SDG

Your death metal allegiance will come to nought if you don't know Steve DiGiorgio. Many of us would know him though the band, Death (defunct). I know him through Sadus. In fact, I find Sadus interesting because of Steve's bass works in there; he's one of the more technical players in this genre who cleverly mixed his parts without getting in the way of the guitars. If you listen to Death's Human, you'd hear his fretless bass in action.

That's right - fretless. That's how his signature Ibanez is; a fretless 5-string (SDGB1), modelled after the BTB Series. This is downright deserving; Steve DiGiorgio should have been given one much earlier but we know how it is with endorsements & bass players; they are second fiddle to the guitar guys. Do note the fingerboard material in use - Ebonol. This is a synthetic material, very much in the likes of Richlite. Ebonol is a composite of resin & fibre (paper), a surprisingly popular material of choice in the bass circle. 

After watching this promo video (yes, he's playing stuff from Death's Human), you'd agree this guy's precision is scary. Anyway, this bass was initially left out of the November release list only to appear like a week into the month. Better late than never.

Pics: Ibanez / FSantiago

Ibanez 2023 (7)

Ooo la la... This is a gorgeous one; a fretless EHB currently offered as a 5-string only (EHB1005F). I fancy this blue as well, Ibanez calls it Arctic Ocean Matte. However, take note of the fretboard material - richlite. I firmly believe that this non-wood consideration had everything to do with the durability provision. If you have played a fretless before, there's this tendency for it to get scratched by your fingernails & the fact that the strings come into contact with the fretboard. Just wish that fretboard tongue was finished in blue as well; just my OCD. 

Pic: Ibanez

Fretless B

Ah, you wish for a bass adventure but want a slightly different experience. The fretless LTD Vintage 214 is in stock at Davis GMC (List: $595). The fretless bass or any fretless instrument, teaches us precision; how to not mess up by properly fingering the notes exactly at the marked line. Some of them have no such lines at all so it's all about knowing exactly when to press after repeated playing - familiarity. This LTD is a full-sized instrument (34" scale length) so it gives the full bottom end one expects from a standard plug-in, solid body unit.

Pic: ESP international

F-less

A bold move by Grassroots releasing this fretless acoustic bass (G-AC-BASS) in December. In less than a month, manufacturers would be releasing their 2022 offerings & that's when people take note of what's in & what's out.  In addition to the fretless wonder, there's a magnetic pickup there just in case you need to rock out louder than you usually would with an acoustic instrument.