Converting an electric bass to fretless

[Paulie]

I have a cheap Ibanez electric bass that I'm considering turning into a fretless. I love the sound of a fretless but don't want to trash this little guy. Is this an easy project or will I just ruin my cheap bass?

[mojobone]

YMMV, but fretwork is something I leave to the pros, and particularly when it comes to bass. Obviously, a de-fret isn't as critical or as complex as a crown-and-level, but it does require a special tool or two, and it's possible to damage one's fingers during the procedure, as fret tangs can be very sharp. On a scale of beginner to pro luthier, it's at least a 5 on a scale of 10; I wouldn't recommend it for a first project. (in fact, building a partscaster is on my do-list, unless I find an intriguing basket case to resuscitate) I reckon you're the better judge of your own proclivities, but I'd rather spend time playing instruments than working on them. You'd might be time and money ahead to buy and install a fretless neck, if your bass is of a common Precision or Jazz pattern.

[jazzstan]

I had a friend (RIP, Brian Asher)... who did this, with good result, but he was very skilled with wood-working projects.

But the GOLD STAR goes to MOJO for a brilliant answer: the neck swap.

[fuzzbox]

Hi Paulie,
I was in a band many years ago and the bass player did that. He changed the neck from fretted to fretless as it was all the rage in the UK at that time. Not sure the model though but it was a Fender! It sounded great... no more bum notes!