Never a Great Bassist Be?

[Al Nico]

Legend has it that the Palmaris Longus was gifted to early bass players by the Bass Gods themselves.

This elusive tendon—missing in about 14% of the population—is said to be the secret behind the legendary groove of players like Jaco Pastorius and Bootsy Collins.

Without it, your slap technique will always sound like you’re patting a wet sponge, and your fingerstyle tone will lack what scientists refer to as "thumpaliciousness."

 

In fact, ancient bass scrolls declare: “He who lacks the tendon of groove shall never truly funk.”

So, before you invest in another boutique pedal or vintage amp, check your wrist.

If you don’t see that magical tendon pop up when you touch your thumb to your pinky and flex your wrist, well... you know where you're at.

[binky_bass]

Bit early in the day to be hitting up the shrooms?

[Al Nico]

35 minutes ago, binky_bass said:

Bit early in the day to be hitting up the shrooms?

Wow. Morning already? Time really flies when I stare at the tendons in my forearms.

[Staggering on]

Who knew? Interesting stuff.😊

[miles'tone]

Those that have a Palmaris Longus tendon are more prone to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. 

[bass_dinger]

12 hours ago, miles'tone said:

Palmaris Longus tendon

I don't appear to have one. Either that, or my arm is too fat to reveal it....

 

In other news, here is a research article that shares data on the prevalence of the tendon, according to people-groups. It appears that the 15% refers to the global population, but different populations have a different prevelance. 

 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4596262/#:~:text=The PL muscle is one,the global population [12]. 

Edited 22 hours ago by bass_dinger

[Cosmo Valdemar]

On 31/05/2025 at 08:40, Al Nico said:

 

This elusive tendon—missing in about 14% of the population—is said to be the secret behind the legendary groove of players like Jaco Pastorius and Bootsy Collins.

Not that elusive if 86% have it... 

Anyway, I haven't got them 😆

Amazing my hands still work, really.

[ezbass]

11 minutes ago, Cosmo Valdemar said:

Anyway, I haven't got them

Me neither, as far as I can tell. Now I have an excuse for not amounting to anything.  

[Geek99]

Mine is lack of musical talent, not tendon misshapen-ness

 

perhaps OP is a guitarist and thus more physiologically prone to making lesser degrees of sense ? 
 

 

<joke> @ OP, don’t throw skinny plectrums at me, you’ll need them to move those slender strings 

 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by Geek99

[Al Nico]

54 minutes ago, Geek99 said:

Mine is lack of musical talent, not tendon misshapen-ness

 

perhaps OP is a guitarist and thus more physiologically prone to making lesser degrees of sense ? 
 

 

<joke> @ OP, don’t throw skinny plectrums at me, you’ll need them to move those slender strings 

 

 

I've been playing the guitar for many years but never has anyone ever called me a guitarist or anything remotely referencing musical talent.

They say things like; 'Are you still into your music?'. No refence to ability, or hint of appreciation. Proof me thinks.

I do have lots and lots of plectrums that are too thin for some reason. 

Anyway, my bass weighs 12kg (26.5 pounds), or 60000 carat, and has over 7kg of neck dive weight alone.

Beat that.

[Al Nico]

15 hours ago, bass_dinger said:

I don't appear to have one. Either that, or my arm is too fat to reveal it....

 

In other news, here is a research article that shares data on the prevalence of the tendon, according to people-groups. It appears that the 15% refers to the global population, but different populations have a different prevelance. 

 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4596262/#:~:text=The PL muscle is one,the global population [12]. 

I've also heard about studies around the world investigating claims that the demand over the years for lightweight bass guitars could be the reason that some people do not develop a psoas minor back muscle.

Use it or lose it, someone used to say, I think?