• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Oh My Aching Shoulders!

disenchant

disenchant

You can't plagiarize yourself.
Aug 9, 2006
3,296
5
Elgin, IL
www.cheerliberty.com
#1
I can't play standing up for longer than 15-20 minutes because my back and shoulders hurt from the weight of the bass. I got a wider strap and that helped some.

BESIDES getting a lighter bass (because I love my Warwick) any suggestions? Specific exercises to do (that a 100 lb chick could do 'cause that's what I am) to strengthen my shoulders? Different strap? Different technique?

:bassist:
 
#2
A double strap, one of those that go to both sides of the head, might help... although it looks a bit goofy. How wide is your strap? Should be at least 3"... If these don't help, don't know what will, maybe you'll have to accept that a 100 lb chick can't carry a heavy bass for a long time, the same way that you can't carry anything heavy for a long time.
 
#3
BTW, I saw in your profile that you have a rockbass, which i think shouldn't be as heavy as warwicks as the woods are different... could be wrong
Edit: went to the rockbass site and it doesn't have weight yet... so don't know if that's right or wrong, but they have maple necks instead of the heavier wenge/ovangkol of warwicks
 
#4
Dragonlord said:
A double strap, one of those that go to both sides of the head, might help... although it looks a bit goofy. How wide is your strap? Should be at least 3"... If these don't help, don't know what will, maybe you'll have to accept that a 100 lb chick can't carry a heavy bass for a long time, the same way that you can't carry anything heavy for a long time.
Click to expand...

Where do you find a double strap? I've never seen one...
 
#5
Dragonlord said:
BTW, I saw in your profile that you have a rockbass, which i think shouldn't be as heavy as warwicks as the woods are different... could be wrong
Edit: went to the rockbass site and it doesn't have weight yet... so don't know if that's right or wrong, but they have maple necks instead of the heavier wenge/ovangkol of warwicks
Click to expand...

I don't think it's as heavy as a regular Warwick, but it's heavier than my Ibanez. I think I weighed it once but I forgot how heavy it is. Regardless of the weight, it still hurts my shoulder but I love the tone so much I'd rather make myself stronger or get a different strap than get a new bass.
 
#7
Anyway, I haven't played a rockbass but I have heard good and bad comments... if you can spend money, you might wanna take it to a shop and compare it with other basses... might find a lighter one with a tone you love even more.
 
#13
I wen t through this mess last summer. for awhile I was playing sitting down and what not.

I did a couple things.

I switched to Neoprene straps. I have a stephi 3" neoprene strap, that looks giid, and is really comfy.

I actually started seeing a chiropractor to get my spine back in adjustment. This was amazing and helped tremendously.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back