Message to bassists

Currens1 · #1 02-21-2013, 07:29 AM

Hi all,

While i'll direct my message to starting bassists, I guess it goes for all.

Watch the location / how the strap lies on the shoulder. I was practicing last night for a hour and my right shoulder muscle started bothering when I stopped playing. I noticed that the strap was folded over a bit which could of produced a pressure point while playing. It resembled the sort of a pain like there was a kink/stitch inside. It is gone now but I will take a break away from the routine for tonight.

Just wanted to raise some awareness that is all

Cheers

Currens1 · #2 02-21-2013, 07:31 AM

If there's any weight-lifting fanatics out there, the exact muscle was the supraspinatus muscle.

Now here's a question - how many muscles do you use playing bass?

NYCbassist · #3 02-21-2013, 07:46 AM

at 48 years old and 35+ years of playing, I never once had this pain. Might be something about your strap. I like a strap that slides and doesn't grip on my shoulder. Yes it allows a bass with neck dive to drop but I don't bother with neck dive basses. I practice 2 hours minimum every day standing with the bass strapped on. The Grippy Leather straps are great to stop neck dive but they "pull" too much on your shoulder and shirt.

phillybass101 · #4 02-21-2013, 07:47 AM

Hmm. sounds like he had a slightly pinched nerver affecting his supraspinatus muscle. Man do I know about pain associated with wearing a bass.

phillybass101 · #5 02-21-2013, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCbassist

at 48 years old and 35+ years of playing, I never once had this pain. Might be something about your strap. I like a strap that slides and doesn't grip on my shoulder. Yes it allows a bass with neck dive to drop but I don't bother with neck dive basses. I practice 2 hours minimum every day standing with the bass strapped on.

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NYCbassist · #6 02-21-2013, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillybass101

I like that car man!!!

Thank you sir.

Russell L · #7 02-22-2013, 02:55 PM

I have pain in my shoulder all day long, so playing bass only gets in line behind everything else I do all day. I think there's a pinched nerve. Been that way for decades. I just deal with it. (One of these days it will get bad enough to have something done about it, I reckon).