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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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

1973 USA GUILD JS-B-2 Fretless Bass Guitar Very Nice Player

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Crafted with precision, the 1973 USA Guild JS-B-2 Fretless Bass Guitar stands as a testament to the golden era of music craftsmanship. With its rich Mahagany body and elegant rosewood fretboard, this electric bass guitar offers a warm, full-bodied tone that's ideal for professional performances. The right-handed instrument features a classic 4-string configuration, allowing for a range of deep, resonant notes and a smooth playability that's suited for bass enthusiasts and professional musicians ... 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

1971 Fender Precision Bass with Warmoth Fretless Neck (modified)

Poway, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2495

This bass has an incredible history. The bass started life as a 1971 Fender Precision bass. A few years later, the Schecter Guitar Research company in Van Nuys, California did an upgrade and added Bartoline pickups, changed to a Bad Ass II bridge, changed to a Schecter chrome plated brass pick guard, and redid the electronics using Bourns high performance potentiometers which was Schecter's trademark. Around the late 80s, the neck was upgraded to a Wormoth fretless. The Schaller tuning machines ... 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

1980s GUILD PILOT BASS - made in USA Four String Fretless

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

1980s GUILD PILOT BASS - made in USA Four String Fretless. Good condition. Plays well. Does have some scratching and minor marks in the paint mostly on the back. Please see pictures. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes international shipping provided by eBay global
... more

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

G&L L-1000 Fretless Bass 1980 - Black

Mission, Texas, 785**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2799

1980 G&L L-1000 Fretless Bass in black with the original hardcase. 3 bolt neck with micro-tilt. Fretless with a dark rosewood fretboard. The nitrocellulose lacquer has checked all over the body and neck. It's really difficult to capture on film, as it's pretty subtle. The lacquer on the neck has naturally aged to a nice vintage amber. Straight, super comfy neck with low action. Truss rod works perfectly. Neck is dated to November 17, 1980. Original gold Schaller tuning pegs have faded a bit ... more

1976 Rickenbacker 4001 FL Fretless Jetglo

Verona, Pennsylvania, 151**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

An uncommon Rickenbacker 4001FL made in December 1976. Overall a clean bass with some small signs of use. Fully functional truss rods and adjustable action. What a growl, too! The neck is mighty comfortable and conducive to fast movement.

Neck width at nut: 1 64??
Neck width at 12th position: 2 08??
Weight: 9 lbs. 9 5 oz

There is a small cloudy patch in the finish on the back of the body along with a handful of dings closer to the jack plate. Chrome is missing from ... more

1976 Fender Fretless P Bass Mocha Brown

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

$5000

... more

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

Ibanez 1979 MC900 Fretless Bass

Bradford, BD10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1425

Ibanez MC900 fretless passive bass (1979) in great condition. String with flatwounds.
Would prefer collection but can possibly arrange shipping for £25 extra within mainland UK. Collection is possible from Bradford, Leamington, Redditch or Aylesbury.
IF NOT SOLD BY WEDNESDAY MARCH 5th this bass may be traded in on another purchase.... 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 !
... more

Fender Squier Bass - Fretless 1960

Capodichino, 80***, ITALY

€1000

Fender Squier Bass - Fretless 1960.... more

Vintage 1980 / 81 Fender Precision Special Bass Neck - Defretted / Fretless - RARE

Coventry, CV3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£517

Rare vintage American made Fender Precision Special Bass Neck from 1980 / 81
Neck was defretted professionally in the 1990s but requires some TLC. See photos.
Rosewood fretboard and sturdy maple neck
With its 4-string configuration and 20 frets
String tree and tuning pegs replaced in early 2010s. Wilkinson brand.... more

1976 HOYER EB 3 FRETLESS BASS - Made in GERMANY - SHORT SCALE

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£625

1976 HOYER EB BASS -- made in GERMANY -- FRETLESS :
+ mahagony body finished in wine red, has lots of wear=check last 2 pics
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, frets were removed, previous owner has inlaid a new name into the headstock, starts with G, 4 bolt neck construction
+ 2 humbuckers
+ chrome parts
+ low action
+ sounds very JACK BRUCE !
... more

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

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
... more

Fender Precision Bass Fretless 1977 Natural

St. Albans, AL4***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2499

Fender Precision Bass Fretless from 1977 in the Natural finish
Comes in weighing 9lbs 1oz
Spec wise you get;
1 x DiMarzio Patent Applied For P Bass Pickup1 x DiMarzio Patent Applied For Jazz PickupMaple Neck & FingerboardThe bass is in good shape. Especially for its age. It has had a jazz pickup fitted and routed and some point in its life. It has some wear around the body, neck and headstock which can all be seen clearly in the photos. No breaks or repairs
The electronics ... 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

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