Best Bass to Use Post Back Surgery

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Hey everyone!

First time posting here and wanting opinions about ease of play. After some MRI’s were taken last week, it’s looking like surgery is coming up on my back. I still want to be able to play after getting out of the hospital and during recovery. However, I don’t think I’ll be able to lift a full size bass for a while, or shoulder it to play. So I’m looking for ideas on where to go from here. I’m 28, so trying to preserve my playing ability for the long run, so open to ideas!

So would there be any suggestions to buy a new bass, possibly a short scale that’s lighter? Or is there something that could help without needed new gear.

Thank you!

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A “walk up guitar stand” allows you to play strap free standing up. This might be an option - never used one myself. There’s budget ones but then they can get kinda pricey.

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Ukulele bass will likely be the smallest and lightest

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Kala make a nice solid body uke bass. As do other manufacturers at different price points.

I also like the look of these mini basses

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I tore a ligament in my wrist and found I need to be playing a short scale. But not any short scale, I have figured out what works and doesn’t work for me.

So, as it pertains to the OP, his body is unique, and it may take some trial and error because when it comes to people, one size doesn’t fit all. So try out a few if you can. I would advise start with short scale, its a smaller body, less weight, and the extension of the arm has more affect on an injury than might be apparent.

You can convert any bass to a short scale, tune all the strings down a full step and put a capo on fret 2. Then its just a matter of weight.

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Super short scale may not be ideal and it’s more difficult to play but 30” short scale would be great. The shortest 30” and light weight would be the Sterling stingray short scale. Compact headstock and the bridge is pretty much start at the end of the body.

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This is a really good bass as instruments go

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I said this many times here, it has the mose desirable pickup and electronic you can lust after. Arguably the most versatile bass in the market now.

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An electric acoustic is pretty darn light compared to a straight electric. Not sure it’s what you’re after but it’s an option.

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You’re referencing the StingRay HH, I take it?

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I’ve been looking at Ubass options as well as lighter full scale. I think post surgery I’ll have a 5 pound lifting limit (I’m willing to slightly exceed for a bass) so need something that won’t hurt to pick up. My buddy has an acoustics and it sounds and plays very sweet

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No the Short Scale. It’s a Passive pickup with push/ push for volume boost, selector knob for Parallel/ Single coil (Phantom)/ Series.

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I own a Sterling shortie, but I never play it. I prefer 24-fret long scales. The reach might be less, but anything shorter and I feel cramped.

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I’m there too, but sometimes it just feels great for a fresh take on the song with new feel I feel like Pino playing regular scale bass. I have a few 35” scale every time it play them it feels inspiring, like I’m playing Pino’s bass, :rofl:

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I hear you. I know how interesting it feels to play different basses, especially when they have different scales or even frets to the body.

That said, I really should sell my short scale basses so someone plays them. They’re each in totally mint condition.

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wow that little jazz bass is calling my name. 6 pounds as well so that will be perfect for me!

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I took 4 basses with me last night and among them was a 30” Sterling and 35” Modulus, I had a blast with the shift in size and reach differences. It was too much fun. I wish I took up on the Champagne that was passing around, :rofl:

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Really glad you had a great time, @Al1885. Merry Christmas!

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This would be an alternative:

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On any given day, I bounce between a 34” bass, a 30” bass, and a 25.5” guitar. It’s not even a thought that has to cross my mind anymore when I pick up a different instrument. My hands just go where they’re supposed to. That sounds like a lot of fun, and I’m glad you’re back to playing bass enough again that you’re getting out and playing in front of folks. I am wishing that we’d picked up some champagne now though.

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