The Importance of Shape

[Chowowbus]

Lol, the warlock is way to old to be trendy..

 

[peledog]

I've found the perfect shape.

Spector.

Fits me. That's all that matters.

My old Jazz was awesome, but cumbersome. My OLP was light, but not comfortable to hold. Ergonomically, Spector is the best for me.

 

[Mola Ram]

I kinda equate basses to women when it comes to "shape and look."

I need to find something attractive in the first place to get close enough to get to know their personality.

 

[conqr]

I've been working on this myself for the past few months. It really does help. But I've been so used to playing with my arm against the bass that larger bodes - in the rear - allow me to float my hand while still giving me a resting spot for my forearm when I need it.

If anyone is interested, here is Todd Johnson's excellent video about the technique:

Thank you for the acknowledgment to Todd Johnson - I'd forgotten where I first saw the technique explained.

 

[Mayers]

For me, obviously a 24 frets bass with a nice heel or neck-through construction is important . It also make the body somewhat smaller = less weight.

The upper horn have to reach at least the 12th fret or I'll have trouble position it the way I like it because I play in a position very close of a classical guitar. ( I don't bend my wrist in that position )

 

[Jazzdogg]

Among the ergonomic issues that effect playing comfort, the attitude of the headstock, the positions of the nut and bridge relative to my hands, weight, and comfy/ergonomic contouring are most important to me.

Even without headstock dive, a neck that hangs too parallel to the floor is a deal breaker for me; my '73 Precision is an old friend, but I prefer to play her while seated without a strap; with a strap the neck and headstock position are too horizontal to suit me.

 

[Devil Musick]

For me shape must do a few things:

A) Be comfortable to play - so the cut-aways / neck-heel cuts are nice
B) Not distract from playing - I'm not fan of "outlandish" or "Booze Bottle" shapes
C) Not be "trendy" (I'm looking at you, guy with the Warlock...)

Otherwise, there's no impact at all.

in a world where 90% of players choose a P or J bass, is the guy with the Warlock really the "Trendy" one?