I recently found I had three bulging and one herniated discs in my back. I have been on sabbatical for about three months. I am 71 years old. I play a three-quarter upright bass. Has anyone switched to a stick base or something else lighter as they aged and handling a big double bass became very difficult. Please comment.
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Double Bass Back injury and Double Bass
- Thread starter forensicnurse
- Start date
The bass buggy has basically kept me in a situation where I am able to play. The bass buggy does have ground surface-texture limitations, but I also try to route around those. I very rarely pick up my DB for anything more than lifting it in or out of its stand, in or out a door, or in or out of a car.
I'm 70 and I have mobility issues.
I'm 70 and I have mobility issues.
I have never heard of a bass buggy, but I looked it up and that might be helpful to me. Thank you so much.
I’m not sure how to use this thread thing but I hope you get this message and I appreciate your information. I’ve never heard of a bass buggy, but I’m probably gonna go ahead and get one. See how that works.
Do you play seated or standing? What is the angle of you bass vis a vis your posture? About ten years ago I had surgery to put titanium pins in 5 of the 7 vertebrae in my neck. No expected me to play bass again, but I SLOWLY shifted from standing to sitting, shifting from a Maggini model bass to an Upton Karr etc, changing to softer strings (now guts), changing what I did with my shoulders, left elbow, arm etc --and getting a wheeled case!
I would strongly suggest a physical therapist or Alexander teacher who knows something about music and going there with your bass to get as much weight/tension etc off your back. One of these might help if you play sitting down: ErgoBass Support. The attached might give you some ideas as well... and I'm 76 and playing in two community orchestras.
I would strongly suggest a physical therapist or Alexander teacher who knows something about music and going there with your bass to get as much weight/tension etc off your back. One of these might help if you play sitting down: ErgoBass Support. The attached might give you some ideas as well... and I'm 76 and playing in two community orchestras.
About 3 years ago, I looked around me at my jam-mates in their 70s and beyond, and decided a time would come that I didn't want to haul a big piece of furniture around with me. I decided if I started playing clawhammer now, by the time I hit 70 I won't COMPLETELY suck.
Well, that was the plan...
Well, that was the plan...
As noted above, how you physically address the instrument -- how you deal with your personal ergonomics -- is key.
If you haven't worked with a bass teacher, investing in a few lessons might point you toward a safe and sound direction.
You might also benefit from a lower-tension set of strings. Experimenting with DB strings is an expensive rabbit-hole, but switching to a lower-tension wind, or to a "Solo" set, might make things easier.
I own and use a 43" DB and a 41.5" stick. The tension on the stick isn't lower because it's a stick. Rather, it's lower because the scale length is slightly shorter and the neck angle is slightly shallower and some other points. It's like 25.5" vs 24.75" in the guitar world: The raw numbers matter but there are a lot of nuances beyond the raw numbers.
Here's wishing you improved health and continued joy in your musical pursuit.
If you haven't worked with a bass teacher, investing in a few lessons might point you toward a safe and sound direction.
You might also benefit from a lower-tension set of strings. Experimenting with DB strings is an expensive rabbit-hole, but switching to a lower-tension wind, or to a "Solo" set, might make things easier.
I own and use a 43" DB and a 41.5" stick. The tension on the stick isn't lower because it's a stick. Rather, it's lower because the scale length is slightly shorter and the neck angle is slightly shallower and some other points. It's like 25.5" vs 24.75" in the guitar world: The raw numbers matter but there are a lot of nuances beyond the raw numbers.
Here's wishing you improved health and continued joy in your musical pursuit.
My biggest problem, and I'm only 62, is getting the SOB in and out of the truck. Going to have to figure out something better than the straight lift.
They make ramps for dogs with mobility issues. You may be able to wheel it into the truck with a ramp.
Hi, Could you give a little more information about what you are looking for? Are you injured? Did something happen (accident etc) ?
At 70 yo most people have some sort of disc pathology. This is not to make light of your situation. There are ways out and around this.
HI Forensicnurse…….join the club. I’m 82 and play upright, but have found more and more time that I have a really difficult time lugging it around. As it turns out I just yesterday found out it’s not a collapsed disk, but moderately severe arthritis between L-5 and S-1; with other places also. I JUST bought a Stagg EUB…….they are probably not the most elegant sounding ones out there, but I just couldn’t afford anything else. The “stick” basses are well worth it the cost, but do keep in mind they will never sound like an upright…….the are totally an electric bass. The sound is something like a cross between an electric guitar bass and an upright. You can look forward to the many many ways the sound can be manipulated.
I have to go but would love to talk again later.
Salty Dog,
Seattle WAshington
Not sure what kind of truck you are talking about, but with the SUV tailgate I lean the side of the cased bass against it, then raise it like a lever with the end pin crutch to horizontal position. From there, I put my leg on the bottom bout and grab a handle on the top side to guide it into the vehicle and get the bout over the folded up seat. But the bass is actually pushed into the vehicle with the leg and hip. Then a bungee cord keeps it from tipping.
I’ll be 61 at summers end. Probably about the same age my grandma was all those years ago when she used to fuss at me to “lift with your legs, not your back” when I was just a wee lad. It was part of her “They Say” collection of admonitions, which she kept sharp by practicing them on us at every turn.
It's the bed of a four wheel drive F-150. Not lifted, factory ride height, but that's pretty darn high. Because I have a bed cover, the bass has to lie on its back (with a pad under the shoulders to lift the scroll).
What I need is a minivan.
