I'm just not that scared of your wooden box with strings.
If ignorance is bliss, then you must be very happy!
There have been plenty of strong players who, even with training, have ended up with hand injuries. Without training, it's all the more likely. Really, I hope you never find out how wrong you are. Then again, if you restrict yourself to rudimentary playing, then you are likely to be fine.
If by "well" you mean bowing with perfect intonation or sight reading some experimental jazz piece then I don't care a whit about playing well.
No, that's not necessarily what I mean at all. Again, you seem to be missing much of the continua of playing this instrument. Playing well involves so much more. It's even about what you said here:
I think the way it comes together with my mando player vamping is pure magic at times so I am continually striving to improve my timing, clarity, tone, intonation, muting, use of sustain, and general mechanics.
I wonder how well you do all of that. If one wants to progress along those dimensions, then a teacher is the best way.
Wave at me. I'll be the guy on stage.
Well, if you're that guy on stage who plays like a converted EB player and can be spotted from miles away, then, sadly, you have yet to figure out what playing the DB is all about and you really haven't experienced the joy. If you're happy with that, then fine. Really. It, however, bolsters my point. You're aiming low compared to where most newbies are aiming.
Such a nattering nabob of negativity you are. "Hey Doc! It hurts when I do THIS." Doc: "Then don't do THAT!"
It's not negativity, it's realism. Furthermore, if it were as simple as "if it hurts, then don't do it," hardly anyone would sustain an injury. Look, I'm not suggesting that playing the DB is, overall, dangerous. The truth is that it's a physically demanding instrument and that to achieve even a modest level of sophisticated play brings some risk that's, at least, worth considering. That can be avoided with even one or two lessons. So, to extend your medical theme-- think risk/benefit ratio! Now, take a breath and realize that other players here with decades of experience typically concur with and echo my sentiments. That's experience talking.
As a flyfishing instructor, I frequently had clients that would be much better at it if they didn't try to overthink it so much. They would book hours of casting lessons and agonize over minute details of their casting mechanics. Then they would spend thousands on the highest tech gear available trying to find just the right rod, reel, line, etc. The only thing they couldn't buy was a fish on the line. These guys were usually doctor/lawyer types who are used to being good at what they do and they would get so frustrated that they weren't turning into ace fishermen. So then they would come to me and say "What am I doing wrong". I would casually cut a willow banch, tie a leader and fly to it and flip it out and catch a fish. Then I would wink at them and say "Just relax, you are overthinking it" and hand them my stick and then teach them to really fish.
That's a touching story but the misleading implication is that those who believe in formal instruction are those who tend to over-think playing the instrument. That's unfair. Sure, there are those who do and, yes, I agree that there are no "rules" to playing. Still, it's just plain foolish to underestimate the enormous benefits conferred by having a good teacher who uses a successful curriculum. The proof is that virtually every accomplished player from dedicated amateur to pro has gone that route while there are precious few in that group who didn't. Only on the internet could there be an "argument" about the value of a teacher!
Addendum
I started on the DB over 40 years ago. I was fortunate to be guided by fine teachers. During the time I've been a member here, I've been in agreement with others who've stressed the importance of having a teacher. One of the reasons offered has been the avoidance of injury-- something that is more probable than people usually think is the case.
Still, I had never once suffered a bass-related injury. I figured that I likely never would, especially given that I had/have large, powerful hands. Then it happened. You can read about it
here, if you care to. The thread also contains reports and anecdotes from other players who suffered injuries.
I believe that I injured myself because of a habit I developed when playing with a two-finger technique with the right hand. With medium to high string heights and with EP weich strings, I would often catch the E string with my second finger. I was able to that just fine and without pain all the time. It never seemed unsafe-- until I did it over a period of hours and it ripped open my sagittal band! There really wasn't much warning. I'm playing again as a result of a talented surgeon who did a special repair geared to allow me to play again. Don't worry though, nothing like this would happen to you. You have no reason to fear the "wooden box with strings." (insert sarcasm emoticon)
I'll make sure to update everyone as this progresses.
