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Does bass weight matter if you always sit down while playing?

#61
JRA said:
i think it's both, but in my own experience = matters less when sitting. i don't have any axes that break 8 lbs., but if I did i'd be more inclined to sit --- just for the groove.....

:bassist: (an emoji of a sitting player...playing an unlined, fretless, 4-string PJ.)
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+1 on this. Weight can matter, but I believe how the instrument balances across the knee matters more. Does it sit well naturally, or do you have to devote some attention to keeping it in place? How far away is the nut? Stuff like that. Although those big ol' Gretsches present a lot of ergonomic challenges when played from a strap standing, they are among the most comfortable basses I have encountered for playing seated. Even Bassoguitars (and 1/4 size DBs) can be played comfortably while seated.

 
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#63
Weight of the bass is a non issue for me. My basses weigh between 8.5 and 11 lbs, with several in the 9.5 range. None of my basses neck dive, sitting or standing, with or without strap.

However, for me the great equalizer is my 4" strap. I use it sitting and standing, keeping my bass in ergonomic, comfortable playing position for both right and left hands. The result is no wrist, elbow, shoulder, or back pain for me.

I perform weekly, and practice daily. I appreciate my basses and their construction. And, having solid, exotic wood instruments, some with 3/4" solid tops, precludes light weight afforded by bodies of Cypress, Basswood, hollow cavities, etc., and 1 piece maple necks.
 
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#64
Mike Vee said:
I'll admit, I've become a bit of a weight snob. I'll also admit that TB made me that way, and before posting here a lot I never thought about weight at all.

Right now I have an 8 lbs Precision and an 8.5 lbs Jazz bass (with a lot of neck dive on the Jazz). I ONLY play in the studio, sitting down, and will never, EVER in my life gig. That being said, even lifting a bass of the stand, I enjoy them being light. It just feels nice - but that part doesn't matter much.

There is a bass I REALLY want: rare, beautiful, good price, but it's 9.5+ lbs. Everything about it is perfect, except the weight scares me.

Do you think weight of a bass matters at all when sitting down, or is weight only a concern with a strap standing up?
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It should not matter at all .... unless you have exceptionally "tender" thighs! :laugh:
 
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#68
Depends on the bass IMO. The T-40 I had that weighed 11ish lbs would put my leg to sleep when I played it sitting down, lol. Also my aluminum bass that weighs 13ish lbs has a 3/4” thick body and it cuts the circulation off in my right leg when I sit down to play it for an extended period LOL. Feels fine when I’m standing up though (it balances perfectly and its slimness is super comfortable :bassist:
IMG_1521.jpeg
 
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#71
gebass6 said:
This is the way I sit.
It's comfortable.The bass is braced between my legs and chest.

This bass is 11.03 lbs

I sit on the edge of the chair so that the bass hangs a little below the seat.
Plus I always use a strap which is set so that the bass is at the same height a when I stand.
The weight is divided up by the strap and legs.
View attachment 5056724
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Are we twins? That’s exactly how I play sitting down, sort like classical guitar. I think it’s far more comfortable and efficient than resting the bass on my right leg (I’m right handed).
 
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#72
My heaviest basses are TRB sixes, and despite them both weighing in at 5.5kg (12lbs), I only ever play live seated on a high stool with a wide strap at optimal length to shoulder some of the burden while my thigh takes most of the weight.

Seated thus, the bulk of the TRB becomes very manageable, dare I say comfortable, and playing each of them is a joy.
 
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#75
I actually took the plunge. The bass is an EBMM Classic Sabre, coming in at 9.6.

There are 2 ways to easily reduce the weight:
1) Replace the tuning pegs with aluminum Schaller partds .8 oz reduction each: 3.2 OZ
2) Replace the knobs with aluminum Stingray Special knobs = reduction unknown, however, could get me in the 9.0lbs range, which for a Sabre is very light.

Here she is! (Like I said, amazing bass - wow!) It comes with the original tort guard, but I like the way the black looks, so I ordered a B/W/B from Chandler.

sabre1.jpg
 
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#76
I would say grab the bass! Especially if it has tuners that aren’t ulralites, you can shave some weight off just by tuners and depending on what knobs it has on it. Neither would be irreversible also. Bass weight isn’t really an issue regardless while sitting down.
You could also get one of those funky walk up bass stands that holds the bass in the upright playing position and you just stand behind it.
 
#77
Mike Vee said:
I actually took the plunge. The bass is an EBMM Classic Sabre, coming in at 9.6.

There are 2 ways to easily reduce the weight:
1) Replace the tuning pegs with aluminum Schaller partds .8 oz reduction each: 3.2 OZ
2) Replace the knobs with aluminum Stingray Special knobs = reduction unknown, however, could get me in the 9.0lbs range, which for a Sabre is very light.

Here she is! (Like I said, amazing bass - wow!) It comes with the original tort guard, but I like the way the black looks, so I ordered a B/W/B from Chandler.

View attachment 5057455
Click to expand...
Sweet bass! I just commented but I was actually going to use my 10.8lb Honeyburst as an example. I use a comfort strap with mine, since it’s the heaviest bass I currently own. Definitely takes some weight off the shoulder being wide and stretchy, that would be a good option as well if you want to adjust the strap to where it’s sharing some weight with your lap and your shoulder
 
#78
_One//Man//Mutiny_ said:
Sweet bass! I just commented but I was actually going to use my 10.8lb Honeyburst as an example. I use a comfort strap with mine, since it’s the heaviest bass I currently own. Definitely takes some weight off the shoulder being wide and stretchy, that would be a good option as well if you want to adjust the strap to where it’s sharing some weight with your lap and your shoulder
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Thanks! I'll start with the tuners and knobs and see where that gets me!
 
#79
I have a '76 Jazz that was my #1 for 20 years. The 11+ pound weight didn't bother me. Until it did. Funny how getting older changes things. I play it quite a bit at home, but never gig with it anymore. It's not that I can't, I just don't find it comfortable to play for four hours anymore. The 8.5# P-Bass gets the nod live these days.
 
#80
Mike Vee said:
I'll admit, I've become a bit of a weight snob. I'll also admit that TB made me that way, and before posting here a lot I never thought about weight at all.

Right now I have an 8 lbs Precision and an 8.5 lbs Jazz bass (with a lot of neck dive on the Jazz). I ONLY play in the studio, sitting down, and will never, EVER in my life gig. That being said, even lifting a bass of the stand, I enjoy them being light. It just feels nice - but that part doesn't matter much.

There is a bass I REALLY want: rare, beautiful, good price, but it's 9.5+ lbs. Everything about it is perfect, except the weight scares me.

Do you think weight of a bass matters at all when sitting down, or is weight only a concern with a strap standing up?
Click to expand...

Lakota leather strap made a huge difference with my heavy bass (Warwick 5 string). Their made of bison leather. For me, the weight of a bass is not a concern right now.
 

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