Stupid Question: Backward Thumb Rest

[NewIntlSatan]

I've been looking at the sx j basses at rondomusic.com and found this

Link Removed

And can't help but wonder: unless this is left handed and i just didn't notice, why is the thumb rest on the underside of the strings? I'm sure there's a sensible explanation, but I couldn't find it in search so I started a thread...

 

[gold_member_321]

Its called a tugbar.

It's supposed to be used to anchor your fingers on while playing with your thumb. Mine had one as well, and I never used it so I bought a new pickgaurd and remounted it above the strings for a thumb rest.

 

[Metal Matt]

Bass players used to play using their thumbs, opposed to fingers and would anchor their fingers on that, so to go with the whole "vintage" theme of the bass they put a finger anchor on it. I have the green jazz with the covers and just took that thing off.

 

[Number27]

Yup. Mines got one too. Although i play a lot with my thumb so i actually use it