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 1978 FENDER PRECISON FRETLESS BASS WITH HARD CASE

Sterling Heights, Michigan, 483**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

The vintage 1978 Fender Precision Fretless Bass with Hard Case is a professional-grade electric bass guitar designed for right-handed players. This model features a 20-fretless design, a natural body color, and comes with a Fender hard case for protection. Made in the United States, this classic Fender Precision Bass guitar is a sought-after choice for bass players looking for a high-quality, vintage instrument with a sleek and stylish design. This bass is 48 years old , has finish checking , ... view on ebay

1978 Fender Precision Bass - Fretless Maple - Black

Bellingham, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2395

This is a 1978 Fender fretless Precision bass. Black finish with Maple neck. Bass has some minor nicks / dings / scratches but overall is still in very good cosmetic condition. The Maple fingerboard is in excellent condition and it plays great up and down the neck. The pickguard, pickup, pots, and bridge have been changed on this one. It now has a Fender Original '57 / '62 pickup, CTS pots, orange drop caps and vintage cloth wiring. The weight is 10 4 lbs. It comes in a SKB hardshell ... view on ebay

1979 Fender Precision Bass Antigua FRETLESS Maple Neck Vintage 1970's P-Bass

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4750

1979 Fender Precision Bass Antigua FRETLESS Maple Neck!
This is a very nice 1979 fender Precision bass In Antigua. The serial number and pots date to 1979, but pickups are 1980 so technically a 1980 with the S9 serial number which is common. S9 went from 1979 to 1982 ish. It's a rare fretless maple neck version. The base is super clean with only a few minor scratches and dings as shown. If not for the little spot on the guard, it would be very close to collector grade. The antigua ... view on ebay

1973 Fender Precision Bass with Fretless Rosewood Fingerboard

Dacula, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4556

Up for sale is a highly customized 1973 Fender Precision Bass with a Fretless rosewood fingerboard. This is one of those incredible basses that is far better than the sum of it's parts. The neck is an original 1973 maple neck with slight flame figuring and a fretless rosewood fingerboard with original Fender® logo nickel tuners. The body is also an original 1973 Fender alder body which has some very nice flame figuring along the upper bout
Everything else about this bass has been customized... view on ebay

1977 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck

Linwood, New Jersey, 082**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1395

1977 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck. Nice and smooth, original Fender maple fretless neck with 1977 serial number on neck decal.
... view on ebay

1979 Musicman Sabre Fretless Bass, Brown

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2750

1979 Musicman Sabre Fretless bass w hard case. The same as Tony Levins sledgehammer bass. Fully functioning, the best fretless sound there is. Currently strung w EB cobalt flats. Foam on the mutes is worn out & gone but very cheap to replace. Had a crack in the lower part of body just above the jack / below the battery box that was repaired before I bought it that doesnt affect the sound, has been repaired and stable for many years.... view on ebay

1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck | Black Finish, Original Case

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2599

1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck Black Finish, Original Case
Here is a really nice '76 Fender Precision Bass in Black. Fretless maple neck. Interestingly the neck has a "76" serial number but the neck plate also has a late 75 or '76 number. We're guessing that these were either paired at a later date or left the factory this way. Of course you could easily change the serial number plate for one with no serial with no problems. The bass itself is nice and original ... view on ebay

Vintage Hohner B2A F1 Headless Fretless Bass - Steinberger Licensed w / Hard Case

Gate City, Virginia, 242**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$850

rare and iconic Hohner Professional B2A F1 Headless Fretless Bass in a sleek black finish. Manufactured under official license from Steinberger Sound, this bass features the legendary "paddle" body shape and the highly stable headless tuning system
The "F1" designation represents the fretless model, featuring a smooth Ebonol fingerboard that provides incredible sustain and tonal expression. Equipped with active electronics and dual Select by EMG pickups, this bass is a studio-grade workhorse... view on ebay

Fender Precision Fretless Bass Sunburst USA 1977 Vintage Electric Bass Guitar

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

I have a 1977 precision base selling this one for whoever wants to get it. It??s a beautiful piece. Sounds very good. A very nice base to whoever wants to get this will be happy.... view on ebay

1976 Gibson The Ripper Fretless L9-S Vintage Bass Ebony w / Bill Lawrence, Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Up for sale, a 1976 Gibson ??The Ripper?? Fretless LS-9 bass in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, this uncommon fretless version of the Ripper has been outfitted with a pair of Bill Lawrence L-90 humbuckers and a Hipshot Supertone bridge
Weighing 10lbs 8oz, the set neck and string-through body design ensure excellent sustain, providing an ideal platform for the L-90s. The first-ever dual rail ... view on ebay

1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless Ebony Black OHSC Rare

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

For Sale: 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless ?? Ebony Black w / OHSC
Up for sale is a 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black, complete with its original hard-shell case
This is a very cool and very rare original fretless Gibson bass from the late ??70s. Original fretless Rippers do not come up often, and this one has all the bold visual presence and unmistakable feel that make these basses so appealing. With its long-scale Gibson design, ebony fingerboard, and classic Ebony Black finish, it... view on ebay

1978 Fender Precision Bass - Fretless Rosewood - Walnut / Mocha

Bellingham, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2195

This is a 1978 Fender fretless Precision bass. Light weight Alder body in Walnut finish (I also see this color called Mocha) with Maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard. Bass has nicks / dings / scratches and a extra screw hole near the thumb rest but overall it is still in very good cosmetic condition. As you can see the bass has been modified with a extra EMG P pickup and Badass II bridge. The Rosewood fingerboard is in excellent condition and it plays great up and down the neck. The active ... view on ebay

Eko fretless bass guitar

Springfield, Virginia, 221**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750

This Eko fretless bass guitar is a 4-string acoustic bass guitar with a brown body color, designed for right-handed players. It offers a unique playing experience with its fretless design, allowing for more expressive and dynamic playing techniques. The Eko brand, made in Italy, is known for producing high-quality musical instruments. You may never find another one like it. Dreadnaught body with a Maccafieri style sound hole Because of its 33" scale, it helps to be a big person with large hands ... view on ebay

1972 hohner fretless bass guitar

Kendall, New York, 144**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

The 1972 Hohner Fretless Bass Guitar is a classic piece of musical history. With its 4-string configuration and unique beige body color, this electric bass guitar stands out for its vintage charm and distinctive sound. The fretless design allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a favorite among bass enthusiasts and professionals alike Crafted with the quality HOHNER is known for, this bass guitar is a testament to the era's musical innovation. It's a versatile instrument that ... view on ebay

1980s Yamaha BB5000 Fretless 5-string PJ Bass Black w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Up for sale, a 1980s Yamaha BB5000 fretless five-string bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. This Broad Bass BB5000 model features three-piece maple / mahogany neck-through construction with alder body wings and a slab striped ebony fretboard, loaded with a versatile PJ pickup complement
Weighing 9lbs 4oz, the tonewoods yield a particularly resonant and deep response, with the glassy, immediate articulation of the lined ... view on ebay

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... view on ebay

1983 Fender Squier Fretless Precision Bass Guitar Black Flame Maple MIJ w / Gig

Des Plaines, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1287

For your kind consideration is this early fretless made-in Japan Squire Precision Bass in Sleek Black. These MIJ Squires pack extreme bang for the buck and have a much superior more superior build quality compared to many modern versions including non-Squire Fenders. The bass was converted to fretless and has some beautiful flamed maple on the neck, which is not something you see on later non-MIJ Squires. It's in good condition for being 43 years old with normal signs of wear for its age. It's ... view on ebay

Vintage 1980s Larrivee 5 String Fretless Bass -

Virginia Beach, Virginia, 234**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$675

Vintage 1980s Larrivee 5 String Fretless Bass -
Extremely high build quality, and high end components. Neck through construction, - EMG pickups, Schaller tuners ect
Plays and sounds great!!
Nice condition for the age. Some playwear, and some small imperfections thoughout. There are some small paint chips around the edges, and some paint chipping around the tuners. One of the strap buttons has been relocated (see pic)
Overall a really great bass. Extremely well built, and extremely ... view on ebay

1985 Ibanez RB850 Roadstar II Fretless Bass MIJ Black w / Gig Bag

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

$1000

1985 Ibanez RB850 Roadstar II Fretless Bass MIJ Black w / Gig Bag
1985 Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 Fretless Bass ?? Black ?? Made in Japan
Offered here is a 1985 Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 Fretless Bass finished in Black. Built by FujiGen in Japan, the RB850 was one of the flagship models in the Roadstar II Bass lineup and is widely regarded as an important predecessor to the legendary Ibanez Soundgear (SR) series that debuted just a few years later
Featuring a sleek double-cutaway body, ... view on ebay

1975 Vintage Fender Precision Bass Guitar Fretless w / Natural Finish & HSC

Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2900

Nice piece of fairly lightweight three-piece Ash body. Serial number is 634290
There are plenty of small dings and light wear around the edges. Some of the finish has worn off where the arm rests. There is a nice gouge a bit over one inch long on the upper bout on the top
The neck is very clean with no dings or signs of wear. The fingerboard is clean and smooth with very little playing wear. It is currently strung with flatwounds. All parts are original except the bridge cover and ... view on ebay

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