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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Vintage 1970's Dan Armstrong Fretless Bass Rare Black Pickguard Near Mint

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

$3900

Vintage Dan Armstrong Fretless Bass Guitar in clear acrylic with the rare black pick guard and headstock. This bass is an incredible player and a serious addition to any bass collection. There are no scratches on the acrylic body and the neck looks like new
The one defect on this instrument is a ding in the pick guard where the input jack is located. It can be seen clearly in picture #10. Otherwise it is museum quality
The case is ok but the two outside latches have to be done ... more

1978 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Natural

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

$3699

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JB-62 Fretless Jaco style (1978 neck)

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2490

Custom (handmade) neck , made in the USA in 1978.
Body, electronic and hardware MIJ (2000s) Few dings and blemishes (see pictures)
Alder bodyNeck construction: maple neck (quarter sawn + bird's eye maple)Schaller tunerEbony fingerboard
Picture of the heel of the neck available upon request
The neck's construction is quite amazing with an unmatched quality
The fretboard is flat and fast
An incredible and unique instrument
Video available upon request... more

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

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

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

FRETLESS Vintage 1980's Quest Short Scale Bass by Vantage Japan *FREE SHIPPING*

Neosho, Missouri, 648**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$469

RARE FIND
What a great playing little Fretless bass, play it on the go, anywhere!
It's not a toy; it's more of a travel bass guitar, very good quality, built in Japan at the Matsumoku plant for Quest / Vantage
25" Scale. 38" in total length
Fun to play, and in very good condition considering that it's over 40 years old, but it does have several dings, nicks, and scuffs throughout,
I circled in yellow the most major
Does not effect to playability whatsoever
Appears to ... more

1979 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Sunburst w / HSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3395

1979 Fender Precision Bass Fretless
This Guitar Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Light Cosmetic Playwear Including Some Small Dings, Marks, Scratches, And Some Strap Burn On Back As Shown
All Original Example
Alder Body With 3-Tone Sunburst Finish
Maple Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard
Grey Bottom Pickups Dated 1979
34" Scale Length
1 5 / 8" Nut Width
'C' Shape Neck Profile
Neck Depth At 1st: ... more

1976 Fender Fretless P Bass Mocha Brown

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

$5000

... 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

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

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
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more

Eko BA4 - rare vintage Italy 1979 - Fretless Acoustic Bass (the Cure)

Abano Terme, 35***, ITALY

€780

Raro Basso acustico fretless della Eko, made in Italy, data di produzione 28 maggio 1979, firmato dal grande Andrea Bugari
Basso di alta qualità, utilizzato anche da professionisti, come i The Cure: appare nei video di 'The Caterpillar' e ?In Between Days??.
Prodotto dalla fine degli anni 70 a circa il 1987 in poche quantità
Il basso si presenta in ottime condizioni, presenta un po' di segni del tempo, qualche graffietto, una biccola botta, come si vede dalle foto, ma nulla di ... 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

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

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

Fender Squier Bass - Fretless 1960

Capodichino, 80***, ITALY

€1000

Fender Squier Bass - Fretless 1960.... 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

1976 IBANEZ JB FRETLESS BASS NECK - made in JAPAN

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€285

1976 IBANEZ JB FRETLESS BASS NECK - made in JAPAN :
* frets were pulled
* slots are NOT filled yet
* finish has wear
* 1 tuner bushing is missing
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more

1976 HOYER EB BASS - FRETLESS - JACK BRUCE SOUND

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€674

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 !
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS ... more

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