Current FENDER P Basses: Weight Question

Lowbrow · #1 02-07-2011, 10:22 AM

I'm considering buying a current Fender P bass to use as a performance bass, and I'm wondering if there is a production model that is known to be on the lighter side weight wise. I love my 60s Classic Squier, but it is a tad hefty, and if I can lighten my load I just might go for it.

Sadly, I don't live in an area where I can go to my local music store and pull 12 different basses to compare. I've read here that the 50s Classic - or maybe it was the 50s Roadworns - run on the light side. Any help with this would be mucho appreciated.

Thanks!

**StrangerDanger** · #2 02-07-2011, 10:25 AM

I have an '08 MIA P-bass. It weighs 9 lbs. It feels fine.

Lowbrow · #3 02-07-2011, 10:39 AM

More specifically: I'm looking for something that weighs in around low 8s (or lighter!). I already own a 2008 MIA and a Squier Classic 60s CV.

johnk_10 · #4 02-07-2011, 10:51 AM

i've found that the AV RI's can vary by as much as 1 1/2lbs (i've played some that are just under 8lbs and others that are 9 1/2), so unless you can obtain the exact accurate weight (and not a 'bathroom scale estimate'), it's impossible to know what the weight of a particular fender bass that you're considering buying online.

20db pad · #5 02-07-2011, 10:55 AM

I've played maybe a half-dozen Roadworn P Basses - from that admittedly small sample, this model seems to be the lightest of the brand right now. The 50's P, which appears to be the non- reliced version of the Roadworn, also comes in on the light side.

KingRazor · #6 02-07-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowbrow

More specifically: I'm looking for something that weighs in around low 8s (or lighter!). I already own a 2008 MIA and a Squier Classic 60s CV.

Holy crap another Oregon bassist!

I played a P bass at the Beaverton GC and it was very light. I recommend just buying one from a store that you know is light.

screaminglucy · #7 02-07-2011, 11:44 AM

another option would be to buy a replacement body you know is light (ie under 5lbs) most of the weight is in the body. i gave up trying to find a light bass and just replaced the body in my CV 60's p bass with a body of known weight from warmoth.

Lowbrow · #8 02-07-2011, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the responses so far. I realize of course that this is a tough subject to get any specific handle on.

My ideal would mirror a '61 P I played for a good long while that was a real flyweight. Perhaps coincidentally, any other vintage Ps I owned (65, 66) were on the lighter side, too. My hope is that maybe Fender tries to fit that weight tendency when trying to recreate 'vintage' basses. I was also hoping to get one off the prod line (no custom work) that was in the under MIA price range.

This will be a knock-around bass that I can play through 3-hr rehearsals and gigs without overly stressing a back that's already seen 2 disc surgeries!

johnboy65 · #9 02-07-2011, 12:02 PM

I've felt that the Roadworn have been the lightest of the bunch recently... but as you know it will vary bass to bass.

mpdd · #10 02-07-2011, 12:13 PM

i played a light gibson grabber in the old days, but i don't know if anybody makes a maple p body

Mastermold · #11 02-07-2011, 12:21 PM

Here's a RW P-bass at 8lb 3oz

http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargall...ll/sMZ9566685/

Mastermold · #12 02-07-2011, 12:23 PM

Here's a new American Special P-bass at 7lbs 14oz

http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargall...l/sUS10129799/

Mastermold · #13 02-07-2011, 12:25 PM

I just bought a Fender 62 RI that's 8lbs 8oz and with the old school tuners that's about as light as I'd want since the light body just barely allows some neck dive.

Lowbrow · #14 02-07-2011, 12:38 PM

Right! Totally forgot that Sweetwater specs instruments individually - thanks for the tip!