Ergonomics of Roscoe Basses

[LilRay]

Hey Guys,

I dreamed about a Roscoe Bass last night.......

AND as I was thinking about them a question popped up in my pea brain.

In reference to ergonomics, are the Standard/Standard Plus basses crafted differently than their 300X/Signature Series counterparts?

I have to sit when I play so I was wondering if there are shape differences (body) that might make one "rather" save and get the 300X/Signature series?

According to Gard, in another of my goofy question threads the Century body style would work best in my situation. Anyone else sit while they play? Care to offer any insight?

God Bless, Ray

[VroomVroom]

I'll offer my two cents one penny at a time...

First, I'd agree that the Century body style would probably be best.

Second, and from a personal perspective, this isn't really an issue. Granted, I wear my instrument pretty high, but one of the reasons for that is so it is in the same exact position whether I'm sitting or standing. This was a piece of sage wisdom passed down to me many years ago, it really is fundamental IMO. So, from that angle, any Roscoe works great.

Tangent warning...you knew there had to be one. I'd encourage anyone to experiment a bit with strap length to see what really feels comfortable. The key - or at least the main - thing to consider is the angle of your wrists. Just as with piano players, you want your hand to be as close to parallel to your forearm as possible. Wear the bass low, and the wrist of your fretting hand is at a sharp angle. Wear it high, and the wrist of your plucking hand is compromised. Find the right balance for you, and you'll play comfortable and prevent carpal tunnel issues.

[LilRay]

Jerry,

If I were to stand, my bass would be pretty high too. I wear it so that the body comes into contact with my right leg, but the bass is suspended by the strap. It doesn't "rest" on my leg like most sitting players prefer.

In other words I can't hold a bass without a strap, essentially I have no "lap" to speak of.

God Bless, Ray

[Darkstrike]

With that kind of setup, I'd imagine the Century would be best, and LG worst, as the LG, and to a degree, the SKB, would push the nut somewhat left, making the reach for the lowest notes further. Take this if what its woth though, which is little to nothing. Chances are, I'm wrong.


Oh, and the only difference in shape between the Standards and the higher lines body shapes, IIRC, is the Standards don't have carved/sculpted tops, they're flat, like Fenders and such.

[LightGroove]

Well said all... When I first bought an LG I swore it was a 35" scale b/c the reach was so far left...later realized it was the horn placement.I also found that middle runs were easier with the LG vs. the Century...not sure why..perhaps the angle?

My Century balances a lot better but the body is also bigger ...something Im not huge on. So you give and take.. Ive never played a SKB perhaps its the best of both worlds...

[Gard]

Ray, without writing a novel, my answer is short:

Century.

It will hang more to the right because of the longer upper horn, which will bring the lower positions on the neck closer in to your body. Size wise, there really is no significant difference between the SKB and Century other than the horns, so that won't help anything.

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

Second, and from a personal perspective, this isn't really an issue. Granted, I wear my instrument pretty high, but one of the reasons for that is so it is in the same exact position whether I'm sitting or standing. This was a piece of sage wisdom passed down to me many years ago, it really is fundamental IMO.

+1 This is exactly what I do too. Learned long ago that I tended to practice sitting and then when standing my technique was off. Wear it high and the problem is solved.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by Freddels

+1 This is exactly what I do too. Learned long ago that I tended to practice sitting and then when standing my technique was off. Wear it high and the problem is solved.

I took it a step further, and got myself one of these for my practice room:



Really helped out with that issue, and helped me keep my back from bothering me.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

Ray, without writing a novel, my answer is short:

Century.

It will hang more to the right because of the longer upper horn, which will bring the lower positions on the neck closer in to your body. Size wise, there really is no significant difference between the SKB and Century other than the horns, so that won't help anything.

So here's my next question for ya Gard.

I've gathered Century is "It" for my situation. Are their Contour differences where the right arm contacts/rests between the Standard Series VS 300X/Signature?

Bluntly are they shaped the same? And If they are infact different, in your opinion, is there enough difference in them to warrant saving for the boutique models? I see you sit from time to time, and I HAVE to sit all the time, so .......?

Originally Posted by Gard

I took it a step further, and got myself one of these for my practice room:



Really helped out with that issue, and helped me keep my back from bothering me.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

I thought I'd be the only one with an office chair.

Tell ya what, our old drummer used to have a Gibraltar throne w/backrest (screw type, not gas shock) and that thing was comfy.

I've looked for one like his and haven't been able to find one.

God Bless, Ray

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by Gard

I took it a step further, and got myself one of these for my practice room:



Really helped out with that issue, and helped me keep my back from bothering me.

What kind of bondage apparatus is that? Do you sit in/on it?

Does it really help your back?

[Gard]

Originally Posted by Freddels

What kind of bondage apparatus is that? Do you sit in/on it?

Does it really help your back?

You essentially "kneel" in it, your knees go on the lower pad, your butt on the upper one, here's a photo of it "in action":

[VroomVroom]

^ Hmm. Looking at that picture, anyone else thinking thoughts that have absolutely nothing to do with chairs?

[Darkstrike]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

^ Hmm. Looking at that picture, anyone else thinking thoughts that have absolutely nothing to do with chairs?

There's a chair there?

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

^ Hmm. Looking at that picture, anyone else thinking thoughts that have absolutely nothing to do with chairs?

I'm thinking she could actually fall over and with her feet stuck behind/within the chair it could get ugly.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

You essentially "kneel" in it, your knees go on the lower pad, your butt on the upper one, here's a photo of it "in action":

There goes the thread Awesome derail though.

Man I'd bust my azz in that contraption you call a "chair". I don't see how it's comfortable. Must have to do with spinal alignment?

I Have to have a "back" and can't bend my knees that far back.

But um, put her in the "chair" and I'll make a run at it.

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

^ Hmm. Looking at that picture, anyone else thinking thoughts that have absolutely nothing to do with chairs?

God Bless, Ray

[CactusmanDoug]

Originally Posted by Gard

Wow Gard, you aint half bad lookin'...

ever think a growin' yer hair out, darlin'?

[()smoke()]

Originally Posted by CactusmanDoug

Wow Gard, you aint half bad lookin'...

ever think a growin' yer hair out, darlin'?

hahaha

[lwrthnwhalepoop]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

^ Hmm. Looking at that picture, anyone else thinking thoughts that have absolutely nothing to do with chairs?

Yup. Beds. And friction. And a pastrami sammich and a big glass of milk when it's all over.

[Freddels]

I'm thinking about the twins. Although I do respect them as individuals.