Getting to know them.......

[Frank Graveyard]

In my quest for a fretless Ken Smith, I only come across fretted 4 string BSR basses.
Is it simply possible to convert a fretted into a fretless? Or is there perhaps a difference in the build between these basses?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Frank Graveyard

In my quest for a fretless Ken Smith, I only come across fretted 4 string BSR basses.
Is it simply possible to convert a fretted into a fretless? Or is there perhaps a difference in the build between these basses?

We make the Fingerboards thicker on the Fretless models to make up for the height of the Frets. If not, the Bridge will be too low and at the wrong angle for the strings at the bridge saddles.

If converting a Bolt-on, then we would make a permanent Shim under the neck at the locket and/or re-pitch the neck for its height.

Frets in a slot help with the string pull resistance so making a thicker fingerboard help add strength that wont be there from the frets pushing the fingerboard back in the slots.

All of this is slight but makes a difference.

We have made Fretless models on 4, 5 and 6-string basses, with and without fret lines.

[Frank Graveyard]

Thanks very much for your replay. Speaking of fretboardthickness, what's the difference in mm?
I found a stunning fretted Ken Smith BSR 4 string White Tiger from 2011. Are there specific types of wood used in the build of a fretless body/neck?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Frank Graveyard

Thanks very much for your replay. Speaking of fretboardthickness, what's the difference in mm?
I found a stunning fretted Ken Smith BSR 4 string White Tiger from 2011. Are there specific types of wood used in the build of a fretless body/neck?

Thickness difference is about the fret height amount.

Same woods used per the model made, fretted or fretless.

[Frank Graveyard]

This one is for sale in the UK. Does the fretboardrepair effect sound or playability? I've never seen anything like this.
https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/327...r5eg-fretless/

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Frank Graveyard

This one is for sale in the UK. Does the fretboardrepair effect sound or playability? I've never seen anything like this.
https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/327...r5eg-fretless/

The Nut is missing as well as a bad FB replacement. HUGE de-value in my book. Expensive to repair properly which with us, required re-finish. Ugly modification.