Davo-London Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I've just found some fantastic research into the height that bassists wear their basses. I think the reference is the Phat Scientist, which is a well respected publication in US. PS has devised a position to bass height categorisation, i.e. where you play your bass in proportion to your body. They have developed the following system and illustrated with bassist stereotypes for each position. Position 1 is low. If you lean over to bow the bass touches the ground. Popular if you have spots and have a strange fixation with piercings and black. Position 2 is mid-low if you were a male you could get your pecker out and it would rest nicely on the upper cutaway. Strangely, this act is not uncommon and this position is supported by the lanky and gangly fraternity cutting across music genre. Position 3 is groin protection. The bass serves to save Ryan's privates. Very useful position for those that play in wild clubs and pubs favoured by the older generation trying to look cool. Position 4 is buckle-rash arena. This is the central position in this ranking and proves to be the most common position. Difficult to stereotype as it cuts across so many music and character types. Position 5 is tummy protection. This is found to be favoured by our more portly bassists, who struggle to see their bass with positions 1 to 4. Quite an endearing position and likely to get the bassist cuddled rather than shagged. Position 6 is chest friendly. For those that consider the low notes a nuisance and who really should be playing a piccolo bass. Can look odd unless you're a virtuoso. Position 7 is the strangled look. These bassists are in serious danger of coming unstuck. Favoured amongst ageing Mark King fans and those with eyesight problems. Just thought you guys would be interested in this latest research and we haven't polled much recently. Which position are you? "We will make you bob your head whether you want to or not". - David Sisk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 It depends? When I'm playing The Rock I tend to be a position 3 kind of player. When I need to actually PLAY I am a position 6ish kind of player. Gotta get to all those extry notes and whatnot and access to the high notes on the E and B string. When Mr A String decided to quit on me last Saturday night I was at position 6 for the rest of that set. A lot of stuff got moved up to those interesting positions up near the 10th fret on the E and B strings. Good times. I never thought I'd be playing the main riff of "Walk Like An Egyptian" quite like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMPires Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Strange thing for me is that I tend to use my bass just above the belt but tend to push the bass to my right side, and the neck points forward not ala Steve Harris though, I dont know why but I find this position quite comfortable but this may be because of the small curved body of the spector, the T-bass is a lot bigger and whereas Ill be using more or less at the same height I dont think it will sit well against my ribs. see below http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/davidmpires/avatarme.jpg position 7 would be Jeff Berlin, while I used to play on position 6 most of the time, nowadays doesn't make sense because I'm playing in a rock band and it would look out of place and I don't really play a great deal above the 16th fret. www.myspace.com/davidbassportugal "And then the magical unicorn will come prancing down the rainbow and we'll all join hands for a rousing chorus of Kumbaya." - by davio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo-London Posted November 19, 2008 Author Share Posted November 19, 2008 I would say Jeff is a 6. Saw a guy with a position 7 last night and I nearly pissed myself. Davo "We will make you bob your head whether you want to or not". - David Sisk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnb Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Friends used to call #6 the fusion geek position, with #7 being the wannabe fusion geek position. Upon hearing this I immediately lowered my bass to something more... conventional. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Thorne Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I wear my bass at Position #5 because with the length of my arms that's the most comfortable position. Portliness don't enter into it, mate; I've worn gtrs. and basses there always, thru portly and non-portly times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Bloe Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I'm actually a 4.5 It gives better access to the upper frets without looking like a geek (sorry all you 5's and 6's). Bass, the final frontier... http://www.myspace.com/johnnyandtheboomers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5 string Mike Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I am a Position 4, not for looks but for comfort. It's the easiest on my back and my right hand, and I can move around the best there. "Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind"- George Orwell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davio Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Usually 5, sometimes 6. 5 has always been most comfortable for me and, as any who have met me can attest, it's not for anything resembling portliness. I seem to use 6 more when I'm practising at home or playing solo music (I've been revisiting an arrangement of Stella By Starlight that Mike Dimin gave me a few years ago and I'll just say it's freaking awesome and a blast to play). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 It depends on the bass I'm using. The Guild I wear it about position 4. The Warwick about 5/6. Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Position 5 for me. Basically the same spot sitting or standing. It also sits at a nice angle on my larger then should be gut so I can always see what I'm doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizzo9247 Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Number 3. It's all about groin protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butcherNburn Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I voted for position 3, even though I'm built for position 5. I guess the fact that I hate playing sitting down has something to do with it. For me, position 3 & 4 give me the best access to the entire neck with the least amount of strain, plus the attack I want with my right hand. I know others will disagree but given the condition of my joints, that's what works. If you think my playing is bad, you should hear me sing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1111000 Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I wouldn't consider myself one with a big rolling gut, but I play in position 5 anyway. Anything lower than that just seems like reduction in how well I can play. When I was 17 and I got picked up by a metal band for my first bass gig I probably played at 3.5-4. A year ago I played 4-4.5 and it's slowly working it's way up. My fretless might be set more like 5.5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moot Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I used to play at 3, a couple years ago I switched to 4 due to CTS. Turned out my strap was adjustable. Who knew? "He is to music what Stevie Wonder is to photography." getz76 I have nothing nice to say so . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenstrum Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I'm a position 4 kind of guy. It lets me jump around and act stupid without busting my chin or my nads and still have access to play. Edit: Actually, just looked at my avatar and that seems about right. Tenstrum "Paranoid? Probably. But just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face." Harry Dresden, Storm Front Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I'm actually a 4.5 I was gonna give you a hard time about going into the ".5" specification, and then I looked at a photo of me playing and felt like 4.5 probably was most accurate. I voted 4 and I'm probably a wannabe 5...although not gut-related. Peace. --SW spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juancarlin Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Seems like I' m a 5.6 guy. Not too much, not too little. But quite fusion-y anyway. The nice folks at BP gave us the solution to this on April 2003's issue: http://www.juancarlin.com/store/strappinlad.jpg the T-bass is a lot bigger and whereas Ill be using more or less at the same height I dont think it will sit well against my ribs. Now... you aren't cheating are you? I believe you were told to leave that thing alone at the tree's foot... Brought to you by Juancarlin. www.juancarlinmusic.com http://www.youtube.com/JuanCarlinMusic www.facebook.com/JuanCarlinMusic Instagram: @JuanCarlinMusic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Position 5 I guess. This is a bad pic but the bass looks a little higher than I normally wear it. At the time it was taken the strap was new and I was about 20lbs heavier than I am now. http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj260/Basshappi/CIMG2092.jpg Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo-London Posted November 19, 2008 Author Share Posted November 19, 2008 Marvellous. This thread and poll has cheared me up no end. I love the fact that everyone has taken the question/poll so seriously. I'm thinking that BP magazine might be interested in the poll findings. Also maybe strap manufacturers. I have come across straps that don't cover the #5 range let alone #6 and #7. Interesting distribution as well. I started life at #4 moved up to #5 and teetered dangerously close to #6 then started the slow climb down back to #4.5 or #4 again. At this rate I will be #1 by the time I'm 60. http://www.heathette.com/photos/wedding/davo1.jpg Davo "We will make you bob your head whether you want to or not". - David Sisk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMPires Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 the T-bass is a lot bigger and whereas Ill be using more or less at the same height I dont think it will sit well against my ribs. Now... you aren't cheating are you? I believe you were told to leave that thing alone at the tree's foot... I have but when I tested it I adjusted a strap to my desired height. www.myspace.com/davidbassportugal "And then the magical unicorn will come prancing down the rainbow and we'll all join hands for a rousing chorus of Kumbaya." - by davio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I used to be a position 6 person all the time at Late September Dogs shows because I knew it irritated the singer and lead guitar player. I didn't "look rock enough". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 For me, it's simply a case of having the strap at the perfect length for the bass to be in a similar position sitting and standing - though the angle is different. That works out about a 5 for me - covers the widening girth quite well too! http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMPires Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Hmmmm maybe I'm a 5 then.... http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/davidmpires/bass/DavidSpector008.jpg www.myspace.com/davidbassportugal "And then the magical unicorn will come prancing down the rainbow and we'll all join hands for a rousing chorus of Kumbaya." - by davio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Maybe used to be slightly lower: 80s photo http://usera.imagecave.com/feilik/Old-photos/img012.jpg Nowish http://usera.imagecave.com/feilik/AnnaBengo/southwark008.jpg http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theTragicRich Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I voted 5, but I might be into the 4 a little bit as well. *shrug* [Carvin] XB76WF - All Walnut 6-string fretless [schecter] Stiletto Studio 5 Fretless | Stiletto Elite 5 [Ampeg] SVT3-Pro | SVT-410HLF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boonok Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I wear it around position 5, although sometimes i get bored and move it up or down depending how im feeling. Interesting poll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJR_Bos Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I have it at 5 for sure and it's been there for a while. And for the exact reason(s) Phil mentions. Mostly the consistancy between sitting and standing. But the coverage doesn't hurt either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham56 Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 In front... Cheers! Graham www.talkingstrawberries.com - for rocking' blues, raw and fresh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picker Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Well, seldom in the shower... I think I'm somewhere between 5 & 6. I'm portly enough to have problems with 1 though 3, and four is a drag. Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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