Shoulder Pain

[parsonsj]

Any ideas how to reduce shoulder pain and stress while playing? I have a pinched radical nerve and the pain levels are high enough for me to consider going the EUB route. I have tried a number of different straps, but that's not really helping. My bass isn't heavy -- it's a Lakland DJ5.

[Tony G]

What kind of strap are you using? If you aren't using a wide strap currently, I highly recommend you get one, like a Comfort Strapp bass strap: http://www.comfortstrapp.com/

[DocBop]

I don't know where he got it but this bass player I see now and then has had a bad back and has a strap this is straps kind of like a vest. Then he attach to the back of his bass.

I know a LONG time ago Fender and maybe others made these units that were like a belt you wore and the bass attached again to the back of the instrument. If I remember right the Chapman Stick has like a bracket in back you just slip over your belt to hold the instrument.

You might be able to fashion something along those lines.

[parsonsj]

Thanks. Someone also recommended buying a Rob Allen bass to eliminate the weight.

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by parsonsj

Thanks. Someone also recommended buying a Rob Allen bass to eliminate the weight.

Yes, a lighter bass will definitely help. What are you using now, and how much does it weigh approximately?

[Fendersaurus]

Ive also seen straps that go over both shoulders. that would distribute the weight over both shoulders. I think it was made by planet waves which is owned by d'daddario.

[treebranch13]

If you have a vest you could put strap locks in the holes that hang it at the angle you want (take out a button on one side, and put the SL there) to have your own makeshift strap vest

[Blake Bass]

A Sadowsky NYC weighing in at 7.25 lbs solved my aching shoulder problems. It was an expensive cure but well worth it.

[Marcury]

Originally Posted by parsonsj

Thanks. Someone also recommended buying a Rob Allen bass to eliminate the weight.

If you can afford it it's definitely the way to go. Light as a feather, tone for days and the sweetest action I have ever played. I love mine, but do also use a wide strap. Mine's a simple leather one, but the Comfort Strap is a great suggestion:

Originally Posted by xgabriele

What kind of strap are you using? If you aren't using a wide strap currently, I highly recommend you get one, like a Comfort Strapp bass strap: http://www.comfortstrapp.com/

[doktorfeelgood]

I have a bone spur in my left shoulder so it looks like we're kind of in the same boat. I found this strap from a company called NeoTech. It's called a Wick-It bass strap. It's made from memory foam, like the Tempur-Pedic mattress'...It's just wide enough so that it rests on the flesh-y part of my shoulder with out actually riding on the shoulder bone so no pressure is put there. But it grips well and doesn't slide very much and is comfortable enough for me to weild a 8.25 pound Jazz bass that would not be do-able with any other strap.
I play in a Blues band and when we gig, the front man usually calls two 1 1/2 hour sets or three 50 minute sets, depending on the club. And this strap helps me get thru that with out any pain. Of course I will sit down for the occasional slow Blues tune to get off my feet, but I couldn't do this gig without this strap. Check out the link... )-(

http://www.neotechstraps.com/product...?PRODUCT_ID=28