Forearm guard

[BecDeCorbin]

So I just got a new Ric 4003, and as anticipated, the corner where the top and side meet is irritating my forearm. I normally use a soft wristband for playing, but that's not enough in this case. I know Cliff Williams used to use what looked like an archer's leather forearm guard, so I'm considering something along those lines. However, I don't want to prematurely wear the corner of my new baby. Any suggestions?

 

[Korladis]

Change your technique. Or get an S model or 4004.

 

[BecDeCorbin]

Allow me to be a little more clear for those of us who don't quite get it...suggestions regarding some form of wearable forearm protection.

 

[Korladis]

You already mentioned an archer's forearm guard, so why not just go with that?

 

[BecDeCorbin]

I don't know how much or how quickly a stiffer leather might wear on the bass as opposed to a softer one.

 

[BecDeCorbin]

And I don't know exactly what it is that Cliff used.

 

[Korladis]

Wrap the outside in like cloth or something?

 

[BecDeCorbin]

Thank you for your suggestion.

Anyone else care to chime in and offer their opinions?

 

[Korladis]

What I mean is, if you already know that the regular kind of soft wristband isn't harmful to the bass, you could just get a leather archer's wrist protector, wear that, and then put the soft wristband on the outside of it where your arm will be making contact with the bass. That way the leather protects you, and the soft wristband protects the bass's finish from the leather.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I'd use something cloth rather than leather, the Ric clearcoat is pretty hard but thin. You can use leather to strop a steel razor, so I have to figure it would wear through the clearcoat on the binding edge pretty quick. I never had that problem with my Ric because I play like a dork with my elbow sticking out. Not the best feature ergonomically, a sacrifice to good looks I suppose. Oddly enough the typical Chinabackers have a bit of forearm relief I wish Ric would incorporate on the bound 4003 models. NOT endorsing Chinabackers, but it's an easy detail to achieve with CNC machining. I considered it on my own 4001 clone build, but didn't have the woodworking chops to pull it off.
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[M.R. Ogle]

I feel your pain. The same thing happened to me, I had a red mark for months.

 

[DigitalMan]

How about some type of sports compression sleeve?

 

[quickfix]

I like the archer's leather forearm guard. Wear a long sleeve shirt over it.
Any friction or movement will be between the guard and the sleeve of your shirt, sweater, long sleeve T, and etc.
It shouldn't put any wear on the finish, but the shirt sleeve won't last forever.
Shirts are cheap.

 

[Mktrat]

Half a tube sock?

 

[mdogs]

Half a tube sock?

There you go and you can wear the other half Flea style... Seriously though, just tough it out, you will get used to it. I went through this when I first got my Jack Casady, it just takes time, but it will be worth it.

 

[GretschWretch]

I would suggest some sort of soft-fabric sports or medical brace. But, over time, *any*thing rubbing against the finish, even flesh, will wear it through.

 

[Sharknose79]

Rickenbackers....go figure.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I was also going to suggest cutting the sleeve off of an old shirt, buy one from goodwill.

 

[40Hz]

Ever think of just st wearing long sleeve cotton shirts?

 

[BecDeCorbin]

I currently use a double length stretchy terry cloth wrist band, but they're still soft enough that the binding edge of the bass still stressed my ulna. That's why I feel that I need something with more rigidity.