Double Bass Double bass cramp

[Romanytony]

Having recently gone through Chemo, I find I'm getting hand cramp when I'm playing, don't know if the two are related. So does anyone know if certain double bass strings are less stressful than others? At the moment I have tape wound steel strings that require some effort to play, are gut or nylon strings easier? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[TroyK]

Sorry about your troubles. I've had similar cause and effect experiences.

Gut strings could/would definitely be softer feeling and larger in gauge, so the force will be spread out over a larger area. Typically, gut players need for the strings to be further from the fingerboard to vibrate freely. It could be great for you, but it's hard to know whether or not you would like it. Depends on a lot of things.

Solo gauge strings tuned down to orchestra pitch are a good, common choice, especially for a rehab-type stint. I used Spirocore solos for exactly this purpose when I needed to and it was a great solution.

There are more "normal" choices that would probably work for you too. Pirastro Obligatos or one of the equivalents from Innovation for example. You might consider Velvet Blues, which I haven't personally used, but they are said to be similar to other Velvet strings in tension, which will be a nice relief for you.

Do you know, specifically what strings you are using now? It would help to understand your starting point.

 

[lurk]

This is a difficult problem with lots of interacting factors. Sometimes if the strings have a low tension, and you're hearing a certain sound, you'll actually squeeze harder trying to grind the sound out of the bass. I've finally settled (I think) on Velvets, which are a low tension string, but you may not want that sound. Good luck.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Zyex Lights are very comfortable to play for me and sound really good on my basses. Much more forgiving than steel strings in terms of effort. Don't be afraid to lower your string height and get the scoop out of your board, if it's unnecessarily deep. These will help make the bass easier to play.

 

[dreamadream99]

I'd address the cramping medically, as though they are unrelated. There are a few threads here about a specific index finger cramp called "trigger finger," in which staying hydrated with plenty of water helps.

I know in my case, I developed cramping due to a heart condition that affected circulation and oxygen to my cells,

Don't take any chances. Consult a doctor and determine the source of the cramping.

 

[SAlcott]

A pianist friend has recently gone through several rounds of chemo. He is having hand and finger issues. Talk to your oncologist and perhaps get a referral to a hand specialist.

 

[jallenbass]

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I don't think there is any string that plays as easily as the Corelli 370M.