Most comfortable 4 string bass for RSI problems

[Damian Coccio]

Although I wear my bass high, I have small hands which causes me to have to bend my wrist sharply when playing low notes on the neck. I believe This has caused an attack of nasty RSI from time to time. Im taking the P neck off my warmoth jazz and a J neck is coming in, but Im wondering how much this will help the RSI ive been suffering from on and off.
I have a Ken smith 6 which I barely play now because of the RSI and I have a Zon Legcy Elite Special Fretless on order which I hope will be comfortable.
So Im looking for input from those with some experience with good 4 string fretted basses from a neck comfort perspective. (1-2K used)

Thanks!

 

[JMX]

How about a medium-scale bass?

Fender The Urge or Kubicki X-Factor

 

[Damian Coccio]

Originally posted by JMX
How about a medium-scale bass?

Fender The Urge or Kubicki X-Factor

JMX,
Thanks for the input, I had a Stanley Clark Sig. Alembic which actually was easier on the wrist, but I didnt like the tone at all, but I will think about a med. scale again, good idea.

 

[Jim T.]

newavedc,
Have you tried playing your 6 in the "classical guitar position" with the bass on your opposite leg? Gary Willis demonstrates this in his instructional video... It allows you to keep the bass straight and after some sit down practice, feels natural when standing. Just in case you hadn't tried it yet... I too have RSI and play a wide 6.

Good luck, Jim

 

[Damian Coccio]

Originally posted by Jim T.
newavedc,
Have you tried playing your 6 in the "classical guitar position" with the bass on your opposite leg? Gary Willis demonstrates this in his instructional video... It allows you to keep the bass straight and after some sit down practice, feels natural when standing. Just in case you hadn't tried it yet... I too have RSI and play a wide 6.

Good luck, Jim

Jim,
Thanks for the input
I do play this way when im doing some solo recording and its really the only way I am comfortable on the upper frets, but when the bass is strapped on is when it becomes the big problem.

 

[Jim T.]

One last idea then I'll shut up There's a guy in the newest Bass Player Mag. that's using a Gracie stand to play standing up due to a clavicle injury. Maybe that'd be something to try out at the store. I'm thinking about that myself.
Just hate to see a guy give up on a six if he doesn't absolutely have to! Best of luck!

 

[buzzbass]

Please excuse me for being ignorant. What's RSI ?

 

[fclefgeoff]

Originally posted by buzzbass
Please excuse me for being ignorant. What's RSI ?

Repetitive Stress Injury?

 

[RicPlaya]

Can you play if you lower your bass? Also I have read the proper technique for bass playing is to put your thumb in the middle of the neck. Do you do this? I rarely do this myself but I was playing around with my bass and if I play with it lower and put my thumb in the middle of the neck it seems to put my wrist in a more natural positon maybe taking some stress of the wrist, food for thought hope it helps.

 

[Damian Coccio]

Originally posted by RicPlaya
Can you play if you lower your bass? Also I have read the proper technique for bass playing is to put your thumb in the middle of the neck. Do you do this? I rarely do this myself but I was playing around with my bass and if I play with it lower and put my thumb in the middle of the neck it seems to put my wrist in a more natural positon maybe taking some stress of the wrist, food for thought hope it helps.

RicPlaya,
I keep my thumb in the middle of the neck. Its tough on low notes to keep the wrist straight with short fingers though on the basses I have. Im working on keeping relaxed and proper posture as well when playing too. I guess I was mainly wondering if anyone has found that certain bass neck are easier to play with short fingers. Im switching my P neck to a J hope that helps too.

 

[RicPlaya]

Good luck, hope you can over come this...Ric