Frank Zappa

FlyGuitars After Mahavishnu, you played with Frank Zappa.

Ralphe Armstrong After Mahavishnu, I played with Santana, and then Frank Zappa. We did some recording. I was originally supposed to play with Santana, but John McLaughlin had leeway and talked him out of hiring me. Santana bought my first class airline ticket to go out to San Francisco to record. I also played with Jeff Beck. I played with so many people man, I need to sit down and document.

FlyGuitars What was it like working with Frank?

Ralphe Armstrong He was a disciplinarian, a lot of hard work. Like being in an army. He gave me a lot of freedom, though. He was cool. We did a tribute; me and Napoleon Murphy Brock were together recently; we played a jazz festival last year.

Jean-Luc Ponty: Live. Ralphe describes this album as the "best example of my electric bass playing on record."

Jean-Luc Ponty: Enigmatic Ocean

Jean-Luc Ponty

FlyGuitars You are also known for your work with Jean-Luc Ponty.

Ralphe Armstrong I met Jean-Luc in Mahavishnu, and about two years after it broke up, he started a new band.

FlyGuitars Did Jean-Luc let you play what you wanted, or was everything composed?

Ralphe Armstrong He had things written out but I was able to come up with my own bass parts.

FlyGuitars You did some cutting edge stuff with Jean-Luc Ponty. He certainly gave you a lot of space.

Ralphe Armstrong Wait till you hear my fretless recording from 1998. It’s coming out on my web site and I will have it for sale soon. I am with Harmony Network and it will be for sale soon. Live At The Ford Festival. I just played at New York at Carnegie hall with James Carter, playing string bass.

FlyGuitars You've played with a lot more people than we've talked about so far. Would you care to name a few more?

Ralphe Armstrong I played with Marshall Tucker Band, Louie Bellson, Steve Allen, Elliot Easton of the Cars, Kenny Burrell, Curtis Mayfield - I did his last CD New World Order. I did something with Lenny White, a classical aura with the bow.

FlyGuitars Tell me about your use of effects.

Ralphe Armstrong I was a big fan of Jimi Hendrix; I used this thing called Maestro Bass Brassmaster, but now [I use] Digitech.

The Maestro BB-1 Bass Brassmaster and OB-2 Octave box
In 1976 Ralphe said of the Brassmaster, "It makes the bass sound like a trombone. I love it. It's the only device that I like, other than Maestro's Octave box"

FlyGuitars What kind of strings do you like to use?

Ralphe Armstrong I like half wounds for fretless, with low action. With a fretted bass with funk, I like round wounds

FlyGuitars I read you dropped out of the music scene to raise your family in Detroit, but play in local Detroit music clubs?

Ralphe Armstrong Right now I’m back & traveling. I'm with a new company and am working on a recording project with my self and Narada Michael Walden. We're calling it the “Fusion Reunion”. Were going to have some concerts, and have Wallace Roney do some trumpet and Vernon Reid (from Living Colour) to help too. Vernon came and played at the festival two years ago. Maybe George Duke. We might do something in October.

FlyGuitars What’s your Musical direction today?

Ralphe Armstrong I played with D-12; you know, Eminem'’s group. I did two recordings. I play hip-hop. I'm not into one thing; I’'m like Miles: I got to keep pushing forward. He even had had me wear gaiters & gangster hats and triple OG and a DJ. These young kids- young guys have a fit, seeing me play all kinds of stuff, man.

Fretless bass guitars for sale

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1960's Ampeg AMUB-1 unfretted / fretless AMB-1 Bass Cherry-Red

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7590

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1960's Ampeg AMUB-1 (unfretted AMB-1) bass in its original "Cherry-Red" finish. It has a great playing neck. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original gig bag. There are nicks + dings, belt buckle wear and other cosmetic wear. Everything remains structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or repairs. All electronics work and sound great as the controls are still sealed in the factory can
We ... more

1976 Fender Fretless P Bass Mocha Brown

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

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1976 Rickenbacker 4001 Fretless Bass very rare example that's a beat sweet bass.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995

This is a very clean & extremely good looking 1976 Rickenbacker 4001 Fretless Bass that has all the right stuff. Its Fireglo finish as yellowed a bit & is worn in w / a cool factor & a ton of Patina. Its fretless fingerboard is nicely figured w / a ton of finish wear from regular use. Its got both its original rhythm & bridge pickups. Plays & intonates quite well. It??s got a rare neck thru of maple w / a single walnut stripe. Its very good overall & ready to use & ... more

1978 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Natural

Farmingdale, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3699

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Phillip Kubicki 1984 Koa Very Rare Fretless Bass . One Of A Kind.

Raleigh, North Carolina, 276**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3300

This Phillip Kubicki 1984 Koa Fretless Bass is a true gem for any musician. With its unique body type and rare koa material, it is a one-of-a-kind instrument that will elevate your music to the next level. The bass is in excellent shape and has been well-maintained over the years, ensuring its longevity and playability

This bass is perfect for any musician who wants a high-quality, reliable instrument. Its fretless design allows for smooth and comfortable play, while the koa material... more

Vintage 1977 Fender Precision Fretless Bass

Costa Mesa, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

You're looking at a vintage 1977 / 78 Fender Fretless Precision Bass in a beautiful 3-tone sunburst. The bass has the coolest vibes, sounds awesome and plays great
A few things to point out
- Missing bridge cover
- Missing pickup cover
- No case is included
- Pickguard is not original
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Serial Number: S750442
- Model: Precision Fretless Bass
- Manufactured Date: 1977 / 1978
- Manufactured Location: United States
- Weight: 9lbs 8 7oz
- ... more

1974 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Fretless Vintage

Phoenix, Arizona, 850**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

This bass was owned by Hex Henderson who played with David Allen Coe and Roy Buchanan plus many others. I was told it's a 1974 and from the names on the neck and neck pocket that adds up. This bass had a Seymour Duncan Jazz pickup installed. It's not the cleanest routing job but works fantastic and makes this bass more versatile for those Jacko runs. The bass sounds absolutely amazing and looks super. I will consider all fair offers as I understand the bass has been modified. Please do not ... more

Hohner Bartell Semi-Hollow Fretless Bass Black 1960s

Raymond, California, 936**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2250

The Hohner Bartell Semi-Hollow Fretless Bass Guitar in black is a professional-level electric bass with a semi-hollow body design. This right-handed 4-string bass features a fretless poplar fretboard and neck, suitable for experienced players looking for a unique playing experience. The bass comes with a hard case for safe storage and transport. This vintage model from the 1960s showcases Hohner's quality craftsmanship and is ideal for musicians seeking a distinct sound and aesthetic in ... more

Vendo Fender Bass precision fretless made in US A. 1978

Siracusa, 96***, ITALY

€3600

Vendo Fender Bass precision fretless made in US A. anno 1978
Regolato e revisionato , ottimo stato di conservazione , tutto originale, introvabile per la precisione del suono e lo stato della vernice, dell'elettronica e della meccanica. Prezzo trattabile La custodia è compresa
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Fender Precision Bass Fretless 1978 USA

Port St. Mary, IM9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3100

1978 Fender Precision Fretless Bass in Sun Burst finish. Fantastic condition, what a delight
Ash slab with maple neck and rosewood fretboard
Super clean, all original example, with original non Fender case, manual and original payment card. Original covers and thumb rest with original screws
No repairs; slight dings to body as shown on photos. Matching serial number stickers on the body and pick guard match; S8 Serial number
Super playing & sounding P-Bass that is in fantastic... more

1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless USA Sunburst

Montpellier, 34***, FRANCE

€2700

Basse Fender Precision Fretless ?? Made in USA 1976.
Manche Touche Palissandre - Corps Sunburst
Très bon état. Son fantastique
Nous contacter pour envoi avec assurance via transporteur UPS ou DHL
Fender Precision Fretless Bass - Made in USA 1976 Rosewood Handle - Ash Body - SunburstVery good state. Fantastic SoundShipping to Europe, USA and JAPAN - Please contact us via phone call +33 6 522 521 28
Return to the buyer's charge
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Basse Gibson Ripper Fretless Black Ebony ~ 1976

Balanod, 39***, FRANCE

€2550

Superbe basse Fretless Gibson "The Ripper" L-9-SF Black, touche ébène, en très bon état. ~ 1976Configuration d'origine passive avec 2 micros humbuckers Bill Lawrence d'origine, sélecteur 4 positions d'origine, réglages Volume, Treble et Tone. Potentiomètres "CTS" et condensateurs "TAD Mustard" neufs. Chevalet d'origine avec pontets laiton réglables en hauteur individuellement. Etui d'origine usagé inclus
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1975 Fender Jazz Bass Fretless

Blakeney,Gloucestershire, GL15***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2500

1975 Fender Jazz bass. Modified. It's had the fretboard replaced and converted into a Fretless bass. Plays very well. New strings fitted. Lots of patina from years of use
Collection only. Try before you buy
Based in Blakeney Gloucestershire
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Rare guitare basse fretless GUILD B302F

Le Châtellier, 35***, FRANCE

€2400

Rare, une vraie guitare basse fretless GUILD B302F à deux micros. Je pense qu'elle date des années 80 (1979 possible). Elle a un son très rond plutôt type contrebasse. Je ne sais pas si le hardcase est d'origine. Achetée à un magasin à Paris dans les années 90. Peu servi depuis.... more

1978-80 Fender P bass Fretless

Leeds, LS8***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2300

I bought this bass last year, and although it's a fantastic instrument, I bought it because of my love of The Police, not my need for yet another P Bass
I'll try to give as much info as possible, but I don't know all that much unfortunately
The serial number dates to 1978, however the previous owner believed it could date be as late as 1980 given Fenders of the era. The finish on the back of the body isn't original, and is a strange matte finish. The front of the body could be original ... more

1977 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK USA - FRETLESS

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€2197

1977 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK USA - FRETLESS :
* nice dark rosewood fingerboard
* super hard to find !
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1978 FENDER PRECISION BASS MAPLE NECK - FRETLESS - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1995

1978 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK - made in USA :
* FRETLESS
* all maple neck with skunk stripe on back, super rare
* finish has a few dings & chips=check pic 9
* fingerboard is clean
* neck is straight
* brass nut installed
* original chrome tuners are included
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
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1979 / 82 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK - FRETLESS - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1850

1979 / 82 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK - made in USA :
* FRETLESS version, rare
* fingerboard is clean
* extra tuner screw holes on back
* finish is clean
* 1979 serial number on headstock, butt stamp is 11 3 82
* neck is straight
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
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1977 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK USA - FRETLESS

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£1699

1977 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK USA - FRETLESS :
* nice dark rosewood fingerboard
* super hard to find !
... more

1972 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK - FRETLESS - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1597

1972 FENDER PRECISION BASS NECK- made in USA:
* converted to FRETLESS, slots are filled with wood putty
* last 3 frets have some double cuts and are filled a bit UNPRO
* headstock has a few small holes drilled at top end
* finish on back has wear
* neck is straight
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!
... more

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