I just don't know what I want.

[Evil Undead]

Urgh. I'm getting so tired of all this. Due to my various physical limitations, I must have tried nearly 30 basses over the past 4 years, and I think I'm no closer to finding what I actually want.

It's not tone that's the problem - basically every bass I play sounds like me playing it.

But comfort wise, I'm really having trouble.

I've got a totally knackered back, meaning any bass over 8.5lbs is a total no-go.
My hands are small so I'm having trouble with the neck of my P.
Shoulder is a bit dodgy so anything that neck dives is out.
Great big cyst in my right wrist joint and subsequent issues with bending it makes slab bodies out.
Recurring tendonitis, means my action needs to be less than 2mm with a dead straight neck.
And finally, a previously torn and ill-repaired ligament in my left wrist means I have pain when playing anything below 3rd fret.

I'm just about ready to throw in the towel and sell everything up, but before I do, does anyone have any ideas what basses I could try that might suit me?

[discreet]

Mustang Bass?
[url="http://www.fender.com/en-GB/series/classic/mustang-bass/"]http://www.fender.com/en-GB/series/classic/mustang-bass/[/url]

[xilddx]

Or a Jag.

[yepmop]

Sorry to hear this not good for you I assume you've tried small scale necked basses? Also have you tried different straphights? What's it like sitting down and playing with one leg slightly raised?

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1363810348' post='2018097']
Mustang Bass?
[url="http://www.fender.com/en-GB/series/classic/mustang-bass/"]http://www.fender.com/en-GB/series/classic/mustang-bass/[/url]
[/quote]

I've thought about those and definitely like the looks and sound. But I've heard they are very neck heavy. Any ideas?

[ead]

I don't know how you are fixed financially, but Jon Letts basses are wonderfully light and I'm sure he could work something out for you.

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1363810459' post='2018100']
Or a Jag.
[/quote]

Same as above. The music shops around here are crap for basses, so it's really difficult to go try them out.

[KingBollock]

What about some sort of stick bass? Steinberger, Hohner and Westone all do them and I'm fairly sure there are more. They're very small and light. The only thing I'm not sure about is neck dive, it's been 20 years since I last played one.

[discreet]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1363810525' post='2018105']
I've heard they are very neck heavy. Any ideas?
[/quote]

[url="http://guitarless.com/2010/06/prevent-neck-heavy-guitar-headstock-diving/"]http://guitarless.com/2010/06/prevent-neck-heavy-guitar-headstock-diving/[/url]

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='yepmop' timestamp='1363810487' post='2018103']
Sorry to hear this not good for you I assume you've tried small scale necked basses? Also have you tried different straphights? What's it like sitting down and playing with one leg slightly raised?
[/quote]

Yeah, tried it all. That last couple of frets is a killer. I wear my bass like a bow tie most of the time, or angled up like a DB, but it's no better.

[xgsjx]

An Ibanez Soundgear might be worth checking out. Slim necks, well balanced, light weight, slim contoured bodies, & you can get a pretty low action on them.
& the cherry... They sound awesome.

[yepmop]

Maybe worth consulting a Physio or Chiropractor for advice?

[heminder]

One of these? http://www.thomann.de/gb/steinberger_guitars_synapse_xs_1fpa_ta_custom.htm

Edited March 20, 2013 by heminder

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1363810558' post='2018107']
I don't know how you are fixed financially, but Jon Letts basses are wonderfully light and I'm sure he could work something out for you.
[/quote]

I don't think I can afford to go custom, although his basses are stunning. How does the wooden bridge work out? How does one adjust the action and intonation?

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1363810698' post='2018113']


[url="http://guitarless.com/2010/06/prevent-neck-heavy-guitar-headstock-diving/"]http://guitarless.com/2010/06/prevent-neck-heavy-guitar-headstock-diving/[/url]
[/quote]

It's a great idea, but I don't wanna add weight

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1363811208' post='2018122']
An Ibanez Soundgear might be worth checking out. Slim necks, well balanced, light weight, slim contoured bodies, & you can get a pretty low action on them.
& the cherry... They sound awesome.
[/quote]

Yeah, that's not a bad idea. Wonder if I'd have the same problem fretting the low frets on a 1.5" nut?

[umph]

I'd be looking to go custom, it'll be worth the money and think of the joy you'd get from having a bass that fits you

[xilddx]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1363810606' post='2018109']
Same as above. The music shops around here are crap for basses, so it's really difficult to go try them out.
[/quote]
Get on a bus to London.

[xilddx]

[quote name='umph' timestamp='1363811885' post='2018141']
I'd be looking to go custom, it'll be worth the money and think of the joy you'd get from having a bass that fits you
[/quote]
And get it wrong and you're f***ed.

[xilddx]

[quote name='heminder' timestamp='1363811547' post='2018131']
One of these?


[/quote]

It's what I'd thought of too but the nut is further away necessitating a bit of stretch.

EDIT: It could work! It has the extender that gets the strap button in the right place. Way to go. They look so damn cool too.

Edited March 20, 2013 by xilddx

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1363811914' post='2018144']

And get it wrong and you're f***ed.
[/quote]

Yeah, I considered Landing short scale basses, but I can't try before I buy. And I'd lose so much money if I didn't like the end product.

[Evil Undead]

I know it seems like I'm just making excuses, but I've tried so many things that I just feel at the end of my tether with it all

[peteb]

I got up with a band a while ago and they handed me a Ibanez Soundgear bass - very light with a extremely low action. They sound good, well made and you could probably pick one up s/h - may be worth checking out

Beyond that, perhaps you might have a lesson with a good teacher just to check that your technique isn't causing you any problems. For a start it sounds like you are wearing the bass too high, which can cause problems with elbows, back, wrist, etc.

Also, you really should go and see a doctor and sort out the cyst in your wrist! Also, hitting the gym and concentrating on exercises to [color=#222222]strengthen your core muscles will do wonders for your back (helped me a lot)...[/color]

Edited March 20, 2013 by peteb

[rushbo]

Hofner BeatleBass? I've got the budget version and its nice and light, short scale and sounds great. Pretty cheap from Thomann too...

[ezbass]

The 'cricket bat' and Ibby suggestions are sound. As something a bit different, how about an EUB?