Hey! So Heavy or Light Bass.

[kuuri]

heavy for sure, I liked the comment some other guy posted and I agree with it so its like im not playing a toy.

 

[fretlessguy]

Arthritis in some joints and rotator cuff problems on the strap side......lite.

 

[Stilettoprefer]

I love my 11-ish pound Schecter to death! It sounds great! But my 8 pound P mutt sound great too.... So I really have no preference!

The Schecter does balance WAY better though.

 

[JimmyM]

I can stand most Precisions with a wide strap, but I can no longer use heavy basses onstage, and that's my limit. Used to not care. Hit about 43 and started caring. Shoulder's pretty chronic but a lighter bass helps a lot.

 

[Munjibunga]

I like 'em under 10 pounds. Under 9 is better. I don't like standing and holding a heavy bass through four sets of music.

 

[Gaolee]

With a scale

DOH! Why didn't I think of that!

 

[Tom Howland]

There is no wrong answer.
I prefer light basses, 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 pounds.
For me that's the magic weight for tone.
That's for passive basses, If I'm using an active bass, weight does not make as much difference.
I will play a bass up to 10 pounds.

 

[JimmyM]

Your shoulder knows if your bass is active or passive?

 

[Art Araya]

Heavy bass + 4 hour rehearsal or gig = Sore shoulders and back

If you're young and big-bodied, not a problem. If you're older or of slighter build, the extra weight can take a toll.

 

[grendle]

That was me with the toy comment. I'm a big guy though (6'1 240lbs). They don't make spectors light, so I just got used to them. I picked up my sdgr after a wile and was like, better be careful not to break this thing... Play what ya like or what you can for as long as you can I say. The older i get though i definatly spend money on good padded straps. Standing for 4-5 hrs with that spector might not always be fun, but it always makes me smile.

 

[Korladis]

I'm into heavy 10 pders and up.

That way I don't feel like I'm playing a toy.

Same. I definitely prefer basses on the heavier side. They've got to have at least a little bit of heft to them. Light basses feel weird and kinda icky to me.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I don't have a preference as long as it sounds good.

Same here. And any bass I don't like is more than I want to wear.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I love my 7.8lb MIA P, but man that bass can fly away from you when you're rocking out if you're not careful! I like basses in the 8.5-9.5lb range.

 

[jp litch]

Light basses with ultralite tuners. My 4# P is the best for me.

 

[pcake]

i didn't care about weight till i tore my rotator cuff. it's healing slowly, but from here on out, it's light basses for me.

 

[groove pump]

I used to not worry about the issue of weight, but then I got a really light neck-through Ibanez and was really surprised with how much easier it was to move around and enjoy myself through the course of an all-night gig. That bass didn't work out, so I got rid of it and I'm back to my 10.5 lb. J-bass. While it's sound has been hard to beat, I was struck with just how much less mobile I was with that heavier bass on my shoulder.

My strap is nice and fat - no problem in my shoulder - but over the next few gigs, it occurred to be that I was a lot more "stuck" and un-animated by our last set. At age 45, I'm no acrobat on stage, but I sure don't want to just stand there either. Now I'm trying to track down something that's lighter, but brings enough of the tone I've only found in beefier rigs.

 

[klejst]

This thread made me chuckle a little, I cannot understand why someone would want a heave bass taking it's toll on your back and shoulders...however I suppose some do not mind it and like heavy basses. I try to keep it light myself.

 

[dave64o]

I generally say the lighter the better. Weight isn't the only factor or the biggest factor for me personally, but it is a major factor. Having said that, combinations of tone, versatility, and playability might be good enough that I'll deal with a bass that weighs more than I prefer. For example, I had a MIM Jazz Deluxe that weighed 13.5 pounds. I liked it so much I held onto it for several years before I finally concluded I had to sell it because of the weight (c'mon, 13.5 pounds is EXCESSIVE!) I also kept my first Stingray, about 11 pounds, until I found one that's about 9.5 pounds and replaced it.

At this point I think all my basses are now under 10 pounds, which suits me fine. I don't see any reason to carry more weight than I need to.

 

[vroc38]

Heavy wears the crown baby! Reminds you know its not a toy.

What comes out of my amp reminds me and everyone listening that my bass is not a toy! You can't hear light or heavy. I have had heavy basses that never worked tone-wise and light ones that sound amazing.

 

[Brad Johnson]

On the shoulder? Sure. On the back? Straps don't make a bass any lighter.

He seemed to be talking about comfort and I'd have to agree. A heavier bass doesn't have to be uncomfortable to everyone.

I'm 55. I've done long gigs since the 70's... so the admonishions that weight will become a factor when you get older ring hollow to me. I just did an outdoor gig last Saturday night 2.5 hours away and after five hours of driving, time on the soundcheck and playing from 7 to 11, I'm fine. I played an 11 lb. bass and it sounded phenominal as usual.

Just like I figured out years ago how to play comfortably and have avoided repetitive stress injuries, I've also figured out how to wear my basses comfortably. If anyone doesn't do that and insists on blaming a heavier instrument for an injury...


Some people are perfectly happy with lighter basses. Cool. In the meantime I haven't heard lighter basses approach the sound I get out of some of my heavier ones. It's a sound I want. Since I'd rather have that sound and have seen no way to get it with a light bass and weight hasn't caused me any problems, all is right with my world. I'm sure it could be for others too if they have the same priorities that I do.


Not saying anyone should play a heavy bass but I certainly wouldn't advise against it. It can easily be done. Without a hint of pain or discomfort.