bassses that are easy to play?

[dogenzenjisamsa]

hey guys,

I've been playing bass for about 8 years now, and just recently I've been getting pains in my fretting hand, and I believe that I have lost some strength in this hand I had a really bad technique, as I was never given lessons and whenever I stretch my hand over 4 frets (1 finger per fret) starting at the first fret on the neck, I get a sharp pain in the middle of my hand. I have some strain playing when the instrument is tuned standard, and I'm only really comfortable when its flattened a half step.

I'm thinking about buying a new bass, and I was wondering if you all new any specific model bass that is really easy to play in standard tuning/doesn't require much effort to fret. I heard rick's are good, and i've always wanted one, but I wanted to know if any other ones were good

Thanks

[jabsys]

If it's fine half a step down, why not just use lighter strings tuned to standard?

[stepswork4me]

Try some short scales with low action.

[dogenzenjisamsa]

It's at the lowest action it can be without buzzing, and i have d'addario super light strings

[EagleMoon]

I don't know what kind of strings you use, or how the setup is on your bass. But you might want to try getting a setup and see if your action is high. Or you could try some round core strings, like DR Highbeams or Sunbeams. They're a little more flexible than a hex core string and easier to press down to the fingerboard.

[Tupac]

-Low Action
-Thin neck (if you play with the thumb in the back instead of over)
-Light strings

Sounds like you need an Ibanez or a Fender Jazz.

[dogenzenjisamsa]

also, I play a fernandes J bass

[stepswork4me]

Try shortscale.

[dogenzenjisamsa]

how much does a set up usually cost? my friend actually just got me a short scale squier jaguar, but i haven't messed around with it since i'm on vacation at the moment

[StrangerDanger]

Ibanez SR basses are super easy to play.

[aseksysasquatch]

Originally Posted by StrangerDanger

Ibanez SR basses are super easy to play.

+1

[spade2you]

Set your bass up with low action. Use 1-2-4 fingering.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by dogenzenjisamsa

how much does a set up usually cost? my friend actually just got me a short scale squier jaguar, but i haven't messed around with it since i'm on vacation at the moment

Cost will vary depending on where you take it. I pay $40(without strings) for mine, set up by a professional luthier, but I've seen where people pay more and even some who pay less.Count on paying about $70-$80 if you get strings with it.

[Tvrtko]

Keep working. Pain is good when practice. Keep playing on the first 5 frets (one finger/fret) up and down until you can do it 10 minutes without screaming of pain. Than make break and try again after 1 or 2 hours. Keep playing. You will see after some time you will be superman. It just takes time to make fingers used to unnatural movements.

[dogenzenjisamsa]

Originally Posted by StrangerDanger

Ibanez SR basses are super easy to play.

are they quality basses though? i always heard they were for beginners

[sprag]

Maybe try adjusting your strap or the angle of the neck while playing (I get wrist issues if I have the neck too low/strap too long). Also have a look in the technique forum for warm up scales I find I play better, cleaner and have less strain in my hand through longer sets if I do 5 or 10 min of scales before hand.

[spade2you]

Originally Posted by Tvrtko

Keep working. Pain is good when practice. Keep playing on the first 5 frets (one finger/fret) up and down until you can do it 10 minutes without screaming of pain. Than make break and try again after 1 or 2 hours. Keep playing. You will see after some time you will be superman.

or you'll develop horrible tendinitis. Proper technique makes for efficiency and is much easier on the joints.

[Rockin Mike]

Originally Posted by Tvrtko

Keep working. Pain is good when practice. Keep playing on the first 5 frets (one finger/fret) up and down until you can do it 10 minutes without screaming of pain. Than make break and try again after 1 or 2 hours. Keep playing. You will see after some time you will be superman. It just takes time to make fingers used to unnatural movements.

I disagree. Pain is not good when playing.

For beginners, there can be a little muscle soreness just as with any form of exercise, or a little soreness in the fingertips, and that's a sign to stop for the day.

The OP, however, has been playing for years and talks about a sharp pain in the center of the palm. That definitely sounds like something is wrong.

[Rockin Mike]

Originally Posted by dogenzenjisamsa

are they quality basses though? i always heard they were for beginners

Ibanez SR series runs from the cheap beginner basses to the Premium series which are over $1000. They make some nice stuff.

[dogenzenjisamsa]

thank you all so much- i really appreciate all of your replies.

my last question would be, are rickenbackers hard to play? its always been my dream to play a rick, but are they tough on the hands