i need to find a clean method for taking the frets out of my fretted yamaha bass and epoxying the gaps in order to create a fretless bass without hurting my wallet
any suggestions?

When it comes to frett jobs,A local custom proshop is the best.I know the wallet is always an issue however,would you pulled out your own tooth? or do your own dentalwork?

I successfully removed the frets of my 5 string cheap Squier which I bought just for the experiment. Don't do it with your main bass, you might regret it. I used a soldering iron, a needlenose pliers and a small flat screwdriver. Apply the iron to the top of the fret for about 20 seconds (this will melt the glue under), lift from the side with the screwdriver and finish removing with pliers. This should be done fast but with care not to chip the fingerboard wood. You can fill the fret slots with wood filler (which is not the best way but cheaper) or with strips of wood such as maple. I applied a coat of super glue, which filled the slots and epoxy to finish. You will then have to adjust the truss rod so the strings won't buzzzzzzzz! my bass sounds awesome for a $199 bass.
Good luck and let me know how you did

If it's a bolt-on neck, why not just buy a replacement fretless neck?

Hi,

removing the frets is not the problem. I once tried to refret an old (and cheap) guitar (just wanted to try this... ). The method with the soldering iron works. Where I experienced real problems, and I expect for you, too, is the sanding of the fretboard. I found, it was rather difficult to maintain the radius of the fretboard. If I where you, I would most likely take the guitar to some experienced guitar technician, if the bass is worth it. If the bass has no real worth and if it doesn't matter, if you damage it, just try.

cu.
Michael

An experienced tech would be the way to go if the bass is a good one. On the other hand if it's one you want to get experimental with (possibly destroy) you can get raidused sanding blocks from places like Luthiers Mercantile or Stew-Mac. I'd suggest the wooden radius blocks rather than the plastic ones. I converted to those when I checked the plastic and it wasn't the same radius as when I bought it 5 years earlier.