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Getting old
- Thread starter gary mitchell
- Start date
Here's something I don't get. If you buy a lot of short scale bases its true, there is less of a stretch between frets but... Most manufacturers seem to have the string spacing the same as on a 34" bass. I would have thought for those with small hands, adults and kids, and those with issues of age and flexibility (including arthritis etc) you'd want the gap between the strings to be narrower. I play a 5 string SR series Ibanez with 16.5 mm (five eighths-ish) spacing at the bridge, perhaps just over 7mm (quarter inch) at the nut and although I don't have a specific medical issue I just find it easier (and quicker and neater - I'm not the most deft bass player) to move around on. I would have thought even 17.5mm at the bridge and 8 -9 mm at the nut with a 30" scale would be great dimensions for a bass and would be sort-of proportional to a 34" Jazz bass which is always so popular.
Any ideas as to why, or do I simply have my wires crossed?
Any ideas as to why, or do I simply have my wires crossed?
It sounds like your ergonomics are a bit off. If you are happy with the bass you have then why not change the playing position? Playing with the bass at a 45 degree angle will help. A 3" or even 4" Glove Leather or Suede strap can help as well. I'm pushing 71, have stiff fingers and wrists and play in church. I play mine low, with the body on my upper thigh and the nut up at eye level which, for me, is quite comfortable. A lighter bass will also help. Just a thought.
The human shoulder is an inherently weak joint and tends to cause issues as we age. I have found great utility using the isometric exercise attributed to Nolan Ryan. You stand in a doorway, raise your forearm to 90 degrees at the elbow, and press the back of your fist hard against the jam for 10s, then release and relax then shoulder for 10s. Repeat 10 times. GL.
Lower the action as much as you can stand
I’m 68 and arthritic and this has made a huge difference
After damaging my back carrying 100lb bass cabs it was a case of go light or retire. I've taken the lighter gear route, and it's an eye opener. There is so much lightweight gear out there these days that is world class. I'm loving it. Anyway, that's bought me a few more years.
I'm currently gigging an 8.5lb bass so I can go even lighter if needs be. I have no problem with switching to a short scale bass if my hands become a problem, and as a last resort, I'll even go back to 4 string basses! Did I just say that!!
Realistically the game changer will be my hearing. Everyone of us has damage to a greater or lesser extent. Ears are amazing things but after many years of abuse they do start to wear out. When that damaged gets too bad, that'll be my game over moment.
I'm currently gigging an 8.5lb bass so I can go even lighter if needs be. I have no problem with switching to a short scale bass if my hands become a problem, and as a last resort, I'll even go back to 4 string basses! Did I just say that!!
Realistically the game changer will be my hearing. Everyone of us has damage to a greater or lesser extent. Ears are amazing things but after many years of abuse they do start to wear out. When that damaged gets too bad, that'll be my game over moment.
I'm 70 like you, OP. One of my shoulders was replaced five years ago, and the other about a year ago.
Think I know what you're talking about regarding playing in first position. As my left shoulder wore out, it got more and more painful to reach out there. You might want to see an orthopedic surgeon about getting a replacement. Takes a while to recover from the operation, but it fixed me up pretty well.
Think I know what you're talking about regarding playing in first position. As my left shoulder wore out, it got more and more painful to reach out there. You might want to see an orthopedic surgeon about getting a replacement. Takes a while to recover from the operation, but it fixed me up pretty well.
You know, do what you need to do my friend. I'm an avid motorcyclist and when I was younger I laughed at/judged the older guys riding trikes. As I've gotten older and (thankfully) gained some perspective I respect the old guys riding trikes. They love riding motorcycles and have found a way to extend their riding years by adapting their equipment. Same goes for us bass players. If a short scale or light weight bass will allow you to keep worshipping at the low end alter, by all means you do you. It is in fact a good time to switch to short scale with all the offerings on the market. Whatever you do just stay away from the guitar. We would hate to lose a brother to the dark side.
Lakland makes a short-scale, the HB 30. It looks like an Italian make from the '60s, but it is definitely a Lakland.
Short scale is a good solution. You'll have less reach to the nut and hopefully less strain on your shoulder. But before I would make a big change like that, I'd consider playing up the neck to see if that helps. C and F can be played up the neck with a lot less strain on your shoulder and still sound good. G maybe not.
If it's a weight thing, there are a number of harness/strap systems that move the weight from your shoulder to your waist. My Peavey T40 (12+ pounds) is playable for hours with my Slinger Straps harness.
If it's a reach thing, the other option besides a short scale would be a 5 string - that moves the low F even closer to your body than on a 4, and (for praise songs) gives you a low Eb, which is also closer than the F would be on a 4.
If it's a reach thing, the other option besides a short scale would be a 5 string - that moves the low F even closer to your body than on a 4, and (for praise songs) gives you a low Eb, which is also closer than the F would be on a 4.
I bought one of those. I’m not impressed and rarely use it. It’s a great concept, but doesn’t work for me. Much of that is my personal physical condition, but I also find the device a bit disappointing. The strap material isn’t confidence inspiring, and there’s not a lot of protection at contact points, so it isn’t something you’d want to use regularly unless you don’t mind the risk of some rash on the finish.
No, you are no crazy, do what is best for you. I am 50 years old and I started feeling the weight of all my basses. We play two services at church and we usually stay on the platform until the Pastor start preaching, by the time I am able to take a seat I have mild pain in my lower back. I am considering to sell all my basses and get a light weight Sadowsky or keep them all and get one of the new headless Ibanez. Decisions, decisions.
Because of the pivot plate, and now the Boomerang, I play my XL2 like this and have since I got it in 86. It's a much better wrist angle than the typical near horizontal position my play conventional style basses. A couple of my other Woodberger basses and the guitar are getting an insert for them as well and I may do the same on one of my conventional headed 6s too.
I understand. For over 10 years, I loaded in the staging, lighting, PA and my bass gear, performed, often 4 hr sets, then loaded out, usually on my own, and many times 3 nights a week for our band. A few years ago I had just rented the PA out including my bass cab, and was carrying that upstairs into my place when my L shoulder let go. The cab fell on the step above my feet, hit me in the shins, knocked me backwards down a long flight of stairs bouncing on my legs and chest until I hit the landing, where it was still on my chest. I decided it was time to give up after that. The L shoulder had a full reconstruction and I couldn't play for a year. The PA was sold off.
My only irregular gig now is accompanying 2 girls on acoustics in small gigs and I most often use my little practice amp for that as it's loud enough and small and light.
