two.

If the Ric website doesn't mention the Cheyenne available as a fretless, then it probably isn't.

I really don't want to do a "Jaco" to an expensive bass (pulling the frets out, then epoxy the slots in). I heard that invites neck warping and twisting problems. But I'm sure if it's done right, it won't be that much of a problem.

What I did for the Bauguss bass was this .
I had a sheet of veneer thickness sanded to the dimension that I needed .

I used 'Hide Glue' to afix it to the slots . This was done so that with heat , it could be removed easily . Yellow wood workers glue does not release as easily . Epoxy ... what a headache.

After the fretboard surface was 'trued' , then 3 layers of resin was applied and that was sanded /planed . I then wet sanded the neck looking for imperfections , and then used Grey 3M Scotch brite to 'dull' the finish .

The slots now have the ability to be restored with frets , but have the durability of a fretless. As the fretboard is maple , I did not want to leave it bare and discolor .

It seems to have pleased it's owner .