Thumbrest - desireable or not?

[R. Laevinus]

I generally rest my thumb on the neck pickup, but have also been known to rest on the bridge pickup for more snappy tone.

Seeking improvement and tonal versatility, however, led me to install a rosewood thumb rest above the E string by the neck. I really like to play up there, mostly because of the tone, but also the right hand position there is much more comfortable while sitting than the neck pickup.

As I also occaisionally play with a pick, I also installed a chrome pickup cover over my neck pup, which is great as I can rest my palm on it while I pick. It's also a gazillion times more comfortable for my thumb than the pickup, not to mention easier to clean.

 

[Batmensch]

On my two P-basses (A Squier and an SX), I had put thumb rests on, took them off again later, as on the P-bass I like to play right over the pickup and use it as a rest, they really served no purpose, and I had kinda placed them "wrong" if you will, and they looked out of place, so aesthetics went out the door as an option. however on my Fender Jazz, no rest has or wll be put on it, on my Squier VM Jazz, I put the thumb rest on in what I believe to be the "proper" 70's position (up by the neck on the "E" side), in my attempt to get a more authentic looking 70's style bass, wth both chrome covers and black knobs, I find I like to play that particular bass in that position for a more old school vibe anyway.
So, as it turns out, a rest worked for me in one instance and didn't in three others.

 

[SurferJoe46]

I put the tug bars on - mostly for looks, but I use my thumb as we did in the surf-music days: 'Hit that note - hit it repeatedly - then when I look at you, change to the next note' - type of bass background.

But the tug bars look good - I don't slap much and it's not really in the way.

Besides it looks good. I think I said that already.

 

[Morning Beer]

I always put one on my basses above the B string. No problems here with anchoring and gives more options then just playing the pickup.

 

[WardEarth]

I say they're crap. Just gets in the way. But maybe thats because its never been in the right spot. Anyways, the floating thumb and pickup rest usually works fine.

 

[Sam Evans]

I installed a thumbrest on my Fender Aerodyne Jazz bass parallel to the E string, just as far as the strings are apart so that I can play rest strokes off the E string just as I can on the other strings. I dig it.

 

[pasta4lnch]

always wanted to try one between the pups on my p/j . . . I just don't have the stones to break the drill out

 

[Sam Evans]

always wanted to try one between the pups on my p/j . . . I just don't have the stones to break the drill out

It's really not that hard! Just put some electrical tape on the drill bit at the point where you want to stop drilling, and two quick holes later, you're in business!

 

[maturanesa]

thumbrests are awesome.. they allow you to play at the sweet spot (between the neck and bridge pup). Its amazing how an inch can improve the tone. And plus, you dont mess the pickups

 

[Batmensch]

I say they're crap. Just gets in the way. But maybe thats because its never been in the right spot. Anyways, the floating thumb and pickup rest usually works fine.

For you. It's a matter of personal preference, don't forget.

 

[FretlessMainly]

I consider a thumb rest, located approximately one inch from the end of the fingerboard and one inch above the E string, to be a nearly indispensible feature of a bass.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I use the chrome pickup covers...they look awesome AND make a great thumbrest