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Bass to heavy

#41
Gorn said:
How heavy is the Squier? Is it really that bad? You say you're a beginner so your muscles are all getting used to holding and playing a bass. Maybe give it some time. Do some push ups. Really, you'll be more comfortable.
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For a guy I'm sure it wouldn't be bad, but for a 47 y/o female who doesn't exercise much, it feels like a brick (a heavy brick). You are right about doing some push ups - a good motivator for me. Thanks.
 
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#42
wider strap and better posture are great places to start.

your observations on your current two basses reflect mine on hundreds I've tried/owned over the years. brand/model recommendations are kinda worthless. You just have to keep on with what you've got and try try try every available bass when you have the time. Most are 2/3 of heavy, neckdiving, toneless firewood.

I just got a '99 mim Fender Std P that weighs a smidge over 8lbs, hangs at ~2:00, and sounds like a P being worked over by my untrained fingers. It makes me wish I were in posession of a greater repertoire.
 
#44
EmilyH said:
For a guy I'm sure it wouldn't be bad, but for a 47 y/o female who doesn't exercise much, it feels like a brick (a heavy brick). You are right about doing some push ups - a good motivator for me. Thanks.
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Absolutely. Get a lighter bass if it makes you comfortable but the fact that it's a problem at all isn't a good sign, assuming you're otherwise healthy. Not that my fat ass should be talking but I think all of us could benefit from some exercise.
 
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#45
You might look into the new Fender Mustang. Nice short scales available in Sonic Blue, Olympic White or Torino Red. Versitle tone, comfortable body and lighter weight. I played one yesterday at GC. Very nice.
 
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#46
Ewo said:
howdy, emily--

i'd second the advice, above, that you take a good look at your strap and how you have it adjusted before you conclude you need a lighter instrument--unless your bass is a lot heavier than (say) ten pounds. IME a lot of neck and shoulder discomfort can be remedied with some adjustment in how the bass sits on your body and the biomechanics of both arms and hands as you play it. and trying a different strap is cheaper than buying a different bass.

for instance, if your strap is too long you might be scrunching up your left shoulder (assuming you play right-handed) to hold it up to where your fretting hand is comfortable and agile on the neck. or if you're using a narrow cloth strap suitable for a guitarist, you might benefit from a wider padded strap.

might be worth standing in front of a mirror and playing your bass, and taking a look for places you're holding some tension. ideally, the bass will kinda "float" in front of your body while both your hands "dance" on it.
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Thanks for this info. I've been trying to achieve the '"float" in front of your body while both your hands "dance" on it' stance but find that I have a death grip on the neck and am constantly adjusting to find the right position. The short scale Jay Turser "floats" but I don't like the sound of it. Maybe it needs new strings and an adjustment.

I see pushups in my future...
 
#53
I'd like to advise my advice to the OP and suggest buying a suggested suggestion which is 100% different than all other suggestions so far, because my suggestion is the suggestion which works best for me not you. I hope my advice and suggestion works out for you! :D
 
#54
I'd like to advise my advice to the OP and suggest buying a suggested suggestion which is 100% different than all other suggestions so far, because my suggestion is the suggestion which works best for me not you. I hope my advice and suggestion works out for you! :D
 
#55
Yours is heavy?
My seven string bass weighs 13.6 lbs!
I use a Comfort Strapp.
It's 3 1/2 inches wide and 5/8 thick.
It really helps to spread out the weight.
And it cancels out neck dive. Snapshot_20170101_1.JPG
 
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#56
EmilyH said:
Thanks for this info. I've been trying to achieve the '"float" in front of your body while both your hands "dance" on it' stance but find that I have a death grip on the neck and am constantly adjusting to find the right position. The short scale Jay Turser "floats" but I don't like the sound of it. Maybe it needs new strings and an adjustment.

I see pushups in my future...
Click to expand...

if the turser hangs in that happy spot for you but not the other bass, analyze what's different when you put it on. there's a good chance you need the strap adjusted differently for the two basses.
 
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