Chiliwailer

[quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1407401838' post='2520078'] @Chiliwailer Hope things turn out for you. [/quote] Hello mate, thanks for the kind words. Same back at you my friend, your story is one that feels incredibly familiar so I genuinely sympathise and understand. The self confidence issue is a tough one, I'd love to offer advice or words, but I always feel that it's a personal journey and one which may be best left without judgement from others, please correct me if I'm wrong? Though I can say that for me, acceptance was the biggest hurdle and acceptance covers ALOT of ground. It's great that you have that gig. Do you use pacing in your days/weeks? May be worth putting a plan in place for the days before and after so that you're in a good position to play and recover? Wishing you all the very best

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1407273960' post='2519139'] But anyway, yeah, that seems like nothing compared to what you're going through, all the best in getting it sorted. Have you tried a short scale bass? Might be worth a go. [/quote] I always think that pain issues are bad no matter what they are. Some of my friends often say to me "I shouldn't complain, compared to what you've been through" but in all honesty pain is pain, and I'm probably better off than some of them as I've had more time to get used to it! I feel for you that they won't operate on your cysts, that seems completely bizarre to me if that is causing you pain. I would certainly complain to your local authority. I had to react very strongly to my old GP to get the treatment I needed to get me off incapacity benefit, if I hadn't of then I'd most likely be in a real bad way now. When you see your GP next, really play on how this affecting you, I found that if you give them the extreme 'warts and all' stories they finally react. Anyway, you may have already done that, I'm so sorry to hear your condition is being neglected. As for short scales, I used to have a killer 71 Musicmaster which was modded everywhere except for the neck and body. It helped me play for a good 5 year period but I'm now in a place where if I play long or short scale the results are the same. I have a super light P Bass now so that helps. I've been reading the recent short scale thread here on BC, I'm feeling quite nostalgic for my old one! I wish you all the best with your wrist.

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1407234097' post='2518524'] Sorry to hear that. There's always less conventional things like programmable synths or very unusual things like theremins that don't require physical touch to operate. I guess it depends on how much you're tied to playing stringed instruments---I know I would find it hard to give up playing bass. All the best! [/quote] Tharamins, good call! Cheers pal

I like them and played them for a few years. I prefered long scale stribgs and a high output precision pickup on mine and still miss the last one I sold. They are lots of fun and have a great vibe and character of their own imo.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1407169215' post='2518006'] For purely acoustic work I'd go for a mahogany top & body or a cedar top as these will be warmer/darker sounding than a spruce top, especially the all mahogany option. When amplified you're at the mercy of how good your pickup is, but if it's bass response you want I'd avoid anything with a piezo under the bridge saddle. You're probably going to struggle on that budget though unless you buy secondhand. [/quote] +1 - well put mate! The new all Mahogany Sigma's aren't bad if buying new. My mate just got one after falling in love with my Martin (Jeff Tweedy Model). Second Hand, there is a Simon & Patrick cedar model on Basschat - excellent value for money and very bluesy to my ears. EDIT: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/241687-fs-simon-and-patrick-sp-6-cedar-acoustic-guitar/

Cool! [attachment=168404:P1060392.JPG]

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1407105591' post='2517459'] Perhaps if bass playing has become physically difficult there might be something else you are able to play? [/quote] Hey, thanks for the nice post. That's a great idea, sadly it hasn't worked out for me. I tried keyboard but the position causes issues, I tried lap steel but that didn't work out. I am lucky though that I have a lovely old parlour acoustic which is tiny but sounds awesome. I play that in little bursts at times. I think it's amazing when people are able to switch instruments (like the guy who posted about the drums) or playing style. I once knew a guy that learned to play bass left handed due to issues with his hand, I think that's very cool.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1407098739' post='2517366'] I suppose its more of a titanium lining really, lol [/quote] Cool Pete, looks like it doubles as a bottle opener too? Seriously, Western medicine is great for such things, nice one.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1407097847' post='2517350'] As Bassman Sam knows as we have discussed this before I mashed my wrist in Nov 2012, after two operations I'm left with 75% grip in my left wrist and 50% of the Flexion which is more problematic than the grip strength really, after hundreds of hours of physio this is now deemed permanent. This is why I started on upright bass, every cloud and all that. Hoping things improve soon for you Daniel and I'm glad you are playing again Sam [/quote] Cheers Pete, great to hear about your silver lining and positivity. I totally agree that it really is all about silver linings and it's great to read about yours. Though I'm sure you bank manager might say otherwise, those upright beasts sure do cost something special!

Good call. Back in my day, my priority was personal and musical chemistry. That meant that whilst the first impression was extremely important, the next few weeks of playing and hanging out were equally important to seeing if we all connected as a unit. If my priority had to take second place, I just looked for a meal ticket where I at least enjoyed the grooves or people, though in some bands not necessarily both occurred together I might add.

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Muri bought a bass from me after some friendly and easy messaging. [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]She is clearly a really nice person and very much into bass playing, so she definitely has the thumbs up from me![/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Good luck Muri, it was a pleasure to meet you, have fun with all those projects! [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] [/font][/color]

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1407093968' post='2517292'] One thing that I did notice. No matter how much pain I was in, the GAS never went away. [/quote] Haha, absolutely!

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1407090718' post='2517249'] I can`t imagine how bad such a long-standing issue must be for you. [/quote] Cheers Lozz, I used to feel the same. With risk of sounding really cliché, it's amazing how people can adapt to certain situations. In my early 20's when it all started I thought I'd never ever get over not being able to play in a band again should it come to that, but when it actually happened to me and I had to stop playing, other things in life took over and I realised that I could be a hell of a lot worse off than I am and I became thankful for that. Other areas of my life actually moved on in a positive way. [quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1407092200' post='2517267'] Sorry to hear about your problems. I had to stop playing for 3 years due to RA and I thought my playing days were over. I had a metal bar placed in my right wrist last year, fusing the wrist so I can't move it up and down. I am now playing up to 40 minutes a day but I'm never going to be back to the standard I was before the RA. I'm just grateful to be able to play again in any capacity. I hope you can get your problems sorted out, good luck for the future. [/quote] Thank you Sam, I'm also sorry to hear that you've really been through it. I liked your positive spin, I really get how pleasing it is to at least be able to play some of the time. Years ago I bought a bass from a guy who couldn't even hold his guitars anymore, I always thank God that I'm not in that terrible predicament, it helps me make sense of what is left and that it needs to be cherished while it is here, whether that be till the end or just a short while. Wishing you all the very best too.

[quote name='0175westwood29' timestamp='1407083718' post='2517148'] love mine! will never be sold! [/quote] +1 The amount of the fun this bass can give is insane, as is the tone. Plus, it's one of the basses that is very hard, if not impossible, to copy and retain the vibe and quality. When playing along to the Californication or By The Way albums there is just no substitute!

[quote name='essexbasscat' timestamp='1407086360' post='2517196'] HIghly recommend BAPAM, practitioners that specialise in health related issues for performers of the arts Best wishes for a good recovery [/quote] Thanks pal, I hope others can also follow that recommendation to benefit [quote name='timmo' timestamp='1407086418' post='2517197'] . I never thouight i would be given a second chance. Anyway, best wishes for the future [/quote] Great to hear that you too found a way to move on somehow, really makes us appreciate what we have eh? Thanks for you message, best wishes to you too.

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1407085578' post='2517190'] i am still trying to get some kind of diagnosis from a doctor.....been through all sorts of specialists and now awaiting a Neurologist appointment. [/quote] Oh my, I can well remember that situation and the awful uncertainty and sense of helplessness it brings. I really hope that the Neurologist can get to the bottom of it for you, after years of various Doctors it was a Neurologist who got me back on track and literally helped me to turn my life around. I wish you all the best too brother, I hope you get a diagnosis and path to recovery asap.

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1407078764' post='2517084'] have you thought about playing seated on a stool in a jazz combo or are you in so much pain that even that is a non-starter? [/quote] Thank you Howie, that's very kind of you. Unfortunately all playing positions cause issues. My nerve damage condition is affected by fixed positions and repetitive movements too, quite the combination! Playing seated causes one issue, standing another. Luckily, my lovely Precision weighs only 7.5lbs so on a good day, I am able to play standing with less repercussions.

Great thread! Mine was at the singers birthday bash. Fight for your right - Beastie Boys

Hi Folks, Please don't mistake this a sympathy thread, more so one where people can either get this matter off their chest or share similar experiences with others who are going through, or have been through the same. It might even turn out to be a friendly support outlet for those who are starting to cope with this scenario. I feel like I've come through the worst and that I'm relatively at ease with my reality, but of course it still frustrates sometimes, I'm only human! Up until around 2007 I was a dedicated player, I kept busy and had some amazing experiences. Though from 2000 I had serious issues with my back, neck and shoulder and mostly played in agony and on tons of prescribed drugs. Very long story short, I was finally diagnosed in 2008 with a severe nerve damage condition that causes much pain. My body was in a real bad state due to all those years of the Doctors not knowing what was wrong, I was on Incapacity Benefit and hadn't worked full time for 3 years. I was only 30 and needed a years worth of physical rehab just to get back to a decent starting point to build from. Bass took a back seat, I collected vintage guitars still, but playing was now at a minimum. Fast forward to 2010. I began full time work again and tried playing in a band for fun with old band mates. Due to my ongoing condition, I was unable to do both, the band had to go. I use strict pain management techniques and have made some incredible improvements to my life, but the band was one reality too far away, I couldn't guarantee that I could be in a good state to play each week and it became a hard task to be a committed member. It ended up being a detrimental force in my life and increased my pain and interfered with my work. Up until recently, I've played bass at home to MP3's using headphones and I play acoustic guitar. Given that some people are never able to play again, I consider myself so lucky at least to still be able to do this. From time to time old friends and I go to a studio and jam out for a few hours, it's always bliss. Problem is, one of my long standing issues is now stopping me playing at all. Hopefully a scan will show what I think it is, subscapular bursitis. I've most likely had it since 2000 but it may have got caught up in my nerve damage diagnosis which affects other areas of my body. If it is a 14 year old injury, there will be load of scar tissue and further problems / treatment ahead so I'm being real careful now. Since 2010 it has stopped me playing from time to time, but now it is so bad that I can't swim or play without awful side effects, and swimming is a major part of my pain management. So I'm currently not playing at all again, though this could well change over the next few months, but it made me think of others who are going through this and whether they need to vent? Cheers, Daniel

mistake!

Another high price: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=321475924915&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Could be worth sending it to decent pickup maker for a custom rewind, meaning you can chose the level and tone character you're seeking whilst not having to replace the pickup or do any mods to the guard or body - Bare Knuckle do the job well for rewinds.