Bad Backs / special straps?

[John Wheatley]

As a lanky streak, my back really suffers after gigs. I'm sure its not just carting the gear but also the pull of the bass on my back. For practises I've started using a bum bag to support the bottom horn of the bass and spead the weight to my waist and this seems to really help.

It does however pull the guitar in, and look pretty stupid.

Anybody come up with other solutions, or know of straps that share the weight between the waist and the shoulders?

Cheers

John

[foal30]

I have used the Slider Strap "Harness"
very good at distributing the weight of the instrument
takes time to get used to
problematic in tenor range
generally not adjustable "midflight"
potential to look like more of a cock

but clearly it is less back pain after gigging with this compared to ordinary "one shoulder" strap.

[Zombywoof]

I always practice at home/rehearse standing up as this builds the strength needed to gig with a 10lb bass.

[steve]

acupuncture

[bythesea]

I know someone who has put an extra couple of strap buttons on their bass - one on the lower horn and one in the centre of the back. They then use an second strap between these over their opposite shoulder.

[Happy Jack]

This is probably your best bet:

[url="http://www.darestrap.com/"]http://www.darestrap.com/[/url]

I use these with my two heaviest basses (including the 5Kg ProseBass Custom V) ever since I started getting major lumbar problems last Xmas.

Doesn't put any of the weight onto your hips, but does distribute it evenly across both shoulders. It's very easy to use (unlike the Slider) and can also be used as a conventional single strap without any modification or re-setting.

I rate the design highly.

[bumfrog]

get a lighter bass? Always a good excuse

[John Wheatley]

Thanks all for suggestions.

A combination of the hippy chick seat and the dare strap looks like what I'm after. Maybe I could design the hippy strap and make a fortune. Alternately if anyone else can be arsed and sell me one that would suit better.

[velvetkevorkian]

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='604549' date='Sep 21 2009, 02:11 PM']This is probably your best bet:

[url="http://www.darestrap.com/"]http://www.darestrap.com/[/url]

I use these with my two heaviest basses (including the 5Kg ProseBass Custom V) ever since I started getting major lumbar problems last Xmas.

Doesn't put any of the weight onto your hips, but does distribute it evenly across both shoulders. It's very easy to use (unlike the Slider) and can also be used as a conventional single strap without any modification or re-setting.

I rate the design highly.[/quote]
"We have even added a quick release in case of a dog attack."
Very tempted by one of these for my Conklin.

[Happy Jack]

Your Conklin often gets attacked by dogs?

[velvetkevorkian]

Just my natural animal magnetism I guess

[bobbass4k]

Just ordered me a dare strap, I didn't think my bass was adding to my scarily long list of back problems that much, but the rather painful muscle spasms I had while playing the other dayseem to disagree

take care of your backs people!

[OldGit]

[quote name='velvetkevorkian' post='604710' date='Sep 21 2009, 04:41 PM']"We have even added a quick release in case of a dog attack."
Very tempted by one of these for my Conklin.[/quote]


for those vey rough wedding gigs ......

[OldGit]

get some Alexander technique training and treat the cause not the symptoms

[martthebass]

Status Streamline (7lb) and Overwater Perception (probably about 7lb)

[Delberthot]

Steinberger headless stick thingy?


I'm taking advantage of being young and still having heavy amps and basses but when I get older I fully intend to get myself the lightest combo available - we'll probably be onto the Genz Shuttle 96.0 by then which will weigh the same as a packet of cigarettes and put out 10 squillion watts. I will also get one of the aforementioned stick thingies