Toontrack has released Fretless EBX, a new expansion for the company's bass software EZbass. Here's what they say"
At a glance, one wouldn't think that removing the seemingly insignificant metal rods that separate the notes on the fretboard of a bass would open up a completely new harmonic panorama and transform it into an almost altogether new instrument. But it does, indeed. The sublime and soaring violin-like character, the near-weightless glissando, the rich, full and hearty sustain and the incredibly unique overall expressiveness are all qualities that make it utterly impossible to mistake it for a traditional bass. A subtle vibrato or just the strike of a single note gives it away.
Immortalized by players like Sting, Les Claypool, Bernard Odum, Pino Palladino, Gary Willis and, of course, Jaco Pastorius, the fretless has truly become a mythical creature in the world of basses – revered for its tone but feared for its profound complexity to handle. Regardless of what style you're looking to write, welcome to a bass that encompasses the entire dynamic and tonal range needed to cut through on both ends of the extremes. This is a bass that lets you paint with sound – outside the lines. Literally.
The Fretless EBX comes with a handpicked instrument, sampled in extreme detail to capture all of these unique characteristics. In addition to the sounds, it also includes a broad selection of presets as well as a custom content of MIDI tailored for fretless playing styles.
Feature Spotlight:
- A meticulously captured fretless, top-shelf bass.
- Includes a collection of presets covering a broad range of tones – from dark and mellow to bright and articulate.
- For use in any style where the bass has a prominent role.
- Includes a custom MIDI library tailored for the instrument and fretless playing styles.
Price: €75.