A Question...

[Kirk P Brosius]

Hey Will,

Just a thought here but, you will most likely never look at the dots on the fretboard. If you are the type of player which frequently looks at the neck while playing, you will give most of your attention to the side dots. I've often wondered why there are dots on the fretboard since only the audience can see it.

Later, Kirk

[Will Kelly]

Hey Kirk

In answer to that...

I use the dots all the time on the fingerboard. On a four string bass, it doesnt matter to me if they are there or not. On a five or six, I need them. Two reasons: It makes big position shifts on the fingerboard easier for me, and second, my eyes are failing me. When I look at the fingerboard of a multi-string bass I often see double the number of strings. The dots give me a good spatial reference with some depth perception.

[Kirk P Brosius]

Hey Will,

I respect and can completely understand your perspective and other considerations. I'm in a similar position! At my age, almost 66, and on a dimly lit stage, I find the side dots a bid difficult to see when I need them! My point is that it can be difficult to crank the neck around to look at the fingerboard, instead of the side dots, while watching the guitarist for cues and keeping the other eye on the new drummer to give him the same cues! SHEEESH!!!! All the pressure!!!!!!

Later, Kirk