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Ergonomic Bass thread

echo008

echo008

Supporting Member
Jan 30, 2004
2,612
2,036
Long Island, NY
#1
Hello, Basically, Im dealing with tendonitis and I am looking for a new bass .... Please post your Headless, Lightweight, Small Bodied, Well Balanced, and well Ergonomic basses here. I would really like to get a feel for what's out there.

Right now Im thinking hard on
1. Torzal (Wait times could be a killer on this Im not sure yet, But this is my first choice)
2. NS Design OmniBass (I have an Azola Latin Bambino on order, so a bit of overkill maybe, But with the Custom Strap I could position the bass any which way to NOT bend my wrists)
4. Kubicki EX Factor's (Look nice and compact, 32 inch scale, good balance, maybe a bit heavy)
3. Rob Allen Mouse (The Tiny Beast)

Anyway ... Please give me your opinions on your bass?????

thanks
-Tom
 
#3
Hey that Klein looks interesting Im going to look around. The Barkers are cool, Forgot about them. Ill probably hold off on getting another EUB type bass (maybe) with my Azola coming. Was looking for something more conventional.
 
#4
Carl Thompson basses are the most ergonomic instruments that I have played. Check out this balance, as the bass is not even resting on the back of the chair!

Balance.gif
 
#7
thinking about the beautiful work joe veilllette and martin keith do.

Their single cut is not an "ergo" bass specifically but the small body, perfect balance and light weight make it a highly functional work of art.

34" scale fretless 5 with mags and piezo:

L1010662.jpg


I agree on the Rob Allen Mouse for effortless play (but the short neck may challenge some).

Get the E-string detuner and integrated ramp....

big bass sound in a telecaster package:

L1010233.jpg
 
#10
echo008 said:
That is NICE, I personally dig the Thompson look alot!
how big is the body, weight? Maybe a nice 32 inch no frills.....
Click to expand...

The weight is about 6.5 lbs (and that's with a lot of ebony) and the body thickness can be seen here, which is next to a Geddy Lee Jazz. I think a 32" no-frills would be a great instrument for somebody with tendonitis to try. Good luck in your search.

CTFender1.gif
 
#13
Charles Farley said:
The weight is about 6.5 lbs (and that's with a lot of ebony) and the body thickness can be seen here, which is next to a Geddy Lee Jazz. I think a 32" no-frills would be a great instrument for somebody with tendonitis to try. Good luck in your search.

CTFender1.gif
Click to expand...

6.5 lbs is pretty incredible, At this point Im trying not to be too stingy as this bass is the one Im going to play for a long long time, No more 9-10lb Fender's. I got away with no problems for 23 years. Now I definitely need to be smarter about my technique and the bass I use.
 
#16
I'm all about chiming in to pimp the Birdsongs (www.birdsongguitars.com) - With aluminum hardware and poplar body, he's gotten close to 6lbs before (although 7-8 is common), they're VERY well balanced (I have the same strap Scott uses to test the balance on his basses, and it's slippery - if they'll balance on it, they'll balance on anything). 31" scale length and the most comfortable neck I've played on by far.
 
#17
Charles Farley said:
I think a 32" no-frills would be a great instrument for somebody with tendonitis to try. Good luck in your search.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with Charles. I had some joint issues not too long ago and the 36" scale basses I was playing was starting to create major strain. I picked up a 32" Hilton (Pete currently and has worked with Carl for several years now) and the light weight and perfect balance and intelligent design made it a breeze to play whilst I was sorting out my joint problems.

I now have a 32" no frills and gotta recommend this as the way to go. Carl's basses are the most natural instruments in any hands. Even the 36" scale is easier to play than most other basses.

as for the balance...there is a "hands free" album tied to the CT website - http://s217.photobucket.com/albums/cc269/ctbasses/hands free/

when I stopped by the shop a few years ago, I demo'ed the balance of my former 36" no frills (as in Charles' pic...notice the instrument is not leaning on my body):
IMG_0515.jpg


this guy also experienced the perfect balance :hiding::
IMG_0506.jpg
 
#20
echo008 said:
We have had a couple of Veillete's here still have a journeyman 6 string guitar, Love his stuff....
Click to expand...

I have a Joe Veillete fretless 5 and agree that it's very ergonomic. I just don't have much call for that sound in the groups I play with. It's a great bass but best suited for kind of a Pat Metheny type of music, which I love but it's not on my music stand. Very easy to play that bass, though.
 

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