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Bass weight. Does it make a difference?

bobunit

bobunit

I'm here. Now what?
Supporting Member
Jul 15, 2008
3,130
3,145
Farmington, New Mexico
#1
I have been in a working band for the past couple of years. Typically we play 5 (45 min.) sets a night. My bass of choice is a Spector NS5 (10lbs. 3 oz). I have always loved this bass from the day I got it, however, I am considering purchasing a bass that is lighter to reduce the fatigue on my back, neck, shoulders, etc. My question is: Does a lighter weight bass make that much of a difference in reducing player fatigue? If so, at what point, weight wise, does a player notice the difference in weight? An ounce? A pound? Do I just need to get a different strap? (I use a 3" wide leather) Any thoughts would be appreciated. :)
 
#3
spade2you said:
Depends on what the problem actually is. If you're having shoulder pain, a wider strap will distribute the weight over a greater space. If it's a back problem, wider straps don't really make much of a difference since the same weight is still on your back.
Click to expand...
Well, I haven't really noticed pain in any specific area. I just see when someone is selling a bass, especially on here, that is one of the first questions the potential buyer asks.
 
#4
Your Spector is a very comfortable bass to wear because of the body contour and balance.

You can find a lighter bass. 7lbs maybe. An alder body should be around that weight and they sound terrific.

I would say hit the gym and strengthen your core. 5 45's is long night but a comfortable padded strap, good posture and decent supporting stomach muscles and you should not be hurting too badly. Maybe you are too tense, try playing more relaxed. Avoid drinking alcohol on the gig, that will cause fatigue and make every thing feel heavier.

Not sure exactly what the issue is but these might be some things to try before switching basses.
 
#5
If you love the bass you have...I would say keep playing it. If you are not feeling/having any problems...no need to fix it. If you jsut want a new bass, then that is a whole different issue. I do not have any helpful input regarding weight...both of mine are in the 10+ pound range...and I don't play as much as you.

I have, however, learned (the hard way) that if I like (especially if I love it) something to just be happy with what I have. I have made the mistake of getting other things, to fix something that wasn't broke...I almost always ended up regretting it in one way or another.

Good luck
 
#6
Before you sell you bass and no offense meant but you may want to have a look at your posture. Even a 6lb bass is going to give you trouble if you posture is off and I'm afraid that happens to us all as we age.

If you're not exercising regularly you may want to think about doing some light, but repetitive stuff, particularly on your shoulders neck and core. I've been doing this for the last wee while and noticed a huge difference when I'm standing playing bass for an extended period of time.
 
#7
I would like to weigh in on this thread. Ha, weigh, get it? My daughter says I'm a dork. I don't get it.

I am a lot less tired after a night with my light '73 P than I am with the heavier basses I have owned. And I used to think the P was heavy, but that was compared to my friends Strat...

For informational purposes, I am 41 years old. 5'7", about 145 lbs. Not much muscle, not really an exerciser these days other than slinging the 6 month old baby around. Posture could be better too. And losing my hair.

:-)
 
#8
Have to agree with all the posts above: posture is important; wider strap helps to distribute the weight. But playing a full 5 sets a night is tough too. There are lighter basses but IMO it's the sound (or variety of) and the feel of the neck that are the higher priorities.

Try some strength exercises like free weights too. Might help dense up some muscles.
 
#9
Weight is part of it, but check the balance of how you hold the bass. The comment about posture is important. If the bass is too low or high, you made be twisting yourself in a way that causes too much tension/strain on your body.

If you decide to check out a lighter bass, the Spectors with bolt on necks are considerably lighter than the neck-throughs. You really want to stick with a Spector, right?!?! :)
 
#10
Try a new strap. I got one, I don't remember the brand, but it was a notch strap, lined with fur, at least 4 or 5 inches wide, and it does WONDERS to improve fatigue (I used to run through muscle salves like crazy - not so much since I got it). Best $25 I've ever spent on a bass accessory (except maybe my lovely strap locks).
 
#12
To me, a 10 pound bass is just too heavy. Mine vary from about 7.5 pounds to 9.5, and I don't play the 9.5 pound one very often, even though I like the sound.

True - all the stuff above is important - posture, fitness, core muscle strength, strap type and width. If you love the bass, another strap (perhaps one of the neoprene comfort straps) is worth a try.

But for me, I'd have to really, really love a bass to even consider buying it at 10 pounds....and then I probably wouldn't play it much. But I'm an old fart of 58, and my body talks to me a lot more than it used to.

My feeling: if it's such a good bass, how come they can't make it lighter????
 
#14
My neck is garbage (car accidents when I was younger, genetic predisposition to bulging disks, etc.). I play 4 sets at about 45-minute each once or twice a week. I know that I will be sore on Sunday morning, no matter how light/heavy the bass.

I have found the pain to be a great deal more manageable when I have a lighter weight bass. I also play better when I'm not heaving a boat anchor across my shoulders, so I can relax my muscles more and focus on playing. My Dingwall AB-1 V and Fender AD Jazz IV were the lightest basses I've owned and my favorites to gig with. The Bongo was pretty nice too. My current Spector has one of my favorite tones of any bass I've ever owned, but I can't gig with it. Its just too heavy.

I consider anything under 9 lbs. to be light, anything over 10 lbs. to be heavy. Anything in between is normal and doable for me, but I definitely prefer < 9 lbs.
 
#16
Obviously everyone's ideal bass weight will vary. Mine is 9.2 lbs or less. I've done up to 9.5 personally, but felt it. I'll never buy a bass more than 9.2 lbs, neck heavy, strap heavy or whatever. I wish I could handle more, I'd still have that Warwick 2000. :hmm:
 
#17
I bought a 4" neoprene strap that makes my 7.5lb Sadowsky feel like a feather. Of course my 12lb+ Peavey T-40 still feels like a boat anchor.

I do a lot of gigs and find anything over 10lbs really starts hurting my neck and back after a few sets. I am happy in the 7.5-9-5lb range and all of my basses (except the T-40) are under 10lbs.
 

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