Bass is too heavy, hurts my shoulder - Page 3

Paperjoe · #41 10-30-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totallyfrozen

C'mon, bro. How hard is that? Just put the bass on your bathroom scale and see how much it weighs. You've spent more time looking online from someone else to tell you how much it weighs than the time it would take for you to weigh it yourself.

The bass was over at my band's studio. Didn't seem worth the drive just to weigh it and take it back. :P

netsmith2001 · #42 12-02-2012, 11:46 PM

Hs anyone tried this strap:
LM Products Leather Bass Strap with Extra Wide Pad
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...extra-wide-pad
I have a a Warwick and love it but need some shoulder relief (ok I'll do some push-ups).
This strap looks like it might help.
I checked out the The dual strap product and it looks a bit clunky.

DiabolusInMusic · #43 12-03-2012, 12:14 AM

You might want to try starting a new thread on the subject, you'll get more results that way.

pokengkong · #44 12-03-2012, 12:24 AM

I own like 10 basses, half of em are Fenders. But, the lightest basses I have are:

1) Carvin LB-20. The important thing here is to get the tung oil finish on mahogany body. No paint, no gloss means even lighter weight. Mahogany body looks nice, but maybe the other woods are just as light. The Carvins are ergonomic which makes it even easier to play.

2) MTD Kingston Artist. This bass is very light and ergonomic.

I use this strap (ttp://www.samedaymusic.com/product--LEVPM48NP3) It's 3 inch think and made of material that is soft and bounces.

I use light basses and this strap because my cover band gig has me playing 2 hours straight sometimes before I get a break.

dtripoli · #45 12-03-2012, 12:31 AM

I play a G&L ASAT w/Telecaster body. It is a slab body, no contours. It has to weight more than any P or J bass.
I solved the problem the same way as noted earlier in this thread.
Neotech Mega Bass Strap

Put my strap locks on it and it was like night and day. I kicked myself in the rear for suffering through two years without it. The strap is stretchy and acts like a shock absorber. It also eliminated some of the neck dive that ASAT's are notorious for.

rapidfirerob · #46 12-03-2012, 12:34 AM

My Alembic Spoiler is in the 9 pound range and makes my back hurt as well. I've started bringing my Ibanez SR300 fretless to practice. It does make a difference. I use a Slider Strap, which is a dual strap system: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...shoulder-strap. I'm thinking seriously of getting the Damian Erskine Duo Strap. It's pricey, but looks great. Has anyone used one of these?
http://www.gruvgear.com/duostrap-signature

rimbaud · #47 12-03-2012, 01:21 AM

since I use the Betty neoprene strap from Mono Case, I'm really comfortable... and it does not cost too much !! I had issues with my sciatic nerve this summer, couldn't walk normally for weeks

now that I wear this strap, i'm really fine !

http://www.monocase.com/mono-gs1-betty.asp

endorka · #48 12-03-2012, 03:47 AM

I recently blogged about how I fixed exactly this issue, you can read it here, hopefully it will be helpful;

http://whatisbest.info/?p=189

Jennifer

SBsoundguy · #49 12-03-2012, 03:56 AM

Military press, squats, and deadlifts bro.

endorka · #50 12-03-2012, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBsoundguy

Military press, squats, and deadlifts bro.

Seconded. You might want to throw in a few sets of pullups as well :-)

Jennifer

endorka · #51 12-03-2012, 04:29 AM

But in all seriousness, strength training alone will not necessarily make up for bad posture, technique or an unbalanced instrument. These matters should also be addressed or there is a danger of merely masking or reducing the problem for a while rather than fixing it. Getting stronger alone may also make the problem seem better for a while, only to reappear sometime in the future.

Jennifer

MrLenny1 · #52 12-03-2012, 06:47 AM

GRUV GEAR dual strap.
Pricey yes, but best design in years.

Alexander · #53 12-03-2012, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by endorka

I recently blogged about how I fixed exactly this issue, you can read it here, hopefully it will be helpful;

http://whatisbest.info/?p=189

Jennifer

Great blog post - as a bassist that has fought my way back from neck & back injury, I agree wholeheartedly. Stretching, good posture, exercise, accupuncture (in no particular order). Having a lighter bass with a good strap certainly helps, too. Went from a heavy Fender Jazz to a 7.45 pound Sadowsky NYC made a difference over a long night...

baileyboy · #54 12-03-2012, 06:57 AM

My heaviest bass is a late 70s/early 80s Fender P at 10.5 lbs. I have a 4" Moody leather strap, comfortable enough, but since I have had a series of lower back injuries over the years, after the 1st set, I can not use it unless I sit. I recommend getting something in the 8-9 lb range. Those extra couple of lbs. make a world of difference for the long haul.

jlepre · #55 12-03-2012, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBsoundguy

Military press, squats, and deadlifts bro.

Hell why not hire a personal trainer too. PLEASE...

cchorney · #56 12-03-2012, 09:19 AM

I like the neoprene and stretchy fabric combination straps. That or - if you can find one - a wide woven strap. I have an old MusicMan strap like this and it is great... but I can't find anyone who makes straps like this anymore.

Lucky Strike · #57 12-03-2012, 09:48 AM

I get the same problem, and I use a comfort strapp. It doesn't matter how heavy a bass I play, if I wear it long enough my left shoulder in the area of my rotator cuff will get sore and I'll need to rest for a couple of days.

SBsoundguy · #58 12-03-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlepre

Hell why not hire a personal trainer too. PLEASE...

Like there are no self taught bass players? The internet is filled with wonderful resources.

jlepre · #59 12-03-2012, 10:21 AM

Really?

ShirazBop · #60 12-03-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

15 lbs...two tons...doesn't matter. Sell it and buy something tolerable. The TB classifieds are by far the best source for primo used gear.

Riis

So true on TB classifieds being the way to go to find something else, if needed... My heaviest bass is an 11lb late 70's Fender Precision that I'm keeping! My others, I've been rotating the stock toward lighter and lghter (using the TB classifieds..) For all of them, I Love my Comfort Strapp.. Suggest you try this first. Also, as others mentioned and suggested to me was to keep good posture...(advised when driving always try to push your head back toward the headrest) Slouching can aggrevate things... Also fitness training as others mentioned, for me I've recently incorporated more weights and shoulder exercise,... Incline presses with dumbells from side curling up then pressing overhead, alternating sides seems to be helping me. Use lighter weights higher reps...Core strength is good for all aspects of your life... (abs, squats, etc....).