Doc's #220 Semi-Fretless

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Doc's Banjo's

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From jmoathout on 3/3/2015 3:15:22 PM

About a week ago I received Doc's #220 which is semi-fretless, bronze plate to 5-7 positions, and scalloped frets - with a scoop Doc was kind to add, reflecting the shape of the bronze plate.

Photos are on my home page in the Doc's 220 album.

There are no side markers in the 1-5 positions, but Doc first put in flush frets, the ends of which can be seen for dead-on positioning. Then, in the 7-19 positions, there are appropriate side dots. Details of woods, etc. can be seen on Doc's web site (#220), but the last time I looked, the photos were with an un-scooped neck.

It came with a 5/8" cathedral bridge which Seems good, although I'm pondering 11/16".

Doc has been a joy to work with for this design I specified, although he reports it was a difficult - but well worth - job.

3 Comments
	Rattlesnake says: 3/9/2015 5:05:16 AM Now that is very nice, how does the tone compare with your other Doc's.
	jmoathout says: 3/9/2015 12:46:50 PM In a side-by-side test, my wife and I hear the fretless as louder and brighter than the fretted #169. The loudness is likely due to the "Dobson-type "wood" ring Doc built into #220 (EDIE). But, the comparison was with two different bridges, one 5/8" and one 11/16" both tuned to G. Doc is sending another 11/16" which I prefer. Normally, I like a warmer sound vs. bright, but they both sound good. Now - to LEARN fretless. I'll probably do some of R. D. Lunceford's "Cotton Blossom" which he tabbed and recorded for/with a John Bowlin Fretless.
	Rattlesnake says: 3/15/2015 3:22:42 AM Interesting, I haven't done a bridge change yet. I'll have to order a couple from Doc and have a play. Good luck with the fretless, I have no doubt you'll be up to speed soon.
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	docs banjo 2 Linked by darlo 10 years ago: 1 of my new docs banjos
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by jmoathout 12 years ago
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by jmoathout 12 years ago: Discussion of scalloped frets, notably on Doc's