Coilte

Glad to hear this. However, the thing about the likes of CTS and RSI is that they take some time to become apparent. Often by then, the damage has been done and a visit to a physiotherapist is the order of the day. So, while your wrists may be fine...at present...IMO it would be prudent to be aware that your technique can contribute to potential injuries if continually used over time.

There is no "correct" way to play the bass. There is however, tried and trusted safe ways to do so. It is up to each individual to find a technique that both suits them, and is not going to cause any potential injury problems at a later stage. For example. constantly playing with severely bent wrists is almost certain to cause the likes of CTS at some stage. SO IMO the secret is to "play it safe" while finding your own technique.

Same here. Always preferred it to "Aja".

Personally, I couldn't care less how many strings he used. Yes, there is always the exception to any "rule". However, if you look at random photos of him, the vast majority show him playing a four. This IMO would render the .."he was generally a four string player.." statement valid. https://www.google.ie/search?q=photo+jaco+pastorius&client=safari&rls=en&dcr=0&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9hvHhyYnaAhUNr6QKHdF1CcYQsAQIMw&biw=1036&bih=625

Perhaps you should change to flats ?

This thread from Talkbass might be of some help : https://www.talkbass.com/threads/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-cts-info.922789/

I'd go for the G&L SB 2 Tribute or perhaps a used USA one. https://www.thomann.de/gb/gl_tribute_sb_2_brm.htm

Perhaps it could be a simple case of ..practicing.. in order to play faster ? Unless your action is exceptionally high.

"She Caught the Katy" - Blues Brothers.

The above was my attitude when I decided to delve into learning some theory. I taught myself to play bass by ear, back in the jurassic period before tabs and the internet. It is my belief that any theory learned is not a waste of time. Even if you don't use it all the time, it is still beneficial in learning to understand the "nuts and bolts" of how music functions. I have never come across anyone who regrets learning some basic theory.

To each their own, but IMO it is exactly BECAUSE there is so much information out there, that a teacher ( at least for a few lessons at the start) is beneficial. Often with someone new to theory the sheer amount of information can leave them overwhelmed and not knowing where to start. They might happen upon a Youtube clip that takes their fancy, but this might be some distance along the "learning path" that the student has to back track later, because he has not covered the basics. Most Youtube clips are "stand alone" where nothing comes either before or after it. This is the reason (assuming the OP does not want to go the teacher route) I posted the particular tutorial links earlier, i.e. they start basic and each lesson builds on what went before.

It is never too late to learn some basic theory. It is time well spent IMO. People learn in different ways. Personally, I think you'll learn faster from a teacher, as you can ask a question if you are not following along. Obviously this can't be done when learning alone from a book or the internet. Assuming you wish to go it alone, then I'd recommend going to the "Studybass" site , (linked below). Start at the beginning of the study guide and SLOWLY work your way through the lessons. These lessons start basic and build gradually from there. They are set in chronological order, much the same as a good teacher would set them. My advice would be to tackle it in bite size chunks. Don't spend more than half an hour (for now) at a time on learning theory. Little and often is the key. Take regular breaks and come back to it. I have also linked another set of lessons. They also start basic. Skip the..."this is the head stock.." type lessons, and start where you think is appropriate. Lastly and most importantly...be patient with yourself. Otherwise frustration can set in. Best of luck with it. http://www.studybass.com/study-guide/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MusicCollegeTV

"Introduction".... with CHICAGO.

Following on from what TheGreek said....always keep them in their gig bag/cases...along with some silica gel sachets.

Plus 1. A sad old world it would be if we all liked the same things in life. Lots of other great basses out there to like.

That's a pity, as IMO that is the best way to protect and preserve a bass.

IMO it's not an "either/or" thing between books and listening. Both have their place in a constructive practice session. There is a lot to be said for simply sitting down and trying to work out the bass lines to a song by ear, using trial and error. As for a book.....my recommendation would be to delve a little into walking bass lines. Even if you are not really a jazz fan, learning walking bass lines can help you to see/hear chords in a different way. It will get you away from familiar patterns. My book recommendation for this would be Walking Jazz Lines for Bass : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jay-Hungerford-Walking-Jazz-Lines-For-Ba-Bass-Guitar-Sheet-Music-Downloads/302615456542?epid=1065246151&hash=item4675496b1e:g:QtgAAOSwuShaagEY It comes with a CD....so that's the listening side of things also covered.

Joe Hubbard is a great teacher. https://www.joehubbardbassvideos.com/free-lessons/

+1 for the G&L SB2. Best of both worlds.

I'd like to add another jazz album....."Jazz Goes Baroque" by George Gruntz.

+1. Another dinosaur here who grew up listening to the entire track list on vinyl. Some songs take a little more time to "grow" on you. Nice to know I'm not the only one.

Yep...I agree as a general rule...BUT...I have heard it used in a jazz context and liked it. My own favourite music sound is a double bass and acoustic piano played in unison. Heaven.

Many Happy Returns to all.

Here is an in dept analysis with comments, from "Talkbass" : https://www.talkbass.com/threads/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-cts-info.922789/