Bass recommendations and advice playing with hand pain

[toastieman]

hi all,

 

Have had 3 decades playing double bass and bass guitar mostly recreationally, but starting to struggle due to hand pain (am 43yo). Have got some early Dupytren's nodules and start of contracted little finger and general swollen joints. Short story is am struggling to play very much now due to painful left hand.

 

I wondered if people have experiences of similar, and particularly if I should be looking at a different easier to play bass guitar, or any other advice before I give up and spend more time on piano instead.

 

Love the Motown vibes, so I'm playing either on a P bass with La Bella flats (light guage), or on the double bass. But both probably not the easiest action.

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited Saturday at 12:36 by toastieman

[Open E]

I’d recommend a Fender Mustang American Performer.

It’s short scale and has a really slim neck - with some Labella Flats would play like butter. I’ve got one and a JMJ but the JMJ has a wider neck like a precision.

[Lozz196]

Yep Mustang bass would be my suggestion too, mainly because I’m in a similar position, I’ve an arthritic left thumb. I’ve got the Fender Japan versions which have a very slim neck so a doddle to play.
 

And like you @toastieman I’m a Precision man and find I can coax a similar sound from the Mustangs. La Bella do a set of Mustang flats too.

[PaulThePlug]

How about an Ibby GSRM20 'Mikro' or the Tally version as a low cost tryer.

[Grooverjr]

The squier jaguar has a slim and very smooth playing neck. Cracking little bass and not expensive. I imagine it's similar to a mustang (never played one) but you can get one for 200 quid ish. There was a red one for sale on here recently, may still be available.

28 minutes ago, PaulThePlug said:

How about an Ibby GSRM20 'Mikro' or the Tally version as a low cost tryer.

 

[itu]

How about a meeting with a local luthier for a pro setup? A wide strap might help a bit, too.

[Terry M.]

Lower the action and alter your technique to accommodate (lighter touch) if not done already?

[toastieman]

7 hours ago, Open E said:

I’d recommend a Fender Mustang American Performer.

It’s short scale and has a really slim neck - with some Labella Flats would play like butter. I’ve got one and a JMJ but the JMJ has a wider neck like a precision.

 

7 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

Yep Mustang bass would be my suggestion too, mainly because I’m in a similar position, I’ve an arthritic left thumb. I’ve got the Fender Japan versions which have a very slim neck so a doddle to play.
 

And like you @toastieman I’m a Precision man and find I can coax a similar sound from the Mustangs. La Bella do a set of Mustang flats too.

 

Thanks both, this looks like a great option.

[toastieman]

12 minutes ago, Terry M. said:

Lower the action and alter your technique to accommodate (lighter touch) if not done already?

Thanks, I have lowered as much as possible myself, but maybe a trip to luthier as suggested by @itu.
I think in part the La Bella's take quite some finger strength to use.

[Lozz196]

They are quite a workout, maybe first off try their low tension flats, that might be an interim solution that could work for a while.

[Terry M.]

21 minutes ago, toastieman said:

Thanks, I have lowered as much as possible myself, but maybe a trip to luthier as suggested by @itu.
I think in part the La Bella's take quite some finger strength to use.

As suggested look into lower tension strings.TI Jazz Flats are easier to push around but they're not cheap and may or may not suit you tonally. Just a suggestion. 

[42Hz]

I also recommend  good setup of your preferred instruments. A short scale solid body does not solve the problems with the upright.

There are many quite good short scales around. Besides the ones mentioned there are a sub short (28.6") Squier P and Harley Benton has an 30" P as well, if cost doesnt matter too much there are many other short P types to choose from. Have a talk with a doctor or physiscist (if that is what they are called). Also old dogs can learn new tricks, so consider attending technique lessons given by a pro player.

[Jonesy]

12 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

They are quite a workout, maybe first off try their low tension flats, that might be an interim solution that could work for a while.

 

Great call, I'd definitely look at lower tension flats if hand pain was an issue. 

 

I have a set of Labella 760fl's on a p bass and they're supposed to be a lighter tension than their standard set. I wouldn't exactly call them low tension though, just slightly lower than their usual cables 😂. TBF, I haven't tried Labella's specific low tension set.

 

TI Jazz flats are very comfortable though and sound great too, so I'd also throw those into contention.

[jefframm]

Lots of great bass and string recommendations. I'd come at it from a different angle as I have the same general issues (I'm 65 and have been playing for 52 years). I have arthritis in my left hand (more than my right) and have found two things that really helped manage my situation (beyond what's already been suggested). 1) I've cut way back on my sugar intake - and have been amazed at how much that appears to help reduce the inflammation and 2) I wear fingerless compression gloves (even when I play) that provide subtle compression of my hands and really seem to help. I think part of what they help with is better circulation in my hands. I use gloves from a company called OneCompress - although I'm sure there are lots of others out there. 

Good luck - it can be very frustrating!