Yesterday I broke my left collarbone. I'm having surgery in a few days and would like to start playing again as soon as it's possible, but the bone itself might still be fragile for a while. So I was thinking to carry my bass on my right shoulder. Is there such a contraption, preferably one that is available in Europe? I found the Sling Strap which looks great but has to be imported from the States. Does anyone here have other tips?
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Right side strap?
- Thread starter BassAgent
- Start date
If it were me I'd use a stool till the left shoulder was able support the bass again.
Get well soon.
Get well soon.
I'd check w/ the Doc before placing any weight on either shoulder.
I'd see if you can find something like this available to you:
Hip - Waist Strap
I'd see if you can find something like this available to you:
Hip - Waist Strap
Thanks! Playing a set of Green Day songs on a stool doesn't feel like an option hehehe
Yeah that hip strap is something I saw too but that would require drilling extra holes in my bass... Oh and by the way: this is the second time I broke my collar bone (last time was the other side) so I kinda know what to expect, unfortunately.
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Checkout the Slinger Hip Strap. I’ve never tried it, but know of it.
slingerstraps.com
Hip Strap Waist Guitar or Bass Strap
Remove the heavy shoulder weight of your guitar or bass with this ergonomic guitar strap that carries all of the weight on your waist or hips! Click here to learn more!
slingerstraps.com
Understood, but it's only temporary, you'll be forgiven.
could you do a bass guitar standing holder? Get well soon.
The slinger strap works well. I use one just to rotate between right and left shoulder. Has all the necessary adjustment options to make it work. For some songs I greatly prefer the bass on my right shoulder due to positioning. It's a good option if you have the need.
You could tighten up your strap and use it bluegrass style, just over your right shoulder. This is especially helpful if you wear a cowboy hat.
OP - sorry to hear of your situation! Ugh. And this is the 2nd time? Maybe time to review some life choices? (JK!!)
That hip strap looks cool provided you don't have a belly that transforms your shape into a triangle wide in the middle and tapering toward the floor.
As to strapping over the R shoulder, a regular strap sort of almost works if you hang the bass really low. It feels odd but you don't have to sit.
That hip strap looks cool provided you don't have a belly that transforms your shape into a triangle wide in the middle and tapering toward the floor.
As to strapping over the R shoulder, a regular strap sort of almost works if you hang the bass really low. It feels odd but you don't have to sit.
The nice thing about the slinger strap (combined shoulder and belt version) is that there is both a height and an angle adjustment. I find the angle adjustment to be pretty useful when switching between shoulders, as my left arm wants to behave differently between the two. Plus, even on the combined version the belt distributes some weight, so it may allow you to keep a more neutral upper left/right tilt posture during the healing process. Importing is a pain right now all around..
You may also be able to adjust Mono's duostrap to be a bit lopsided, thereby resting more weight on one shoulder than the other. I didn't try that though and am not sure if that fits your import requirements. Surprisingly, it was a much more involved/bulky piece of kit as compared to the slinger strap.
For Pete's sake, play sitting down.
I know that "you're not supposed to" play sitting down, but Dave Grohl did it when he broke a leg. I did it when I had back surgery, and when I ruptured a quadriceps tendon. Have your singer announce that he's glad you're there, and tough enough to play with a broken collarbone, and....you'll be fine.
I know that "you're not supposed to" play sitting down, but Dave Grohl did it when he broke a leg. I did it when I had back surgery, and when I ruptured a quadriceps tendon. Have your singer announce that he's glad you're there, and tough enough to play with a broken collarbone, and....you'll be fine.
Gotta second this. Nothing will get the audience on your side faster than being the wounded warrior who shows up for battle one more time.
Is it really that expensive to buy something from the states? Sounds like it might be worth it in your case.
The Fearless Flyers are not only fearless, they are strapless. Maybe a similar performance stand would work for you?
Consider that you’re going to have to continually raise your left arm to play. You might not be able to play at all for several weeks. You’re lucky you’re getting surgery, my brother broke his collarbone and they did nothing at all, even though the pieces were apart.
Checkout the Slinger Hip Strap. I’ve never tried it, but know of it.
Hip Strap Waist Guitar or Bass Strap
Remove the heavy shoulder weight of your guitar or bass with this ergonomic guitar strap that carries all of the weight on your waist or hips! Click here to learn more!
I know the creator and I was a crash test dummy for some early versions of this. It wasn’t quite the solution I needed because my injury issues were “complicated” and ultimately playing seated was the best solution. It has a limited range of adjustments so you have to accept that you won’t be able to play like Ryan Martinie or Tatsu Mikami.
That said, I saw the benefit and that it could certainly be helpful for others.
I also struggled to get comfortable with a bass stand I tried. It was one that mounted to a mic stand. I’ve seen a few versions that range from affordable to expensive.
I’m not saying to avoid the above options, I’m saying they didn’t work for me. I’m happy to elaborate on why if anyone wants to know.
If sitting is an option, consider it. It’s not common, but it’s not unheard of.
