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Bad back, Advice on lightweight basses needed

#21
I love the sound of a Stingray, but they are NOTORIOUS boat anchors. So I went with a Sterling HH. Mine's a 5, so it's pushing 9 lbs... but because of the small body size, the four bangers are often between 7 and 8. And of course, EBMM, so MONSTROUS tone.
 
#22
Freddels said:
Contact Nino Valenti. He's made some seriously light basses. He had one at a gtg and I was joking with him that it was made of balsa wood. It was extremely light. He can do pretty much anything you want as far as pickups and preamps or passive. Prices are reasonable too.
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And yeah, this. Nino is brilliant. He could be charging twice what he does for his basses, but he doesn't, just because he's a super cool guy. I so want one of his basses!
 
#23
.. same boat with back issues, surgery has been ordered, but trying to put it off as long as I can ... I like 8.5 lb and under Fender's, but have a 7 lb VM Squier that gets the majority of the calls unless it is something important ... I went through probably 15-20 Squiers before I accidently stumbled on the 7 lb'er though .. so they may not be a good consideration for generally light basses ...
 
#27
I'd suggest you look at the Mbrace - it's a stand for your bass. Thus - no weight on you at all, and the weight of the bass becomes a non-issue.

You can see it here - I'm doing a gig about a month after having 3 cervical vertebrae fused - I'm still in a neck brace but the stand is holding the weight of the bass so I was able to play. I started with the Mbrace then, and realized that I really like it.

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#34
At the lower end of the price scale is the Jack Casady bass. Very well regarded by many, and pretty light at under 8lbs. Whether that would be light enough for you I don't know. It's a lovely bass, certainly better than the Epiphone brand and price point might suggest.

If you did get one I'd suggest a good wide strap though that has a grippy back, as it is a bit neck heavy. Wide strap is a good idea for comfort anyway.
 
#36
Came across used '95 Warwick Fortress One (not Rockbass) and had to get it - best ergonomics I ever found on bass. More of a light-medium weight, it has great balance and feels effortless to play.
I know that people who play long hours often use Ibanezes, had one ten years ago and I remember it was very lightweight and had thin, fast neck.
 
#37
I too have back issues and would recommend a good strength and stabilization routine for your spine. Id be happy to send along some exercise suggestions of this like? I play a 11# SBMM and have no issues. Just a thought and no offense intended... from one sufferer of back pain to another.
 
#38
Whenever the issue of "weight" comes up, I always point to my Fender Aerodyne. It may not be quite as fancy as a high-end or custom bass, but it's very lightweight (mine's 8.5lbs), versatile (love that P/J config), incredibly balanced (I can balance it on three fingertips right at the neck joint!) and sexy as Hell.

FAJB.jpg
 

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