Think you could play this low?

[AaronVonRock]

You know you're a grumpy old fart when 20+ year old music still raises your "kids these days...get off my lawn" hackles...

Ha! You nailed it.

Personally, I think basses worn low look cool. Much cooler than having the bass above your navel and playing with T-Rex arms.

Huge Soundgarden fan. Huge Ben Sheppard fan. I think Ben Sheppard and Matt Cameron are one of the best rhythm sections in rock over the past 25 years.

 

[Ten Four One]

I’ve heard that hanging the bass low on the strap emphasizes the bass frequencies much as mahogany bodies and rosewood fretboards add warmth. Higher on the strap adds more snap like ash and maple, they tell me.

I would argue that the deep resonance from resting on my fat belly adds quite a bit of low mids. Or at least my tailor seems to grumble about me adding some heft to my low mids every time I have my pants taken out.

 

[AaronVonRock]

I always thought it was something of a disgrace to play that low. Never really had much of a reason aside from thinking those types were secretly trying to communicate that they were hung. I suppose stage presence is important, too.

I play mostly sitting down or with the body against my abdominal section. I don't think I've ever seen a jazz bassist play below his pelvis. You'll never catch me dead playing like that.

No offense, but we'll probably never catch you playing period. Dead or alive. Ben Sheppard on the other hand...

 

[twinjet]

No offense, but we'll probably never catch you playing period. Dead or alive. Ben Sheppard on the other hand...

Ha! That's quite true

 

[jamro217]

Ask him in twenty years when his wrists are taped up whether or not "looking cool" was worth it.

 

[1954bassman]

I am glad I learned to spell in school. Again, I am old (vintage?)

 

[jaybones]

I could play simple stuff like he's doing, but I tend to wear my instruments higher. Taught that classical position (neck near 45 degrees) give the best fret access, easiest to play the whole FB and with the most speed on the notes.

I know that it isn't as cool looking to wear your guitar up high where its supposed to be.

 

[Thir13teen]

Ask him in twenty years when his wrists are taped up whether or not "looking cool" was worth it.

Well so far it's been about 23 years since that video was taken so....

 

[Nephilymbass]

Me? nooooooooo

I think I play at a normal hieght, not "Dug Pinnick" low but not "music major" high either. I like my bass to be high enough to have decent slap technique for the 2 out of 40 songs I actually slap on, but low enough so my right wrist isn't jacked up and the bass hits me in the chin when head banging. For 6 and 7 string I like them a little higher so my left hand can reach better, but nothing rediculous,

 

[jamro217]

Well so far it's been about 23 years since that video was taken so....

So...Ask him in 20 years. Human wrists weren't designed to bend at that angle. If this was the only time he did it, okay, but as part of a concert tour, you get the impression that he does it routinely. Did you ever hear of carpal tunnel? That's from not having your wrists supported properly when using computer keyboards for hours on end. This is the same type of situation. Look cool if you think that's important, but before your body gets crippled from it, reconsider.

 

[I Need a six...]

No I think it looks stupid. That said I'm sure the metal cats don't like how my bass is in my chest when I play.

 

[I Need a six...]

Me? nooooooooo

I think I play at a normal hieght, not "Dug Pinnick" low but not "music major" high either. I like my bass to be high enough to have decent slap technique for the 2 out of 40 songs I actually slap on, but low enough so my right wrist isn't jacked up and the bass hits me in the chin when head banging. For 6 and 7 string I like them a little higher so my left hand can reach better, but nothing rediculous,

Higher means better slap? Not in my experience, I have the thang right up in my face and slap like crazy, i never found it to be any less difficult. That said, were all diffent peeps here.

 

[JRuben]

No, because I am more concerned with my bass playing than looking silly. If I wasn't playing 1 note per minute I would consider it. I'm sorry that this comes off as mean but you have to draw a line somewhere between "style" and practicality

 

[gierolf_hvitrserkr]

Ill just play without a strap at a normal height instead, thanks. one shouldnt be bothered with "looking cool" like that if they have any kind of real skill.

 

[The Bass Clef]

I miss the '90s. Krist Novoselic used to have to link 2 straps together to get that low cuz he's so damn tall! Yes, it looks ridiculous on today's standards, but so do all the costumes that bands wore in the '60s, the bell bottoms and flowing chest hair of the '70s, the acid washed jeans and crimped hair in the '80s (although I hear acid wash is making a comeback), etc.. I think I have a pic of me somewhere playing in a Cure t-shirt with Oakley blades, haha!.. but my bass was still at the same height it is now!

 

[twinjet]

Yes, it looks ridiculous on today's standards, but so do... the bell bottoms and flowing chest hair of the '70s

I must be the only guy thinking the crew in Anchorman and Anchorman II looked fly...

 

[elgecko]

Its raining today!! Lol

I know. It took me 3 hours to drive from Anaheim to San Diego...but it's monsoon season. Coachella and Stagecoach are in April. It seems like every other festival they showed on AXS TV had rain.

 

[Watchootognbout]

No.And I don't do Rock and Roll posturing either.

 

[bolophonic]

Really? Maybe somebody should have told that to John Entwistle. He almost never moved yet is considered one of the best bass players ever.

Touché.

 

[MegaSwing]

How you look is so much more important than how you sound or even the notes you choose.