Where do you sling it? And why?

[JW56789]

The Youtube vid is Keith Horne, perhaps a lesser known but an absolutely monster of a player. He lived here in Nashvilile for many years and I was fortunate to watch him, on several occasions, play with the Wooten's every Wednesday night and 3rd & Lindsley. The two pics well... Bass playing positioning is like wearing underwear...as long as you like where it hangs and it's comfortable go for it.

Years ago, here in Nashville, I had to follow Keith Horne at an open jam (and this was after he'd just demolished 'Orange Blossom Special' on his upside down 6-string at 90mph . . . ) and felt like Twiggy subbing for Dolly Parton. I wanted to crawl under the kick drum . . . . .

 

[JW56789]

Early on, I had a couple Chuck Rainey method books, and CR advised setting the strap sitting down, then that would be where it would always be, sitting or standing. I've done that ever since. At least that's ONE thing I could do just like Chuck Rainey . . . . .

 

[tb-player]

Early on, I had a couple Chuck Rainey method books, and CR advised setting the strap sitting down, then that would be where it would always be, sitting or standing. I've done that ever since. At least that's ONE thing I could do just like Chuck Rainey . . . . .

I used this same method. The only difference is, I like the bass a little higher than seated position, so I use a classical guitar footrest. When I stand, the bass stays a little higher. So same principle, slightly different results.

 

[Dincrest]

I pick the Stefan Lessard positioning in the first post. That's perfect! I can both easily reach the money notes and the upper-frets.

 

[jcburn]

I'm mostly a pick player, but do play finger style.
It's belt level for me at 45 degree angle most of the time.

 

[5StringBlues]

My right moob peeks over the edge of the body of the bass.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Just realized there aren't many pictures of me playing. We have a gig tonight, so I'll try and get that changed. But here's a still from a video. Looks like I am slightly on the low side with a headstock close to 45.

 

[NoiseNinja]

I prefer sitting down with the neck angled about 45 degrees upwards.

But when I do stand up I prefer it strapped so that it cover about half of my belly, from around the belly button and up, and the neck in an about 45 degree angle upwards.

So basically somewhere pretty much in between a middle position and high slung, and for lack of that option I chose the "covering my belly" option in the poll.

This seems just about right, maybe ever so slightly higher and with ever so slightly more angle to the neck:

More like this:

View attachment 4274473

(This is Julie Slick, not me.)

Also I do guess it matters in this context that my main is a just 28,6" scale Ibanez Mikro Bass.

Unfortunately though that bass has gone from absolutely perfectly balancing to neck dive after I transplanted the neck to a much lighter body, bus as I, as said, mostly sit down playing it matters less.

 

[Sascha Erni]

I wear my basses on the hip, neck at 45+ degrees. I used to have them much higher, like, ouch, chin!, but this has been working best for me for a couple of years now.

So I guess this goes with “covering my belly, 45 °” or something. “Crotch shield”, perhaps?

Edith says: HAHAHAHA, stumbled over video from 23 years ago. Yup, quite a bit higher back then. Also, black silk shirt. LOL

 

[fuz74]

i reckon i sling it pretty low. it is pretty comfortable though.\

i really miss playing live...take good care ✌

 

[Nekomata]

Well, there's low. And then there's LOW! I haven't seen many like this posted so far!

This. Is. Low:

Tatsu Mikami, Church of Misery

My picture. But not my sling height. I personally prefer ergonomics above aesthetics.

 

[tb-player]

This. Is. Low:

View attachment 4282283
Tatsu Mikami, Church of Misery

My picture. But not my sling height. I personally prefer ergonomics above aesthetics.

He needs those Tony Levin Funk Fingers!

 

[Petethebassman]

I have the strap adjusted so the bass is at same height seated or standing. For consistency and ergonomics it just makes sense, I have used that method for over 30 years.