Bass Players need advice

[stomachmonkey]

My daughter has started playing Bass and is doing well but complains the strings are too thick, heavy.

I know, keep playing to build up strength but I feel like she may stop from being discouraged before she gets there.

I'm not sure what her bass, (actually it's the wife's) is currently strung with. It's a Fender Jazz Bass and the strings are stock.

Any suggestions on a lighter gauge that would work for a 13 yr old?

[Gogar]

You could try an extra-light set of strings, .045 to .095 or .100,

You might also consider getting her a "short scale" bass, which is quite a bit easier on the hands, and she could work back up to the Jazz Bass.

[Rick V]

When I started playing way back in high school, I strung my Fender Jazz with nylon strings designed for a fretless. They didn't last long but by the time I killed them I was ready for regular strings.

[targa911S]

the fender probably came with a .105, .085, .065, .045 set. those are a big set. I like Gogar suggestion of a short scale bass which would be easier to handle, but for the moment going to an ultra light set would be your best bet. Also make sure the bass is properly set up. Having the strings too high creates finger fatigue quickly. If you go to lighter strings it will need to be re-set up anyway. try a set of .095 -.045's. D'Addario Electric Bass Half Round Pure Nickel Super Soft Long, .040 - .095, ENR70 have a pro set it up. Take her with you when you drop it off.

[targa911S]

or you could go with these:http://www.juststrings.com/toi-jf344.html
pricey..very pricey but they play like butter. I have these on my fretless J bass.

[stomachmonkey]

Thanks guys.

The scale is not really an issue for her right now.

She's lanky and has almost freakishly long fingers for a girl.

She plays violin and piano daily so I'm not convinced it's all a strength issue but maybe more a comfort thing.

Violinists tend not to develop calluses so maybe that's it.

[Nostril Cheese]

Before you do anything else, take the bass to a luthier (not Guitar Center) and have it setup.

Setting the string height correctly with smaller gauge strings will help as well.

[nostatic]

Different strings can have different tensions, even if they are the same gauge. I play 40-100 on my 4-string fretted, and have played 40-95 as well. That can give some issues with intonation (easy to bend the string and play sharp). You could also try some flat wounds if the issue is she doesn't like the round wounds. Strings are a variable that is easy to change and not as expensive as a new bass. One other variable is nickel vs stainless. I vastly prefer nickel - easier on the fingers and a bit warmer tone all other things being equal.

Agree about the setup and it is easy to learn to do at home. In fact if you want I can Skype you through it.

[targa911S]

all good advice and a generous offer from No static..

[Gogar]

Thanks guys.



The scale is not really an issue for her right now.



She's lanky and has almost freakishly long fingers for a girl.

Just remember that the short scale isn't really about "distance"
So much as it reduces the tension of the strings. Sort of like a heavy clutch vs. an assisted clutch!

[nostatic]

Plus it tends to get a rounder/fatter tone. I had a 30" scale Rob Allen that sounded massive.

[slodave]

I agree. Bass players do need advice.

[nostatic]

true, like, "how can I get the guitarist to turn down?" or, "how can I get the sax player to solo for less than 10 minutes per tune" or, "should I tie the keyboard player's left hand behind their back with zip ties or duct tape?"

[Gogar]

Ill tie my left hand behind my back, if you'll cut off your right thumb!

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by nostatic

true, like, "how can I get the guitarist to turn down?" or, "how can I get the sax player to solo for less than 10 minutes per tune" or, "should I tie the keyboard player's left hand behind their back with zip ties or duct tape?"

LOL ain't it the truth. How can I make the harmonica player understand he doesn't have to play through the whole song..

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by Gogar

Ill tie my left hand behind my back, if you'll cut off your right thumb!

no deal. I tried that in july ...remember..

[slodave]

Ahahaha!

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Plus it tends to get a rounder/fatter tone. I had a 30" scale Rob Allen that sounded massive.

but lacked sustain and brightness..that is why I went with the long scale (34") 335 bass vs the EB-2 30" scale.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Thanks guys.

The scale is not really an issue for her right now.

She's lanky and has almost freakishly long fingers for a girl.

She plays violin and piano daily so I'm not convinced it's all a strength issue but maybe more a comfort thing.

Violinists tend not to develop calluses so maybe that's it.

Is she playing it like a violin? (I'm assuming you play that with the tips of your fingers...like a guitar.). Bass is more with the pads of your fingers.

Originally Posted by nostatic

true, like, "how can I get the guitarist to turn down?" or, "how can I get the sax player to solo for less than 10 minutes per tune" or, "should I tie the keyboard player's left hand behind their back with zip ties or duct tape?"

How do I get the drummer to stop drumming when I'm bent over adjusting the amp and my head is right next to the drum!

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by slodave

I agree. Bass players do need advice.

The Ox paid little heed to Daltry's "advice". I think the band was better for it.