I have a Menzies Tackhead low tuned Nylgut fretless, and love it, but listening to and getting this Round Peak book/CD has peaked my interest in steel string fretless tuned to standard pitch. My purpose for this thread is two things.
I would love to hear any first-hand experiences with learning to play such an animal and personal observations on what type banjos have worked well and not so well, all wood or metal overlays, etc. Just anything that you have experienced yourself and found to aid or detract from the sound quality or playability. I have watched the Fretless Fury videos and have the Leftwich book, so I know about the fingernail thing, looking more for info on the banjo choice. I played the fancy inlaid Ramsey 12" at Gruhn's and it had very little volume and the light strings were very close to the fingerboard. I did not like it at all, and that is the only fretless strung with steel that I've ever had my hands on, which is why I'm asking for input. Fred sounds great on his Creed with the formica overlay and Stinson sounds cool on the wooden fingerboard of his stock Tradesman. Insights appreciated.
Also I would love any links to samples of good steel string fretless playing. I have most everything I can find on Fred Cockerham, My Dan Gellert CD has a few tunes done with steel, and I have enjoyed the Rob Stinson youtubes. But that is about it. Most fretless out there is Nylon or gut and tuned down, and as mentioned, I've got that end of the spectrum covered.