Hector Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 So, I've managed to break my left ankle pretty badly. Obviously, my major concern is how this will affect my double bass playing. What are everyone's thoughts on this? I put my weight mostly through my right leg when I sit, so maybe I use a stool? Morphine is fab. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Double up on the morphine and dance around as usual..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Get one of these, with the optional backrest: http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_stehhilfe_14046.htm Not cheap, but the only stool I've found yet which will allow you to play double bass while sitting down. A word of warning though. I broke my ankle in two places 18 months ago, ended up needing a 4" titanium plate to hold it all together, and was in plaster for over two months, so I have some depressingly recent experience of this. You need to keep your ankle high as much as you possibly can ... certainly at or about the same level as your knee. Sitting on that stool may allow you to play DB, but it won't be doing your recovery any good at all. Playing electric bass, I was able to continue rehearsing and even to play three gigs with my leg in plaster. I don't think I'd have contemplated that on DB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
essexbasscat Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I'd be a little careful around this one as Jack says TBH. Don't know if your ankle is in plaster, but if it is, you seriously don't want it swelling up via activities, as this could lead to all sorts of issues. Thing with gigging is you may not be able to rest up as and when required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepbass5 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Use your hands until your ankle gets better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gareth Hughes Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I have one of these: http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_stehhilfe.htm Great piece of kit as you can place the leg rest part at any height - tho that does restrict it's fold-ability a little. Good luck and rest up!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oggiesnr Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Talk to your doctor or physio and follow their advice. The consequences of making a long term mess of this are horrid. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 I gigged with a broken foot in plaster in the late 90s (really). It was ok but my walking lines limped a little Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted April 1, 2012 Author Share Posted April 1, 2012 Well, it's 3 weeks since my operation today (similar procedure to Happy Jack's). Am off the painkillers completely (have been for most of the last week), I've got a stool set up in my room with my bass, and I had a quick blast on it yestereday - seems fine to me, no pain or discomfort with posture (technique rusty, sigh). I only have two gigs in the forseeable future, and that's in a month's time well after my cast is off and my ankle is bearing weight again. Will make sure to take it easy, and have asked my GP for advice. So pleased to be able to play again, even if it is just for the odd 20 mins at a time in the practise room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatback Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Glad to hear you're on the mend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Good news ... now for 5-a-side football. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 [quote name='oggiesnr' timestamp='1331416700' post='1572728'] Talk to your doctor or physio and follow their advice. The consequences of making a long term mess of this are horrid. Steve [/quote] This... if it is causing you pain to play so much you need painkillers, then take the hint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 ops.. update. I'd review it at 1 week to the gig....and presume you have had a dep or can get one. Sounds like you wont need one though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted April 1, 2012 Author Share Posted April 1, 2012 Cheers JT (and everyone else!) for the support/advice. Think it should be ok so long as I take breaks in between playing sessions - I am in a removable cast and keep my leg as well elevated as I can at other times. I desperately want to play the bass as much as possible, but there's nothing in the world I want more than to get better and I won't jeopardise that just for the sake of impatience to play. My technique will recover, and my musicality isn't suffering cause I'm working on electric bass as much as I can and using my ears. My ankle, however, is with me for life so I intend to take recovering seriously! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.jpg.7e18f76540598a8efc0e6ca9be453059.jpg)
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.