Bass help!

[AimeeH]

Hi, I am a music student studying for grade 8 recently one of my tutors has told me that he thinks a lot of my problems with bass playing is that my bass is too big for me. I use an American Fender Jazz which I love! But I get a lot of hand pain from it and bruises on my shoulders. As the body of my bass is bigger than mine it sounds sensible that this could be affecting my technique, especially when reaching the lower notes I have to completely stretch my arm. Does the size of bass make a difference and are there any smaller bass that sound anything like a jazz? Thanks

 

[Meatrus]

May be worth looking at a short scale bass, which will make those stretches easier . Maybe a fender mustang bass if you want to stick with the fender vibe but have a short scale.

 

[KodyAudette]

Or a Kala U-Bass! Haha.

 

[ddhm]

I'm a small guy with tiny hands and play long scale 6 stringers. It's true, I didn't start there but it's an example that the scale isn't necessarily the thing.

I would examine how the bass is sitting, the length of your strap, your posture, the set up of the bass and how hard you are fretting.

I might also suggest a new strap or moving the strap buttons as well as stretching out and warming up before you play. I can't imagine a bass causing bruises on your shoulder unless something is wrong. Are you pushing down on the body when you play? Is the strap too thin?

This is sort of difficult to diagnose without seeing, ya know?

 

[Old Fart]

Jazz basses are indeed large. And heavy. For these reasons, I prefer my Precision. Also, wearing the bass a little higher is better, ergonomically.

 

[Buskman]

Rondo Music sells Jazz basses in both 30" scale (Link Removed) and 32" scale (Link Removed).

Their basses are well made & inexpensive. You might think about getting one to learn/practice on until you feel comfortable with your 34" Jazz.

Good luck!

 

[Immigrant]

Get a Squier Short Scale Jaguar. Find a Fender dealer and have them order one- that way you can return it easy if you don't like it. It is easily the best short scale bass for the money. And it has a P/J setup and the P pup soloed sounds great.

When the Jag was released, I ordered one through a Mom&Pop and they set it up before I received it. They have since sarted keeping a couple in stock for beginners or guys looking for a budget shorty. Hopefully you can find a dealer like that.

I like SXs and Rondo stuff also, but I've also read (here) that sometimes they need a fret dressing before they're playable.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Don't go dissin on the U-bass! actually I play a short scale pretty regularly(Danelectro Longhorn), as I usually prefer it. Some famous players prefer playing shortscale instruments, and their is nothing wrong with it. Sometimes I prefer the big Thunderbird. Sometimes, actually a lot lately I gravitate to the 20" scale Kala U-bass! I guess it depends on my mood, and how ambitious I feel! I'm 6'1" and 215 lbs and 55 years old and feel equally comfortable on all 3 of my basses. I think in your case your a fairly small framed person and the Jazz bass may be a bit too large at this time. Would it be possible for you to get your hands on a short scale and keep the jazz bass and slowly over time allow yourself to get comfortable with it? Its not difficult to switch back and forth from long to short scale. And you shouldn't have to feel like your in a wrestling match when your playing. That will just produce bad technique and overcompensating when you should feel relaxed.

 

[Feelindingwall5]

I don't know if price is an issue but Dingwall basses are really awesome. They are the most comfortable bass to play, but they are the same size as a jazz. It is the best bass I have ever owned, n I play it at least 2 hours a day.