Quote:
Originally Posted by Heather Kulaga
I have a BSR4TNE, fretless four string, and took it to my band rehearsal last night. I usually use my 6, but wanted to try this out on some of the tunes even though it's a bit new to me.
Twice in our current set list I usually do a little slap/pop or tapping solo. I went ahead and played the slap/pop and it sounded good and was easy to play on that bass. Then when I got to the tapping solo I hesitated, realizing that I might be injuring the fretboard. I don't really know much about this technique being used on a fretless.
I use KS taper-core medium round wound strings, but I read that using a flat wound string can help protect the fretboard surface.
Thing is, slapping/popping isn't really my style and I love the round-wound strings - there is an awesome growl from this bass that comes through really well and I don't want to mess with that too much.
Any advice? I bought this fretless used, but it's sorta precious to me - it's in beautiful shape and I want to keep it that way.
Can I slap/pop/tap on my little tiger?
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Hi Heather,
I'm actually surprised you like the slap/pop/tap sounds you are getting off the fretless fingerboard. Different I guess, and that's what artistry is all about, however, no way will the slap/pop/tap be nearly as lively as it would be if played on a fretted fingerboard. But, maybe that's what you want? I don't know.
Smith Medium Taper Core Round Wounds, IMO, are the best strings for a Smith Bass, period. BTW - I've tried others (just out of curiosity)
, but came back to the Smith Medium Taper Cores
. It's simply the best match for your Smith
. Trust me when I say I've played a few Smith's over the last 11 years
.
You are not going to hurt your fingerboard. Yes, you'll see impressions left in the fretboard from the Round Wounds, but it's surface impressions only. Is your fretboard Ebony or other? Either way, don't let it worry you too much. I've been using Smith Medium Taper Cores on Fretted and Fretless Smith's for over 11 years now. Never been disappointed nor have I had issue with excessive wear to a fretless or fretted fingerboard. Is it a result of my technique? Maybe. Sure, technique (sloppy, heavy, or otherwise) can have a more severe impact on your fretboard, however, I suspect in most cases the impact is not as bad as you might suspect. Bottom line, I don't compromise the sound I'm seeking for relatively insignificant wear to my frets or fretboard. But that's me.