Bass to heavy

[JRA]

Make yourself stronger, don't make the bass lighter.

that works better before about 65+.... ha!

 

[Ewo]

howdy, emily--

i'd second the advice, above, that you take a good look at your strap and how you have it adjusted before you conclude you need a lighter instrument--unless your bass is a lot heavier than (say) ten pounds. IME a lot of neck and shoulder discomfort can be remedied with some adjustment in how the bass sits on your body and the biomechanics of both arms and hands as you play it. and trying a different strap is cheaper than buying a different bass.

for instance, if your strap is too long you might be scrunching up your left shoulder (assuming you play right-handed) to hold it up to where your fretting hand is comfortable and agile on the neck. or if you're using a narrow cloth strap suitable for a guitarist, you might benefit from a wider padded strap.

might be worth standing in front of a mirror and playing your bass, and taking a look for places you're holding some tension. ideally, the bass will kinda "float" in front of your body while both your hands "dance" on it.

 

[BusyFingers]

I recently posted about being new to bass playing. I've got 2 basses - a short scale Jay Turser and a Squier Jaguar bass (not short scale). The short scale is of course much lighter than the Squier but the short scale doesn't sound as good as the Squier. Bottom line is I am struggling to find a bass that is light enough but sounds good. My neck is hurting from the weight of the Squier.

Any suggestions on light weight basses that sound good?

Thanks.

Emily

Try the new Mustang P/J bass. Or, a warwick shortscale rockbass.

 

[BusyFingers]

In the lower priced ranges look for an Agathis body or use Sweetwater as suggested. P-Basses will be lighter than offsets like the jag or jazz because there is less body wood. For $700 or less you can get a used Fender Road Worn precision and they are generally very light. My main gig bass is a Road Worn P and is under 8lbs.

Edited to add that hollow body basses are all usually quite light as well.

Also, in general, when looking at Sweetwater they will list the actual weight of the basses they have listed. That's nice to know when buying online.

But, I would stick to short scale if that's where your most comfortable technically speaking.

 

[AshInAmsterdam]

I'm back on skinny strings now, but I favour my heavy Les Paul over my light Explorer simply because of the way it hangs - a Les Paul hangs even and comfortable, whereas the Explorer sits too far to the right and tilts too far forward, and so wrecks my upper back (previous injury haunts me as a knot) and neck. My SG, whilst super light, suffers from neck dive, which also puts pressure on my upper back as I compensate for it.

When I play bass, I prefer my Fender Precision over my lighter Ibanez for similar reasons.

As such, I'd recommend trying some basses, whilst standing, to see how they hang off your shoulder, as well as the afore-mentioned wider strap with padding. Posture is almost definitely the problem if you have aching muscles. The strength to hold a heavier instrument should come in a matter of weeks as you play on, assuming you are in good health.

Another option, if you otherwise like the short scale that you have, is to change the pickups...

 

[DavC]

another vote for ; wide soft strap ... and some shoulder/neck/upper back exercises .. !

dumb-bells ... shoulder shrugs ... reverse butterflies ... military press ... etc

 

[40Hz]

A Höfner is a possibility if you like that sound. Either the Club or the more well-known Beatle model are good choices for a very solid bass without a lot of mass bearing down in your shoulder.

 

[PlanetNewJersey]

Most stuff has already been said, but as others have noted, there's probably multiple solutions. The first thing I would recommend you try is to check your posture, because that's going to help you most in the long run, and it doesn't cost anything. If that's not the issue, a proper strap might be in order. If you still would rather get a new bass (TB will do that to you!), Squier makes short-scale jags (which might be a good balance between both your other basses). Otherwise, basses made of basswood (and agathis in cheaper basses) are usually on the lighter side. Ibanez often uses those woods, as well as some CV and VM Squiers. Good Luck and happy New Years!

 

[Dana R Gregory]

Sounds like you need to get a decent strap. I highly recommend a 3" Glove Leather strap by Franklin Strap. They are available at GC and Sam Ash. Not only will it be more comfortable but it will also control neck dive. As a newbie, it will take time to build up the shoulder and neck muscles. If after 6 months you are still in pain then you will need to look for something lighter. You should also post what kind of music you want to play, that will help the forum give you better advice on the best choice for you. Good luck.

 

[96Brigadier]

Another vote for the Ibanez SR series. They're great sounding basses, have narrow necks (great if you have smaller hands) and are light weight. Pair it with a good quality strap as already suggested and you should be good to go.

 

[wintremute]

Emily, how heavy is your bass?

 

[Bassquest]

I'm turning 65 in 2017 and the body is starting to go. I filled in this past week at a country bar and decided to use the Squier P/J special provided. It was killing my shoulder by the end of the night. I went to the local mom and pop store the next day and bought a Squier SS Jag. Man, what a difference. Sounds great and I got to hear it out as others used it on jam night. Does the job for me!

 

[BobKos]

Chambered body Warmoth used. Reverend Rumblefish used. The rumblefish are ridiculously light and sound killer / play fantastic. Probably the only bass I wish I could un-sell. I had (3) and would take any of them back in a minute.

 

[catcauphonic]

A 4" strap will distribute the weight much better, and is way cheaper than a new bass. Of course, if you can afford it ... any ol reason to get another bass is a good reason

 

[mbell75]

Fender P Junior if you are lucky enough to find one. Same hardware and sound of the full sized P but in a smaller and lighter package. Mine only weighs 6.1 pounds. Ibanez Mikro is readily available. Another big sounding bass in a small package.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Spend money.

But unless you have health issues, weight should not be the main concern (within reason). For two decades, my only bass was a 70s Fender - almost 10.5 pounds. But it was the only bass I knew - I didn't realize that it was heavy. Although I have a 9 pound Lull that I love, right now that Fender is what I am playing. I love them both.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Make yourself stronger, don't make the bass lighter.

Or make yourself smarter, and buy a lightweight bass. .

 

[MMatFoCBass]

My neck is hurting from the weight of the Squier.

I suggest purchasing a Invalid Link Removed, or similar Strap with adequate review for quality.

Adjusting the strap until the bass is comfortably balanced as if you were sitting down to play. This will usually have the bass either just at waist height or above.

I see a lot of guys/gals who are just starting who have their instrument strung down low, simply because it looks cool.

Gorn made a good point mentioning exercise. Aside from wrist stretches and other exercises proper posture is key.

Hope any of this helps.

 

[Londo Molari]

 

[Chico Ruger]

A Höfner is a possibility if you like that sound. Either the Club or the more well-known Beatle model are good choices for a very solid bass without a lot of mass bearing down in your shoulder.

^^^This. Or something similiar like the Epi RumbleKat.

Straps, posture, strength...bullocks! It's the weight, mate.