Let's make the bass more ergonomic!

After playing many basses in the last 46 years...The most comfortable bass I've ever played is a contoured "P" bass body with a "J" neck with a 7.25" radius fretboard and radiused fretboard edges, just like my Wilkins P/J.

George

[ric1312]

If the whole reason to make a twisted bass it to take the bend out of the wrists, then it's tottally uneeded.

Just lengthen your strap a bit so your plucking hand isn't so bent, and raise your headstock up more toward your head on the other hand, and bingo wrists almost straight.

Other than that is there any good reason for a twisted kneck?

[iamlowsound]

Originally Posted by ric1312

If the whole reason to make a twisted bass it to take the bend out of the wrists, then it's tottally uneeded.

Just lengthen your strap a bit so your plucking hand isn't so bent, and raise your headstock up more toward your head on the other hand, and bingo wrists almost straight.

Other than that is there any good reason for a twisted kneck?

Doing that leads to other problems, and makes the bass harder to play. The best way to play a bass is vertical, just like an upright.

lowsound

[Chad.mundt]

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

Doing that leads to other problems, and makes the bass harder to play. The best way to play a bass is vertical, just like an upright.

lowsound

+1, iamlowsound.

The Barker vertical bass is interesting. It just doesn't seem to lend itself well to the style of playing I use (Patitucci-esque...I wish...).
I personally play with the bass fairly low (see attached picture), but not so low that it is in the realm of bad punk "players". Being a fat guy helps keep my right wrist staright, but the angle affects my left wrist, and I'm beginning to develop mild carpal tunnel. There is no way to play in a tradition bass style ergonomically without changing the instrument. Believe me, I've tried, and the Torzal is the best attempt I've seen yet.

[Jeff Moote]

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

Doing that leads to other problems, and makes the bass harder to play. The best way to play a bass is vertical, just like an upright.

...if you say so

[Joe P]

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

...The best way to play a bass is vertical, just like an upright...

Yup.

..Or maybe a little angled - like a Chapman or Warr or Megatar.

I need to figure-out how to angle my bass up more! Does it work to extend the top horn out farther?

Joe