How come all these "greats" have very bendy thumbs!?

[Geezerman]

Sh**, my thumb is actually bent forwards because of breaks....does that mean I'm the worst bass player ever?

[Daveelvy]

Yep, my thumb bends back to about a right-angle at the first joint. I have noticed before that quite a number of bassists have this sort of joint, but can't really say if it makes any difference to the playing. I know it affects how I anchor my thumb to the body on my right hand. The pad of the thumb is flattened against the body with the rest of the digit bent away.

[Bondtana]

lol this is good news! I always thought it was cus I played nintendo so much as a kid.

[bThumper38]

HAVE HITCHHIKERS THUMB WILL FUNK

[Kurtsandford]

I can do do all the Wooten thumbing and my thumb is perfectly straight, i dont think this has much to do with it.

[Fishheadjoe]

Yup, born double jointed at the thumb! Both my thumbs can be bent to form a right angle to the base of the thumb.
Never noticed any other folks with this blessing... but it sure can be entertaining at parties! That or it grosses people out!!
To be honest, I never looked at it as a blessing, more like a curse as I find it very much affects the angle of attach, when I use a pick. Probably yet another reason why I don't use a pick!
fishheadjoe

[Elrend]

Originally Posted by Kurtsandford

I can do do all the Wooten thumbing and my thumb is perfectly straight, i dont think this has much to do with it.

A straight thumb is an advantage when it comes to Wooten.