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Basses for bassists with back issues

#101
I have recurring back pain, during which I use a Dan Armstrong/Danelectro while I do excercises and stretching to regain my strength. I'm usually back up and running within a few weeks, but the Dano really helps keeping it from getting worse.

A friend of mine with serious scholiosis has ended up with a Rob Allen after several tries at other lightweight basses.

You might also want to look at the Godin A4 as an option.
 
#105
RobJ said:
I'm hoping the day comes where some very famous bass player validates the Barcalounger recliner as an acceptable piece of stage gear...

That bit of lunacy aside you can't get much lighter than a Hofner I think.
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Well, the Parker Fly basses weigh around 6 lbs. And then there's the Ashbory, which hands-down is probably the lightest bass made.
 
#108
JoeVictim said:
Is anyone aware of a wider strap that contains no leather?

Even at 7.5lbs, my Carvin can feel heavy on the 4 hour practices... and I don't want to harm any furry friends so there is an ethical requirement too. :help:
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Although it has leather attachment ends, the Neotech Mega Bass Strap is pretty much all man-made materials:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/neotech-mega-bass-strap

The Neotech Super Bass strap has a little shorter adjustment range and is narrower.
 
#109
#110
The original post cites Höfner Beatle basses. I think it would be hard to beat either the Höfner Violin or Club basses. They are light weight (some less than 6 pounds) and short scale (which reduces back stress issues when you have to reach your arm out). Although I don't have back problems (and hope it stays that way), like others I have had back injuries to the point where picking up a pencil or walking up the steps is painful for weeks. The Höfner helped me keep playing through those times. Several members here say they are so light that they feel like a toy. They imply that this is not desirable, but IMHO it's a good thing. :)

I have a Mustang bass (one of the reissues from 5 years ago) and one of the lighter MIM P basses from the early 90s, and when I put Hipshot Ultralights on them, they both became a shade over 8 pounds. I believe they are also good alternatives.
 
#115
I think I already posted but here we go

I have a Epi Toby Tobias, changed the pups, and it is now has a really nice sound. 6lbs

I have also heard that the MTD Kingstons, Artists and Heirs are light 7 to 8 lbs I think.

I have a Raven West that is 8 and that is a dream to play.

My two Jazzes are 9 and 10 lbs, sooo not so friendly on the back
 
#119
+1 on the Neotech Mega Bass Strap. It lightens up my 9.5 pound MIJ jazz considerably.

Nice light bass is the discontinued MIJ Fender P Lyte Deluxe. They pop up from time to time in the Classifieds. Smallish body, so easy to play seated as well.
 

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