Basses with Good Ergonomics?

[Gare Boo]

Another suggestion; Conklin GT5.

How exactly is it ergonomic?

 

[Gare Boo]

Indeed. I seldom see people comment about what a great neck the Squier Broncos have - it's a satin finish poly and a really great feel. I generally don't mod basses, but I bought the Bronco specifically to play with different pickups. I settled on the Gretsch 2202 and it sounds really good. I have left basses that cost nearly 10X as much at home and played this one at a few gigs.

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I think it has a 30" scale too?

 

[A9X]

i need to try one of these

Damn you. I had no GAS at all really, but I can actually afford a 5er of these, and they're sold locally. I really liked that video.

 

[A9X]

How exactly is it ergonomic?

Long top horn, strap button positioning and weight/balance. Ash body, figured maple top, wenge / purpleheart neck in 34". Neck is fractionally bigger than a similar Ibanez, but I'm not sure I'd pick it blind. Korean made and discontinued but typically about $US500 ish.

Here's a pic I found of one that looks the same as mine from an old ad. Mine has a missing B string (it's on another bass) so I won't take a pic of mine.

There was a GT4 as well from memory.

 

[A9X]

I think it has a 30" scale too?

Yep, but the headstock is about the same size as a 34" so it feels like a flipper on the end of the neck. The similar Cort 30"ers have a small 2+2 headstock and balance way better. If you want a 30, try one of these or one of the new Ibanezes.

 

[Gare Boo]

That's very subjective. I have a Cabronita P (thick neck, slab body) that I love and is one of the best playing Fenders I've ever played. I also have a Thumb 5 BO which is super comfortable to me(aside from the weight, around 13lbs) but most people hate their ergonomics.

Extended range Ibby SRs are quite comfortable(don't like thin 4 string necks), MTDs are super nice(only played a Kingston Artist but it had the asymmetric neck) and I find Bongos very comfortable.

If you're looking for something different like the Torzal(would love to try one out, i tend to angle my bass depending on where on the neck I'm playing), try out a Dingwall. Personally I don't really find fanned frets more comfortable to play, but some people find them ergonomic. They do give you really nice tone across the strings, though.

What exactly is an asymmetric neck?

 

[Playbyear]

Damn you. I had no GAS at all really, but I can actually afford a 5er of these, and they're sold locally. I really liked that video.

Yes, the GAS wheels are turning.

The Motion B was Yamaha's idea of an ergonomic bass and it worked if you didn't mind a 32" scale. This NS radius series looks to have some real ergonomic engineering and a 34" scale. It also looks attractive to me (for a headless bass) I can't wait to play one.

You can't blame me though (for GAS enabling) I didn't know it existed until this thread!

 

[Gare Boo]

Does MTD make asymmetrical necks for their 4-string models? Is it even necessary for 4ers?

 

[Pilgrim]

I think it has a 30" scale too?

Correct. I have become increasingly fold of 30" scale basses, although I play 30, 32 and 34 inch basses.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

Hi, does anyone know any basses that have good ergonomics? I found the twisted neck design(see pics) on Torzal basses are quite interesting but they are so darn expensive! Maybe there is something on the cheap side that also provides good ergonomics? By ergonomic, I mean a comfortable neck and a lightweight body. I know Strandberg is supposed to be good too but they are also pricey.Thanks

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I think the neck design actually makes some sense but I couldn't afford to try them out lol.

I'd go with a fender aerodyne played a friends jazz aerodyne(1 with PJ config.) it's actually a medium scale and super comfortable & looks amazing!

 

[Gare Boo]

Sukop also has a great, ergonomic body. Limited supply though. Also a light bass (both I've played anyway)

Where can I get one?

 

[getBAK]

If you really wanted something with ergonomics in mind, the Parker Fly Bass is probably the most "pure" instrument ever made
Expensive and funny-lookin. But balanced and light
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Parker Fly Bass FB5 | eBay

 

[Jeff Scott]

To me, Rickenbackers are totally ergonomic (YMMV). They just fall into place and it all feels very natural, to me. I have read here and there that others seem to have issues with Ricks, but I believe it all comes down to personal physique and preferences. But they go on about it like Ricks are the Devils baby, or something. Pretty funny, in some respects, sad in others.

 

[dr Bouz]

exactly.

 

[ElBecko59]

94-95 Fender MB-4 I own 3 and they are lightweight with easy to play necks, quality bass, low action after pro setups !

 

[Gare Boo]

To me, Rickenbackers are totally ergonomic (YMMV). They just fall into place and it all feels very natural, to me. I have read here and there that others seem to have issues with Ricks, but I believe it all comes down to personal physique and preferences. But they go on about it like Ricks are the Devils baby, or something. Pretty funny, in some respects, sad in others.

Which Ric model is the most comfortable to you? I think the 4001 has the skinniest neck if I recall correctly but a lot of people like the 4003 instead.

 

[Gare Boo]

94-95 Fender MB-4 I own 3 and they are lightweight with easy to play necks, quality bass, low action after pro setups !

Is the body smaller than Mexican and American Fenders too?

 

[ElBecko59]

Is the body smaller than Mexican and American Fenders too?

 

[ElBecko59]

yes

Is the body smaller than Mexican and American Fenders too?

 

[lug]

The one that's impressed me the most in my BB75. For a 5 string with wide string spacing it's amazingly comfortable, Async neck and great balance do it for me.