Any ideas to make my G&L more manageable?

[Five or Six]

A heavy bass is heavy no matter how wide the strap is. A wide strap doesn't make a 10lb bass 8.6 lbs. It's still 10 lbs. Sure, a wide strap may spread a little of that 10lbs more across the shoulder but, it makes no difference in weight. I know people will disagree with this but, buy a wide strap and see for yourself. Too heavy will always be that for an individual. Routing, only if you plan on keeping it. That process can cause other playability issues. To each their own.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, the OP might want to check out a Slinger Strap. There are several models.
It's designed to put the weight on your hips, and off your shoulder. Slinger Guitar Straps | Bass Straps | Camera Straps - Los Angeles (slingerstraps.com)
The one I use requires another strap button to be attached to the lower bout, so it's not for everyone or every instrument.
I've been using one for 10+ years and wish they'd been around when I was younger. I might have avoided some of my shoulder/back pain.
Good Luck with your search and good health to you.

 

[BuddhaFingas]

Upper body and back training?

If you can't lighten the load, strengthen the engine which carries it as much as you can.

 

[vvvmmm]

So Anyway, the OP might want to check out a Slinger Strap.

Don't know if that's the exact one he used or similar, but it makes me think of Steve Albini, RIP.

And ZZ Top in the "Legs" video, but theirs spun.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Gravity is a cruel mistress. Sell it and buy something else.

Riis

 

[theduke1]

I have an 11 pound monster as well. I purchased this strap for it and it seems to help immensely with the weight.

Levy's MSS2 4.5-inch Garment Leather with Heavy Padding Bass Strap - Black

I have one of these. love it!
Duke

 

[charliethomas]

I have an 11 pound monster as well. I purchased this strap for it and it seems to help immensely with the weight.

Levy's MSS2 4.5-inch Garment Leather with Heavy Padding Bass Strap - Black

I also have an 11.5lb G&L, and I use this strap with it. Fair warning, it digs into my neck. I'm 6'3" so it's not because I'm a small person or anything. The MSS2 has weird padded edges down both sides of the strap, and it's those edges that dig into my skin. I think it's the cause of some major neck and shoulder pain I've had over the last month.

I used some leather conditioner on it, and that helped a bit, and I'm sure over time it will soften up like any leather. But right now, I'm still very wary of using that strap or even playing my heavy bass at all (unless I'm sitting and it's resting on my leg).

I'm sure if I worked out a bit and gained some muscle around my shoulders and neck, it wouldn't be as bad but...

I tend to prefer this 3.5" Levy strap with lighter padding, suede backing, and no weird edges: Heritage Crafted Series

 

[fhm555]

I use a rockabilly strap on my heaviest (LP Custom) because I found the balance is more comfortable than a strap wrapping my neck. But many people like wider straps. We all have different preferences and that's ok.

Perhaps try raising it a little higher. Reason is (IF) you play lower you may rest your forearm on the upper and that contributes to the load on your strap.

it's free to try

Yep, I've always used plain old nylon seatbelt type straps on whatever bass I was using and never had any pain or discomfort. One year my brother gave me a really nice wide leather strap for Christmas. I tried to like it but it rubbed on my neck to the point of distraction.

 

[Bitterdale]

I have a G&L L-2000 Tribute in Clear Orange that I absolutely love. Great sounds, build quality, and looks. Just love this thing, for 30-45 minutes. After that it's 11lb 10oz weight starts to really hurt my back and shoulder. I use a 3" wide un-padded black leather strap. Would a padded strap help? Any other ideas? I'm thinking of selling it simply because it's uncomfortable to play for an extended period of time.

View attachment 5465998

I've relied on Neotech Mega straps to keep my heaviest basses manageable.
Unlike wide leather straps, they also stretch a bit, which absorbs shock.

 

[Killing Floor]

Yep, I've always used plain old nylon seatbelt type straps on whatever bass I was using and never had any pain or discomfort. One year my brother gave me a really nice wide leather strap for Christmas. I tried to like it but it rubbed on my neck to the point of distraction.

Yep. I'm not knocking anyone's choice of strap. I have some heavy basses and one really heavy Les Paul. In my very own experience I play my heavier basses higher so it's more comfortable for me. Everyone is different.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I have a G&L L-2000 Tribute in Clear Orange that I absolutely love. Great sounds, build quality, and looks. Just love this thing, for 30-45 minutes. After that it's 11lb 10oz weight starts to really hurt my back and shoulder. I use a 3" wide un-padded black leather strap. Would a padded strap help? Any other ideas? I'm thinking of selling it simply because it's uncomfortable to play for an extended period of time.

View attachment 5465998

You can try a wider strap (something you might enjoy with a lighter bass as well), but 11lbs is 11lbs regardless of the width of the strap. JMO.

Two things: I'm of a bent that you need to get a consult from a qualified medical professional. The second thing is not to wait.

Best wishes.

 

[edwinhurwitz]

The best strap I've found for heavy basses are the Moody 4" straps. I've tried the CFG and neoprene straps and they are OK, but don't provide the relief that the Moodys do. No issues with digging into my neck.

 

[InhumanResource]

If you love the sound of your G&L (as I do mine), save up your $$ and pony up for a used US model. Yes their price point has gone up in the last few years but if you are diligent, deals are our there, especially buying with cash from a private party. Then you are free to sell your Tribby or keep it as a backup.
L-2000's electronics are so hot that I do not believe wood type makes a difference with the tone, but it sure makes a difference in weight. And unless you are going to tie helium balloons to that extra wide strap you're looking at, nothing is going to change the weight. You may also find the neck to be nicer as well.
Whatever solution you choose, I wish you good luck!

I sprung for the empress body on my L2500 option order, and it's almost too light! It can be done!

 

[bigdaddybass12]

We were on a cruise, the ship band bass player had a short stand his bass barely sat on. He could twist and the bass pivoted on this stand. To move around the bass easily came off the stand. It looked like a microphone stand with a square pad on top. It was almost unnoticeable

 

[USAJO]

It amazes me that they clearly can determine what the bass will weigh when finished and just go ahead and make it anyway.

That weight should have been indicated in any advertising to sell. In fact I think all basses should be sold with weight as part of spec. sheet.

If I purchased it new I would have immediately returned it.

I had a G&L ASAT bass and I thought your post might have been about managing those super aggressive G&L pick ups. My G&L USA was lightweight under 9 lbs. Didn't balance well though due to body shape.

Good luck.

 

[2cooltoolz]

I have a G&L L-2000 Tribute in Clear Orange that I absolutely love. Great sounds, build quality, and looks. Just love this thing, for 30-45 minutes. After that it's 11lb 10oz weight starts to really hurt my back and shoulder. I use a 3" wide un-padded black leather strap. Would a padded strap help? Any other ideas? I'm thinking of selling it simply because it's uncomfortable to play for an extended period of time.
View attachment 5465998

I am a big G&L fan. I've tried most of the straps recommended here. At 70 years old and after back and shoulder surgeries, too heavy is just too dam heavy. 11lb 10oz is too dam heavy. You need to find a lighter L2000. I have no association with this vendor, but they list weights!

 

[fhm555]

It amazes me that they clearly can determine what the bass will weigh when finished and just go ahead and make it anyway.

That weight should have been clearly indicated in any advertising to sell. In fact I think all basses should be sold with weight as part of spec. sheet.

If I purchased it new I would have immediately returned it.

I had a G&L ASAT bass and I thought your post might have been about managing those super aggressive G&L pick ups. My G&L USA was lightweight under 9 lbs. Didn't balance well though due to body shape.

Good luck.

Given the variation in density, moisture content, etc, the only way to accurately provide a weight for wooden instruments would be to weigh each one individually. TBH, before I came to TB I never heard anyone say anything about instrument weight in bass or guitar. I've never had an issue with instrument weight and I'm pushing 70.

 

[USAJO]

Given the variation in density, moisture content, etc, the only way to accurately provide a weight for wooden instruments would be to weigh each one individually. TBH, before I came to TB I never heard anyone say anything about instrument weight in bass or guitar. I've never had an issue with instrument weight and I'm pushing 70.

Yes they should weigh each one before putting it up for sale.

I believe you would be in the minority who doesn't care about the weight of guitars and basses.

 

[Chris Chong]

My L2500 is 9.7 lbs, I think it's manageable with a comfort strapp.

 

[prndltech]

Dang! That's heavy. And here I was lamenting my new bass purchase listed at 9.6 lbs (9lb 10 oz). At least mine a 5 string!