Members glasskangaroo Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 The used Warwick Corvette Fretless I purchased roughly a year ago came with roundwound strings on it. A bassist I ran into recently told me that roundwounds should never be used on a fretless bass as it will tear up the fretboard. He claims that only flatwounds should be used on fretless basses. I'm skeptical about his advice. I swear I've seen some top fretless players using roundwound strings. What's the real deal here? And isn't that fretless we all love growl gonna be muted with flatwound strings? Much appreciation to all - glasskangaroo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members beam Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 It isn't the best, but a lot of players put rounds on fretless basses. They make strings that are known as "half rounds," which have roundwound construction, but are then filed down to be smooth...so they feel like flats, but sound more like rounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bnyswonger Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 Let's see...I've had my fender fretless 12 years and had my fingerbord dressed 3 times. Once every 4 years doesn't seem unreasonable to me. Oh yeah, I use rounds exclusively on it. I want all the harmonics available, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jazzbassist Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 I hate the way flats sound on my fretless. I only use roundwound strings.... The guy you ran into doesn't know what he is talking about... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bholder Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 It'll chew up the fretboard over time, eventually may need to be replaced or resurfaced. Or you can do the Jaco epoxy trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members glasskangaroo Posted September 23, 2005 Author Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 Thanks all for that nice round of advice. Since I really only use my fretless in the studio for recording, I think I'll stick with the roundwounds. If I were gigging constantly, I might be more concerned. Much appreciation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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