Few rock bassists are as well - known for fretless bass as Tony Franklin. With countless session credits and work with big names like Roy Harper, the Firm, Blue Murder, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Franklin is a long - time Precision bass enthusiast and one of the best modern players of the fretless version. The Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass captures his unique style and offers a powerful, elastic tone. It has classic looks and personalized features. These include a modern C - shaped maple neck with an unfretted ebony fingerboard, an American Series Precision Bass neck pickup, a Dimarzio Model J™ bridge pickup, and a drop - D E - string tuner. Specifications: Body Shape: Precision Bass®; Body Material: Select Alder; Body Finish: Gloss Lacquer; Neck Profile: Modern 'C'; Fretboard Material: Ebony; Fretboard Radius: 9.5' (241 mm); Scale Length: 34' (86.36 cm); Frets: Fretless; Pickups: DiMarzio® Model J™ DP123 (Bridge), Tony Franklin American Split Single - Coil Precision Bass® (Middle); Bridge: 4 - Saddle American Vintage Bass with Single - Groove Steel 'Barrel' Saddles; Pickguard: 3 - Ply Black; Strings: Tony Franklin Signature Strings, Nickel Plated Steel (.045 -.105 Gauges); Tuning Machines: Fender® '70s Vintage - Style Stamped Open - Gear with Hipshot® Bass Xtender 'Drop D' on the E String; Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome; Case: Black Vintage - Style Hardshell Case.
Using this Fender Tony Franklin Fretless Precision Bass is a breeze. First, make sure it's properly tuned. You can use the Fender® '70s Vintage - Style Stamped Open - Gear tuning machines, and the Hipshot® Bass Xtender 'Drop D' on the E string for special tuning. When you're ready to play, rest the bass on your lap or use a strap. The modern C - shaped maple neck is comfortable to hold. As it's fretless, you'll have to rely on your ear and finger placement to get the right notes. Be gentle with the ebony fingerboard. Don't press too hard on it as it can get scratched. After each use, wipe down the strings with a soft cloth to remove sweat and dirt. This helps keep the sound clear and prolongs the life of the strings. Once in a while, clean the body with a bass - specific cleaner to maintain the gloss lacquer finish. Store the bass in the included black vintage - style hardshell case when not in use. This protects it from dust, bumps, and other potential damage.
