Here we go again...

[Mike M.]

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I'm 59, have had back issues for years and just lately I feel a new lease on things from finding and from buying a very light weight MIJ Fender P bass. I LOVE my American Standard 5 string Jazz bass that I bought this past December. But even with a very wide strap I can only play it while standing for no more than 15 minutes due to the weight. It's about 9.5 pounds....doesn't sound like much, but what a differance when I strap on the P bass that weighs 8 pounds. Night and day. I had it strapped on last night at practice and stood for close to two hours with no problem.

No reason to play in pain. If a lighter bass helps bring the fun back then do it!!

 

[seansbrew]

About eight years ago, I got rid of the best sounding bass I have ever had. It was a beautiful Warwick Thumb.

This bass was causing me pain and discomfort in my wrists. I was always fighting to keep the neck in a comfortable position.

You only get one body. You can get as many basses as you need.

Find the right bass that does not cause you pain. Don't be sentimental about a piece of wood with strings on it because in the end that's all it is.

Have no regrets about selling a bass, that is a waste of time.

Good luck bro

 

[fingerbun]

Go for it. Both good brands. Get the one that works for you.

 

[Tom Cileski]

Sweetwater.com has a Ibby SR4005E weighing in at 8 lb. 13 oz.
The Prestige is worth it. They're real cool about returns too.

 

[ga_edwards]

Do it. I've stopped gigging my Thumb as it was causing me physical pain after every gig. Your health is an over-ridding factor when choosing a bass. Actually, I would put ergonomic and comfort right at the top of the list over tone and aesthetics. When trying out an instrument in the shop, if it doesn't feel right, don't even bother plugging it in, put it back on the hanger.

 

[punkjazzben]

What decision have you made?

In another thread this afternoon I've been complaining about being unable to get an acceptable price on my Warwick Corvette 6. About 30 minutes ago I was contacted by a store who might have a buyer and will pay an appropriate amount for it. Right now I'm reading this thread and taking in everyone's response, and weighing up my own options.

I do love the bass, but it's never worked for me in a playing situation yet - in terms of tone and comfort. It works for others, but I'm just not playing music that calls for what this bass has. I like to play at home with the sixth-string, but have no real purpose for it in ensemble situations.

I am also concerned about my health - I do not have any major concerns right now except for minor scoliosis and flat feet, but my family has a big history of bad spines and I wouldn't want to screw myself in the future by playing a heavy bass while I'm still young (24). Right now, I can't play this bass for more than an hour standing up, and I usually do 3+ hour gigs (for which my MIM P is nicely weighted).

I could also use the money for other things, but if I were to replace it with another bass I was thinking an Ibby SR505 or SR375M.