The neck of a fretless banjo is devoid of frets. The small, wire-like dividers that divide the fingerboard of the neck into small rectangles are known as frets. Chords are formed placing the chording hand’s fingers on the strings in a specific position in relation to the frets. Instead of fret wires, a solid wood fret board or fingerboard is used, and the player simply moves her fingers to a known position to create chords on the fretless banjo. The fretless banjo is a popular choice among experienced players, but it can be difficult for beginners. One of the earliest examples of an early American mountain music instrument is the fretless banjo.
The frets on a stringed instrument are frequently used as a reference point for the player to determine where the chording hand should be on the instrument’s neck. An experienced player will often be able to feel the frets under his hand and be aware of his hand’s position on the instrument. The fretless banjo, like an upright bass, violin, or fiddle, relies on the player’s ability to recognize the position of the chording hand and fingers. A skilled player can make minor adjustments to his hand to allow the desired chord to come through loud and clear.
Small indicator dots are placed on the upper edge of the fingerboard some players when they first start playing a fretless banjo to provide a visual reference point for where the fret should be. Small pieces of tape, monofilament fishing line tied around the neck, and glue dots placed on the edge of the neck are other ways to mark the fingerboard. Once the player has gotten used to the fretless banjo, all of these indicators can be easily removed. Many players appreciate the fretless banjo’s ability to place the strings close to the fingerboard without fret buzzing.
While some fretless designs are modern reproductions, the majority are original designs. This usually indicates the absence of a steel truss rod in the neck. The truss rod is a device that is inserted into the neck and is used to keep the neck straight. If proper string tension and care are not used on an original fretless banjo, the neck is often prone to warping. The fretless banjo’s neck will last longer if light-gauge strings are used.