Getting my fingers back

[Phippy]

Welcome back to bass, and all the best in working with your condition.

A Peavey bass (which one did you get, @Phippy?) kind of begs for a Peavey amp. They have some new options in your price range, and at least in the US, you can find used TKOs in that range pretty much anywhere at any time. They’re a bit heavy relative to newer options, but they sound good, last forever, and even have enough oomph to cover some gigs.

I hope you have a blast.

Whatever you go with do not be afraid to turn it up.
Using the volume high (within reason of course) you can use a lighter touch.

Let the amp do the heavy work not your fingers.
A setup by someone who knows how can also help with needing less finger pressure to produce sound.

Enjoy!

Pictures of whatever you get, also the current Bass.

This is my GRIND BXP

 

[Old Fart]

I gigged extensively a LOOOONG time ago using a pick exclusively, then gave it up for a bit more than thirty years. When I returned several years ago, I decided to become a finger-style player. It worked. Candidly, the fingering was one of two major hurdles for me to clear. The other one is just as daunting. Music itself. I was never classically trained and do not read music, but I developed a sort of visceral 'knowledge' of what notes to play. I just 'knew' what notes were available in any given song and what they would do. That was a LONG time ago. When I returned, this "music" part was considerably more challenging than the fingering.

But some people just like doing hard things. We call them "musicians." They like puzzles and challenges.

 

[WillyW]

Just hang in there with whatever you end up with!

I’m in a fight with peripheral neuropathy, right now, after it kicks in and recedes then the arthritis flares up!

 

[Phippy]

As it turns out, I've discovered there's a relatively new treatment for essential tremor that looks promising. Brain surgery has been an option for some time, but I'm not about to have a hole drilled in my skull; no, thanks. There's now a procedure that involves ultrasound that does the same thing. I've got a preliminary visit with the doc this coming Monday, November the 23rd, to see if I'm a viable candidate.

If I am, I'm going to do it, I'll let you know how it goes. I'm covered by Medicare, so it's good there. I can't imagine having my hands not shake, if it works I will be one happy guy.

Right now, I know what to play, but my fingers won't do it, it's more frustrating than you can imagine.

 

[Phippy]

I didn't say it, but thank all of you for your helpful replies. My wife has this crazy notion that I need to play through my headphones, not through an amp that she can hear