Who plays sitting down?

[LakeEffect]

I’ve been eyeing some of those eBay ones too. I had the K&N, tried it out. Not bad, but all pretty over engineered in my opinion. Also think other brackets will work better for what will be my main bass going forward.

Sort of off topic but since there’s a lot of ergo interest in this thread: I’m getting a bass made with a “crescent cut” (sort of shaped like a shark bite) taken out of where the control cavity area traditionally is. This will allow different playing positions with the weight of the bass resting differently in both standing and sitting (such as the Captain Morgan stance and owning very well resting on the left leg when seated or perched). I have severe back issues that have upended life as a whole the last few years and the only thing that really works for my body is variety.

So; I use a mix of slinger/dual straps, active sitting stool, standing with the bass weight resting on something (all you really need is a music stand with the top attachment taken off an some padding added, leaving your strap on), and other options. Having much better results with the variety approach than any “all in” option. Even when I was modifying all the fanciest office chairs for home playing my body still just screamed variety. With this approach I’m back to playing set lengths mostly standing whereas for awhile I was only able to play lying flat on my back. Good luck everyone and happy experimenting.

 

[Giffro]

How adjustable is that stool? I find that many stools can't be adjusted to a comfortable level and my back and neck are not happy. At home I often just sit on a piano bench. I’d love a stool with back support.

The seat has a thick, comfortable firm seat cushion and can be adjusted very quickly to 9 height positions from 22.8'' to 31.5'' (58 to 80 cm).
The backrest can be adjusted to multiple height and depth positions for maximum comfort.
Here is a very good critical unboxing review on the chair on YT brian...it has its faults although ive got used to most of them. Im average height and weight for 74 years old lol..it seems to suit me but may not suit all musos. Check out the vid.

Quik Lok DX-749 Musicians Stool

 

[BassBrass]

No words. .the jumping around on stage is a no no...I was classical trained on trumpet lol!

Oh? you were never in marching band and had the trombonist in front of you decide to stop marching for no known reason? and never experienced blood coming out of your mouthpiece because of the crash?
it's just minor injuries of youth...

 

[DavidEdenAria]

Oh? you were never in marching band and had the trombonist in front of you decide to stop marching for no known reason? and never experienced blood coming out of your mouthpiece because of the crash?
it's just minor injuries of youth...

Ha I was in marching band too...frozen mouthpiece was interesting..we were a disciplined group actually played at a Chiefs game too.

 

[matthewbrown]

I play lots of pit band gigs, which require long periods sitting. I use a Roc-n-Soc drum throne. I also use a guitar footstool (or a volume pedal if called for) to raise my leg slightly if needed. I do use a strap when I can alternate between standing and sitting, but I don't stand for too long. The last time I did a lot of sets standing I had to spend about 2 weeks recovering (prednisone, ice, heat, flexaril) and it sucked. I am looking at lightweight basses now, but I don't do many gigs that require standing up for long periods.

Sitting has helped my bass playing technique, but my dance steps are worse than ever.

 

[LowWay]

My drummer uses the same one, and our keyboard player just ordered one, only ours are Behringer brand. They are all probably made in the same factory, and they just slap on different brand names.

Just got my first cheap chinese knockoff of the performaxe. It's not as nicely built as the real thing, but there are features I like more than the original. I bought a handful more to keep around the studio. $20 each means ordering 5 of them for 2/3 the cost of a single performaxe was a no brainer for me.

 

[dlmarquez]

I fit right into this thread! Soon to be 76, with a long history of left arm and shoulder injuries: detached biceps, dislocations, multiple rotator cuff tears and 1 major surgery. Due to my latest rotator cuff tear in January of 2025 I can no longer play my Rickenbacker comfortably. Seated is better than standing but the combination of the 9 lb weight, the scale length, and the bass ergos vs my body it just doesn’t work very well. OTOH, I have a German Hofner violin bass that weighs a hair under 4.5 lbs. The light weight, short scale, and the ergos of the small body are much more comfortable, especially when seated!

 

[DavidEdenAria]

I fit right into this thread! Soon to be 76, with a long history of left arm and shoulder injuries: detached biceps, dislocations, multiple rotator cuff tears and 1 major surgery. Due to my latest rotator cuff tear in January of 2025 I can no longer play my Rickenbacker comfortably. Seated is better than standing but the combination of the 9 lb weight, the scale length, and the bass ergos vs my body it just doesn’t work very well. OTOH, I have a German Hofner violin bass that weighs a hair under 4.5 lbs. The light weight, short scale, and the ergos of the small body are much more comfortable, especially when seated!

Smart move! Honestly at 66 the move to sitting has been the best decision ever.

 

[WG Plum]

At 66 with back and other issues I have switched to playing sitting down.

For the players that do play sitting, do you have any tips or links to information?

I do have a nice swivel stool but curious what others use and what changes and challenges you have experienced sitting..thanks in advance!

I play sitting down, primarily because I’m an active pedal user. As long the seat is comfortable enough my bum doesn’t fall asleep, I can sit on whatever is available.

 

[DavidEdenAria]

I play sitting down, primarily because I’m an active pedal user. As long the seat is comfortable enough my bum doesn’t fall asleep, I can sit on whatever is available.

Yea....i'm a pedal user as well but I can move the pedal board on the floor or higher if need be..I have a very well padded stool that is an old office type that rotates and moves up and down but I added more padding...it doesn't leave the room!

 

[tonym]

Just got my first cheap chinese knockoff of the performaxe. It's not as nicely built as the real thing, but there are features I like more than the original. I bought a handful more to keep around the studio. $20 each means ordering 5 of them for 2/3 the cost of a single performaxe was a no brainer for me.

Would you mind sharing a link for theses?

 

[LowWay]

Would you mind sharing a link for theses?

Electric Guitar Stand Special Performance Stand Guitar Accessories | eBay

Designed for electric guitar necks, it provides stable support, frees your hands, and makes practicing the guitar easier and more efficient. Multi-function adaptable to various electric guitar necks, whether it is practice or performance, it can provide perfect support.

www.ebay.com

I don’t know why the link says pardon our interruption, but it should take you to the eBay item.

 

[tonym]

Electric Guitar Stand Special Performance Stand Guitar Accessories | eBay

Designed for electric guitar necks, it provides stable support, frees your hands, and makes practicing the guitar easier and more efficient. Multi-function adaptable to various electric guitar necks, whether it is practice or performance, it can provide perfect support.

www.ebay.com

I don’t know why the link says pardon our interruption, but it should take you to the eBay item.

Thanks!

 

[Major Seven]

I’ve been eyeing some of those eBay ones too. I had the K&N, tried it out. Not bad, but all pretty over engineered in my opinion. Also think other brackets will work better for what will be my main bass going forward.

Sort of off topic but since there’s a lot of ergo interest in this thread: I’m getting a bass made with a “crescent cut” (sort of shaped like a shark bite) taken out of where the control cavity area traditionally is. This will allow different playing positions with the weight of the bass resting differently in both standing and sitting (such as the Captain Morgan stance and owning very well resting on the left leg when seated or perched). I have severe back issues that have upended life as a whole the last few years and the only thing that really works for my body is variety.

So; I use a mix of slinger/dual straps, active sitting stool, standing with the bass weight resting on something (all you really need is a music stand with the top attachment taken off an some padding added, leaving your strap on), and other options. Having much better results with the variety approach than any “all in” option. Even when I was modifying all the fanciest office chairs for home playing my body still just screamed variety. With this approach I’m back to playing set lengths mostly standing whereas for awhile I was only able to play lying flat on my back. Good luck everyone and happy experimenting.

I am thinking about a cutout like this on my bass. It is the biggest obstacle to comfort it has. I wish I could try it first. Cutting your bass is rather a one way
mod. What did you do with the controls then?

 

[Major Seven]

Thanks!

We're sorry. All our customer service representatives are busy but your call is important and will be answered in the order it was received.
Cue up some bad music.

 

[LakeEffect]

I am thinking about a cutout like this on my bass. It is the biggest obstacle to comfort it has. I wish I could try it first. Cutting your bass is rather a one way
mod. What did you do with the controls then?

A few are just shifting around and I’m doing away with some common switches all together (like mid selector, which is going to be housed in the control carry by dipswitch). It’s also becoming more common for these styles of basses to have the instrument jack on the rear, but I didn’t opt for that. Either way, my favorite bass is the one I can play the most nowadays due to injuries and other conditions, so I’m happy to remain flexible on things like preamp layouts etc.

The Boden bass seems like the best mass produced options. Though, it’s fanned fret. But depending on whether that is your “thing” or not you could at least pick up a used one to get a sense of if the body feature is for you. If so continue your search for one more to your preferred specs (if the Bodens other specs aren’t to your taste). Either way, I think it’s one of the best feature out right now whether you play seated or standing. Opens up so much variety (which, when it comes to ergonomics) tends to be one of the only attributes that benefits everyone).

Even without the cutaway some headless model can get you close by using the bridge to rest on your leg (where the body is normally too round to do so). I’m able to do this with my S Martyn Blaze, though it’s not quite the same (changes the neck angle a bit and also changes how far the neck is shifted over).

Mind as well also mention that, for anyone looking for an ergonomic bass that still sounds surprisingly huge, S Martyn is for sure worth a look. My Blaze is just over 6lbs, very articulate and plenty of heft to the notes. I also can play it pretty close to the position if get with a “crescent cut” (though again, not quite the same). @Pablo Primo would be your guy to talk to on that front!

 

[sean_on_bass]

At 66 with back and other issues I have switched to playing sitting down.

For the players that do play sitting, do you have any tips or links to information?

I do have a nice swivel stool but curious what others use and what changes and challenges you have experienced sitting..thanks in advance!

i play sitting or standing. when sitting, i prefer a chair/stool that can have my feet flat on the floor. so not too tall. sometimes i sit on my 1x15 cab.

 

[John Stephen]

I also need to have at least one foot flat on the floor, for balance purposes.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I also need to have at least one foot flat on the floor, for balance purposes.

yep, having the right foot raised can be nice as well for positioning the bass. some guitarists use little foot lifts for that.

 

[retslock]

My Genzler Bass Array 2 x 10 makes a nice seat when I stand it vertically. It also allows me to feel the bass as well as hear it.