Jazzygoodtimes Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Hi, I'm new to Basschat so I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I found recently that I'm getting a lot of pain in my shoulder and numbness in my left hand when I play/practice for even a short period of time. I use an Overwater Scott Devine bass and it ways around 11 lbs, so I'm thinking that's the case. I use a comfort Strapp and thought it would solve any issues but it hasn't, I was wondering if anyone had any other solutions be it other strap recommendations i.e. the Gruv Gear Duo strap. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 The Duo might work, but unfortunately the ultimate solution is a lighter bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 (edited) [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1439765288' post='2845649'] ...the ultimate solution is a lighter bass. [/quote] It will certainly help. 11lbs is quite heavy, but if you're having a problem after a short time there may be other issues. [url="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2015/06/the-bassists-guide-to-injury-management-prevention-and-better-health-by-dr-randall-kertz/"]http://bassmusicianm...-randall-kertz/[/url] Edited August 17, 2015 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Find an osteopath. He/she will manipulate muscles and joints to free up anything might be getting trapped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6feet7 Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 I am an Osteopath and BassBus is right, but so is everyone else. I now don't play anything that weighs over 8lbs and don't have any of those neck, shoulder or arm pains I used to get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Same for me too. Used Musicman basses for years, but had to change to lighter instruments when the aching started to get painful. That aside, have you tried altering the playing position slightly, strap height etc? Sometimes it can help, as can a better strap as you mentioned, but ultimately that 11bs around your neck is the problem I'm afraid. Reducing it by even a couple of pounds could make all the difference. Any way you could try / borrow a lighter bass to see if it helps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 As above. I can cope up to 9.5lb but no heavier, and I prefer lighter. On many of my basses I've replaced the tuners with Hipshot Ultra-lights and they can make a huge difference - if the original tuners were old fashioned Fender / EBMM style with bit mounting plates. On a 5 string the swap can knock off half a pound. With that mod I now have a stingray 5 that is under 9lb! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Found a Yamaha 5 string at 8.5 lbs (TRBX505) which was such a relief from my old Yam TRB5P which was nearer 11 lbs. my 3 four strings all weigh in at under 8.5 lbs too, much happier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randythoades Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 I have had these problems too, numbness and tingling fingers after plying for more than about 20 minutes. Been finding lighter and lighter basses to use, also have found that they scale length helps for me personally. Tried all sorts of straps too but nothing really helped to big degree. I built a super lightweight precision using a medium scale Squier neck on a Paulownia wood aftermarket body which really helped, and took me back to playing for a couple of hours. I now use hollow body short scale violin bass and with a bit of playing around, managed to get a sound I really liked, and the band not noticed the difference in tone. I can now play a 3 hour rehearsal with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Try here [url="http://www.stat.org.uk"]http://www.stat.org.uk[/url] rather than osteopaths. Practice sitting without a strap. Get a teacher for a lesson or 2, it may be technique related. Practice in front of a mirror, and look for obvious signs of stress with your posture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 (edited) In my (unfortunately extensive) experience of this issue, I've yet to come across a magic bullet - your problem is far more likely to be a bunch of inter-related issues, not something that can be fixed by a visit to a physio or osteopath. That's definitely a good place to start of course, but I finally got things under control by obsessing about lighter basses and rigs, changing the way I play, visits to the osteopath, and (above all) doing Pilates for the last four years. The majority of my problems were related to my posture and to how I stand and hold myself (don't start with the ooo-er missus). If you want a brief taster, follow the link in my sig to my YouTube channel and watch the presentation I did to two Bassbashes last year. Good luck. Edited August 17, 2015 by Happy Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1439801299' post='2845772'] In my (unfortunately extensive) experience of this issue, I've yet to come across a magic bullet - your problem is far more likely to be a bunch of inter-related issues, not something that can be fixed by a visit to a physio or osteopath. That's definitely a good place to start of course, but I finally got things under control by obsessing about lighter basses and rigs, changing the way I play, visits to the osteopath, and (above all) doing Pilates for the last four years. The majority of my problems were related to my posture and to how I stand and hold myself (don't start with the ooo-er missus). If you want a brief taster, follow the link in my sig to my YouTube channel and watch the presentation I did to two Bassbashes last year. Good luck. [/quote] Posture is where I'm coming from with my Alexander technique recommendation, and playing in front of a mirror/teacher suggestion. A lot of people don't realise how important it is, not just with being a musician, but good physical health to have good posture. We go out buying lightweight basses, and comfort straps without addressing the real problem, which is we are playing all cramped up, standing at an uncomfortable angle, with our bass either up by our chin, or down by our ankles. Often we don't realise that we are putting stress on a particular joint or limb, until it's pointed out to us. Edited August 17, 2015 by ambient Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miles'tone Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 After getting a knackered back due in no short part to gigging an 11lb Fender and equally heavy Stingray in my youth, I wholeheartedly recommend a lighter bass and yoga. Got me straighter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leroydiamond Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 My 7lb Sadowsky was a godsend for me initially,but eventually my shoulder pain returned. I pulled the trigger on the gruvgear duo strap a couple of years ago and this has solved the issue. This piece of kit feels more like a harness than a strap at first, but I persevered and it feels fine now and I would never be without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 7 lbs sounds good. . . . My lull is 8.5 lbs, which is OK for 3 sets. My other 2 basses are 9.5lbs which are a struggle for 2 sets. What a difference 1lb makes. Due to my bad back and worsening shoulder problems, weight is the prime decider when I look at basses, amps and cabs! Like your hearing. . . . never underestimate your health or strength. It can disappear quickly and it's a real pisser when it does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 You can use 2 normal straps to achieve the same thing as the Gruvgear thing. I've seen Michael Manring do it using one long strap, and another shorter one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Not forgetting that it's not only the weight of the guitar that could be a problem here, it's where the bass sits on the strap, and the angle of your wrist while you're playing. Do you "warm up" your fingers & hand before playing? Stretching your fingers and flexing your wrist before you even start playing will help (it does for me). If, for example, you're a particular fan of Peter Hook, you may well wear your bass quite low. This can cause big problems with the angle that your wrist has to be at in order to play the bass, and could well cause the numbness in your hand. If you wear your bass quite high, this might not be so much of an issue. Also, do you work on a computer for any length of time? I found that I tended to lean on my left elbow a lot at work, this was causing pain in my left shoulder. Once I'd realised his and sorted out how I sit while working on the computer, I don't tend to get any problems with my left shoulder any more. Certainly, a wide, padded strap strap should help, but it also pays to think about where your bass sits on the strap, and how your hand & wrist move while playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r16ktx Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1439811454' post='2845885'] What a difference 1lb makes. [/quote] This alone suggests to me that it's little to do with the pure dead weight of the bass and actually a combination of factors like the distribution of weight and shape of the instrument and player (moment-angles?) coupled with the strength and posture of the latter and a whole host of other factors too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzygoodtimes Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 [quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1439763112' post='2845639'] Not an uncommon problem I'm afraid. Not one that I suffer with fortunately, but I know a few who do. Can I ask, do you suffer the same symptoms after sitting down playing that bass without a strap. If it's only occurring whilst strapped on you whilst standing up, the Duo may help, but a lighter bass could potentially help a lot more. [/quote] It only happens when I'm standing while playing, generally when I'm sitting down practicing or playing in ensemble at college I have no issues. Down the line I may have to look into getting a lighter bass (which is a shame because I love my Overwater to death) Thank you for your input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzygoodtimes Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 [quote name='casapete' timestamp='1439800177' post='2845764'] Same for me too. Used Musicman basses for years, but had to change to lighter instruments when the aching started to get painful. That aside, have you tried altering the playing position slightly, strap height etc? Sometimes it can help, as can a better strap as you mentioned, but ultimately that 11bs around your neck is the problem I'm afraid. Reducing it by even a couple of pounds could make all the difference. Any way you could try / borrow a lighter bass to see if it helps? [/quote] I have a couple of lighter basses and I can play for a longer period of time but ultimately my shoulder does start to ache, a few people have suggested seeing an osteopath which I will look into. I have tried wearing my basses at numerous different heights and unfortunately after having a bout of tendonitis (which has thankfully eased up) the strap height for me has to be at around the height that it would be while I'm sitting down to keep my wrists from over bending and causing the tendons to flare up again. Thank you for your input, really appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzygoodtimes Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1439801080' post='2845771'] Try here [url="http://www.stat.org.uk"]http://www.stat.org.uk[/url] rather than osteopaths. Practice sitting without a strap. Get a teacher for a lesson or 2, it may be technique related. Practice in front of a mirror, and look for obvious signs of stress with your posture. [/quote] I'll look into that, In general when I practice sitting down, I don't use the strap. I've talked with the issue with my one to one tutor in college and he's told me that my posture is correct. I'll try playing in front of a mirror and see if there is anything that looks a bit "off". Really appreciate the suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzygoodtimes Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 [quote name='Skybone' timestamp='1439825835' post='2846052'] Not forgetting that it's not only the weight of the guitar that could be a problem here, it's where the bass sits on the strap, and the angle of your wrist while you're playing. Do you "warm up" your fingers & hand before playing? Stretching your fingers and flexing your wrist before you even start playing will help (it does for me). If, for example, you're a particular fan of Peter Hook, you may well wear your bass quite low. This can cause big problems with the angle that your wrist has to be at in order to play the bass, and could well cause the numbness in your hand. If you wear your bass quite high, this might not be so much of an issue. Also, do you work on a computer for any length of time? I found that I tended to lean on my left elbow a lot at work, this was causing pain in my left shoulder. Once I'd realised his and sorted out how I sit while working on the computer, I don't tend to get any problems with my left shoulder any more. Certainly, a wide, padded strap strap should help, but it also pays to think about where your bass sits on the strap, and how your hand & wrist move while playing. [/quote] I do try and warm up before playing(having an on going issues with tendonitis taught me that the hard way). I generally wear my bass at the same height it is when it's on my leg when I'm sitting down, for me it's the best height to avoid over stretching and bending my wrists. I would do a fair bit of work behind a computer/at a desk, so I'll try to avoid leaning heavily on my shoulders as well. Thanks for the suggestions, really appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzygoodtimes Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 Hi all, Just want to thank everyone for their suggestions and input into the issue at hand, I really appreciate it and will looked into everything that has been recommended?suggested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Best strap I've ever found for a heavy bass is the Neotech Mega Bass Strap - http://www.bassgear.co.uk/product/neotech-mega-bass-weight-reduction-comfort-strap/ Very comfy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzygoodtimes Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 [quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1439913234' post='2846717'] Best strap I've ever found for a heavy bass is the Neotech Mega Bass Strap - [url="http://www.bassgear.co.uk/product/neotech-mega-bass-weight-reduction-comfort-strap/"]http://www.bassgear....-comfort-strap/[/url] Very comfy. [/quote] I have one of those as well as it's very good strap but it's a bit of the long side to get the bass into the ideal playing position for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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