@felporocker - Of course it's possible to switch back and forth. It takes a little getting used to, but it's possible. And yeah, a 5 string is fine for funk rock.
@BassGuitarMag I disagree. There are instruments that are extremely cheap just because they don't have popular brand names on them. I've been playing GUITAR for 7 years, and I have a $200 guitar, which after setting it up and swapping it out with $30 pups (Guitarfetish and guitarpartsonline) it has a killer tone! Same with my other guitars. I suspect it is the same with Bass. Rondomusic is a great place to buy instruments also.
@boxtrap21 - Yeah, and I bet it's worth every penny of that $230. Maybe even up to $300. I've played on budget imports, I own several of them. They can be surprisingly good, but they will never compare to a top tier instrument. Good to have something cheap that you don't have to worry about. And frankly, with guitars, I think it's less of an issue. Low frequency vibrations are harder to produce and reproduce with cheap woods and workmanship.
@BassGuitarMag I have two guitars worth over 1 grand, and the $230 is just as good as them.
Mabye guitars are easier to make, but I've still seen people playing some really cheap 6 string fretless basses on youtube and they sound great. But if you have over $1000 to spend on an instrument then go ahead.
@MushroomDisorder - Well, he has changed his prices since this bass was reviewed. I did not buy this bass, it was sent to Bass Gear Magazine to review. at the time, the price was as quoted. I owned one of Tom's 6-strings, and it was great, a real bargain really.
hey ed, is that flat wound set of strings or round wound you got on? (my guess is round form the look of it) and I'd like to ask also, is it a good idea using roundwound on rosewood fretless fingerboard in the sense that the strings would mess up the fingerboard so so quickly? thx ed
@Vizillar2505 - They are roundwounds. I always use rounds on fretless, I like the sound. But over time, they can chew up the board a bit. I have a relatively light touch in the left hand, that helps, plus - I don't play fretless a lot, so I've never had any problems with serious wear on the neck. Your results may vary.
Good vid, Ed! There are a lot of things I like about this bass based on this video. First, it's gorgeous! Second, it's not a fortune! Third, it's passive, and fourth, it's fretless! I still don't like the sound of the blend, though. I think it still has an unfavorably pro-J bias on the ADG strings (the lower bobbin of the P-Pup.) When playing a J/J in blend, I hear no bias. That's part of why I love J so much! Are you sure there isn't something to my whole "polarity" theory from our PM thread?
@AUDEPrecords - Well, I think it's the proximity of the J coil with the treble coil of the P, but as you know... I'm not really a PJ fan. I think this bass sounds best with one or the other pickup.
Hey Ed, I am in the market for a Fretless Bass. Never own one so I would like your advice on what string I should get. Some people are saying stick with round wound others say flatwound. What's your take on that?
@DonaldWaughMusic - I have always used roundwounds on fretless. I am not concerned with fretboard damage because: 1) I have a light touch with my left hand 2) I don't play fretless all that much anyway 3) I prefer the sound
@bag12 The only G&L I've played is the JB Rustic, check out the demo. It was a way more expensive bass than the Am. Std so it's not really a fair comparison, but I really liked it. The Am Std are very good basses too, I'm not partial to that particular neck profile, I prefer the neck on the new Am. Special, more like a 70's neck.
@bag12 - Well Clement basses are typically more than $1K, but you might inquire to see what he's got. Otherwise, look around my demos... maybe you'll see something you like.
@DMBassNVox - It was so long ago, I don't remember the neck profile vividly. Bolt-ons are perfectly capable of having good sustain, if they're well made!
@Mrsfatblackchick - I've played a US Masters, it was nice. I never see them anywhere though. There is a guy here in Texas that makes high quality short and medium scale basses - Birdsong. I'd like to try those out.
@mcg413 - Well, I wouldn't choose a fretless bass for hard rock/metal, but that's me. You could certainly do it, but I would probably use something with frets.
@pleximanic - Ask Mr. Clement, he can be reached through his website: clementbass (dot) com. I once had both epoxy and non-epoxyed fingerboards on the same bass - the epoxy makes the bass sound brighter, taking it off made it sound warmer and more natural. I preferred it without. Some people are concerned that their strings will chew up the board, and while that will happen with roundwounds, some rounds are more destructive than others. It also helps if you play lightly with the left hand.
@eaterofcandy - Thanks. I have a lot of different influences, Jaco, James Jamerson, Jerry Jemmott, Chuck Rainey, Marcus Miller, Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, to name a few.
@WoWintosh - The basses I review get sent to me by either the magazine I'm working for (in this case, Bass Gear) or by the manufacturer. After I'm done, I send them back - most of the time. Occasionally I will buy it if I really like it.
Yeah the round wounds sound amazing on the fretless basses i use them too.. bye the way its a pleasure to know that U R THE ED FRIEDLAND :D i purchased ur book of bass improvisation long time ago and u have no idea how that helped me and developed my whole music skills.. thank u soo much and GBU
Hey man you're doing some really amazing work on reviewing. Any chance on getting your hands and wisdow on Mayones or Warwick basses? Thanks for your videos, all the best!
i owned a clement in 2004 if anyone needs an opinion they are increbile and he is amazing person. i can show u a mp3 of mine with a solo and groove in it.
Well, he probably means that he thinks boutique instruments are somewhat purpose specific. Like, only a jazz guy would want this, or something like that. Of course, it's his opinion, and we don't have to agree. YT brings out all sorts of opinions, at least this guy is not a jerk about it like many, so let it roll!
Subsidized by my new contract? Not sure what that means. I review what my editors assign me. I am but a humble servant. People much higher up the food chain determine what gets sent my way.
No worries. I've done lots of Fenders, Music Mans, G&L, regular working stiff basses... so there's a balance. Soon you'll be seeing the Fender 50th Anniversary Jazz bass, so hopefully that works for you!
Wonderful review as always Ed. Man, I'd love to hear this thing with some nylon tapewounds. Fretless P-bass pickup and tapewounds are such a wonderful combination.
The tone of the instrument will change quite drastically, and you can slide notes more cleanly than with frets. You can slide harmonics, and do really nice vibratos. Basically, you are not bound by the pre-determined intonationpoints that frets give you.
Tom informs me that this particular bass is actually $1500 not $1350 as reported. The extra pickup and wood adds to the cost a bit, but still... $1500 for that? Such a deal!
At first, I wasn't nuts about the shape, but I grew to really like it. I think it looks cool, and the wood... is stunning. And... the sound really kicks ass.
Indeed I just prefer the tomne on the lightwave. Thanks for the reviews by the way. Any chance of some EBS reviews i just got a 210 neogorm combo and man its something else.
I have a fretless Spector with flatwounds and a passive EMG-HZ on it, but i can't really get that mouch "mwah"-sound out of it. Are the strings a big part of the sound, or do you think I'm just "doing it wrong"? :)
@rickysaur One way to get the bass to really mwah is to set the truss rod straight so that as you slide the string will fret out across the fingerboard. It's a delicate operation and takes time to discover the sweet spot between too much and too little but once you do you're set for life.
Also playing with an aggressive attack will help if you don't have the relief in such a way
It's a combination of how the fingerboard is planed, the straightness of the neck, the nut height, the string, the way you play it, the amp, basically - everything or anything.
Ed, not a question or anything just that, you're awesome at bass. That's all. Haha:)
Dannyboj875 1 month ago
haha, But does it blend? He says so.
max25236 3 months ago 2
MWAH MWAH MWAH
overdriven77 4 months ago
I know it doesn't have much to do with the video but i need some help.
I am planning to buy a 5 string and i already have a 4 string.
I wonder if it is posible and easy to regulary switch from a 4 string to a 5 string without much effort and if a 5 string maybe good for funk rock.
My influences are the chili peppers and a little aerosmith, i know that Flea and Hamilton don't use 4 strings regulary but i like tuning my E to C.
felporocker 5 months ago
@felporocker - Of course it's possible to switch back and forth. It takes a little getting used to, but it's possible. And yeah, a 5 string is fine for funk rock.
BassGuitarMag 5 months ago
@felporocker Flea does usually use a 4 string doesn't he?
bassben04 1 month ago
You can get a 5 string fretless solid ash body for $200 or less...
If you pay over 1 grand for an instrument.....
boxtrap21 6 months ago
@boxtrap21 - A $200 bass is worth about that much, if you're lucky.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago 2
@BassGuitarMag I disagree. There are instruments that are extremely cheap just because they don't have popular brand names on them. I've been playing GUITAR for 7 years, and I have a $200 guitar, which after setting it up and swapping it out with $30 pups (Guitarfetish and guitarpartsonline) it has a killer tone! Same with my other guitars. I suspect it is the same with Bass. Rondomusic is a great place to buy instruments also.
boxtrap21 6 months ago
@boxtrap21 - Yeah, and I bet it's worth every penny of that $230. Maybe even up to $300. I've played on budget imports, I own several of them. They can be surprisingly good, but they will never compare to a top tier instrument. Good to have something cheap that you don't have to worry about. And frankly, with guitars, I think it's less of an issue. Low frequency vibrations are harder to produce and reproduce with cheap woods and workmanship.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago 8
@BassGuitarMag I have two guitars worth over 1 grand, and the $230 is just as good as them.
Mabye guitars are easier to make, but I've still seen people playing some really cheap 6 string fretless basses on youtube and they sound great. But if you have over $1000 to spend on an instrument then go ahead.
boxtrap21 6 months ago
@boxtrap21 Have fun with that, noob!
RaguelAngelofBalance 3 months ago
Hmm..Kinda weird(price,not the bass!).
You see,according to Tom's website,a 5 string costs $1575 with the normal choices.
Black Limba body will cost you about $100 more,and I you will need to add some more $ on Black Limba neck.
So whether he changed the prices since you bought it,or he just gave you a little discount.
I really want to get one,but I want a 6 string..and they start from $1900!...
Damn..
MushroomDisorder 6 months ago
@MushroomDisorder - Well, he has changed his prices since this bass was reviewed. I did not buy this bass, it was sent to Bass Gear Magazine to review. at the time, the price was as quoted. I owned one of Tom's 6-strings, and it was great, a real bargain really.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Yeah,I saw a video or two of you playing a Clement 6 string.
Too bad the prices got higher..oh well.
Love your reviews!
MushroomDisorder 6 months ago
hey ed, is that flat wound set of strings or round wound you got on? (my guess is round form the look of it) and I'd like to ask also, is it a good idea using roundwound on rosewood fretless fingerboard in the sense that the strings would mess up the fingerboard so so quickly? thx ed
Vizillar2505 8 months ago
@Vizillar2505 - They are roundwounds. I always use rounds on fretless, I like the sound. But over time, they can chew up the board a bit. I have a relatively light touch in the left hand, that helps, plus - I don't play fretless a lot, so I've never had any problems with serious wear on the neck. Your results may vary.
BassGuitarMag 8 months ago
OHHHHHHHH YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Clement basses are just AWESOME!
And that Black Limba...Awww! So beautiful!!
Planning on getting a Clement Singlecut(Lise model)with all Black Limba,Bloodwood fingerboard....YEAHHH!!!
Great vid Ed!
Keep doing your thing man!
Real inspiration for me :).
MushroomDisorder 9 months ago
Good vid, Ed! There are a lot of things I like about this bass based on this video. First, it's gorgeous! Second, it's not a fortune! Third, it's passive, and fourth, it's fretless! I still don't like the sound of the blend, though. I think it still has an unfavorably pro-J bias on the ADG strings (the lower bobbin of the P-Pup.) When playing a J/J in blend, I hear no bias. That's part of why I love J so much! Are you sure there isn't something to my whole "polarity" theory from our PM thread?
AUDEPrecords 9 months ago
@AUDEPrecords - Well, I think it's the proximity of the J coil with the treble coil of the P, but as you know... I'm not really a PJ fan. I think this bass sounds best with one or the other pickup.
BassGuitarMag 9 months ago
did anyone else see ass ear?
ThePaparoachfan4ever 9 months ago
What's the best fretless clement for metal?
tylerwylie 9 months ago
@tylerwylie haha
Wait, that was a joke, right?
squiresuzuki 7 months ago
@tylerwylie It really doesn't matter. As long as it's a Clement it will be brutal.
Shinyfilm 6 months ago
@Shinyfilm It was a joke, citing the commonly asked question on Bass forums, "What's the best X,Y,Z for metal"
@squiresuzuki Yes.
tylerwylie 6 months ago
@tylerwylie I'm in on the joke. Talkbass member :)
Shinyfilm 6 months ago
Hey Ed, I am in the market for a Fretless Bass. Never own one so I would like your advice on what string I should get. Some people are saying stick with round wound others say flatwound. What's your take on that?
DonaldWaughMusic 10 months ago
@DonaldWaughMusic - I have always used roundwounds on fretless. I am not concerned with fretboard damage because: 1) I have a light touch with my left hand 2) I don't play fretless all that much anyway 3) I prefer the sound
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
Haha, "thats worth playing"... is that a subtle jab at Wishbass?
michaelbraunbass 11 months ago
@michaelbraunbass - Obviously not subtle enough.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
Thanks for the help
bag12 11 months ago
OK...American Standard
bag12 11 months ago
@bag12 The only G&L I've played is the JB Rustic, check out the demo. It was a way more expensive bass than the Am. Std so it's not really a fair comparison, but I really liked it. The Am Std are very good basses too, I'm not partial to that particular neck profile, I prefer the neck on the new Am. Special, more like a 70's neck.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
Thanks, one more question, how do the fender JB deluxe and G&L JB USA match up?
bag12 11 months ago
@bag12 - Fender is active, G&L is passive.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
Hey Ed, Im looking for a bass around 1000, I play mostly jazz and funk, so I want a bass with clean tone and some punch for slap, what should I get?
bag12 11 months ago
@bag12 - Well Clement basses are typically more than $1K, but you might inquire to see what he's got. Otherwise, look around my demos... maybe you'll see something you like.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
Ed ur pro rofl.
Drektarz 11 months ago
Hey Ed, whats the neck profile like? The bass also sounds like it sustains very well for a bolt on, or is that just because its fretless?
DMBassNVox 1 year ago
@DMBassNVox - It was so long ago, I don't remember the neck profile vividly. Bolt-ons are perfectly capable of having good sustain, if they're well made!
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag oh okay. thanks for the info!
DMBassNVox 1 year ago
How do you think this would sound with two jazz pickups in the 60s position?
slappingpopping 1 year ago
@slappingpopping - Like a Jazz bass.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
i have played 5 string bass;s with a 32 in scale lenght, and they sound great. also you should do a review of us masters bass there great
Mrsfatblackchick 1 year ago
@Mrsfatblackchick - I've played a US Masters, it was nice. I never see them anywhere though. There is a guy here in Texas that makes high quality short and medium scale basses - Birdsong. I'd like to try those out.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@Mrsfatblackchick - And actually... the guy that built this bass - Tom Clement builds lots of 32" scale 5 AND 6 strings, haven't tried one though.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
May I ask something about this bass: does this bass go well with hard rock/metal, and if so, would it sound good with a distortion/overdrive effect?
mcg413 1 year ago
@mcg413 - Well, I wouldn't choose a fretless bass for hard rock/metal, but that's me. You could certainly do it, but I would probably use something with frets.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Wood porn? Doesn't melt my butter. Dig the bass though.
olflatop 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I wonder if Epoxy coated rosewood fretboard is an option?
pleximanic 1 year ago
I wonder if Epoxy coated fretboard is an option?
pleximanic 1 year ago
@pleximanic - Ask Mr. Clement, he can be reached through his website: clementbass (dot) com. I once had both epoxy and non-epoxyed fingerboards on the same bass - the epoxy makes the bass sound brighter, taking it off made it sound warmer and more natural. I preferred it without. Some people are concerned that their strings will chew up the board, and while that will happen with roundwounds, some rounds are more destructive than others. It also helps if you play lightly with the left hand.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag
I want it epoxyed for the tone, the Jaco ,Gary Willis kind of tone, you know !
A light touch is key on a fretless or any electric bass !
Thanks
pleximanic 1 year ago
yeah!!!
nicolauh30 1 year ago
Is this your funniest review or what?!
mcg413 1 year ago
gotta love that wood porn ;D
sasukeuchihalb 1 year ago
I never cease to be amazed by your playing and versatility, Ed :) Who would you say are your main influences?
eaterofcandy 1 year ago
@eaterofcandy - Thanks. I have a lot of different influences, Jaco, James Jamerson, Jerry Jemmott, Chuck Rainey, Marcus Miller, Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, to name a few.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
How do you get these basses and what happens to them after the demo?
WoWintosh 1 year ago
@WoWintosh - The basses I review get sent to me by either the magazine I'm working for (in this case, Bass Gear) or by the manufacturer. After I'm done, I send them back - most of the time. Occasionally I will buy it if I really like it.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
great job :)
thalassara 1 year ago
That's a beast of a Fretless. Amazing Sound.
FunkySkunk90 1 year ago
"the F word" LOL
killmeandit 1 year ago
mmm
wood porn
jonjonjonmw3 1 year ago
Yeah the round wounds sound amazing on the fretless basses i use them too.. bye the way its a pleasure to know that U R THE ED FRIEDLAND :D i purchased ur book of bass improvisation long time ago and u have no idea how that helped me and developed my whole music skills.. thank u soo much and GBU
freshprince159 1 year ago
@freshprince159 - Thanks. Same guy. Glad to be of help.
Me? I always use rounds on a fretless.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag i cant find any of your books here think i need help with it :)
batuvan 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@BassGuitarMag i cant find any of your books here think i need help with it :)
batuvan 1 year ago
as an owner of a 4 string fretless clement single cut, i can say it is lovely
meatflowers 1 year ago
haha G# the bargain note!
CountRammerhymen 1 year ago
I love how it sounds, I want a fretless bass, it's my dream
jaqetall 1 year ago
sick review, for a sick bass
malkslap 1 year ago
Man you are one versatile player; funk, jazz, blues, rock, + slapping, fingerstyle, picking, etc etc.
mas502arc 1 year ago
bargain note ... no extra charge ... LOL! Nice review, thanks!
Pudsy440 1 year ago
@Pudsy440
Free G#! haha.
GiantPandas 1 year ago
How do u keep your intonation so precise!!!!
fatmaru 1 year ago
Hey man you're doing some really amazing work on reviewing. Any chance on getting your hands and wisdow on Mayones or Warwick basses? Thanks for your videos, all the best!
BezZo0 2 years ago
Lovely bass and sound. The pickups are passive? Will definitely look into Tom Clements basses for a future purchase.
extantia 2 years ago
You wouldn't regret it, he builds a great bass!
therealwaveydavey 2 years ago
wood porn :)
it really is beautiful.
phunkymonk131 2 years ago
i owned a clement in 2004 if anyone needs an opinion they are increbile and he is amazing person. i can show u a mp3 of mine with a solo and groove in it.
xdux 2 years ago
The "F" world is the Best
LaboratorioDexter182 2 years ago
that is awesome, wish they come to import them into the UK.
Thank's ED =]
bigsmokebass 2 years ago
Ah, but they do make it to the UK!! Mine safely arrived in Guernsey! Packed really well, no issues at all
therealwaveydavey 2 years ago
Tom makes these one bass at a time. He builds to order but does have a few on hand for direct sale. I should have my 183 in about two weeks!
arcangel6 2 years ago
My Clement Arrived yesterday.
One word - Awesome!
therealwaveydavey 2 years ago
why do all the fretlesses you review have rounds?
nintendonut100 2 years ago
Mainly because that the way they come in, but I always use rounds on my own fretless too. I prefer the sound, that's all.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
I posted a Facebook page for Clement Basses. Just do a Facebook search for 'Tom Clement Basses'
arcangel6 2 years ago
Thanks Ed wasn't sure what he meant. Looking forward to your build.
clementbassdotcom 2 years ago
OHHHH YEAH.
Bowser28 2 years ago 7
Comment removed
therealwaveydavey 2 years ago
how was the action on this bass? and did it have side dots?
JonArseneau 2 years ago
The action is adjustable, so you can put it wherever you like. Yes, it has side dots.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
"Unilaterally focused"?
please explain? Thanks .t
clementbassdotcom 2 years ago
Well, he probably means that he thinks boutique instruments are somewhat purpose specific. Like, only a jazz guy would want this, or something like that. Of course, it's his opinion, and we don't have to agree. YT brings out all sorts of opinions, at least this guy is not a jerk about it like many, so let it roll!
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
This isn't going to turn into a dedicated boutique bass channel, is it? That would be disappointing...
norin02 2 years ago
@norin02
Seeing this bass costs less than most "factory" basses new, I wouldnt consider it boutique. Not the price, at least. The rest? Yes.
20AceofBass11 2 years ago
Well, that's exactly my point.
Sure the price is very reasonable considering what it is, but has this channel been subsidized by his new contract?
It wouldn't be so bad if most boutique basses made were so... Unilaterally focused.
norin02 2 years ago
Subsidized by my new contract? Not sure what that means. I review what my editors assign me. I am but a humble servant. People much higher up the food chain determine what gets sent my way.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
I know you don't really have any control in what you review - in no way am I bashing you; you do amazing work on these reviews.
I'm just hoping that your editors don't stick to just boutique basses now.
norin02 2 years ago
No worries. I've done lots of Fenders, Music Mans, G&L, regular working stiff basses... so there's a balance. Soon you'll be seeing the Fender 50th Anniversary Jazz bass, so hopefully that works for you!
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
Nice sound, ugly looking.
strawberrysocks13 2 years ago
As far as tapewounds try the Deep talkin' Labellas get them from Carvin they are a great string and price. Enjoy...tom
clementbassdotcom 2 years ago
@clementbassdotcom Oh absolutely. I love the Labella nylons. Rotosound Trubass 88s are also good, but a much more "woody" tone.
3toes 2 years ago
Wonderful review as always Ed. Man, I'd love to hear this thing with some nylon tapewounds. Fretless P-bass pickup and tapewounds are such a wonderful combination.
3toes 2 years ago
its active or passive ?
elpactodejohnson1 2 years ago
Passive, with Nordstrand PJ pickups
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
As it is a true custom bass, you can specify (pretty much) any pre that you want!
therealwaveydavey 2 years ago
omg look at the grain on that thing. ouch.
FreekoKenn 2 years ago
Thanks for playing some Jazz on a fretless, please do that more often since a lot of jazz players like fretless basses!
Konrad111111 2 years ago
Okay, check out the Lightwave Sabre demo, there's some Jazz in that one too.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
@BassGuitarMag
I already did. I really appreciate that!!
Konrad111111 2 years ago
Great vid, great bass!
Ed, have you touched on playing a fretless bass in any of your DVDs?
sickdiggitydog 2 years ago
No, I haven't, I'd like to at some point.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
sorry ment to say "the" economy
chickenandababy 2 years ago
i checked out some of his bases on the internet
very reasonable pricing
he mentioned that he dropped his prices due to the downturn in he economy
i love them
chickenandababy 2 years ago
There ain't nothing wrong with the "J" word.
djakew77 2 years ago
the rate you've been putting out these videos lately is superb! and the quality is better than ever! Thank you for doing a great job!
JelenkoBass 2 years ago 10
I've been a busy man, and lots more to come. Thanks for watching.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
Sounds awesome Ed!
ferndog32 2 years ago
amazing
love the sound
i'll definetly go to the website, you've convinced me
keep it up
chickenandababy 2 years ago
Thanks for the jazz content warning.
DeathBomb669 2 years ago
Forewarned is fore skinned.... I mean.... forearmed.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
I think I like the Sabre VL5 more for the price. Can I have it?
Another good review Ed.
vokes420 2 years ago
Great review and that Clement bass has a wonderful tone and some great design features. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
jonro100 2 years ago
Thanks Ed for the great video about my bass. I just got a u-tube account so I can keep tabs on what you are up too. Thanks again..tom
clementbassdotcom 2 years ago
This may sound noob but what are the point of fretless board?
SymphonyOfDestruct99 2 years ago
The tone of the instrument will change quite drastically, and you can slide notes more cleanly than with frets. You can slide harmonics, and do really nice vibratos. Basically, you are not bound by the pre-determined intonationpoints that frets give you.
Bygde 2 years ago
how did you get your sterling bass to hang from a curtain? are you playing in front of a green screen?
mindbodylightsound10 2 years ago
I can't give away trade secrets... it's my special process....
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
I am pretty sure that you have smashed the whole 34" scale weak B string myth at this point Ed.
NYtoPDX 2 years ago
dude nice review of this bass
Thegiacobass 2 years ago
What a cool axe!
*****
~R
Basso9x13 2 years ago
nice bass
21642164 2 years ago
That beard doubles your awesomeness.
Moleyindaclub 2 years ago 2
Great review Ed!
That's a sweet axe for the price!
I thought the Clement's were more expensive than that. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
Peace!
gre107 2 years ago
Tom informs me that this particular bass is actually $1500 not $1350 as reported. The extra pickup and wood adds to the cost a bit, but still... $1500 for that? Such a deal!
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
And on top of that, Tom is a pleasure to deal / work / communicate with. Can't give him enough props.
therealwaveydavey 2 years ago
It sounds good but its damn ugly.
magicmike323 2 years ago
At first, I wasn't nuts about the shape, but I grew to really like it. I think it looks cool, and the wood... is stunning. And... the sound really kicks ass.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
I can't help it, but it looks like a big peanut.
CodyCEngdahl 2 years ago 3
Is it you that has 10 fingers, a liver, and that uses real cat-gut strings (still attatched to the cat)?
OHHH YEAHHHHHH.
MeatballCereal 2 years ago
is it you that you have three tobias pre gibson tobias basses?
karakatsa 2 years ago
Huh?
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
Great Review for a great Bass built by a great guy!
Mine's nearing completion and I can't wait!!!
therealwaveydavey 2 years ago 2
Think I would go for the lightwave before that
canvoodoo 2 years ago
Totally different beast, they both have great qualities.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
Indeed I just prefer the tomne on the lightwave. Thanks for the reviews by the way. Any chance of some EBS reviews i just got a 210 neogorm combo and man its something else.
canvoodoo 2 years ago
were the strings flatwound on this one?
Rickysaur 2 years ago
No, Stainless rounds.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
Thank you for your quick response!
I have a fretless Spector with flatwounds and a passive EMG-HZ on it, but i can't really get that mouch "mwah"-sound out of it. Are the strings a big part of the sound, or do you think I'm just "doing it wrong"? :)
Rickysaur 2 years ago
@rickysaur One way to get the bass to really mwah is to set the truss rod straight so that as you slide the string will fret out across the fingerboard. It's a delicate operation and takes time to discover the sweet spot between too much and too little but once you do you're set for life.
Also playing with an aggressive attack will help if you don't have the relief in such a way
Steve128967 2 years ago
It's a combination of how the fingerboard is planed, the straightness of the neck, the nut height, the string, the way you play it, the amp, basically - everything or anything.
BassGuitarMag 2 years ago
Thanks for all the uploads this month. Very unique basses.
franchesco187 2 years ago 5