Sitting down when playing live. . .

[lomo]

I use a Bass Brace belt. After years of pain and shoulder tendonitis I found the belt. It's basically a weightlifter's belt with a Dunlop straplock mounted to a tongue of leather where the buckle would be-this attaches to a recessed Dunlop strap hole on the lower body edge of the instrument. Basically, 90% of the bass weight is borne by the hips. I still wear a regular strap to keep the instrument in position. It does involve this minimal mod to the bass, but it's $%^&*amazing! The balance is always perfect, because you can choose the spot for the straplock by finding with your finger where it balances best. I used to have pain after 20 minutes and had spent tons of cash on the lightest basses I could find. Now I don't care it the axe weighs 12 lbs :-))))) The Bass Brace is no longer in production, but you can easily make one with a weightlifter's belt, a piece of leather and a Dunlop straplock.

[higgi]

oh pictures of the bass belt please! That's what I need I think.

I bought one of those slider straps, but it moves the bass to an uncomfortable position. Then I put my head through the straps that join together at the strap button. From the front it looks like a 2" thick saxophone strap, with a double strap hanging from the back. Sure does center the weight up, but I look very dorky and have not tried it on stage. I play with the bass on my right hip in a vertical position, not centered as is normal. I can't play with standard positioning because of loss of motion of my left arm from innumerable breaks and reconstructive surgery.

[iamoldschool]

I've had back surgery, so I know your pain brother! I use a padded bar stool that's perfect for leaning my butt on with one foot on the floor. I still get off the stool and move around a little when my butt goes to sleep (+1 for us old guys). Also, I found a great strap at GC. It's a Franklin strap, 3" wide and glove-soft leather. It does not move around, i.e. slide on your shoulder, so the bass stays where you put it. Zero neck dive, even on my Jazz V.

[Andy V.]

The main problem for me is the left shoulder pain.
I play with my bass in a confortable position (stingray 5, the upper horn touches my chest), but after every long set my left shoulder hurts...

Originally Posted by Enchanter_Tim

I will sit at coffee house gigs for the smoother or jazzier stuff, but stand for the rocking parts of the sets. I sit at rehearsal because I am still fighting plantar fasciitis, but for a few outdoor shows coming up, I'll stand. Another TBer recommended foam anti-fatigue mats, so I have set of those I'll be using.

Does it work with shoes on?

[higgi]

My problem is that I tilt my shoulders after playing for a while. Then I get pains from bad playing posture. I don't have much problem with a point load on the shoulder, it's the curve in my lower back from offsetting the bass weight.