Getting to know them.......

[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.