Arthritis decision

[That Old Guy]

I have 6 herniated discs in my back and arthritis pain in my hands. This is making 3 or 4 hour gigs with my 10lb Warwick Rockbass Streamer NT1 much less fun! I decided to seriously look at short scale basses at 8lbs or less. I absolutely love my Streamer and I really wanted an affordable short scale that can deliver a similar experience. After many hours of research and some great reviews from Low End Lobster, I've pulled the trigger on a Sire Marcus Miller U5.
Delivery expected tomorrow!
I'll be sure to follow-up with a review soon!

 

[Malak the Mad]

I work in massage therapy, with a focus on pain relief. Just one herniation is bad enough, but six? And osteoarthritis, to boot?! If you're still functional, then all I can really say is, "Well done!"

Good luck with your upcoming delivery. I really hope it works out for you.

 

[bholder]

I have 6 herniated discs in my back and arthritis pain in my hands. This is making 3 or 4 hour gigs with my 10lb Warwick Rockbass Streamer NT1 much less fun! I decided to seriously look at short scale basses at 8lbs or less. I absolutely love my Streamer and I really wanted an affordable short scale that can deliver a similar experience. After many hours of research and some great reviews from Low End Lobster, I've pulled the trigger on a Sire Marcus Miller U5.
Delivery expected tomorrow!
I'll be sure to follow-up with a review soon!

Good choice on the Sire, I hope it suits you and fills the bill. As for the arthritis man - oww, I feel ya, that sucks, but man, gotta say, hard fought, dude, that you're still standing, let alone still playing!! More power to you, guy!!

 

[That Old Guy]

I work in massage therapy, with a focus on pain relief. Just one herniation is bad enough, but six? And osteoarthritis, to boot?! If you're still functional, then all I can really say is, "Well done!"

Good luck with your upcoming delivery. I really hope it works out for you.

Thanks! Yes, my Nurse Practitioner is quite surprised with my mobility. My MRI report reads like a Russian tragedy!

 

[That Old Guy]

Good choice on the Sire, I hope it suits you and fills the bill. As for the arthritis man - oww, I feel ya, that sucks, but man, gotta say, hard fought, dude, that you're still standing, let alone still playing!! More power to you, guy!!

Can't quit now, my band is just starting to get noticed, lol! I bring a stool in case it really gets intolerable, but I hate to use it. Feels like your sitting on the sideline.

 

[That Old Guy]

Can't quit now, my band is just starting to get noticed, lol! I bring a stool in case it really gets intolerable, but I hate to use it. Feels like your sitting on the sideline.

 

[That Old Guy]

Went with Tobacco Sunburst.

 

[Killing Floor]

Hope you can manage through therapy. Good luck. That sounds tough.

 

[Bag of Lazers]

Massively impressed with your fortitude! Good call on the Sire; they are light and balance well. I'm so impressed with my P5 that I considered selling a couple other basses to get another one to put flats on.

 

[Five or Six]

I am having to lighten up as well. I have Sarcoidosis and it's been screwing with me. Always stiff and sore, even my hands. I had a near fatal motorcycle accident going on 20 years ago that screwed up my back and neck. I refuse to set in a chair and give up! Fight it as best you can but, don't give up.

 

[abarson]

I see nothing wrong with using a stool or chair if it helps to keep you playing.
Here's to overcoming!

 

[Five or Six]

I see nothing wrong with using a stool or chair if it helps to keep you playing.
Here's to overcoming!

My reference is to a chair at home. Gotta keep moving. I agree with your statement!

 

[MotorCityMinion]

If that beauty doesn't do it for you, perhaps a chambered short scale from Warmoth. Perhaps even Hofner territory. Hard to beat that Sire for the money.

 

[chris_b]

I only have one damaged disc, and a few years ago I've gave up playing any bass above 8.5lbs. Now time is catching up and I'm seriously looking at 6lb basses. I'm currently auditioning a Sandberg TT 5 SL (6lb 8oz), which a previous owner modded with a John East preamp. It's not a patch on my Sadowsky but weight is a non-negotiable issue these days.

Good luck with your new bass.

 

[markjazzbassist]

If the MM gets heavy go for a 5 pound hofner violin or club bass. They are short scale fully hollow and light and easy and fun to play. I play 3-4 hours gigs and no longer have pain.

 

[Pilgrim]

Can't quit now, my band is just starting to get noticed, lol! I bring a stool in case it really gets intolerable, but I hate to use it. Feels like your sitting on the sideline.

Saw Carlos Santana at Red Rocks Monday night. Incredible! He can barely walk, and he plays seated. It's a reasonable option when needed.

 

[jdwinva]

I have Rheumatoid Artritis, Osteoartritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and UCTD (undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease). I had hand surgery and a knee replacement so far and I'm 59 years old. A 34" scale, light weight, jazz bass (smaller neck profile) is critical for me. I've been handed the genetic equivalent of a pair of threes in Blackjack. Welcome to the club!

 

[direktor]

Old Streamers are more like 8 and 7lbs….like ‘87 and prior. My ‘84 is like 7lbs 2oz or something like that. Stupid light.

Not same price range I know, but in case you miss that shape.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I can relate to the OP. Multiple neck and back injuries plus arthritis has made my beloved 9.5 lb Tony Franklin Fretless bass painful to play. I reluctantly had to sell it but all is not lost as I now have a 7.4 lb Ibanez SRH505F 5 string fretless which I am enjoying very much. Good luck with your new bass.

 

[leegreenman]

There are many great light weight options out there. Can’t go wrong with Sire.
I also struggle with chronic neck and back issues.