Off Topic A very "handy" tool for bass players

[Grand Wazoo]

A few years ago I used to have a grip master,
which I am sure you know its a finger excerciser designed to strengthen your digits. The gripmaster was cool but I found it to be too weak (soft), and not hard enugh to really make any difference on long use. Eventually moving homes in 2002, I somehow lost it or left it somewhere.

Last weekend while out shopping for Xmas presents for the gf and our cubs, I walked past a fitness store and walked in for a general browse, in there I've found a tool made by Everlast (they make all kinds of boxing and body building paraphernalia). I picked it up and thought "oh this is a tough one" and it really is, which suits me perfectly as I need to really excersize my half thumb after my accident ordeal.

Boxing Equipment from Everlast.com - Greatness is Within - Everlast Shop 3
http://www.everlast.com/pdfs/Hand-Finger-Strengthener-EVHFS.pdf

in UK is available through this link Everlast Hand and Finger Trainer - www.sport-tiedje.co.uk - The Fitness Specialists!

Anyway after only a 20 min workout, after you rest your hand for a few minutes, I guarantee you pick up a bass and your hand is flying, difficult stretches and double stops, it all feels a lot easier. I recommend it! It works for both your picking hand and your fretting hand, lefty or not.

 

[patpark]

i think the best workout is on the instrument. I rarely see pro players using these. If you play/practice enough, that should be enough.

 

[Big Poppa]

SOrry Wazz I think these things are silly.

 

[kevins]

im not for persecuting nerds for being nerds as i regularily play dungeons and dragons...however seeing someone with one of these makes me think "nerd." play the bass! or buy an accoustic! i know its more expensive that way but you also build fingerboard framiliarity. that thing looks like it would be good if you wanted to hold down the strings hard enough to crack a neck in half. and besides flexibility and muscle memory is what is desired here not strength, strength might actually cause less flexibility, ive heard of dudes doing manual labor and having their arms stuck in a position until someone physically has to move them for them all because they didnt do stretching excercises before working!


ps. i loved the pun

 

[Grand Wazoo]

SOrry Wazz I think these things are silly.

It's ok Boss and I agree also with PatPark, if you are recovering from a hand injury as I am, it helps, also where would athletes be without gyms? (taking steroids I hear you shouting)

But I get your point.

 

[danny-79]

If you cant get to play an excercise your fingers that way, the best tryed an tested CHEEP alternative to a fancy finger excerciser is a humble "tenis ball", (been there and it works a treat) !!! an when your done with it .... dog got a new toy!! win win win !!

 

[five7]

You also could hand milk a cow. I grew up on a dairy farm and my dad had the stongest hands of anyone I have ever known.

 

[Powman]

I picked one up as well, and it did nothing for my bass playing. Bass playing alone is the best exercise...

But 3 years ago, I broke my right thumb. It really came in handy for that. I would squeeze this thing while driving, watching TV etc...

 

[Aussie Mark]

I find that lifting some of these repeatedly builds arm strength too

 

[Bloodfist]

I have found that playing playstation increases my finger speed. To intensify the work out, I drink a lot of beer when when playing to try and slow down my finger speed and coordination. I usually get a in few workouts every week. Last nights work out lasted 3 hours, and 6 beers. It was a fun night lol.

 

[Rano Bass]

3 years ago, I broke my right thumb. It really came in handy for that. I would squeeze this thing while driving, watching TV etc...

That's the only reason i would get one of those things, but i'm sure it wont help my playing.

 

[TheAntMan]

The tool may seem a bit, well, silly is a good word but the concept is still on point. I do permutations as a hand exercise (both left and right).

They can be practice with varying tempos, rhythms and string crossings.

Here are a set:

1=Index Finger 2=Middle Finger 3=Ring Finger 4=Pinkie Finger

Starting with Index Finger
1234 - 1243 - 1324 - 1342 - 1423 - 1432

Starting with Middle Finger
2134 - 2143 - 2314 - 2341 - 2413 - 2431

Starting with Ring Finger
3124 - 3142 - 3214 - 3241 - 3412 - 3421

Starting on the Pinkie Finger
4123 - 4132 - 4213 - 4231 - 4312 - 4321

Playing this up and down the neck from 1st fret to 12th will build up your hand strength for sure.

--Ant