beginner with odd question

[The New Black]

Hi! First post and all that.

I'm interested in learning/playing bass (mainly in a hobby sense, but possibly for a band with friends) but I have an odd problem and could use some advice.

I had surgery for a right side inguinal hernia a few years ago which inserted a layer of mesh pretty much right below my waistline. I'm right handed, and at first tried holding a bass at what seemed like a natural position so that it rested against my waist/hip area. This was right over the mesh though, and soon proved to be uncomfortable due to placement and vibration, so I'm trying to figure out how to work around this.

I tried holding the bass higher, (Tom Morello level, for lack of a better way to describe it) but that just seemed awkward. My friend tells me certain basses will vibrate more than others, and getting one that doesn't vibrate so much may help as well. I imagine I could get used to holding it high on my right, but I was also wondering how practical it would be to learn to play left handed?

[EricF]

A layer of padding between the back of the bass and your body might do the trick.

Wearing it a little higher is not at all uncommon for bass players (you mentioned Tom Morello, check out his bass cohort Tim Commerford wears it). When it comes down to it, do whatever it takes to play - higher, lower, different bass, pad, etc.


Welcome to TalkBass! The water is warm and deep - enjoy the swim.

[bassasm33]

I'm not sure about non-vibrating basses, I've never paid attention for such a thing, but I will say that playing higher up can be good for your technique, so I wouldn't rule that out even if it feels a little awkward at first. Unless of course you're concerned with some kind of rocker image.

[duo8675309]

Actually, once you get your right hand technique down you'll probably realize that playing with it higher up is a lot easier than having it slung low. When you go to adjust the strap, sit down with your bass and adjust the strap so that when you stand up the bass doesn't change position. It's like playing sitting down all the time!

[JimmyM]

All basses vibrate, otherwise there would be no sound. Wearing it higher does make some aspects of playing easier, but I hate it so I can dig not wanting to do it. Maybe try taping a padding to the back...won't eliminate vibrations but it'll make them less annoying.

[Ben Wilkie]

Aside from the padding, or wearing it higher, you might just like to play sitting with the bass resting on your lap as much as you can.

Gary Willis plays sitting like this, it might be another option:

[So Low Bass]

I'm wondering if a Hofner would fo the trick... it's light and you could wear it higher on your chest.

Your entering a beautiful world... Bach to Backman need us! Enjoy.

[bass player 48]

My first thought is - physical ailments trump all. Have you considered playing electric upright like an NS instead of electric bass guitar? link: http://nedsteinberger.com/ (oaky, I just think those are cool!

My next thought - have you talked to your doc about what you are experiencing? If this was a few years ago, I would think you'd have a complete recovery by now. Make sure everything is alright with you! Are you able to do strength training for abs, and do you? I would think that a layer of muscle would help, but that’s back to stuff to talk to the doc about.

[The New Black]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try playing with it higher, see how that works out.

Originally Posted by bass player 48

My first thought is - physical ailments trump all. Have you considered playing electric upright like an NS instead of electric bass guitar? link: http://nedsteinberger.com/ (oaky, I just think those are cool!

My next thought - have you talked to your doc about what you are experiencing? If this was a few years ago, I would think you'd have a complete recovery by now. Make sure everything is alright with you! Are you able to do strength training for abs, and do you? I would think that a layer of muscle would help, but that’s back to stuff to talk to the doc about.

I'll keep the electric uprights in mind, but those are a wee bit out of my current price range. Can't do any major strength training for my abs, as I had steel rods implanted next to my spine for scoliosis. (My essence is down to about 4, if anyone speaks geekese.) There are other factors involved which I'm working on improving, the placement of the bass itself is the last piece of the puzzle.

[tobie]

Originally Posted by The New Black

I'll keep the electric uprights in mind

That was my first thought...

[Stumbo]

I had same surgery, centered around belly button. I have no problems with sitting/playing positions. You might want to talk to the doc. Or maybe my surgery is just in a different position that it works out okay.

Maybe sitting on a stool would help. Or those bass straps that use both shoulders to support it?

Here are some links you might want to check out:
1 Comfortable strap
2
3

[BassXgirl]

Assuming the area is healed and it's safe to play, maybe attaching some type of neoprene material to the back might work? Maybe even an old padded mouse pad?

Originally Posted by bass player 48

...My next thought - have you talked to your doc about what you are experiencing? If this was a few years ago, I would think you'd have a complete recovery by now. Make sure everything is alright with you! Are you able to do strength training for abs, and do you? I would think that a layer of muscle would help, but that’s back to stuff to talk to the doc about.

I'm wondering the same thing. Was this surgery done recently? Has it had enough time to heal? Doing ab exercises is a logical suggestion. Unfortunately, they don't do much for inguinal hernias since these happen in a location where the abdominal wall is simply too thin. It is usually a congenital "defect". So someone can have six pack abs and still get an inguinal hernia.