Any fretless players?

[MamaBear]

I just decided to try playing fretless when I found an Ibanez SR300DX fretless on E-bay. The neck has the fret lines painted on, which I suppose is a cheat, but I don't feel ready for that long, blank piece of rosewood.

Any comments or advice? Did anybody else find playing without frets more expressive? What strings did you find optimal?

Do you have any favorite pieces?

I always had great admiration for people who could play a "real" bass -- the upright acoustic. I think this brings me one baby step closer ...