Hello all. I am a youngish guy (38) with old hands. I have mild arthritis and struggle with long practice times and long sets. My current bass has a round thicker neck profile. I have been looking at some of the Fender P necks and the Lakland 5 string necks. They feel great in the store, but it's hard to judge how they are going to feel after a good hour long practice. Does anyone have any experience with how neck profiles affect sore arthritic hands?
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Neck profiles for sore hands
- Thread starter myetcetera
- Start date
I have arthritis that gets pretty bad sometimes. For me I think a thicker neck helps. Sometimes a 5 string is better than a 4 or 6 (I don't know why). Lately I've been playing a 5 string Yamaha BBG5A when it bothers me. I usually play a 6 string (Carvin Icon 6 or Brice HBX-406) in one band, but reaching the B string can be painful, so the 5 works better. The narrower neck and wider string spacing of a 4 string seems to bother me more too.
Of course, YMMV. Everyone is different, and what feels right for my big hands with long fingers might not feel right for someone with smaller hands, etc. The only way to know is to play for a while.
Make sure you warm up real well before playing too. Play slowly and lightly for ten or fifteen minutes before playing full on.
I find that after an hour or so of playing the pain lessens. My fingers seem to get warmed up and more flexible in time.
This really started happening to me about 6 months ago (around the time I turned 49) and it was really scary and depressing at first. I wasn't sure I would be able to continue to play. But so far I have managed it, and I feel a lot better about it.
I hope this helps. Arthritis is a serious thing for a bass player to go through.
Of course, YMMV. Everyone is different, and what feels right for my big hands with long fingers might not feel right for someone with smaller hands, etc. The only way to know is to play for a while.
Make sure you warm up real well before playing too. Play slowly and lightly for ten or fifteen minutes before playing full on.
I find that after an hour or so of playing the pain lessens. My fingers seem to get warmed up and more flexible in time.
This really started happening to me about 6 months ago (around the time I turned 49) and it was really scary and depressing at first. I wasn't sure I would be able to continue to play. But so far I have managed it, and I feel a lot better about it.
I hope this helps. Arthritis is a serious thing for a bass player to go through.
It really depends on the individual. Not what you want to hear, I'm sure.
My left trapezium is shot to hell and is pretty much bone-on-bone at this point. Consequently, I don't play as long as I'd like. Surgery is in my near future.
Heat helps. I have a sock partially filled with uncooked rice that I zap in the microwave oven for about 45 seconds then apply to the joint.
Ask your doctor about a topical NSAID called [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] It also helps. Not cheap if you have to buy it outright, so insurance is helpful.
Direct answer: My 55-01 just isn't feasible right now, but the L-2500 works for a while. G&L's 1 5/8" 4 string necks (older basses) are the easiest on me right now.
Ken...
My left trapezium is shot to hell and is pretty much bone-on-bone at this point. Consequently, I don't play as long as I'd like. Surgery is in my near future.
Heat helps. I have a sock partially filled with uncooked rice that I zap in the microwave oven for about 45 seconds then apply to the joint.
Ask your doctor about a topical NSAID called [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] It also helps. Not cheap if you have to buy it outright, so insurance is helpful.
Direct answer: My 55-01 just isn't feasible right now, but the L-2500 works for a while. G&L's 1 5/8" 4 string necks (older basses) are the easiest on me right now.
Ken...
Wishbass. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the massive Wish necks are easier on a variety of hand/wrist/arm related issues
Ibanez sr series basses are very easy to play, and are also somewhat lightweight, as well... A used sr505 can be had for right around $300, give or take - and is alot of bass for the money... An sr905 can usually be had for around $500 or so, and is a really nice neck-thru bass...
- georgestrings
- georgestrings
I second the Ibanez SR advice, as their necks are slim and comfy.
Strap adjustment is key.
You've got to get the neck sitting at the best angle and height.
Strap adjustment is key.
You've got to get the neck sitting at the best angle and height.
I'm having similar issues and recently put together a 32" scale Warmoth and that does the trick for me, little or no pain even after a 3 set night.
I am developing carpal tunnel in my left hand probably from playing my 12 string bass so much. It's a thick neck and wide like a 5 or 6 string and i'm definitely hurting after 15 to 20 mins with it.
However, I can play my jazz for hours on end, no problem. So, I'd try a thin and narrow J neck...perhaps the Geddy Lee model.
However, I can play my jazz for hours on end, no problem. So, I'd try a thin and narrow J neck...perhaps the Geddy Lee model.
Maybe have two bases at your practice space with different neck profiles would help. That way you could break up the repetitive motion caused by one style by swtching when it starts to hurt? I am no doctor so this is just a laypersons suggestion!
I have pretty big hands...I find that bigger necks are great for me...smaller necks give me nothing to grab onto and very hard to fret for me...big necks are the way for me...providing supporting and no too much extra space where I have to move around alot.
Consider having someone look at your left hand technique. Most rock musicians hate to admit it, but their technique is inefficient and lends itself to tendinitis and arthritis.
Many years ago, I really had no concept of ergonomic technique and would get sore after long practices, especially with my 5 string. I took classical guitar as an elective, which I thought would be an easy A. It was NOT an easy A and my instructor forced me to use perfect technique. I resisted initially, but it didn't take long to see the rewards, which were easily applied to bass guitar.
Many years ago, I really had no concept of ergonomic technique and would get sore after long practices, especially with my 5 string. I took classical guitar as an elective, which I thought would be an easy A. It was NOT an easy A and my instructor forced me to use perfect technique. I resisted initially, but it didn't take long to see the rewards, which were easily applied to bass guitar.
Another thing you should consider regardless of the neck profile is the string itself. I strongly suggest you find a string that you like that uses a round core rather than a hex core. Round core strings are lower tension string which, for arthritic hands, may make playing more comfortable. An example of a round core string are DR Sunbeams.
There are a lot of factors that will either help or hurt your situation.
- How big are your hands / fingers
- How bad are the symptoms, what are the triggers (humidity, activity, temperature)
I've had arthritis since I was a kid. I use a Peavey Foundation that has a smaller neck and can play for an entire night (with glucosamine and some tylenol) with minimal pain.
Some music stores will allow you to rent basses for a weekend to try out. Rent one, play it for a weekend, see how it goes. Keep going until you find something that helps.
This is also a good point. take note of the strings (if the shop knows) and see if that helps.
As with all things like this, there will be much trial and pain error. I have never tried the Voltaren gel, but now that I have heard it works, I'm going to give it a go as well.
Good luck
- How big are your hands / fingers
- How bad are the symptoms, what are the triggers (humidity, activity, temperature)
I've had arthritis since I was a kid. I use a Peavey Foundation that has a smaller neck and can play for an entire night (with glucosamine and some tylenol) with minimal pain.
Some music stores will allow you to rent basses for a weekend to try out. Rent one, play it for a weekend, see how it goes. Keep going until you find something that helps.
This is also a good point. take note of the strings (if the shop knows) and see if that helps.
As with all things like this, there will be much trial and pain error. I have never tried the Voltaren gel, but now that I have heard it works, I'm going to give it a go as well.
Good luck
I do not have very large hands. A lot of my left-hand pain/discomfort issues subsided simply by going back to just playing four-string basses. Any time I try someone's fiver now the old discomfort shows up almost right away. Plus, I prefer j-style necks to p-style necks.
Hopkins
Commercial User
My theory is that on a thicker neck profile you don't have to close your hand around it as much, there for your hand stays in a more natural position. At least with me anyways.
spade2you said:
This.
While changing your approach is far more a task than changing basses, there is a lot of merit to the advice above.
With a left hand approach more similar to the classical technique, the neck geometry matters FAR less.
As long I as focus on straighter at the wrist, palm more parallel to the FB, and thumb behind in the spine, I find that I perceive very little difference in neck profiles. it is a none issue.
That said, don't be fooled into the notion that a smaller neck translates to being easier on your hands. For some perhaps it may, but it can just as easily create more stress depending on your approach.
