Pain and bone bruising in fingertips.

[seansbrew]

Hello all, I recently sought professional help for a genetic condition that is now making me susceptible to bone bruising on my fretting hand. The pads of my fingers can become quite sensitive and there is pain.

I have put the bass down for the moment to heal my hand and strategize my next move.
I will be concentrating on my fretting hand when I start playing. I will concentrate on a light touch/technique and ergonomics.

Does anyone have any suggestions for easier fretting? A lighter gauge string? round core strings? Short scale bass? finger coverings?

thanks.

 

[JKos]

I’m sorry to hear that.

Bass setup can play a big part in how much force is required to fret the strings. For example, proper nut height alone can change a bass from yuck to easy to play. Well adjusted nut height, relief, and string height can make a big difference on the same bass with the same strings.

You can certainly go to strings known for having a light touch such as TI Jazz Flats. Being flats, I would also suspect they may be easier on your finger tips.

 

[chris_b]

Play with a glove, to give a little padding to your finger tips.

 

[vindibona1]

If you are bruising that means that you have to do everything you can to reduce the pressure on your fingers as much as possible. I have a few ideas.
Changing basses might be expensive, and possibly unnecessary.
I like an easy playing bass and I have neck relief set at 0.008" or so. sometime .007". (I think I got the zeros right). When my neck relief is off by even 100th" I can tell. If you can get the string height down to 4/64" with a low neck relief that will be a good start.

1) String height and neck relief: Set up your bass so that you have minimal string clearance and a sound you can tolerate. You might need a professional to set up your bass, maybe do a fret job, perhaps even Plek'ing.

2) Strings: Perhaps a lighter gauge might help. You may want to invest $100 in trying some different strings. As an example, I was using D'Addario NYXL's on my Ibanez BTB675 and got cheap and bought some Ernie Ball Slinky (regular) strings. I really like the Ernie Ball on that bass, but I can tell the NYXL's aren't nearly as rigid as the Slinkys, but the sound isn't so far off that I wouldn't be happy with either. Perhaps a flat wound like Ernie Ball flats that aren't very stiff and are easier on the fingers sliding up and down without the round wraps of a roundwound.

3) Gloves (see my Avatar): Someone else mentioned them. I used them more than 50% of the time I'm performing and do so because they help me shape the sound I like. But the material will be that much more cushion that your bare finger doesn't provide. For me it took me almost zero time to get used to them. For others it will be an acquired comfort. But be careful... you might get addicted to them. Here is a link to the brand that I buy. https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Glove...8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
The only thing with these is that the sizes and thickness from batch to batch can be inconsistent. If you order from Amazon I recommend ordering one size larger than your expect unless you like a very tight fit. Also because Amazon has free returns you might want to order different colors to try, not for the color but to get a fit that you like. Free returns from Amazon is a great advantage when you can't try stuff on before you buy it.

Each of the above suggestions are "stackable" so all in conjunction might just be the help you need.
Good luck

 

[seansbrew]

Thanks for the replys. I ordered some gloves and silicone finger tip protectors.
The bass Im playing is set up to play fast, it definitely helps.
I have a few sets of strings that are lighter gauge than I normally use. I may try them at some point.
One of my basses has a "just a nut", which may help get those strings low.

 

[vindibona1]

Thanks for the replys. I ordered some gloves and silicone finger tip protectors.
The bass I'm playing is set up to play fast, it definitely helps.
I have a few sets of strings that are lighter gauge than I normally use. I may try them at some point.
One of my basses has a "just a nut", which may help get those strings low.

"I have a few sets of strings that are lighter gauge than I normally use. I may try them at some point."
I think sooner rather than later would be good. You can always remove your current set, store then and then reinstall them if the lighter gauge doesn't work. And there are some other tricks, one which I use...

My Sandberg came with 40-128 strings while all my other basses have 45-130 (or 125 low B). I was fine with the original Sandberg strings except the 40/G sound annoyed me. While I had to cannibalize a 4 string set I just swapped out the 40 for a 45 which I think has a more uniform sound. This set is extremely playable and sounds great. I'm not suggesting you go with Sandberg strings but go to a lighter set
B-128 E-100 A-80 D-60 G-40
E-105 A-85 D-65 G-45

As I think about it, DR Sunbeams with a round core might be a great way to go. I love these strings on my jazz bass. The round core makes them less stiff but they sound great. I'll bet if you got a light set and wanted a .45 G string DR might sell you one separately if you tell them about your condition. Never hurts to ask.

 

[mambo4]

Does anyone have any suggestions for easier fretting?

Practice appropriate finger pressure