Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just out of interest do Rickenbacker offer fret markers as an option on the 4003FL?
Do any FL Ricks have markers?
I wondered because not being a regular fretless player,I would struggle with just side dots.

I have seen only a very few fretless Ric basses that have only the side markers, with no markers actually on the fretboard. Most I have seen have 9 dot markers on the fretboard (2 together on the 12th fret). The only ones I have seen with the arrow/shark fin markers were fretted basses whose frets wore out & the owners just removed all the frets & played them as fretless--insteas of having them refretted.

I think Pete is talking (writing) about fret lines. As mentioned, only defretted basses "featured" those.

My 4002FL has side dots for each fret, on the "fret".
It's the only Rick (fretless) that I've seen that does that...

I meant fret lines sorry.
I take thats a "no" ?

Yes...

pag wrote:I meant fret lines sorry.
I take thats a "no" ?

Correct. You could have lines put in, or just use a sharpie!

This 4001 looks like it's been modded pretty well. Looks nice too!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rickenbacker-Fr ... 180wt_1348

Didn't the old Hohner Fretlesses have actual fret markers on the sides that spilled over a little on to the fretboard?

Oh, and try not to be intimidated about the lack of lines...its freaky for a while but your intonation will get better over time. The lines can become inhibiting in the long run because you're always looking at them instead of being free. What's really strange is having the dots on top not match up with the markers on the side, especially while practicing in front of the mirror! But after awhile even that works out.

I am looking for a Guild JS2 fretless bass but they are hard to find (no fretlines on these by the way).Being new to fretless having only played the odd gig on one I thought it might save rehearsal by time going for a "lined" fretless like the Fender Jazz but being a Rick lover I thought I would see if there were any lined fretlesses here.
I had to laugh when I saw the old thread with all the fuss about lined fretless or unlined!
I learned to drive at the age of 18 on a double decker bus with a "crash" (non synchromesh) gearbox.At the age of 55 I now drive a Volvo estate automatic...does that mean I cant drive a car properly anymore?
Those guys need to calm down with a nice cup of tea.

I have one major Yes track to do on the fretless and I would like the Guild for it but if a Rick can do the job I may be asking for someone here to part with one.

Or a twin neck rick bass would be the ideal!
How long would that take to get to Manchester if i ordered it today?

pag wrote:Or a twin neck rick bass would be the ideal!
How long would that take to get to Manchester if i ordered it today?

Probably by:

Seriously looking into a Rick fretless now.
I just saw the Warwick Jack Bruce Survivor bass,its a beauty (no fret markers just led side dots very cool) like a Gibson EB3 shape in cherry .
Then I saw the list price...over £5.000!!!
Not only that,I am so used to the Rick necks that I wont have any trouble on a fretless..I think.

pag wrote:Not only that,I am so used to the Rick necks that I wont have any trouble on a fretless..I think.

Pretty much how it went for me. I was gigging mine in about a week after I got it. I remember the first gig with it, the band director who had always given me the cold shoulder before (I was off-and-on subbing for his regular upright player) was very complimentary of my sound. For some reason I don't remember things going that smoothly when I first tried fretless with a Jazz Bass but that could have been due in part to its hellacious dead spots. That neck was doomed.

Yes I agree.
I love the Jazz bass but I cant imagine the very tapered neck being that easy on fretless.
Its ok if you are Jacko but I am not that good.