low bass wearers

lexxmexx · #1 07-15-2008, 12:36 AM

Every rock bass player I have seen seems to wear the basses low down on their hips when they gig and looking really cool. I have tried that on myself but I just can't seem to do it right, my fretting had would be seriously compromised and I can reach the low string notes on the higher frets. I think I looked really silly and nerdish now as I have to wear the bass up high to be able to play properly.

I am sure there are many of you low bass wearers here, How do you guys do it and play well???

As opposed to legit techinque, I need to have that cool rock look

kojak · #2 07-15-2008, 12:54 AM

can´t have it all. looks for playing technique extravaganza.

i play as low as i get it, and focus on the right hand. left hand mainly does the "baseballbat"-grip.

this does, however, NOT mean that you can´t play good bass with it really low. to be honest, i often think i play better low-style, because it forces me to play simpler and straightforward, and in rock, for instance, that can be a very good thing

Nick Kay · #3 07-15-2008, 01:35 AM

You can get by with the neck almost horizontal when it's strapped near your stomach. You have to bring the headstock MUCH higher up to play effectively while slung low. And don't expect to have the same freedom of motion and reach. They don't say it's bad technique just because we look cooler - it just really isn't the most efficient way to play.

misfit-x · #4 07-15-2008, 01:41 AM

I play with the center of the body at about belt buckle level and the reason is that its the most comfortable position for me. I've tried it where the bass is high up on me and my shoulders and right wrist starts to get sore. I just place the bass where it is the most comfortable to play not because its cool or not just because I don't like to cramp up.

tom once dead · #5 07-15-2008, 01:44 AM

just play with the bass almost horizontal.

rarisgod · #6 07-15-2008, 06:27 AM

I prefer having the bass high up. To me, wearing it low looks foolish. To each his own, however, but better technique comes with less reaching for the bass. At least in my experience.

matt"bass" · #7 07-15-2008, 06:35 AM

You can have it high and still look cool. second one is about how i play, can still swing it round and rock out.

Hiromakuta · #8 07-15-2008, 08:00 AM

I also think having the bass high looks cooler than low. I don´t get why people seem to enjoy that look.

Nyarlathotep · #9 07-15-2008, 08:05 AM

It is a gift, grasshopper...
One day you may acquire it, and then you may leave the [bass] temple.

Actually, I prolly sling it about as low as this guy (from random google image search), and I have no problems. Note however, the angle of the neck. That is the key IMO.

tomas_almeida · #10 07-15-2008, 09:08 AM

Those thumbs over the strings....

Nyarlathotep · #11 07-15-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomas_almeida

Those thumbs over the strings....

Hehe, I used to do that on my 4 banger, and even do it to some extent on my 5er. When im playing with a pick, my thumb makes a great mute when im picking the higher strings.

rustinstrings · #12 07-15-2008, 01:21 PM

While the dude in the picture obviously seems to invest alot in trying to look cool, the straight wrists indicate that his technique/endurance is less likely to fail.
OTOH, whenever I adjust my strap for "correct" playing position both sitting down and standing up, thumb behind the neck, straight wrists - I end up wearing my bass as a necktie and still not sure if I need to re-adjust whenever playing in different positions.

wld3 · #13 07-15-2008, 01:24 PM

It would be interesting to see how that guy in the pic plays above the 9th fret. (If he does.)

That would seem to be the real flaw in the low bass, high neck method.

But, then again, I don't really know what I'm talking about.

NKUSigEp · #14 07-15-2008, 01:27 PM

It's not too comfortable...even after you get used to it. You have to adopt a whole new technique of playing and some people just can't physically do it because their arms aren't long enough or their torso is shorter or what have you.

All it is dude, is practice.

Rezdog · #15 07-15-2008, 01:55 PM

Greetings from the North,

'Proper technique' or 'lookin cool' be damned.... Play at a height where you're most comfortable and can make all the notes sound the best. One position does not fit all.

Rezdog

Bass Mule · #16 07-15-2008, 02:02 PM

Mine's relatively low, but not "rocker" low. Too low to be "funky", but too high to be cool.
...and yes, I know my fret-hand technique is horrible. I also know that my plucking-hand technique leaves something to be desired. But you know what? It works for me and it's never felt uncomfortable.

Joel S. · #17 07-15-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Mule

That looks painful.

I wear mine just above waist level, most comfortable there for me (maybe a smidge higher than your's, maybe... I can tell I'm probably a bit taller than you are). Screw looking cool, I have my bass where it feels most comfortable against my body and where it's easiest for me to play. I have my shades to look cool with.

Thunderthumbs73 · #18 07-15-2008, 04:04 PM

I hate low (for me). I don't care if it looks cool or not. High is much more comfortable for me. Kinda like this guy...

Bass Mule · #19 07-15-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel S.

That looks painful.

I wear mine just above waist level, most comfortable there for me (maybe a smidge higher than your's, maybe... I can tell I'm probably a bit taller than you are). Screw looking cool, I have my bass where it feels most comfortable against my body and where it's easiest for me to play. I have my shades to look cool with.

Yep. *Looks* painful, but isn't. I've tried different heights, and this is the perfect height for my plucking hand. I don't like how the bass feels when it's higher. Trust me, it has nothing to do with looks.

MysticMichael · #20 07-15-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

I am sure there are many of you low bass wearers here, How do you guys do it and play well???

As opposed to legit techinque, I need to have that cool rock look

To each his own, I guess. As for me, not only is playing the bass slung low uncomfortable, but I've always thought it looked silly and pretentious. In other words, it's kid stuff.

My philosophy has always been that if I can play great stuff by having the bass slung at a height that is comfortable for me to play, then anyone whose respect is worth having will not be concerned about whether I wear it at knee level or at chest level. And anyone who takes points off for insufficient "cool factor" is probably just a dooflus noob anyway...

MM