Fender P Bass (Jumbo frets?)

[Hypersleep]

I am new to the forum and this is my first post, go easy!

I have been playing bass on and off for around 6 years, I started up in a new band in March 2011 after a year of being out of the scene.

I have noticed that I seem to get pains in my wrist and palm of my left hand when I play, I have always thought the frets on this particular bass were larger than previous basses that I have had.I had overheard someone mention Jumbo frets but I am unsure if they actually exist on fenders (or at all for that matter) or if the pain is down to my technique or if thats the way Fenders are made.

I am looking for some help regarding basses which may have smaller frets, or if its do with the amount of frets on the bass or the length of the neck, I am looking in the market for a new bass so any help would be appreciated, I would obvisouly like to go for a Bass similar in quality to my Fender, but with smaller frets/neck.

Any ideas?

[gary mac]

There are a number of different gauges of fret wire. Can't imagine the gauge would cause you pain and suffering but who knows. More likely to be the neck dimensions I would imagine. For example: these days a jazz bass is very uncomfortable for me to play, whereas the chunkier neck of my P basses are just fine.

If possible get yourself to a shop with a decent stock and test drive a few.

[danweb22]

Welcome! Jumbo frets are standard on current standard Fenders. The American Vintage versions have "Vintage frets" which are a lot smaller, as do the Squier Classic Vibe series and also most Japanese Fenders I believe. I wouldn't think this would be what was causing the pain though?

[icastle]

Fret size won't make your wrist and hand hurt.

Things that can make a difference are related to the instrument setup (aka action), neck profile, playing position and technique.

[Hypersleep]

Thanks for replies.

I did get it set up to play in drop C tuning, after a few weeks I left that band to join the current band who play in standard tuning. Im guessing the action would tighter for lower tunings? i have a Yamaha RBX (cant remember the model) which has a much thinner neck, I find that a lot easier to play.

[Lozz196]

In my experience, the depth of the neck is what tends to make my fretting hand feel slightly sore, if I`ve bought a "deeper" necked bass. Goes away after a bit, once I`m used to it. had this when I got my `77 Precision. A baseball-bat of a neck. now, it fits like a glove.