Am I Too Tall To Use A Bass Wheel?

velvetphil · #1 10-17-2008, 07:46 AM

Hey guys,

So I went to Gage and bought a Gaines wheel. It's great, except for one thing: I might be too tall to use it with any kind of success!

Let me explain: the shaft of the wheel is flattened on one side for about 4 inches, from the wheel on up. This flattened section is there so that the endpin screw can press down on a flat surface instead of the rounded cylinder of the wheel shaft. The problem here is that I can't extend the wheel out of the endpin socket further than four inches and still secure the shaft, which means that when I walk, I either have to bend over the bass or rest the peg head directly on my shoulder. I can't stand up straight and still rest the neck of the bass on my shoulder; the angle of the bass in that position is closer to 90 degrees and I can't really push the bass forward, I can only push the bass down, if you can visualize it.

I'm 6'2, and this is a real problem for me. When I walk this bass around NYC the machine heads are resting on my shoulder and I worry about that (not to mention it's supremely uncomfortable).

Any ideas?

Phil

DaLaklandGroove · #2 10-17-2008, 07:52 AM

The Gaines site states that they can custom make shafts if necessary. I would imagine that means they can elongate the shaft for "taller" people like yourself. You might contact them and see what they come up with. That would be my first call.

Jason

velvetphil · #3 10-17-2008, 08:01 AM

Yeah, that's definitely a good start - I suppose I also could mill the existing shaft I have somehow, extend the flat surface up another few inches.

Marc Piane · #4 10-17-2008, 08:03 AM

I don't know man. I'm 6'1" and have the same issue. I haven't seen anything. I just deal.

DaLaklandGroove · #5 10-17-2008, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velvetphil

Yeah, that's definitely a good start - I suppose I also could mill the existing shaft I have somehow, extend the flat surface up another few inches.

Yeah, that was my first thought also; to do some good ole southern engineering, but then I saw the statement on their website about custom shafts.

Eric Hochberg · #6 10-17-2008, 09:26 AM

Get a Kolstein Stroller. The neck of the bass fits in the crook of your arm, not on your shoulder.

velvetphil · #7 10-17-2008, 12:33 PM

Just called Gage and talked to Zack. They carry Gaines custom lengths and also offered to mill the existing shaft to make it work for me. Just FYI - I think this is what I will try before checking out the Kolstein, though that looks pretty cool! Thanks guys!

Will Yager · #8 10-18-2008, 07:52 AM

Would you have the same problem with a KC Strings Bass Buggy?

GerardSamija · #9 10-20-2008, 01:11 AM

Yeah, the KCS buggy seems a really good solution for difficult heights and angles. It puts any bumps into the case padding as well, reducing the possibility of damage to the endpin block via too much leverage from a longer wheel shaft. I'd worry about going more than a couple of inches out of the endpin while bumping along sidewalks, unless they're really smooth where you live and work. Wheels are a necessity for avoiding back strain on long walks, but they bring a new monkey wrench into the world of bass health thanks to irregular terrain and careless use. A wheel isn't a license for 'off-roading' as it were... not that I'm suggesting you do any such thing to your bass!

As for resting the head on your shoulder that would seem to provide another possibility for breakage. Too much sideways stress on the neck joint might just make it jar loose some day, even if you were to wrap the head in foam for the comfort of your shoulder. Same in cars; the neck should NEVER be used to rest the bass upon on transit. I've seen a tuner shaft broken in half thanks to a very expensive fiberglas trunk allowing the head to rest on the stiff inside lining. A few bounces in a luggage hold coming across from Holland and bang, one expensive old D tuner repair job.