Fat "P" Neck: Learn It or Move On?

[embellisher]

If it hurts after you quit playing it, get rid of it. I tried to adjust to a bass for several months, thinking I would get used to it. It got to the point where my left hand would hurt for two or three days after a 3 hour rehearsal. I finally ditched it and found a bass that didn't cause me pain.

 

[OldDirtyBassist]

Lots of good advice in the thread already , apart from the people saying play through the pain.


+1 on 1-2-4 fingering near the nut, but not everyone has problems with thumb opposite middle finger. I do this with no pain/cramping.



+1 on upright technique near the nut. I've got big hands and still prefer to use upright 1-2-4 on my Jags (Jazz-neck profiles, I believe).





I play upright primarily, bass guitar (34"-scale) at home and recently have been playing a borrowed UBass. Each has its own requirements for technique.

Adapt your technique, swap necks, do stretching exercises before and after playing, do whatever it takes to... Keep Playing!

I don't agree with anything the guy says, but he seems to be able to play pretty good. I get it btw.

 

[Icculus]

Little update...

I lengthened my strap about 4-5 inches. That's helped a good deal. Went to the local Sam Ash and spent about 2 hours playing several P and J basses. The J neck fits me a lot better. I almost feel like practicing for dexterity and speed on a P would be like running with weights on my ankles. Difficult, but easier when transitioning to a faster neck. Regardless, I feel it holds me back some, so why play the P neck?

Seems a precision with a good jazz neck might be my ideal bass. Hate to move on from the highly regarded RW neck, so I may keep the bass as is and look to assemble something. Maybe there's a place for both. Who knows? Thanks for the advice.