What is the best way to hold a classico when playing.

[jazzyvee]

Even though i have had mine for about 4 years,i have not found a completely comfortable way to hold it when playing so that i'm not supporting the neck with my left thumb. I find my left hand and arm fatigued after about 1/2 hr.
If you have one, can you show me with a photo or explain the best way please. After a long break from playing it i am feeling aches in my thumb and left arm.


Alas as i am not moving to this bass from an acoustic upright i don't have any learned skills to refer to.
Is it better to use the stand, or sit on a stool.
 If so will that muscle memory in those methods affect my ability to play in tune if i forget the stand or seat and have to stand to play?


How do you play yours?
Thanks in advance.

[xlrogue6]

My Knutson Messenger EUB has a brass rod bracket that attaches to the back with compression fittings. It simulates the upper bout of an upright so you can lean it against your belly. Something along those lines would probably be very helpful. Can't imagine playing my Messenger without it. John Knutson, BTW, is another back-in-the-day Alembic employee.) www.messengerbass.com

[jazzyvee]

My Knutson Messenger EUB has a brass rod bracket that attaches to the back with compression fittings. It simulates the upper bout of an upright so you can lean it against your belly. Something along those lines would probably be very helpful. Can't imagine playing my Messenger without it. John Knutson, BTW, is another back-in-the-day Alembic employee.) www.messengerbass.com

Thanks Kent, do you play it on the stand or freestanding?

[xlrogue6]

Freestanding--it's only on the stand when I'm not playing it.

[KR]

I play alot of regular upright, and had a Carruthers Sub-1 as a fretless. It had the screw on upper bout thing that allowed you to hold it/stand with it like an upright. That is a mod that might be done to your Classico---maybe contact John Carruthers and inquire about this. The general rule for upright is too keep your inside leg behind the bass--this will help you have a straight fretting wrist. Personally, I would play the Classico on its stand, sitting or maybe standing, so I could get my inside leg behind it, and not have to try to balance it.

[garyhead]

I play mine on the stand....it's tilted a little precariously but I would rather move around the Bass instead of me moving the bass.  I'm thinking of adding lead weights to the offside stand leg for added stability.  I do Not use the rear bout when its on the stand.  With My belly, I'm already far enough away from the bass!