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Am I the only player that prefers heavy basses?

#81
Back in the day, the only lightweight basses out there were the cheap ones, so I didn't like them. But now, after trying several high-end lightweight basses that sound huge, I think it's the only way to go. By the way, regardless of how strong you are, lighter is better, with all else being equal.
 
#82
My <2c is that just as Mike Tobias says that lighter colored woods have lighter tones and darker colored woods have darker tones ( a generalization to be sure) so too the weight goes as you might expect. I find that lighter basses are better where one wants a more agile approach; and for me that's syncopated 16ths / harmonics territory; while heavier basses are better for more assertive rock lines etc. I also like the slightly heavier basses for good slap tones. Then, there is also the issue of playing four sets 3 or 4 nights in a row.

This is all very personal; but, for me a good all round instrument is somewhere in the 9 lb to 9.5 lb range. To be sure, there are significant factors in each direction; and so, different players are welcome to their different preferences. Just depends on what one is trying to deliver.
 
#83
Let's assume that all heavier basses sound better than lighter ones (not true, but let's assume)...I'm still not going to lug some 10+ lb. bass around on my should for 4 hours. 8 1/2 is about as heavy as I can get away with because of my bum shoulder. And I have to wear a big Levy's padded strap to be able to do it. So lighter basses have become very important to me. I don't have any problems finding lighter basses that sound great. If people like heavier basses, more power to them, but honestly, it really doesn't matter nearly as much as how you play it.
 
#84
I don't "like" heavier basses but I don't notice the weight of the instrument either way.

I've played 8-9 pound basses and I've played 10 pound basses... no difference.

I'm not gigantic but I'd consider myself a bigger guy. 5'11 ish basically a shade under 6ft tall and right now about 300 lbs.
 
#86
I prefer medium to a little heavy myself. I use a '78 P fretless a fair amount and it feels like 10 or a little more - I don't mind that. My J is not a problem at all. The only bass where I notice it is my EBMM Stingray HH 5 which is probably 13 or something (I think). I wouldn't want to wear that all night, but I don't need to as I use it only where I want to use a 5.
 
#87
i got a 14 lb solid cocobolo bass that sounds just great (cocobolo neck, fingerboard and body). it also balances perfectly on a strap so its actually one of the most comfortable basses that i own as well. no problems playing it on a gig. these days im reaching for it before any of my others.
 
#91
JimmyM said:
Let's assume that all heavier basses sound better than lighter ones (not true, but let's assume)...I'm still not going to lug some 10+ lb. bass around on my should for 4 hours. 8 1/2 is about as heavy as I can get away with because of my bum shoulder. And I have to wear a big Levy's padded strap to be able to do it. So lighter basses have become very important to me. I don't have any problems finding lighter basses that sound great. If people like heavier basses, more power to them, but honestly, it really doesn't matter nearly as much as how you play it.
Click to expand...

Hmmm ... we have something in common. Strange.
 
#97
Thunder Pulse said:
There might be some truth in that. For those who have had back surgeries, then sure, they've got a legitimate concern, but the others.... well, they might just be sissies. ;)

A friend of mine who weighs about 120-125 lbs regularly goes on 3-5 mile hikes with a 20 lb backpack. She's climbing hills and moving over rough terrain, not standing still or walking around on a level surface like a musician would be. There are a couple other women her size in the group she does this with, and they've been doing it for years.

120 lb women with 20 lb backpacks > grown men with 10 lb basses.
Click to expand...

A backpack is balanced on both shoulders and usually a waistband. A bass is putting all the weight on one shoulder and extending the arm on that same side out. This puts a whole different kind of strain on your shoulder and back. It forces your back muscles to pull more on the opposite side to counter it, which after long periods can cause pain between the shoulders.

You are really comparing apples and oranges.
 
#98
Yes.

I like the feel of a heavy bass. It's a case of "all in your mind" and I know that. I feel more comfortable with some heft. There are plenty of light basses out there with top shelf quality but for some odd reason I equate light with cheap.

It's not right but it is the way I am. My Stingray, Spector, and Peavey are all reasonably heavy and I'm fine with it; even for a four hour gig.
 

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