4 Strings Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Pretty high. Bit lower than I did in the slappy 80s though. I play with my thumb at the back of the neck, anything lower is a real pain in the wrist. Can't play anything fluently with a long strap. I realise I look a bit crummy to metal enthusiasts, but then, I'm not one. Can't see what the relationship to sitting is though. That's only the best height for when you're sitting. I am full of admiration for Mr Trujilo, playing so well at such an awkward (for me at least) position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 [quote name='4 Strings' post='1317673' date='Jul 26 2011, 09:38 PM']Can't see what the relationship to sitting is though. That's only the best height for when you're sitting.[/quote] It eliminates another variable. If you practice sitting down,like most people do,and you find that you can play something comfortably and all over the neck,as soon as you stand up with your strap either longer or shorter your hand are in a different position,especially if you have your strap set to extremes,which can make things more difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Vader Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 [quote name='Marvin' post='1317464' date='Jul 26 2011, 07:02 PM']Some might say you're trying to compensate for possible inadequacies by placing your instrument at said height [/quote] True, but some also might say I don't play anything complicated enough to need my left hand to be any use at all either Plus while you're all sweaty and hot in your trousers and stuff, I am lovely and cool, and not in violation of any laws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elephantstone Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 wear it high like a bow tie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 I play it with my teeth or behind my head. So... short? Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Rich Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 On the low side of medium, but these days it's quite a way forwards too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skol303 Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 All together now... "Does your bass hang low? Does it wobble to and fro? Does your strap tie in a knot? Or can you tie it in a bow? Can you throw it 'oer your shoulder Like a continental soldier? Does your bass hang low?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBass Posted July 27, 2011 Author Share Posted July 27, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Me far right. I guess that's a high, then? (Note: Lord Voldermort hiding in my shirt) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earbrass Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 [attachment=85767:Bilbo1.JPG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 [quote name='Earbrass' post='1318405' date='Jul 27 2011, 04:24 PM'][attachment=85767:Bilbo1.JPG][/quote] These Victoria and Albert theme nights will be the death of me. PS the beard went months ago.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TransistorBassMan Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 On the hip to (upper) thigh-high. Primarily because it looks better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akabane Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 I'm a high one I feel much more comfortable even if it doesn't look as good as a medium length. But who cares. I need to play, not to look cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 (edited) Completely depends on what bass I'm playing, what style of music I'm playing and what the band image requires. Luckily I'm still dextrous to be able to play most things at any strap height from just below my chin to just above my knees. [quote name='Dave Vader' post='1316712' date='Jul 26 2011, 10:14 AM']Also, it is written that if you are a chap and unable to play your guitar/bass naked without breaking indecent exposure laws your instrument is either too high or too low to not look like the very thing you should be covering. Especially if you have a Ric or a Thunderbird.[/quote] Sorry if you play a Thunderbird higher than just above the knees you fail. [quote name='steve-bbb' post='1316867' date='Jul 26 2011, 12:08 PM']and it really irritates me all you naughty people out there who think it's big and clever to have it swinging somewhere around your knees ![/quote] But depending on the music you're playing it looks completely f***ing cool! [quote name='Doddy' post='1317701' date='Jul 26 2011, 10:02 PM']It eliminates another variable. If you practice sitting down,like most people do,and you find that you can play something comfortably and all over the neck,as soon as you stand up with your strap either longer or shorter your hand are in a different position,especially if you have your strap set to extremes,which can make things more difficult.[/quote] But I would guess that most of us never sit down when we play live so why practice like that? I practice how I'm going to play the songs live. That's what what practice is for. Edited July 27, 2011 by BigRedX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 [quote name='neepheid' post='1316232' date='Jul 25 2011, 08:49 PM']I wear my bass so that it's at the same(ish) height regardless if whether I'm sitting down or standing.[/quote] Good point, try to have it high enough so that you dont stand up to play, after an hours practice, and find yourself strugling with the change of reach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrdreadful Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Quite low... I play the bass all wrong and a lower strap makes it more comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonestar Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 medium Too old for low High=carpal tunnel syndrome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry_B Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Every bass I have is played slightly lower than my hip. This has alway sbeen the case, and it applies to fretted or fretless basses. Anything higher than that makes it feel as if the bass is stuck under my armpit or digging into my ribs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I'm one of those fools who put cred over comfort ... although I find it perfectly comfortable. (sorry it's late and I can't find an in focus (or recent) pic) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danhkr Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Lifted mine a bit recently after some hand/wrist pain to keep my left wrist straight rather than bent up all the time. I don't have it as high as if I was sat though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linus27 Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I take it I am low then? [attachment=85811:34483_14...386056_n.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 [quote name='BigRedX' post='1318650' date='Jul 27 2011, 08:37 PM']But I would guess that most of us never sit down when we play live so why practice like that? I practice how I'm going to play the songs live. That's what what practice is for.[/quote] But,if you are practicing material out of a book like 'The Evolving Bassist' or 'Chord Studies'(for example) rather than rehearsing songs,you don't really want to be standing up for,say,3-4 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linus27 Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 [quote name='Doddy' post='1319313' date='Jul 28 2011, 01:58 PM']But,if you are practicing material out of a book like 'The Evolving Bassist' or 'Chord Studies'(for example) rather than rehearsing songs,you don't really want to be standing up for,say,3-4 hours.[/quote] I can see the benifit to both. If I am rehearsing a set with my current band which is an acoustic unplugged sitting down type thing then I practise sitting. My other bands which have all been standing and fast driven guitar stuff then I would practise standing up. If I am writing or studying then I sit but once worked out what it is i am going to play, I then stand and practise. I guess its a case of horses for courses and what suits each individual and their situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 [quote name='BigRedX' post='1318650' date='Jul 27 2011, 08:37 PM']But I would guess that most of us never sit down when we play live so why practice like that? I practice how I'm going to play the songs live. That's what what practice is for.[/quote] I like feeling comfortable at home, so when I practice at home you can bet I sit my lazy backside down When I rehearse with the rest of the band, I stand. Either way, the bass is where my hands expect it to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 [quote name='Linus27' post='1319317' date='Jul 28 2011, 02:04 PM']I can see the benifit to both. If I am rehearsing a set with my current band which is an acoustic unplugged sitting down type thing then I practise sitting. My other bands which have all been standing and fast driven guitar stuff then I would practise standing up. If I am writing or studying then I sit but once worked out what it is i am going to play, I then stand and practise. I guess its a case of horses for courses and what suits each individual and their situation.[/quote] But now we're on the difference between rehearsing and practising. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.