How high or low do you wear your bass?

#101
We are all different. I wear mine low cause that's comfy to me. It means 4 fret stretches in some areas are tough (or impossible!), but I make it work due to the way I play and I'd rather be comfortable.
 

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#102
gebass6 said:
I spy an Ashula on your bed.:wideyed:
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That is an Ashula (now my favorite), and I find I need to hold it more like a string bass to reach across all 7 strings (with either hand), and the neck is obviously heavier than most normal 4 or 5 string basses, so the almost vertical string bass position helps prevent neck dive.
And I agree, the thumb is not there to grip or hold the bass, its just an aid in guiding fretting hands focus.
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One should be able to play comfortable without the thumb behind the neck at all. It just helps slightly stabilize and guide.
 
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#106
DaveAceofBass said:
...unless you have real long arms like a gorilla.
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Because of my "Gorilla" arms, I tend to keep it lower than most. I also never sit when I play. It feels very uncomfortable to me to have it on my lap. My right elbow would be at ear level. I do however keep the neck at around 45 degrees upright.

No band ever had me join because I looked good when playing, that is guaranteed :)
 
#108
I'd say which ever position makes it easier to manage the bulk hanging from your neck and play it well at the same time. But then there is the other question... what is the best way to wear it if you have a rather large spare tire around your waist? I find myself somewhat using my stomach as a "platform" to rest the instrument much like BB King would do.
 
#109
Alehouse said:
Ok, ladies and gentlemen. Take it easy on me since this is my first thread post. I am posting this just because I always get my chops busted by my band mates that I wear my bass like a tie. I like wearing my bass pretty high and am comfortable that way, even though I just started playing a Spector 5lx and don’t know if it looks right being worn high. I think with the fenders worked better. Lol. Anyway, I figured I would throw this out there and hope I am posting it in the right forum. Happy New Year!!
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Howdy, and welcome to the forums! For me, height on the strap it a part of the wholistic approach to healthy playing ergonomics. Here is a post I did on the subject that I hope you find helpful:

Fretting hand goes numb after 4 songs

Best regards,
Ethan
 
#111
I don't wear my bass, it's on a floor-stand, as in my profile pic. A high neck angle, I suppose, though not quite upright. My 'fretting' hand plays 'flat-finger' technique so although my bass is fretless I don't need to look at my fingers. Good job as I can't actually see them ... Both wrists fairly straight, thumb always behind the neck to give a good spread, as it's a VERY long scale.
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#116
From my guitar-playing days, I was told that if you practice while sitting, then when you stand up, your guitar (bass) should be the same height. If you want to wear it lower, you should practice standing up.

I guess this is just an elaborate explanation of "you play how you practice."
 
#117
Probably depends on forearm reach and ability to play/pick without injury - but also depends on reach on the neck. I found if I wear lower I can tip the neck a bit more vertical, making fretting easier. What looks natural may be a good rule of thumb - without reaching too far with either hand or having to lean over to see what your doing.
 
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#119
Alfonso Alba said:
I play the bass with my nose. That high enough for you?

Now seriously, I've been only playing for less than 6 months and just try to wear it where it feels comfortable - not too high, not too low. One tip I found somewhere (maybe at StudyBass.com) is to wear your bass at such height that it feels more or less the same whether you're standing up or sitting. I adjust the strap when I'm sitting so that the bass rests at my leg and then tighten the strap until it begins to tense. No idea if it looks right or wrong, though.
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Well let's say you always practice(4days a week)sitting down....well all your muscles and muscle memory are designed to play in that exact fashion. So if you stand up(say at a show or band practice)your gonna get tired quicker as your muscles will be working harder in a new position than their used to, and you might mess up more in this new position. So keep your bass set how you practice as you'll get the best playability out of it, longevity and accuracy! That's what I do. If you need a harder look for a metal band or whatnot....bend your knee's and give a wide stance...your good to go! Of course you want to practice as well standing up, but let's be honest with ourselves..most of the time we practice siting down! Now for the guys that play down at there knees....well I don't know anyone that plays like that that can play like Miller/Wooten/Jaco. But if you don't want to play like that, then who cares! Actually maybe Trujillo, as he was in Infectious Grooves and did some amazing shiznit in that band...
 
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