Double Bass Playing when sitting

[el jeffe bass]

I have Multiple Sclerosis and must play sitting down. I much prefer a folding chair to a stool due to stability. My experience as a bassist has been mostly electric bass, the only experience that I have with upright was an Azola Ampeg Baby bass that I owned for a few years. My question is to those who have played the Ibanez upswing or the less expensive NS. Can ether/both be lowered to a low enough height to be played while sitting in a chair of this height?

 

[Zbysek]

I have a NS Design NXT with the stock stand.

It can be lowered but not enough to play it sitting on a chair. You would need to sit on a bar stool.

 

[jthisdell]

I remember someone on the NXT thread showing a modified stand that allows it to go low enough to sit.

 

[el jeffe bass]

Thank you

 

[Jon Moody]

I play my CR-5M with the stock stand in a sitting position regularly. Using a chair (over a stool) isn't a problem at all. What I do is tilt the stand backwards slightly, which also helps to lower it. From there, you play it basically like a cello.

 

[el jeffe bass]

I play my CR-5M with the stock stand in a sitting position regularly. Using a chair (over a stool) isn't a problem at all. What I do is tilt the stand backwards slightly, which also helps to lower it. From there, you play it basically like a cello.

Thank you for this information.

 

[Pete Hand]

The CR5B Omni Bass (they make it as a 4, too) was called "Bass Cello" because it is also able to be played sitting down. See the stand image in the listing I have, here:

For Sale - NS Design OMNI Bass 5-string 34" fretless CR5B 50

But pay attention to that stand; they have two different types. The difference is that rear foot.

 

[michaelsd]

I play an NS Design WAV 4 string as I have developed a serious problem with arthritis in my SI joint and lower lumbar facets and it is easier to move it to rehearsals and gigs than my carved bass. I found a short folding stool at Ikea that has good back support and is quite stable because it is short for a bar stool; 30", perhaps. It does well for me, but I do have to get up once an hour and move around. I have played the WAV sitting in a regular chair by tilting the stand control back as mentioned above. It is doable, but I only did it because I forgot to pack my back supporting short stool. The short stool is perfect for the WAV. If you have an Ikea near you, I suggest you try one out; the are about $30. The come in two heights, be sure to try the shorter. It saved my playing.

I'm very sorry that you are facing this situation; it's hard when our bodies get in the way of our ambitions.