Adjusting plucking position on new bass

[Ritchski]

I just brought a new bass and have found the pickups are in a different position to what I am used to. With my technique I rely on a pickup when I pluck the E string, so this has messed me up a bit.

I thought about getting a thumb rest so that I can maintain the same position I had on my old bass. This will mean I would not be plucking directly over a pickup. This might seem like a dumb question but is it better to pluck directly over a pick up or doesn’t it really matter? Would I be better off adjusting my technique or is the thumb rest a good option?

Thanks for any help

[Mr wiggl3s]

Pickup position and where you pluck dictate the sound. Check out #6 here: http://www.studybass.com/lessons/bas...ique/plucking/

[Ritchski]

Thanks the link was helpful

The pick ups on my new bass are further back towards the saddle bridge, so I am finding it really hard to keep the bass steady without bending my wrist. I can get into doing it that way but I keep hearing that bending the plucking hand wrist is a good way to cause long term injuries?

[Mr wiggl3s]

Ya. There are a few guys who post here reporting injuries, so i'm pretty sure it happens.

What do you mean you can't keep it stable though? How do you hold the bass with your fretting hand?

[Ritchski]

I use my fretting hand in the standard form, with thumb in the middle of the back of neck, not held too tight. I find if I don’t use my forearm to stabilize the back f the bass, it tips forward and disrupts my fretting a bit. I could use my forearm on my previous bass as the pick ups were not so far back. It’s a weird thing but there ya go, I’m just used to plucking the strings in a different position (middle rather than right at the back of the bass), guess I need to vary things a bit

[Mr wiggl3s]

A lot of people suggest that you practice with your strap on all the time, sitting and standing. That could help