Lakland 55-94/02 arm contour shallow/uncomfortable - solutions?

[NeckPickup]

Happy New Year fellow bassists.

A few weeks ago I purchased a new 55-94 (trans blue/maple, not that it matters). In the store I fell in love with just about every aspect of it, and there's no need to gush about it again here, but suffice it to say the bass was pretty much exactly what I was looking for, and is a wonderful instrument.

At the time I tried it out, however, I did notice the lack of a deep contour for my right forearm, which felt a little off compared to most other basses I have played or owned. I thought this would be a minor thing I'd adjust to, but if anything, it has become more problematic. Despite the slight taper and rounded edge, it pushes into my arm enough to be a somewhat annoying, and presses some on the nerves in my forearm so that the arm seems to develop a dull ache at times (although to be fair, my tendons may be a little tender from adjusting to the SS strings and 35" tension). On the plus side, the forward position of the forearm seems to reduce the amount of wrist curl. Note I do use a floating thumb technique religiously, so the point of contact often varies.

Bottom line: has anyone else noticed this to the point where it is a problem? More importantly, has anyone figured out a way to work around it? I thought of perhaps an arm sleeve like waiters use to hold hot plates, or some other way of cushioning the edge (the climate is too warm here for long-sleeved shirts, typically). Not resting my forearm on the bass is not an option.

Thanks for your help and advice.

[ModuMan]

I use floating thumb as well but have had no issues playing my Laklands. Just my opinion, of course, but playing an instrument (no matter how wonderful it may be) should not feel uncomfortable. I hate to say it but you might want to consider an instrument that fits you better.

[jim nolte]

Give it some more time.It took me a long time to get used to my F Bass BN5 body shape and right arm position as for me it was so different than any other basses I had owned,Fender,Ernie Ball, and Lakland 55-02. I didn't notice that on my Lakie when I got it,there were other things that bugged me about it at first. Now my F Bass is my main bass. I would work with the 55-94 for at least 3 months to let yourself get used to it as they are wonderful basses. Jim

[BKing]

I just picked up a 44-94 and absolutely loved it - so much so that I recently grabbed another one. But, after playing for longer periods of time, I'm having the same issue - forearm pain due to the shallow arm contour. I'm hoping I get used to it.
BK

[lomo]

I find most basses to have this issue when playing seated, but none at all when standing.The best fit by faaaaaaaaaar is the Elrick Classic body shape. Keep in mind that while seated, the distance from B (or E) string to upper body edge matters , but that from G string to lower body edge may matter even more-the lower it sits on your thigh, the less your plucking arm has to be flexed at the shoulder and elbow. The Elrick Classic has one of the narrowest G to lower body edge distances out there. Even 1cm here makes a difference. I am now experimenting with a Lull T5 to see how it suits me.
Laklands are superb basses. I'd give it a little more time and play around with the subtleties of position.

[Thumper]

Bingo, same issue for me (forearm ache after many hours of seated practice, 55-94). Standing, never had an issue (well, there was the shoulder/back fatigue after 2 hours, but never gigging which is 1 hour sets). I didn't have the issue on my Pbass (4 string) which has less width after the contour. The 55-94 is wider after the contour, but I also had this problem with a Sadowsky V5.

That said, my 55-94 is my go to 5 string, and my favorite bass after a 30+ bass merry-go-round. In fact, I am looking for a 55-01 or 02 to leave at practice.

[BKing]

Originally Posted by lomo

Laklands are superb basses. I'd give it a little more time and play around with the subtleties of position.

Agree 100%. Other than the contour issue, I adore the bass. After typing the above post, I was thinking maybe extending the strap length a little might help (currently it is quite short so the bass rests a little high). That way the forearm won't lay at as hard (perpendicular) of an angle and will be more "relaxed."

BK

[xroads]

Have you to wear the bass a little lower/higher?
Often, changing the angle of the arm slightly removes these issues.

[Thumper]

Remember; the issue is seated practice

[lomo]

Originally Posted by BKing

Agree 100%. Other than the contour issue, I adore the bass. After typing the above post, I was thinking maybe extending the strap length a little might help (currently it is quite short so the bass rests a little high). That way the forearm won't lay at as hard (perpendicular) of an angle and will be more "relaxed."

BK

Yeah-a longer strap that allows you to have the bass at a steeper angle (from horizontal) and lets it slide as far to your right as possible will help a lot IME.

[metron]

Im sure this sounds kind of stupid but... maybe try not leaning on it so hard? I guess I don't understand why not resting your arm isn't an option. Sounds like the solution.