How important is a forearm contour to you?

[Gervais Cote]

I need the forearm contour because I play sitting 80% of the time.

 

[toastw]

If the body isn't comfortable, then you're doing something wrong. I voted "must have," but if there was a "strongly preferred" option I might have gone with it. Because if the body is comfortable without the contour, then sure, no issue. But I think for my comfort, I'm gonna want the contour.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Saw that the new Primo bass bodies from AllParts have a few with front binding, and ordered one. Disappointed that the “binding” is just a paint stripe. Also, the body does have a tummy cut, but no forearm contour, and the front roundover is quite sharp, probably sharper than a 51 P has. All in all it seems worth the money (they’re quite inexpensive and appear to be high quality) but I’m not sure it’s what I’m really wanting. Trying to decide if the lack of a forearm contour is something I want to deal with.

I can’t say I had an issue with my 74 Rick 4001 I had for about 34 years, or my Taylor dread knot. That said, I logged a lot more time on my Fender basses than any other instruments. I can certainly understand a player having issues with sharp edges.

 

[ghostdog93]

It's the one thing I would change on my Mustang.

Actually, it's one of a few things I would change, but it would be the first thing.

 

[T McClure]

It's the one thing I would change on my Mustang.

Actually, it's one of a few things I would change, but it would be the first thing.

This is what sucks about losing the Vintera Mustangs. They were the only ones being made with the forearm contours. Now every Fender/Squier Mustang on the market is a slab body.

I will say the JMJ does at least have very rounded corners on the body edges. It's not as ideal as a full contour, but it's also plenty comfortable for me.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Something like the ‘Dyne is what I was hoping for. But no. One can clearly see at the top corners of the neck pocket that it’s just paint, not actual binding.

Edit: FWIW, it does look nice. I think they have pseudo binding available in alabaster with black binding, black with white binding and sage green with cream binding.

I dunno, man…based upon those not-very-high-rez photos, it looks like it could go either way. (I'm starting to get "Is the dress blue or gold?" vibes! ) However, once you get yours, I will absolutely defer to your hands-on evaluation.

What I find funny, though, is how much they remind me of some of the Dillion bodies available on the 'Bay, including this "Stormy Clouds" body I got a ways back. It has both binding AND forearm contouring. One still has to keep a little pressure off your forearm, but not by much.

 

[ThudThudThud]

Only bothered me when I was playing with a pick, and then I wore a couple of athletic armbands.
I've owned three basses where there was no forearm contour (one was an acoustic).
FWIW, my acoustic guitar has a forearm contour cut in.

 

[SharpCat]

once you get yours

Sorry for any confusion. I’ve already got it. Definitely just paint. I’ll grab a picture.

 

[5StringBlues]

Sorry for any confusion. I’ve already got it. Definitely just paint. I’ll grab a picture.

I was wondering how they could do binding and not have a bigger upcharge.



Thanks for the info.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

None of my basses had them and never thought twice about it.

But when I got a Competition Orange Squier Mustang bass and it didn't have one? Drove me crazy. For some reason that one seemed very un-ergonomic.

 

[ghostdog93]

This is what sucks about losing the Vintera Mustangs. They were the only ones being made with the forearm contours. Now every Fender/Squier Mustang on the market is a slab body.

I will say the JMJ does at least have very rounded corners on the body edges. It's not as ideal as a full contour, but it's also plenty comfortable for me.

Agreed. My Mustang isn't an egregious offender in the "make your arm fall asleep" category, but I keep thinking it would be so much more comfortable with an actual forearm cut instead of just a round over on a slab body.

To be fair, I tend to play with my forearm resting on the top edge of most basses, so a lot of that is on my technique.

 

[T McClure]

None of my basses had them and never thought twice about it.

But when I got a Competition Orange Squier Mustang bass and it didn't have one? Drove me crazy. For some reason that one seemed very un-ergonomic.

Which is funny because the Vintera II competition orange Mustang did have it.

 

[wompwomp]

mandolinists sometimes use arm rests to break the forearm edge, seems plausible on a bass

 

[SharpCat]

mandolinists sometimes use arm rests to break the forearm edge, seems plausible on a bass

View attachment 7488037

I do have one on my mandolin as well. Needs the back to be bound as well, though.

 

[mapleglo]

This can be painful, but sometimes, you have to sacrifice comfort for style.

 

[SharpCat]

Sorry for any confusion. I’ve already got it. Definitely just paint. I’ll grab a picture.

You can see the wood grain through the black paint.

 

[woodyng2]

View attachment 7488047

This can be painful, but sometimes, you *have to* sacrifice comfort for style.

*choose to”
That’s a beautiful classic Tele bass!
I had this very modded ‘68 Tele for awhile. The previous owner had extreme belly and forearm contours cut in, which helped,
but I didn’t keep it for very long.

 

[covermego]

Lol, I knew I preferred forearm contours, but last Tuesday I took my little Kay "Star-Ter Series" short scale bass to practice, for kicks-n-giggles. I figured the 6lb 3oz would be good for my currently ailing back. Yep, it was good, but with the lack of contour, it wasn't long before my forearm started spasming, which in turn caused the muscles in my palm and fingers to freeze up. I kept trying to change my posture, but I'd get lazy and go back to what I'm used to. So yes, forearm contours all the way for this old dude.

 

[SharpCat]

Sorry you’re suffering!