what bass guitar style has the softest action for someone with arthritis

[fairlyclose]

I have not played bass for many years but did like to and would like to try again. Unfortunately I have bad arthritis in my fingers so I want a bass that requires the least amount of physical effort from my fingers. What sort of bass should I look for? I suppose I am more a Mick Karn type of player - or at least I was all those years ago.
EDIT - I should say I am happy with frets or unfretted - perhaps unfretted would suit some of the music I am interested in more

[donkey tugger]

I'm no expert on arthritis, but maybe something with a short scale? Less stretching of the fingers etc?

[fairlyclose]

I'm no expert on arthritis, but maybe something with a short scale? Less stretching of the fingers etc?

thanks - that makes sense. I wonder what the difference in tension of the strings is between short and long scale basses. I think that would make a difference as well

EDIT - just searched for that and short scale has lower/looser tension so that is another plus

[fese]

How about an Uku bass? Sure, they’re not really a bass in the conventional sense, but they’re small, very easy to play because of the scale length and the polymer strings, and they have a sound of their own.
I have this cheap one from Harley Benton, which is fun for the price, although i cannot fully recommend it because the fret ends are a bit sharp. There are better ones, for sure.

[fairlyclose]

How about an Uku bass? Sure, they’re not really a bass in the conventional sense, but they’re small, very easy to play because of the scale length and the polymer strings, and they have a sound of their own.
I have this cheap one from Harley Benton, which is fun for the price, although i cannot fully recommend it because the fret ends are a bit sharp. There are better ones, for sure.

thanks, that looks worth a try. I hope I can find one to have a try on

[an-electric-heart]

Well what about just switching to the guitar? Playing bass is a real workout. Maybe just a nylon string classical?

[PeterP_swe]

A Höfner "beatles" bass. Very light and short scale. Super easy to play on.

[fairlyclose]

Well what about just switching to the guitar? Playing bass is a real workout. Maybe just a nylon string classical?

I already do that - I started as a classical guitarist, was my main instrument for 10 years probably before electric took over. Still have a fretless nylon string and two 6 string electrics. But bass I also used to like a lot so thought I might see if something would suit. Seems like there are a few options

[fairlyclose]

A Höfner "beatles" bass. Very light and short scale. Super easy to play on.

anther great suggestion, and i think they are readily available here. Thanks

[BertKoor]

When I broke my left pinky finger and after the bone healed I was left with an injured tendon, playing the bass was a good work-out indeed! Electric guitar was very easy compared to that, just what the doctor ordered for me Oh man, did it hurt...

How about an Uku bass? [...]
I have this cheap one from Harley Benton, which is fun for the price, although i cannot fully recommend it because the fret ends are a bit sharp.

A fine metal file (as used for filing keys) or a bit of sand paper should take care of that. Cover all wood around it with some tape to prevent damage.

I hope I can find one to have a try on

FYI, Harley Benton is the house-brand of the thomann.de webshop. You might find second-hand ones locally to try out, but even for the price of a brand new one imho it's almost a no-brainer. Instruments are so cheap these days, you couldn't even buy second-hand crap for these prices 20 years ago.

[Bombadil]

My Höfner Beatle bass is shortscale and very easy to play. They're pretty cheap, too. I also have a full scale Marcus Miller Sire J-Bass, but I almost always reach for the Höfner because it is very easy to play. Been set up well, though.

[donkey tugger]

Just thinking, as you're a guitarist, you might like a Bass VI - not just for the extra high strings, but also as the strings are closer together and thinner as well, more like a guitar.

I've got one of these and love it to bits;

https://www.revelationguitars.co.uk/guitar/rjt-60-b/

Very easy to play, short scale (30 inch) and also strung 24-84 so thinner strings than standard bass ones as well.

[CapnLockheed]

I've had gout & arthritis issues that were so bad I couldn't play ANYTHING but a keyboard for a while. I'm back in the swing now, but I still prefer a short scale or six string bass.
I have a Dean short scale which plays surprisingly well. I got it dirt cheap and mint on fleabay. But I also have a Danelectro 6 string bass that I love to pieces! The great thing about the Dan-0 is that you can convert it to a baritone guitar simply by slapping lighter gauge string on it and tuning it B-B. Unfortunately you can't do the converse with Dan-O baritones as their truss rods and hardware can't handle the extra tension.

[fairlyclose]

Just thinking, as you're a guitarist, you might like a Bass VI - not just for the extra high strings, but also as the strings are closer together and thinner as well, more like a guitar.

I've got one of these and love it to bits;

https://www.revelationguitars.co.uk/guitar/rjt-60-b/

Very easy to play, short scale (30 inch) and also strung 24-84 so thinner strings than standard bass ones as well.

thanks - you are right it is tempting to get a 6 string instrument. I wonder how this would go fretless?

[fairlyclose]

I've had gout & arthritis issues that were so bad I couldn't play ANYTHING but a keyboard for a while. I'm back in the swing now, but I still prefer a short scale or six string bass.
I have a Dean short scale which plays surprisingly well. I got it dirt cheap and mint on fleabay. But I also have a Danelectro 6 string bass that I love to pieces! The great thing about the Dan-0 is that you can convert it to a baritone guitar simply by slapping lighter gauge string on it and tuning it B-B. Unfortunately you can't do the converse with Dan-O baritones as their truss rods and hardware can't handle the extra tension.

thanks and bummer about the arthritis for you too. Again a nice tip on the 6 string.