Author Topic: Extension to top horn? (Read 646 times)

keith_h · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2008, 07:41:42 AM »

This looks similar to the strap I tried back in the 70's. It actually distributed the weight quite well across both shoulders when adjusted properly.

Keith

David Houck · « **Reply #16 on:** June 28, 2008, 03:40:26 PM »

But as Rob pointed out, the instrument ends up in a weird position. I still like the idea of the slider strap. The text on the web page says that it distributes the weight 1/3 on each shoulder and 1/3 across the back. There's a nice demo here. Unfortunately the strap itself is only 2 wide; it would be nice if they offered a wider one. But I supposed you could insert pads at the points the straps cross both shoulders. Of course, I've never used one and have no idea if they really work, or how comfortable they are, or how the bass sits relative to the body.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #17 on:** June 28, 2008, 04:39:18 PM »

How many helium balloons would it take to offset 12lbs ?

...that might be a fire hazard with stage lights tho'

(thinkin outside the box)

rob_the_fiend · « **Reply #18 on:** June 28, 2008, 11:21:36 PM »

Elwood ...... hydrogen burns .... not helium,
helium is perfectly safe. Until the singer inhales, and Disney's lawyers come running with a lawsuit, for inpersonating Donald Duck.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #19 on:** June 29, 2008, 12:39:34 AM »

thanks rob,

ok ,...feet back on the ground.

rob_the_fiend · « **Reply #20 on:** June 29, 2008, 06:17:58 AM »

As for how many balloons it would take,
in one of the episodes of Mythbusters they test how many helium balloons it takes to lift a small child.
I don't remember the episode number,
but I think it was about 1000-2000 balloons to lift a 40-50 lbs child.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #21 on:** June 29, 2008, 10:05:00 AM »

That might piss off the guitarist ; the bassist have more stage presence than the lead guitar...I remember that episode.

bigbadbill · « **Reply #22 on:** July 23, 2008, 01:12:49 PM »

Well for those interested I think I've finally come to terms with playing my Triple O sitting down, with some padding for my leg (it still digs into my chest but I can live with that). Oh the joy....

It truly is a phenomenal bass and please don't anyone think that the problems I've had in any way reflect on my opinion of the instrument, which is as good as it gets. Thank you to all for listening/advising & thanks to Alembic for building it in the first place!

(Message edited by bigbadbill on July 23, 2008)

tbrannon · « **Reply #23 on:** July 23, 2008, 01:26:09 PM »

What kind of solution did you come up with padding wise? I remember you talking about failed attempts at using a leg pad in the original bad-back thread.

I'm happy that there's been a solution for you- Alembics were made to be played!

Toby

bigbadbill · « **Reply #24 on:** July 24, 2008, 12:35:37 PM »

Well Toby, I'm still in the process of working out the best thing, but after using all sorts of things that I thought might work would you believe a piece of towelling seems to work best (i.e. as in what bathrobes are made of)? You live and learn...

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 25, 2008, 05:44:45 AM »

Ahhh, terrycloth in America

Mike

tbrannon · « **Reply #26 on:** July 25, 2008, 07:26:06 AM »

Any solution is a good solution- I'm happy you've found a way to play that wonderful bass comfortably.

How's your back? Any progress with it? I know your situation is much more serious than mine was, but I'm now 2.5 yrs out from my surgery and I'm totally pain free.

bigbadbill · « **Reply #27 on:** July 25, 2008, 12:03:30 PM »

Hi Toby

Well, given you had surgery in the first place I'd say yours was far more serious than mine. Glad to hear that you're fine!

I think technically mine isn't all that bad by comparison to many others; according to the specialist who checked me out I'm just one of the unlucky ones who seems to suffer with nerve symptoms that others with the same basic issues don't get. I'm lucky that way! Think I'm badly wired...my dentist also has terrible problems numbing the correct section of my mouth! Maybe I should go and see Ron .

One of the more upsetting problems are the spasms I get in my right arm when playing; I can live with the rest. I'd say my right arm facility is at best 75% of where it used to be and on a bad day sometimes I struggle to play the simplest things. Others may not notice (you wouldn't see me playing and think what's up with that guy? - well, no more than usual anyway!), but it feels kind of like playing with a 100lb dumbell strapped to your arm. Everything is 10 times the work.

As for the terrycloth, I tried all sorts of sponge, foam, all kinds of things I would've thought would work better. Who'd have guessed?

(Message edited by bigbadbill on July 25, 2008)

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #28 on:** November 28, 2008, 03:48:26 AM »

Sometime ago I saw a Guitar Stand being sold on Musician's Friend that held the entire Guitar (or Bass). Very similar to the one Pat Methney uses on stage to keep the Acoustic Guitar ready to play while he is using the Eletric on strap.

This is a good way to free your back from stress... But I never found it again in this last 3 years.

JimmyJ · « **Reply #29 on:** November 28, 2008, 11:35:46 AM »

Here's the thing Mario is talking about, or at least a commercially available unit. I suspect Metheney's was custom built by his crew. I would certainly look for a heavier mic stand base if I was gonna suspend the instrument like this...
http://www.bananasmusic.com/productdetail.asp/pid_12681/productname_Mbrace-Guitar-Support-System
JJ