I play bass guitar. I have some experience on DB. I am developing arthritis in my right shoulder that I notice gets worse during and after a gig. Even practicing at home causes some dull, lingering pain. I'm wondering if using an EUB might alleviate some of this pain, as my right arm is expended downward, not folded and being held-upward as it is when I play a bass guitar. Has anyone else had this issue? Is it possible that an EUB may help me play longer? I have no concerns or care about whether the thing sounds like a DB. I'm concerned only about any possible relief it might bring to my shoulder. Anyone with experience in this? Comments?
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Double Bass EUB for arthritis?
- Thread starter groovepump
- Start date
Several BG players found that switching to an upright is better for health. Less weight on the body, more natural right arm position etc.
When I try to play my simple 6-string EBG standing up, I‘m more than happy to get back to my upright that I only need to balance a bit.
But you are limited to less or other music styles or need to change your playing a bit (play less notes).
If you want to play similar like on EBG, better get a kind of upright EBG like the other Omni than a DB-like EUB.
When I try to play my simple 6-string EBG standing up, I‘m more than happy to get back to my upright that I only need to balance a bit.
But you are limited to less or other music styles or need to change your playing a bit (play less notes).
If you want to play similar like on EBG, better get a kind of upright EBG like the other Omni than a DB-like EUB.
Thanks, I had not heard of this mfr before.You can also check this:
A few models to explore.KYDD Bass
kyddbass.com
Have you talked a doctor yet? "Arthritis" is not one single thing, and it could be caused by something that can be treated -- or won't go away just by changing your instrument.
Thanks for your reply. Yes, I've been to the doc, and she took X-RAYS, and said I have calcification of the bones in my shoulder (there are many more of them than I would have guessed). She said there are other issues (I don't recall all the medi-jargon) but, basically, there are some stretches that may help, but nothing to get rid of it. That's why it occurred to me that maybe a different positioning may help...like keeping my arm "down" more when i play. But, you're correct that my condition can be attributed to more than one thing....it "is", and it sucks. I can still play bass OK, but it's just soreness after doing-so. And then I need some help too, getting the cabs back into the truck. Your reply is appreciated and worth consideration. Thanks.
Take look at the Ibanez 34" scale EUBs.
www.ibanez.com
I don't have any experience with them. I play an NS Design EU6 which is almost 42" scale....however I played a full size UB professionally.
You could also try wearing your BG lower.
Regarding arthritis: Consider exercise and keeping a food diary to identify things that exacerbate your symptoms. Some foods help and some increase inflammation.
Upright Bass | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars
Find a great collection of Upright Bass at Ibanez. Ibanez offers electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, effect and pedals, amps, plus guitar accessories like tuners, straps and picks.
I don't have any experience with them. I play an NS Design EU6 which is almost 42" scale....however I played a full size UB professionally.
You could also try wearing your BG lower.
Regarding arthritis: Consider exercise and keeping a food diary to identify things that exacerbate your symptoms. Some foods help and some increase inflammation.
I’ve had arthritis for a while after 45 years in construction. Pain and I have come to certain agreements. Unless you’re willing to take meds for the inflammation, not many things change the overall pain. I’m not willing to deal with meds as they don’t seem to have enough benefit to side effects ratio. I have pain in both shoulders and playing upright is helpful but causes other pain in other places. Trade offs. So here is what I do. I play mostly upright DB, though I have an EUB, but don’t use it much other than tight stages. The tonal difference is quite a bit. I did just recently buy an older fretless Washburn AB20 ABG. It weighs in at maybe 6lbs wet. I use that now as my main EBG. The 2 bands I’m in love it. Stretching is vital! Diet has made no difference for me, but I don’t eat red meat, don’t’ smoke and get a decent amount of exercise every day. So there’s that. Try rolling your arms, arms out not bent at the elbows; forward and backwards a few times a times a day or when you feel pain starting. Arthritis is progressive. I know no one who has it that’s ever said, “Yep, fixed.” That’s just what it is. Whatever you do, keep playing. It’s a good workout for the hands and fingers; they might be next. Enjoy music. I’ve just gotten a great pep talk on the “Why”, from this great community and it feels better already. State of mind is also super helpful. Sadness and depression exacerbates the condition. Just my 2 cents. Actually inflation adjusted, my $2.00…. Good luck
I have gotten some amazing results in similar situations by consulting with a great physical therapist I know. In my experience (I was a personal trainer for 20 years) a good PT can often prescribe more effective treatment protocols and recommendations when it comes to issues involving ergonomics and kinesiology. Doctors often recommend them for this reason. In many states, it is now possible to see a PT and have it covered by insurance without a doctor's referral.
Thanks...I didn't think about associating food with the inflammation.Take look at the Ibanez 34" scale EUBs.
Upright Bass | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars
Find a great collection of Upright Bass at Ibanez. Ibanez offers electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, effect and pedals, amps, plus guitar accessories like tuners, straps and picks.
I don't have any experience with them. I play an NS Design EU6 which is almost 42" scale....however I played a full size UB professionally.
You could also try wearing your BG lower.
Regarding arthritis: Consider exercise and keeping a food diary to identify things that exacerbate your symptoms. Some foods help and some increase inflammation.
Thanks! I have noticed the same regarding the pain / meds issue, and it is getting to the point that the meds don't do much...they attenuate the pain somewhat, but I think I need to do more exercise and stretching. I'm at a computer or on a lab bench all day at work and don't force myself to go downstairs to the gym and use that resource like I should.
If you're not already doing it, you might find benefit in warming up your shoulders with some movement before you play in addition to stretching afterward. When I first began my career as a personal trainer, I worked with a massage therapist who had several clients who were members of the Indianapolis Symphony. She told me that they tended to have some of the more serious issues (tightness) because of how much time they would spend with their bodies in one basic position for very extended periods of time.
I had the first of three shoulder surgeries in 1999, just a year after I had retired from playing bass for a living. When I first went to see the orthopedic surgeon (a shoulder specialist) after an injury from a bike crash, he told me: "I won't know if you're going to need surgery or not until we see the results of an MRI, but I can tell you that you're going to be going to a physical therapist regardless, as you have developed a serious joint contracture in your right shoulder." While I was working out all the time back when I was on the road, I don't ever remember doing any stretching for my shoulders.
At 62, my body has so much less "margin" than it used to. Things I could have done in my 20's without any repercussions - even something like sitting in a poor posture for hours or wearing less than a "perfect" pair of shoes - can leave me feeling it for days afterward. What my wife and I find to be a great mantra for dealing with our aging bodies is simply: "Motion is lotion."
For the avoidance of doubt, lotion is still also lotion, but you know...
Switching to DB massively helped my elbow / wrist issues, but I don't know how much it would help shoulder?
With EB, your elbow is often pressed against the side of your body, so shoulder is mostly inert. But with DB (or EUB) you're definitely moving your whole arm more IME. More raising and lowering of your elbow (depending upon how high you keep your DB).
As ergonomically challenging as DB is, I do find it feels more natural than EB. Both wrists are much more neutral.
Maybe rig up your bass in a guitar stand on your kitchen table for a few practice sessions and see what it feels like. Have your nut or first fret level with your eyebrows to start, and adjust from there. See if that aggravates or helps the condition. That's your cheapest experimental fix.
With EB, your elbow is often pressed against the side of your body, so shoulder is mostly inert. But with DB (or EUB) you're definitely moving your whole arm more IME. More raising and lowering of your elbow (depending upon how high you keep your DB).
As ergonomically challenging as DB is, I do find it feels more natural than EB. Both wrists are much more neutral.
Maybe rig up your bass in a guitar stand on your kitchen table for a few practice sessions and see what it feels like. Have your nut or first fret level with your eyebrows to start, and adjust from there. See if that aggravates or helps the condition. That's your cheapest experimental fix.
I contribute some of this to the “evolution” of 5 and 6 string Electric basses with 35” and 36” scales. I’ve certainly noticed this since I purchased
a Lakland 55-94 in 2000. While there certainly are other factors, it’s definitely one of them. I’m currently experimenting with K&M performance stand
because I love the two 55-94’s I own. What develops remains to be seen. There are other options but they are a considerable investment.
Torzal Twist Bass
a Lakland 55-94 in 2000. While there certainly are other factors, it’s definitely one of them. I’m currently experimenting with K&M performance stand
because I love the two 55-94’s I own. What develops remains to be seen. There are other options but they are a considerable investment.
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I have issues with my left sholder. I am in the process of switching over 100% to my EBU... It has been much better for my sholder.
