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Ever sell a bass because it's too heavy?
- Thread starter VWbug
- Start date
Ergonomics has many aspects. Which ones win out depends on the individual. I won't even look at a bass that is 10lbs or over, and don't really seriously consider one unless it is under 9lbs. I have a 9.8lb bass showing up today, but I know it is a temporary resident until a custom build is done to replace it.
Right now my keepers are 8.4, 7.5 and 5.5 lbs. The new fretless being built should be around 8.5 lbs. My back and shoulders thank me...
Right now my keepers are 8.4, 7.5 and 5.5 lbs. The new fretless being built should be around 8.5 lbs. My back and shoulders thank me...
This one. In hindsight I probably should have kept it (of course). Awesome tone, playability, and workmanship. Just a bit too heavy. Plus it didn't have the original pickups. Pics courtesy of Bass Northwest where I bought it used in Nov '03.
M. M.
M. M.
My P-Plus weights more than any other bass I owned but she's a keeper. Later on in my life I'll be checking my back with a doctor, but as of now, the weight doesn't bother me. Large-thick-padded straps also help a lot! 
Yep, this one - a 2000 MIM Jazz Deluxe V
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Great bass, especially for a MIM. Nice build quality, versatile electronics, fantastic bang-for-the-buck value, but the d@mn thing weighed 13.5 pounds! If it wasn't so heavy, I would have kept it - and it's still the bass I've owned the longest amount of time.
Eventually sold it to Carnival Cruise Lines, which now uses it as an anchor when they go out on their VH1 Best Cruise Ever cruises.
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Great bass, especially for a MIM. Nice build quality, versatile electronics, fantastic bang-for-the-buck value, but the d@mn thing weighed 13.5 pounds! If it wasn't so heavy, I would have kept it - and it's still the bass I've owned the longest amount of time.
Eventually sold it to Carnival Cruise Lines, which now uses it as an anchor when they go out on their VH1 Best Cruise Ever cruises.
Yeah, that's the problem with evilbay; you never know till you get it, even if it did say 14lbs!
The only bass I've ever sold because of weight was a Lakland Skyline JO5 in natural ash. Not sure exactly what it weighed, but my 9.8 lb. MM SR5 feels like a featherweight by comparison.
Several really cool basses because of weight and just not being comfortable playing it. OTOH my T-40 is a boat anchor just use the widest strap I can stand like 4" and padded.
Sad to say, yes...I sold off a few of my Alembic basses due to weight.
These days, due to multiple back surgeries, I have to play sitting down. It's either that or I don't play at all. So weight is always a factor.
I STILL have a T-40, but since finding THIS.....I'm not connect in any to Levis' straps, but it's been a life saver!
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I can play those heavyweights a lot better. WISH I kept the Alembics!
These days, due to multiple back surgeries, I have to play sitting down. It's either that or I don't play at all. So weight is always a factor.
I STILL have a T-40, but since finding THIS.....I'm not connect in any to Levis' straps, but it's been a life saver!
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I can play those heavyweights a lot better. WISH I kept the Alembics!
No, but I definitely prefer a bass that's around 9 lbs compared to one that is 10 lbs + or 8 lbs -. While a bass that is really heavy can be a literal pain in the neck, a bass that is too light just doesn't feel right. I have to say that overall ergonomics and balance are often more relevant to me than weight. A heavier bass that is ergonomically comfy and balances well on a strap is a lot more bearable to me than a lighter bass with ergonomics issues (for me) and a neck that wants to dive.
I played a 14 pound Fender Precision for many years. It was a wonderful sounding bass which I used in many gigs.
Now that I'm a lot older, my 8.5 pound Lull seems too much. I cannot play it in gigs anymore because it makes my shoulders very sore and I feel it the next day.
I'm thinking about getting a Hofner..
Now that I'm a lot older, my 8.5 pound Lull seems too much. I cannot play it in gigs anymore because it makes my shoulders very sore and I feel it the next day.
I'm thinking about getting a Hofner..
