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What is it with you guys all saying hit the gym? You don't know the first thing about this gal...for all we know she could be 10 or 11. Or she might have some sort of problem that doesn't allow her to "hit the gym." So before you all try to impress us with how badass you are because you can hold a heavy bass on your shoulder (sorry but as someone with chronic shoulder soreness I'm not all that impressed), maybe you should get to know a little something about who you're talking to.
If non of those suggestions worked and your serious about playing bass. You might really want to look onto a Guild Pilot 4 string from the 1980's. Light weight bass great low end and in my opinion on of the best production basses available, if you can find one.
I am somewhat concerned that it is your neck rather than shoulder that is hurting from playing. How is your posture while playing?
"Too" heavy. Sorry but that is a biggie.... now go hit the gym!
Well, there's weight and balance to be considered here. Also, I had a 13 lb Thumb NT that would really make a case to finding a different instrument. Sitting with it would cut off circulation to your leg. A 2 hour standing gig was murder.
If the weight(or any other physical characteristic) translates into not enjoying playing it I would vote for a different instrument.
I have found that a 4 inch padded strap will work for evenly distributed weight and make a heavy bass more comfortable to play.
Same here... weight is my number ONE consideration when checking out a bass, and 9 lbs is the cutoff weight. If I can't gig with it, it's off my radar. My '74 Precision and Geddy Jazz are both under 9 lbs and sound fantastic!
If it plays nice just get a new set of pickups for your short scale.
That would be my suggestion.
I obviously can't tell what kind of sound you like from a bass, but in my opinion one of the best sounding, absolut lightest and which has a great playabilty as well was the Jerry Jones Longhorn I owned (sort of a high quality version of the Danelectro Longhorn).
It is both short scale and semi hollow (which sound might not be up your ally) and therefor very light weighted.
They are not in production anymore though, and pretty expensive (costed 1200$ from new), but you might be lucky finding one used.
Otherwise I would recommend the bass I use as my main, an Ibanez Mikro, which scale length is just 28,6".
Out of all the basses I ever lay my hands on, without doubt the one that had the best playabilility (the Jerry Jones Longhorn comes in on a close 2nd place).
They are also extremely cheap from new.
Soundwise the Mikro leave a little to wish for though, so for the money saved by buying such a cheap, but well build bass, I would buy a new P/J set of quality pickups to your liking to swap the stock ones with.
Personally at the moment waiting to receive the P/J set of EMG Geezer Butler pickups I ordered to swap the stock ones on mine with.
That would be my suggestion.
I obviously can't tell what kind of sound you like from a bass, but in my opinion one of the best sounding, absolut lightest and which has a great playabilty as well was the Jerry Jones Longhorn I owned (sort of a high quality version of the Danelectro Longhorn).
It is both short scale and semi hollow (which sound might not be up your ally) and therefor very light weighted.
They are not in production anymore though, and pretty expensive (costed 1200$ from new), but you might be lucky finding one used.
Otherwise I would recommend the bass I use as my main, an Ibanez Mikro, which scale length is just 28,6".
Out of all the basses I ever lay my hands on, without doubt the one that had the best playabilility (the Jerry Jones Longhorn comes in on a close 2nd place).
They are also extremely cheap from new.
Soundwise the Mikro leave a little to wish for though, so for the money saved by buying such a cheap, but well build bass, I would buy a new P/J set of quality pickups to your liking to swap the stock ones with.
Personally at the moment waiting to receive the P/J set of EMG Geezer Butler pickups I ordered to swap the stock ones on mine with.
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+1 on the wide strap . 4 inch wide either padded leather or neoprene . My main bass is nearly 12ibs and Ive got arthritis but can manage a 4 hour rehearsal , standing . The strap will really help and be your cheapest option then If in a few months you still feel that its no good , well at least you will still have a great , comfortable strap . Good luck and enjoy .
Due to back issues, I'm constantly struggling with the weight of basses. As some have mentioned, a thick strap may help. Ibanez basses are also generally light, and well balanced.
A headless bass might also be an option.
Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain are often difficult to distinguish.
A headless bass might also be an option.
Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain are often difficult to distinguish.
Agree on the padded, wide strap, like a Comfort Strapp (I think that is how they spell the word strap). Also, I have seen some guys look for chambered basses to reduce weight (Sadowsky does this but then you are paying a bunch of money...). I echo the Ibanez suggestion above, decent basses and almost always really light.
40 years ago, I would have agreed with you 100%!
But, now that I am "older" and have psoriatic arthritis in both knees, both ankles, and both hands....
Not so much.
Remember, at some point in time, ALL of us get old or die early.
In all seriousness, I hope that you never need deal with the health issues that I do or hear the critigues of those who have no idea what it is like to be less than perfect.
Thanks. I did just that this evening - improved my posture and technique (which equals out to me practicing MUCH slower) and actually got a few good minutes of practice in. That is a good thing as I spent the first half of my practice time wrestling with the bass, amp, cords, etc. I managed to knock the bass out of tune in the shuffle. I like the idea of shorter time periods more frequently.
[Neck dive?[/QUOTE]
Neck dive is when the headstock end of your bass drops when not being supported by your hand. Having to hold the neck up to play can add to fatique, and muscle pain. Some basses are not well balanced.
Neck dive is when the headstock end of your bass drops when not being supported by your hand. Having to hold the neck up to play can add to fatique, and muscle pain. Some basses are not well balanced.
