laminated bass for lighter weight

Paul Warner · #1 05-05-2009, 01:05 PM

Getting tired as I progress through the old journey, and although I love my solid tonewood bass I`m thinking plywood for lightness, especially for those top floor jazz gigs that leave you for dead before you even start! Trouble is that here in the U.K. there is virtually nothing new on offer, and precious few in the used market. Any advice?....for example, are there dealers on your side of the Atlantic who might be prepared to ship to here? And if so, what might be recommended? I`ve heard good things about Shens, Uptons, Englehardts, etc., but never had a chance to try one. Much big wisdom needed....and appreciated I assure you gentle persons.

**Freddels** · #2 05-05-2009, 02:00 PM

I don't think plywood basses are any lighter (they may be heavier) than fully carved basses. If you want light, you may want to look into the Czech-Ease bass.

shakernow · #3 05-05-2009, 05:55 PM

Not sure that laminates are lighter as a rule; some solid wood carved instruments are built like tanks but then again some plys are too. I do seem to remember Uncle Toad or someone saying that their NS Cleveland was on the lighter side weight-wise. In fact, I think there is a thread here where people chime in with the weight of their basses, IIRC.

Marcus Johnson · #4 05-05-2009, 05:59 PM

My NS La Scala Hybrid feels like a feather to me, compared with most basses I've owned or encountered. Only the back is laminated.

gbsmith71 · #5 05-05-2009, 06:08 PM

My plywood Kramer from the 80s is heavy

400$Bass · #6 05-05-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warner

Getting tired as I progress through the old journey, and although I love my solid tonewood bass I`m thinking plywood for lightness, especially for those top floor jazz gigs that leave you for dead before you even start! Trouble is that here in the U.K. there is virtually nothing new on offer, and precious few in the used market. Any advice?....for example, are there dealers on your side of the Atlantic who might be prepared to ship to here? And if so, what might be recommended? I`ve heard good things about Shens, Uptons, Englehardts, etc., but never had a chance to try one. Much big wisdom needed....and appreciated I assure you gentle persons.

If I were in your situation and liked the Bass I was playing, I'd just elect to take my wife with me on Gigs and have her carry the Bass upstairs on my behalf.

No seriously, I'm a rookie at all of this, but I just assumed most Double Basses would weigh about the same? Is there a great difference in the weight of different brands? Types?

rdwhit · #7 05-05-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

My NS La Scala Hybrid feels like a feather to me, compared with most basses I've owned or encountered. Only the back is laminated.

I play the same model. I'm spoiled on how easy it is to carry. Light as a feather for me too.

Nuno A. · #8 05-06-2009, 03:00 AM

My Kay weights way more than my old carved German, i dont think you can presume that a plywood will be lighter than a carved bass.
In fact i've played some cheap plywoods that were heavy as tanks...

Nuno

tomshepp · #9 05-06-2009, 03:40 AM

While I haven't weighed either, my Kay is heavier than my carved LaScala.

**Freddels** · #10 05-06-2009, 05:18 AM

My old Englehardt is way heavier than my NS Cleveland hybrid.

The Cleveland hybrid is pretty light.

Paul Warner · #11 05-06-2009, 08:34 AM

Now I`m confused. More research is needed.
I have just weighed my old Rhegin and it comes in at 11.5 Kilograms, or 1 stone and 12lb (26 lb?), stripped and ready to go. How does that compare?

Jake deVilliers · #12 05-06-2009, 10:48 AM

Paul, please read this thread: What's the weight of your bass?