Apologies if this isn't the correct forum for this, but I wasn't sure so I'll go ahead anyway.
In the past few months I've begun learning to play again after 45 years - which was at age 13 for only one summer. I tried again in the mid-90's - bought a new Fender P and SWR Combo - but I became fully consumed by my business and the gear got stored away. Anyway, I'm almost fully retired now, with plenty of free time to resume my playing and learning, but... I'm starting to ramble now, so I'll get to the point.
I have slightly below average sized hands, but to blame that would be a cop-out, since all good players I've seen don't seem to need large hands. What I do have are circulation problems caused from something called Raynaud's Syndrome, which numbs my fingers at any hint of cold or damp air and, pushing 60, my fingers have aged as bad as the rest of my body. There's a point here somewhere, oh - bass necks. Right now I'm playing and trying to learn mainly on that Fender Precision, but the 'finger per fret' thing on the low end is like a bad dream for me as it stands.
Can anyone advise me on the more easily playable neck configurations to help bring me along? I've tried to do my homework, and I've formed some opinions, but I realized the best advice could be obtained from the range of experience in this community. Here are a few of my thoughts/questions - and your thoughts on anything I've missed or have mistaken would be much appreciated.
I purchased a Gibson SG Special, with high hope for the shorter scale, and although it's a decent bass and I like playing it sometimes, it just doesn't feel right, I assume because most of my playing time has been on the Fender P, but whatever the reason, I don't think short-scale is the answer for me.
I've learned that the Jazz bass has a more tapered neck, but how much of a difference is there from the Precision, and is this my best option long-term? I hate to admit being a bit 'spoiled' by the nice, solid feel of the Fender P, along with a preference for Fender instruments, and I find the Jazz to be similar in quality.
My main question here is about the radius aspect of bass necks, and how much of a factor it is to my situation. I understand the meaning of radius, but I'm having trouble understanding the merits of 'compound radius' and if it's a plus or minus in my search for the bass I can wrap my fingers around (weak pun). I ask because I sampled a Fender Select Jazz some months back and recall it feeling really good - don't know if the compound radius was a factor in that, but I'm currently eyeing that model with hope. Problem is there aren't any around here now to feel out, but I'm willing for a leap of faith at this point.
Please lend your advice on this and/or some thoughts on particular models that may fit my need and help me to avoid the possible oncoming loss of confidence in something I've loved and wanted to do for most of my life. Thanks in advance for any help and my apologies for this novel-length post.
Richie
In the past few months I've begun learning to play again after 45 years - which was at age 13 for only one summer. I tried again in the mid-90's - bought a new Fender P and SWR Combo - but I became fully consumed by my business and the gear got stored away. Anyway, I'm almost fully retired now, with plenty of free time to resume my playing and learning, but... I'm starting to ramble now, so I'll get to the point.
I have slightly below average sized hands, but to blame that would be a cop-out, since all good players I've seen don't seem to need large hands. What I do have are circulation problems caused from something called Raynaud's Syndrome, which numbs my fingers at any hint of cold or damp air and, pushing 60, my fingers have aged as bad as the rest of my body. There's a point here somewhere, oh - bass necks. Right now I'm playing and trying to learn mainly on that Fender Precision, but the 'finger per fret' thing on the low end is like a bad dream for me as it stands.
Can anyone advise me on the more easily playable neck configurations to help bring me along? I've tried to do my homework, and I've formed some opinions, but I realized the best advice could be obtained from the range of experience in this community. Here are a few of my thoughts/questions - and your thoughts on anything I've missed or have mistaken would be much appreciated.
I purchased a Gibson SG Special, with high hope for the shorter scale, and although it's a decent bass and I like playing it sometimes, it just doesn't feel right, I assume because most of my playing time has been on the Fender P, but whatever the reason, I don't think short-scale is the answer for me.
I've learned that the Jazz bass has a more tapered neck, but how much of a difference is there from the Precision, and is this my best option long-term? I hate to admit being a bit 'spoiled' by the nice, solid feel of the Fender P, along with a preference for Fender instruments, and I find the Jazz to be similar in quality.
My main question here is about the radius aspect of bass necks, and how much of a factor it is to my situation. I understand the meaning of radius, but I'm having trouble understanding the merits of 'compound radius' and if it's a plus or minus in my search for the bass I can wrap my fingers around (weak pun). I ask because I sampled a Fender Select Jazz some months back and recall it feeling really good - don't know if the compound radius was a factor in that, but I'm currently eyeing that model with hope. Problem is there aren't any around here now to feel out, but I'm willing for a leap of faith at this point.
Please lend your advice on this and/or some thoughts on particular models that may fit my need and help me to avoid the possible oncoming loss of confidence in something I've loved and wanted to do for most of my life. Thanks in advance for any help and my apologies for this novel-length post.
Richie
