How do you play your bass when sitting down?

[Watchootognbout]

I don't.

1 - the instrument feels correctly ergonomic when standing
2 - audience people don't want to see a seated guitarist / bassist....

 

[Bassic Needs]

Can't imagine how much that beast weighs. It's twice as thick as a normal bass! Helluva player though.

 

[Nashrakh]

How long have you been using the footstool? Have you ever been experiencing any discomfort? I'm asking because a lot of orthopedists that deal with musician injuries feel that the asymmetrical position that you're in when using a footstool can lead to medical problems.

I know classical guitarists use leg supports which they position on their left leg.

About a year. I'm not using it all day, every day, mind you - just for two hours a week (seated rehearsal). All other playing is standing. So far, no discomfort actually.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Can't imagine how much that beast weighs. It's twice as thick as a normal bass! Helluva player though.

Well it is a hollowbody........

 

[Bassic Needs]

Well it is a hollowbody........

That would do it.

 

[Tosh]

I don't.

1 - the instrument feels correctly ergonomic when standing
2 - audience people don't want to see a seated guitarist / bassist.. it is different for keys and drums...

Not always - I've played in 3 bands where I had to play keys standing up. The problem with that was I could not use my 3 footpedals properly - I could only use one at a time, since I needed the other foot to stand on ;-}

I do prefer sitting now, for piano.

I do agree that an audience doesn't want to see a bass player sitting down. For guitar, well, I've seen lots of jazz players seated, like when they're with a big band (Pink Martini, Lyle Lovett, Airmen of Note, etc)

 

[Dincrest]

Between my legs kinda like in the "classical guitar" position. This way I'm not all hunched over.

 

[Willie5String]

Do you play with the body sitting on your right leg (assuming you play right-handed) or do you play with it between your legs like Hadrien Feraud?

I am wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages are for each.
Notice the right leg guy is using a strap and the between his legs guy is not.

I play sitting down with a strap on, resting on my right leg, kinda.

View attachment 3927963 View attachment 3927964

 

[Spectre Gunner]

Doesn't seem to make much difference to me. We sit when we do acoustic winery sets, but stand for most other gigs. Except I usually end up standing up anyway, I like to move around and can't hold still for long.

Good idea when shopping, it's bad enough dropping your own bass.

I think it may be the lack of having a good bar stool or chair that makes it more difficult for me to play sitting.

I like to have something to rest my right foot on so my right leg is propped up to better support the bass. I think I’m too focused on supporting the Bass with my hands as opposed to having a strap support allowing my hands to be free to play.

I may take my own strap to a guitar store but I’d probably get strange looks if came in the store with my own personal bar stool.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I think it may be the lack of having a good bar stool or chair that makes it more difficult for me to play sitting.

I like to have something to rest my right foot on so my right leg is propped up to better support the bass. I think I’m too focused on supporting the Bass with my hands as opposed to having a strap support allowing my hands to be free to play.

I may take my own strap to a guitar store but I’d probably get strange looks if came in the store with my own personal bar stool.

I find that most stores have at least one stool some where in the bass area.

If they didn't I would actually kneel down.
You know.One knee up.One down.

 

[Smith357]

I play it the same way I play while standing, BADLEY.

 

[Spectre Gunner]

I find that most stores have at least one stool some where in the bass area.

If they didn't I would actually kneel down.
You know.One knee up.One down.

I would kneel but I might need help getting back up. I'll be getting my first hearing aid in a couple of days so there's a clue.

I think all stores should have at least two or three stools available. The Sam Ash and Guitar Center in my area is lacking and often I just sit on a combo amp. They've never complained. The high-end store I frequent (Replay Guitar Tampa) is awesome and I'm sure they would add a couple to their bass dept if I just mentioned it and I will.

I happen to have one that I recently inherited and I tried it today. It has a footrest and seems to work pretty well for me. So I'm going paint it and practice playing while sitting on the this stool (thanks to this thread and advice). Sometimes, it's the little you things you discover from TB that make a difference.

 

[BendiOzz70]

Do you play with the body sitting on your right leg (assuming you play right-handed) or do you play with it between your legs like Hadrien Feraud?

I am wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages are for each.


View attachment 3927963 View attachment 3927964

It comes down to comfort. I'm a right handed player and generally rest the bas on my right thigh. It also depends on seat height too.

 

[Zagnuts]

I used to only play on my right leg. Lately I've been trying on the left leg, kind of "in between" the legs, and it seems like I have more control in this position, granted I'm kind of short and stocky. I feel like playing on the left leg pulls the bass closer to me, which might explain the extra feel of control.