best lightweight bass

[selowitch]

I have a Link Removed that I love. It's medium-scale, too.

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[Honch]

If you want really lightweight, get a Hofner or a Danelectro
they're around 4 - 5 lbs.

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Those ones are the don of neck diving instruments. Really any lightweight hollow or half acoustic bass is neckdiving monsters, save for anything hollow headless. Why not a Gittler? Can't go more minimalistic in weight ... but it throws all the precision jazz resemblances out of the door.

As other has said, there's numerous headless basses out there. And if you go for Steinberger copies, or Hohner paddles they're even more lightweight.

 

[tpaul]

I believe there's a headless bass in the TB classifieds right now.

I'd look at a Danelectro if you need REALLY lightweight.

 

[DirkP]

G&L builds basses from a very lightweight wood, not sure about neck-dive.
Fender only choses lightweight woods for their custom-shop models and maybe for the American Vintage Series instruments. If you chose a Fender model for under 1.000,- it is hit and miss. You have to try the individual instruments.
My lightweight Fenders don't have neck dive.

 

[non]

If you're up for a radical departure, headless basses are supposed to be very ergonomic and kind to your neck and shoulder. I recently ordered a Kiesel (Carvin) Vader VB5, and am eager to see if the function defeats the odd look. Also, Kiesel has a 10-day return policy, if you don't like it.

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Your other best option (imo)?
This:

Status Graphite. The finest hand-made graphite basses and guitars. Made in England.

i have been giving the keisel vader bass some serious thought. i have heard nothing but good about the way they sound and play. it is great that kiesel is offering custom builds at a fair price.

 

[Duder]

Fender Aerodyne Jazz or mid-tangle SR series Ibanez are my suggestions. I looked at an SR300 yesterday that was 7 lbs on sweetwater. I think they run $350.

 

[BobKos]

Search out a used Reverend Rumblefish. Wonderful!

 

[BassLover668]

Hofner Beatle Bass with labella flats.

 

[Pbassmanca]

Search out a used Reverend Rumblefish. Wonderful!

Hi all,

Neck problems and age have made it difficult to play my American Deluxe 5 string Fender. I'm in the process of selling it. Any good recommendations on a light weight bass, no neck dive, 4 string, jazz or precision, and under $1000? I know some people have posted threads about basses under $1000, but the no neck dive and light weight are important for me cause of my neck condition.

Many thanks in advance.

Fender Precision Bass Lyte, are usually not too heavy from my experience. They have stock active electronics but I know a couple guys who pulled them out and ran a traditional set of their favorite passives with a standard wiring harness. Sounded great and nice and "lyte"

 

[Charley Umbria]

Search out a used Reverend Rumblefish. Wonderful!

This! Lightweight, but a huge sound.

 

[madbass6]

Hi all,

Neck problems and age have made it difficult to play my American Deluxe 5 string Fender. I'm in the process of selling it. Any good recommendations on a light weight bass, no neck dive, 4 string, jazz or precision, and under $1000? I know some people have posted threads about basses under $1000, but the no neck dive and light weight are important for me cause of my neck condition.

Many thanks in advance.

Not sure if you're into fretless but you can get get this beast (light wave) fretted as well! This is the latest of my personal bass colection
(go ahead Check it out : ) it's on profile pg !
Just received it last week!
Love it, it's light and most importantly sounds/feels amazing!

 

[JES]

Kala Ubass--but like with Fenders you need to play a bunch.

 

[Mastermold]

... I'm in the process of selling it. Any good recommendations on a light weight bass, no neck dive, 4 string, jazz or precision, and under $1000? ...

Lots of posts seem to miss that you're looking for a 4-string Jazz or Precision. If you're looking for consistent light versions of these the G&L Empress wood basses are in that 7.5-8.0 lb range and used will be under that $1,000 price you stated. Good luck with the hunt!

 

[PauFerro]

Hi all,

Neck problems and age have made it difficult to play my American Deluxe 5 string Fender. I'm in the process of selling it. Any good recommendations on a light weight bass, no neck dive, 4 string, jazz or precision, and under $1000? I know some people have posted threads about basses under $1000, but the no neck dive and light weight are important for me cause of my neck condition.

Many thanks in advance.

Instead of going to the hassle of buying a new bass, consider one of these Mbraces. I have two of them. Your bass can be on a stand and you just walk up to it. No weight on you at all.

Amazon.com: Mbrace Guitar Holder: Musical Instruments

 

[mpdd]

I've gotta agree either a new empress body for one of your basses or a demo or used empress G&L

 

[bordinco90]

Check out the Squier Classic Vibe 70s P Bass. I own one and it's under 7.5 lbs. They have one for sale on Sweetwater for $400.

 

[bordinco90]

 

[Ruddle]

Having the same concerns, though I'm only a 30 years old. From my experience, 2 hours with a 8.7 lbs (3.9 kg) Peavey Foundation on a strap hurts my left shoulder.

My fretless 34" Yamaha RBX250 weights about 6.7 lbs (3 kg) & I definitely feel the difference, though I've switched pickup to Lace Sensor & it's lighter than a stock one. But still very light basses & there are some RBXs in medium scale.

Also seriously considering medium or short scale for the sake of left wrist. So I was searching for something:
1) Lightweight without neck dive.
2) Medium or short scale.
3) Cheap, because I'm not serious about spending much money on gear (at least right now).

My current results are:
1) Squier Bronco Bass. Appr. 2.55 kg (5.7 lbs), 30" scale, no neck-dive, dirt cheap, needs pickup & hardware replacement for being playable. Narrower string spacing than standard.
2) Squier VM Jaguar SS. Appr. 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs), 30" scale, small-to-no neck-dive, dirt cheap, pickups & hardware replacement is desirable for being playable. A bit narrower string spacing than standard.
3) Ibanez Mikro. Appr. 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs), 28.6" scale (which I think is way too short), no neck-dive, dirt cheap, pickups & hardware replacement is desirable for being playable. Got no info about string spacing.
4) Used Yamaha RBX Super Medium Series (MIJ 80's). Should be appr. 3 kg (6.7 lbs), 32" scale (with 24 frets), no neck-dive, found one for $200 locally, pickups & hardware should be OK.
5) Used ROCKOON RHB-42 (MIJ 90's). Should be around 3-3.5 kg (6.7-7.8 lbs), 32" scale (with 24 frets), no neck-dive, found one for $260 locally, pickups & hardware should be OK.

Danelectros & traveller's are quite out of my current price range, but seems quite fun.

Looking forward for other options.

 

[dxb]

Hi all,

Neck problems and age have made it difficult to play my American Deluxe 5 string Fender. I'm in the process of selling it. Any good recommendations on a light weight bass, no neck dive, 4 string, jazz or precision, and under $1000? I know some people have posted threads about basses under $1000, but the no neck dive and light weight are important for me cause of my neck condition.

Many thanks in advance.

How heavy is your current bass, and what do you consider lightweight? Just about any solid body 4-string P or J is going to be between 7-9 pounds. P's have a slightly smaller body so they're a little lighter in general. Also have you tried different types of straps?

 

[svlilioukalani]

Link Removed as listed above is a great bass. I got one to use a a travel bass, but I found I just like playing it. It has a surprisingly good tone. It's ultra light. The only problem is it is a bit funny to tune it.