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Is a short scale bass the answer to my back problem?

#21
I've been dealing with lower back and leg issues for several years and find that heavy instruments exacerbates the problem.

I've developed several strategies to cope:

I modified some heavier instruments to be played on a Steinberber EUB stand so I can stand or sit and play without holding anything. It's my "Bass-on-a-Stick" solution. I've received more questions and comments on that setup than any instrument I ever had.

My fretless "Bass-on-a-Stick": The actual bass weighs over 10 lbs but I don't feel an ounce of it while playing.

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I've assembled light 34 inch scale solid body basses from parts. One weighs in at just under 6 lbs. and another is 6.75 lb that balances a bit better. Either on a neoprene strap almost feels like I'm not wearing a bass at all.

The 6 pounder:

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I also pack a light stool or folding chair so I can sit while playing when necessary.

Good luck with your quest and your back.
 
#22
If you want a lighter bass then start with a basswood body and use ultra light tuners.

This bass here is quite light because of the thin body and oil finish ...

4004%20014.jpg
 
#23
Cliff Bordwell makes some very light instruments that have taken my eye. You could have him build you something. I'm sure Martin Petersen could also build you something light (I played a fretless lightwave fitted bass of his that weighed almost nothing, and I too suffer from chronic back problems). My current Sei (33" scale) probably weighs less than 8 lbs, maybe even 7, and could have been even lighter (it's got maple and ebony facings).

A shorter scale length should help providing the balance is good as in theory the bass wouldn't sit as far out as normal, but it's all down to the ergonomics of the particular instrument. It really depends on what suits you ergonomically, and as everyone is different you really need to try before you buy if possible.

I'd say balance is more important than weight, but obviously there will be a weight beyond which you can't go (for me it's about 9lbs max; I'm resigned to playing my Alembic seated from now on). It also depends what sound you're after.

Best of luck, and I feel your pain (Im constantly on the lookout for lighter - but still cool - basses these days).
 
#24
Derren- A few things I've tried....
I bought an Epi Viola to help my back. Turns out to be a very uncomfortable bass to play. So I started putting in on my amp in a guitar stand and playing it like an upright. No weight on my shoulder and it offers a good rest break when I use it on the slow songs. There are also stands that hold the bass in a traditional shoulder position for you, kind of like drum hardware. I sometimes run a second strap across my back, which puts some of the bass weight on my hip.
I also own an Epi EBO (SG), and in general, I don't find a short-scale bass any easier on my back or shoulder than a regular bass. In fact, I think my P bass is the most comfortable instrument that I own.
 
#27
If a lighter bass helps your back, then sure. Just make sure you've talked to a doctor and possibly a music instructor to make sure you're not playing in a way that hurts yourself.

As someone already stated, short scales aren't always light and long scales aren't always heavy.

If you're looking to stay semi-traditional, I have some Fender Urge basses that are pretty light, maybe max of 8lbs or so.

I also have a 35" scale CB 4 string bass that's about 7.5ish, which weighs about the same as my Rob Allen MB2.

The Mouse 30 is about 5.5lbs. With my padded Levy's strap, it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a bass. Sure, it's a more fundamental low end tone, but the piezo is a lot more flexible than one would think. If you pick a lumber well, it's fairly versatile.
 
#30
Thanks for all the replies, some interesting ideas, thoughts and solutions.

I'm currently playing a Cort Action V... a great budget 5 string I picked up half price. I'm using an Overwater fabric strap that is wide and very comfortable. Weight wise, it's not much more than a P-bass Lyte I've recently had. Overall, a good well balanced playable instrument. The Cort is a stop gap until I can get my next 'dream' instrument...

I've played short scale before I didn't find it too odd or weird - to me it was quite comfortable, natural even. I had considered going the acoustic route too, or perhaps a semi hollow body. Initially I've been considering a Godin, then I stumbled acrosss Rob Allen Guitars. This got me thinking that perhaps an investment in a good quality short scale like the Mouse might be the answer. Granted the Mouse isn't a 5 string, but you can get a drop tuner fitted if required. The Rob Allen fits the bill for several reasons: 1. it's a semi hollow body, so good for quiet practice but has amplification potential 2. it's lightweight 3. looks gorgeous, perhaps the best looking bass builder I've ever seen (IMHO) 4. all the reviews I've ever read, and the videos on Youtube are excellent.

The suggestion of a brace or stand is interesting too. Pat Metheny uses a guitar stand on stage for his weird synth guitars etc. Do they make something similar for bass?
 
#31
derrenleepoole said:
Well, after nearly 4 years of suffering bad back injury, it shows no sign of easing, and with nearly 20 years of playing under my belt I'm reluctant to give up the fight just yet - even though playing is complete agony at times.

I would be interested to read thoughts and experiences of those TB-ers who have perhaps made the move to short scale because of an injury, back or otherwise. Was it a good or bad thing etc? I know that each player will be different, but I feel it's worth asking.
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Hi Derren,

I made a similar transition to shorties because of arthritis in my hands. I had previously played only long scales & upright, for about 20 odd years. (I no longer play upright at all.)

At first it took a little getting used to. I had never played them before. Now I like them a lot - I have 3 & use them all the time. (A beatle copy, a Fender Mustang, and one of those SX 3/4 Jaguars)

I realize my situation's different from yours (problem is entirely in my hands, back's ok), but I do think it worth the effort to pick up a short scale. I found I played differently, both as a result of the arthritis and the instruments themselves.

Ironically, it's been a positive experience to have been placed in a situation where I couldn't play what & how I used to. Originally my main gig was orchestra doublebass playing. Now I mostly play goofy surf music for kicks with some friends.

20 years is a long time my friend - don't pack it in yet. Try the shorties, try other basses - lots of good advice in this thread so far.

Good luck & let us know how it goes.

GT
 
#32
Do it!!

Get a short scale or a semi-hollow in the 5 lb range. It is a huge difference in feel. I don't think you sacrifice that much in tone, either. Particularly if you are more vintage in musical preference.

A number of good short scales out there, too.
 
#33
Without knowing exactly what your challenges are, obviously a lighter bass should help. Short scale works for me as I sing a lot in my band, and I don't have to wrestle with the neck as much or look at my fingers when I play.

I play a Waterstone Indra bass and it is light weight, I think about 8 lbs. Hofner Icon basses are hollow and even lighter.

Regarding sound, only you can say if it works for you. My short scale basses have great low end, and fantastic sound, but I play 50s rock and pop music. I think the guy in Tesla plays a Hofner violin bass, so it works for rock too, if you want it to.

I string mine with flatwounds to get a nice, round bass tone.

Good luck, and congrats for not letting an injury keep you down!
 
#34
derrenleepoole said:
Well, after nearly 4 years of suffering bad back injury, it shows no sign of easing, and with nearly 20 years of playing under my belt I'm reluctant to give up the fight just yet - even though playing is complete agony at times.

I would be interested to read thoughts and experiences of those TB-ers who have perhaps made the move to short scale because of an injury, back or otherwise. Was it a good or bad thing etc? I know that each player will be different, but I feel it's worth asking.

I have my mind set on making my first ever investment on a boutique instrument. And the Rob Allen Mouse bass has really captivated me, both in terms of looks and sound. If I am going to go down the route of a smaller scale etc, then having some user experiences would be insightful.
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Hi. I just picked up a Yamaha RBX 260, which is very, very light. And inexpensive. It sounds good, but is not short scale. Might try one and be pleased.

Also, check the weight of your amp/cabs! It's no good getting a superlight bass to help your back, only to play it through an SVT or something! Kinda like thinking you're good for having the Diet Coke, but ordering the large fries! :)

The bass is only part of the equation!

Best to you.
 
#37
Right after my back injury I bought an Aria Sinsonido bass, which was brilliant for weight. I couldn't even hold a proper bass for more than 10 minutes max, standing or sitting. The tubular frames were annoying as mine kept popping out, but it played well and balanced great. The tone wasn't too amazing either, but then I didn't have a Mark Bass amp (a CMD112P btw). I've been trawling eBay and they currently have a Sinsonido as well as Traveller listed. Mmm...
 
#38
1. Get a Balanced bass-not neck heavy (neck dive).
2. Sit on a bar stool occasionally to rest.
3. Find a light weight bass. A Beatle bass is what I used when I hurt my back. Just an old Univox that my brother gave me, but was a Godsend at the time. And it sounded good!
4. Don't know what kind of back trouble you have, but in my 35 years of the same job, in and out of my truck constantly, and driving long distances, two months before I left the company, I started wearing them danged ugly cargo pants. Put my bill fold in one of the side pockets, and within A WEEK, my back quit hurting, the tingling in my legs was gone, etc. So that may help!! Best of luck to ya.
Bill on da bass
 
#39
Assuming your bass is not a neck-diver, then three things spring to mind. Posture, quality of strap, and the weight of your amps. If you're a slave to the SVT, no advice given here will help. You just have to stop lugging the weight. Posture also means having good core body strength, so sit-ups and back raises may help, but take advice first. I use a 2.5" plain leather strap, and that's fine. I have a 3.5", and I find it too much.
A fourth thing: strap length. If you wear it low, it'll hurt you more.
 

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