Bumped strings to help arthritis ?

R

Ron Turner

Nov 4, 2014
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#1
Lynn Hi
I developed arthritis in my left thumb joint.
I've heard that switching to bumped, light gauge strings eg Thomastik Spirocore lights may help.
I am happy to give it a try - should I expect loss of tonal quality or growl or both ?
Would appreciate your comments/ feedback
And, if I continue to be able to play I will see you in Texas !!
Best regards
Ron T
 
#2
Hi, I am not familiar with the term "bumped" in regards to strings.
Lighter gauge strings are very common and have been around for a long time. Francois Rabbath has used Correlli medium by Savarez for many years. I used those strings a long time myself then used their Forte strings. The Forte are still much lighter than many standard strings. I still think both types are great for pizzicato and arco. There some people out there that use solo tuning strings tuned to normal E A D G for less tension. I have begun using D'Addario Zyex light gage strings myself and love them.
On the bass, it is often steel vs. flesh. Steel can win! You must do what you have to do to play without pain and without hurting yourself. Make sure you also look at the ergonomics of how you play. In other words, check to ensure the hand is open and wrists not bent at angles that restrict the tendons. Of course there will be a different sound and feel with lighter gauge strings, but maybe you will like it better!
I hope you are able to continue to play. It make take some time for your body to recover. Good Luck!
 
#3
"Bumped" means putting the A string in the E string spot and downtuning to E; the D into the A spot and downtuning to A, etc.

In my experience, the dramatic decrease in table tension cripples the bass' acoustic output. It's mostly an amplified rockabilly/slap thing.

Ron, I recently bowed to age and tendinitis and put LaBella Goldentones over Spiro Weichs on my bass. It sounds nice, and the guts play effortlessly at steel-string heights.
 
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