• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Bass height versus Age

#21
Right hand low, left hand high. Both wrists mostly straight. That's how I have always liked it. It's apparently a little odd looking, but it's also why I prefer the way Gibson bass guitars hang over Fenders and Fender style bass guitars.
 
#22
Gully Foyle said:
Or even using the word 'slacks'!
Click to expand...

The word slacks was chosen with deliberation, so it is nice to see my attention to detail is appreciated.

As to high-waisted slacks on old men, curiosity led me to do some research. Seems many old men tend to not have much buttock and thus they pull their pantalones up over their bellies in hopes of keeping them in place.

Now we all know....
 
  • Like
Reactions: fuelish, pbassrules and Watchootognbout
#24
Never played it slung really low; the angle is too awkward for me and puts too much strain on my left wrist. Started off about "medium" (i.e. belt buckle hight), and yeah, it's gotten higher as I've gotten older, but don't mistake that for "cause and effect". As my playing has changed and (hopefully) improved over the years, some things are just easier with the bass slung a little higher. I let comfort and good ergonomics be my guide. Maybe it doesn't look quite as cool, but I'd rather impress an audience with my playing than with my posing. (Not implying that you're posing if you play your bass slung low; just that I would be.)
 
#26
images.jpeg
Your belt gets higher, so it's only natural your bass would too!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hopi76, knumbskull, Billybladez66 and 1 other person
#33
Jah Wobble Fan said:
Not only a time tested look, but also makes it much easier to shoplift a frozen turkey.
Click to expand...

"Is that a frozen turkey in your bib overalls or…"

I adjust my strap so that when seated with the bass resting on my leg, there's a bit of slack. (there's that word again) As I practice many hours sitting down, I maintain that same position standing and so it feels familiar/comfortable. I've always done it that way.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Billybladez66 and Jah Wobble Fan
#37
Took lessons sitting down---- wanted the same feel when standing- the year was 1971. I still wear it high- I like to keep my fretting wrist straght.

I actually have a one piece strap that I used around 1978, though I had to add some length to it to compensated for my increase in girth.
 
#38
When I was young I slung it way low like Simon Gallup of The Cure and Peter Hook of Joy Division. I even had a strap that was stretch so it was way low. That probably took its toll and led to my bad posture plus everyone back then asking why I slouched. Thirty years later I'm one of those guys who plays with the bass at the same level standing up as it is when I'm sitting. One of those guys I used to make fun of!

I took about 12 years off from playing and tried to sling it low again and found it was impossible, and uncomfortable, I almost fell over.
 
#39
Depends on the bass for me. My Jack Casady is a bit lower and to the side with the neck angled up most of the time. With my Pbass the top of the body is just above belly button level, and my Rick which I play with a pick more than the others I keep the centerline of the bass right about bellybutton level or a bit higher.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back