Tired off fighting my 34"

[lowfreqgeek]

He also had a history of really heavy basses like his Wal double neck. This goes back a "few" years, but I thought he had a bass like you posted made solid and he mostly sat with it. The bridge pickup was also as close to the bridge as humanly possible to get a very bright sound.

He very well may have had one made specifically for him, but that's not what Warwick sells to the public. He's an eccentric, for sure! I really dig him, though, and it's been interesting seeing the progression from that double neck Wal to the single neck Wal and Status to the 6-string acoustic and eventually to the Warwick.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I have a nerve problem (at least that's what I suspect as I have been to all the best doctors in Chicago with no real answer). I am 6 feet tall and not a small person but the nerve issue is a big problem. I love my jazz bass and will never sell it but I realize I may have to go to a shorter scale. I used a capo just as a test and found it made a real difference. So if my nerves problem doesn't get help soon I will need to consider going to a shorter scale. Funny thing is my Sterling by Musicman SB14 feels like it's a 33" so I think I will play it more for now. The medium scale market is pretty scarce. I know Birdsong and some others make a very nice bass but not my cup of tea. I would like something more modern, maybe a Factor bass as they are 32" and have clear tone with a bit of punch if dialed right. I also like the old Yamaha Motion basses a bit, 32" as well. Wonder how many others are in the same place as me.

Warmoth has 32" jazz basses. That sounds like it might be exactly what you need

 

[fishdreams]

I recently picked up my Daneletro Longhorn copy again (28.75 inch). i was really pleased how good that sounded with a set of stiff flats. I could use it on my gigs, no problem. 24 easily reached frets too. Just another cheap and very fun (and light weight) option. Good luck with finding your painless groove again.

 

[bassfran]

Wow, thanks for all the great responses. Wish I could "like them all". As for my nerve issue it looks to be perhaps permanent. I have had nerve blocks, nerve ablation (burning of the nerves to stop the pain signals), Botox and physical therapy with no help. I live just outside of Chicago and have been to all the University hospitals. I have seen the best and one of the doctors came from mayo clinic and really wants to get me in for at least an appointment. It saddens me to see so many others have pain that effects their playing as well, that's just life right We all have to find a way to get by and music is a great distraction and very fulfilling. For now I have been adjust my playing position and using my SB14 as it allow for better positioning. I didn't realize Lowe made a neck conversion and will look into them. I will also try others advice to see if I can get even more relief. Thanks again for so much concern and help from "everyone" who posted!

Hi, Stuntbass- I'm in Chicago and wondered if you have any experience locally with Dr. Randall Kertz? I have two good bass player friends who had nerve/carpal issues that were helped greatly by treatment. (I'm not affiliated in any way, though I do own his book.)

www.drkertz.com

 

[stuntbass77]

Hi, Stuntbass- I'm in Chicago and wondered if you have any experience locally with Dr. Randall Kertz? I have two good bass player friends who had nerve/carpal issues that were helped greatly by treatment. (I'm not affiliated in any way, though I do own his book.)

www.drkertz.com

No, I will check out his website.

 

[stuntbass77]

I was referring to stretching your hands to hit notes, not physical ailments where technique can't help... so, apples to orangutans. For your shoulder, yeah I agree (but I don't really get how scale length would help with that anyway) - but in any case, I was just trying to say in a nice way that changing basses won't help if your technique needs addressing. I can't even speak to the OP's technique, I just want to dispel any potential misunderstandings for someone who might land here from a google search or wherever.

Edit: As an example, if the weight of the bass causes all the issues and scale length didn't bother him, he could potentially end up with a short scale bass that was heavier (very bad in that case) or maybe switch to DB (much longer scale length obviously, but maybe pain-free if no weight on the shoulder).

The pain is mostly in my neck but runs down my shoulder and even goes into my face. Some doctors think it's something between Trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain.

 

[mbelue]

The pain is mostly in my neck but runs down my shoulder and even goes into my face. Some doctors think it's something between Trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain.

Gives a new meaning to "bass face."

 

[tpa]

Try a Yamaha RBX. I have a 170 and it is by far the most ergonomic and comfortable to play compared to a Jazz and a Corvette. I dont think EBs or Beatles kind of basses will solve anything due to the location of the front strap knob. On most basses it will be around 12th fret. The RBXs are are (were) around in several variants and due to the playability I might even consider spending some money on upgrading my RBX.

 

[bearfoot]

Since you said "tried all straps" I assume that includes the double straps? A friend with neck/shoulder pain tried one this week, and has great relief from it. His is the $20 model, not the $100 gruv gear one.

 

[jpeeze]

I just received my 32" scale CB (Cliff Bordwell) bass a few months ago. I had it built for the same reason. I probably will never buy a long scale bass again it's so comfortable not having to reach so far for the low notes.

 

[tpa]

... I might even consider spending some money on upgrading my RBX.

A new neck, and new body and new electronics and pickups can do a lot to the appearance and sound
Congratulations with your new bass jpeeze

 

[phillipkregg]

I've been looking into short scale basses lately too.

Someone else mentioned Scott Whitley, and his custom Eastwood bass sounds amazing to me.

Here's a video:



Also, the Squier Jaguar that everyone is mentioning is a great bass. Here's Scott again giving one a go:




This Eastwood 32" scale bass sounds pretty kickass too:

 

[DavidEdenAria]

I would look for a Japan 32 scale bass...one of the obscure models from any of the bigger names can be had for cheap used.

In my case an Aria Pro II with a pair of humbuckers....it is an excellent sounding and playing bass easily under $200.

If the 32 scale doesn't help (it should) then go to a 30 scale....my 72 Musicmaster is my 30 scale baby...but then I have some very powerful amps and cabinets that make this bass sound huge!

 

[pudge]

Have you seen the he LOWE Custom Guitar conversion neck?
Fits a standard 34" Fender body, without modification. Changes it to 32" scale. You can keep your jazz and make it playable.

 

[mbelue]

View attachment 757910

I'm inching closer myself. The wait has be agonizing but soon I'll have her playable and then I'll post pictures.

Those conversion neck have me more excited about playing bass than I've been in years.

 

[basslayer]

I play a medium scale fender jaguar bass. I might get one of those Lowe necks for my P-bass.

 

[thehangingmist]

my bass now is 33" i decided to go for it pretty much on a whim and sort of an educated guess, having never played a 33" before
best decision ever for me! am never going back to 35" i am sure. and more likely to go towards 32" instead of 34 if ever but right now this fits me really good. so hey, why not!

 

[selowitch]

I love my Traveler TB-4P. Lightweight, 32" scale, 22-frets, an extremely comfortable neck, and great sound.

 

[groucho]

The slightly shorter scale of a Ric makes a big difference for me (33 1/4 VS 34)
In my case arthritic issues cramping my "reach".

Also - Kubicki EX Factor basses are 32 - only the extended "D" is 36.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I have a nerve problem (at least that's what I suspect as I have been to all the best doctors in Chicago with no real answer). I am 6 feet tall and not a small person but the nerve issue is a big problem. I love my jazz bass and will never sell it but I realize I may have to go to a shorter scale. I used a capo just as a test and found it made a real difference. So if my nerves problem doesn't get help soon I will need to consider going to a shorter scale. Funny thing is my Sterling by Musicman SB14 feels like it's a 33" so I think I will play it more for now. The medium scale market is pretty scarce. I know Birdsong and some others make a very nice bass but not my cup of tea. I would like something more modern, maybe a Factor bass as they are 32" and have clear tone with a bit of punch if dialed right. I also like the old Yamaha Motion basses a bit, 32" as well. Wonder how many others are in the same place as me.

I sure hope you find a solution. Playing bass is worth sacrifice, but not constant pain.