Classical position - how to keep your bass stable?

[MasterMonkeyMan]

Thanks for following up about your forearm. I guess this is necessary to ensure the bass is stable. I’m fine with resting my forearm against the bass as long as I don’t fall into old habits of slouching and getting into a T-Rex wrist position. I’ve worked very hard to break that habit lately and when I play standing I usually don’t have my forearm resting on the bass anymore and instead I have my elbow just a tiny bit higher. I’m dealing with wrist issues, and neck and shoulder issues so getting better habits is key for me!

I'm with you on the neck and shoulder and sometimes wrist issues. As I mentioned, the right arm is very light on the bass - it freely moves as needed. I use "floating thumb" muting which actually necessitates a freely moving arm. Good physical habits - very important!

 

[AudioSlave556]

really? I’ve done it ? And I feel fine

I'd like to mention as well that im 5'5" so the J is pretty massive. When I went from the fender J to the Sadowsky its much better and it felt almost unplayable when i went back to the fender.

 

[Bevan777]

I just wear a high strap to keep it from moving around in this position.

 

[Wannabass]

Thinking about trimming the old p bass like this.
Lighter too!

 

[SkylineFiver]

 

[Les Fret]

I sit in classical position too (with foot stool or dynarette cushion or GuitarLift or other support, tried them all)). But I had the same problem with balancing the bass as the OP. I solved this by putting a small cushion between my belly and the bass. This works for me. If you have a beer belly you might not need that cushion!

You can see it here:

 

[Ritter667]

I use a strap, adjusted to the height just about where it would sit if resting on my leg.

I do not play with the neck at such a steep upward degree though.