Author Topic: Heavy basses (Read 430 times)

lbpesq · « **Reply #30 on:** January 26, 2008, 09:33:17 AM »

Rick Danko played Gibsons with the Band for many years. Both an EB3 and, I believe, a Ripper for The Last Waltz.

Bill, tgo

bigbadbill · « **Reply #31 on:** January 30, 2008, 05:39:46 AM »

Funkyjazzfunky, I used to have no problems with heavy basses. I used to weight train 4 times a week, benching around 250lb, 10 reps at 220 at weight of around 11 and a half stone (those were the days!). Strict curls with 58 lb dumbells etc. Then my back/neck problems started. Now wearing a heavy bass for any period of time causes spasm and pain throughout my pelvis, legs, back, neck and arms. A bass over 10lb causes my legs to go cold/numb (I assume the disc is compressing a nerve). I've actually had my right arm go into such spasm I could barely play at some gigs. I'm extremely grateful that I learned to play using a pick because if it was down to fingers I'd be in trouble. I have nerve root irritation in both lumbar and cervical spine, and any bass over 8 lbs causes me some problems. 10 is the absolute limit. My problems with my Alembic are well documented, and although I'm getting by at the moment, to be honest I play it as little as possible standing up. I now go to the gym again, and do lots of stretching and some Pilates and yoga exercises but to be honest the problems, while varying from day to day, are not going away. Be grateful that your back is still good and make sure you try & keep it that way!

bassbignbad · « **Reply #32 on:** January 30, 2008, 06:47:35 AM »

The Moody and Italia straps have saved me from what would otherwise be a problem. I have a lump on one side of my back where the muscles have developed to accommodate the weight at the point where the strap goes over. I think it's important to stay in shape generally but I believe that the specific stresses that are caused by any activity have to be considered. Wearing a bass applies pressure at a certain point and in addition, the balance of the guitar is going to affect the way the musculature responds. I think if you play more often the muscles adjust to accommodate. Less frequent playing means more fluctuation and I can see problems coming from that alone as the body is constantly adjusting. So.... play every day! As for you bigbadbill I know there are already some strap systems that are sort of like a harness that may help. If I run across the source for those I'll post it here. I also believe that I could design a strap system for you that would at least help with your issues with more understanding of your particular needs. The challenge is to move the load to where it is not affecting the sensitive area. Let me know if I can help. Michael
PS I am new to the group and new to Alembics. I just bought a used Rogue 4 and I love it. I think mine is just the right weight for me!

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #33 on:** January 30, 2008, 07:18:06 AM »

Shaun,

I am indeed blessed to be without back problems. I pray that you will again return to form.

David Houck · « **Reply #34 on:** January 30, 2008, 02:22:37 PM »

Hi Michael; congrats on the Rogue, and welcome to the board!

bigbadbill · « **Reply #35 on:** February 01, 2008, 05:15:00 AM »

Thanks for your comments guys. I echo those sentiments with regards to everyone out there; I hope you all stay and play healthy!

To be honest though the problems playing the bass are rather insignificant compared to other problems I have as a result(I won't go into detail!); at least I can still play the bass. However there are others far, far more unfortunate than me and my thoughts go out to them.