"How much does it weigh?"

[iamlowsound]

I like lighter basses because they are nicer to play for long periods of time. I find that heavy basses tend to start hurting after 45 minutes or so and when we gig, we always practice right before for 45 or so. Then my shoulder is hurting before the set even begins.

lowsound

 

[RickC]

Why is this always the first question asked about any bass posted on here? I've never seen a more weight-obsessed group of people.

Here's a better question. Why don't more for sale ads just post that info in the first place, instead of making me ask for it

/rick

 

[KingRazor]

Shape matters more than weight to me

 

[stflbn]

9lbs or under for me. I ask a lot about bass weights because I prefer my basses to be similar in weight, just for consistency sake.

Difference of 1/2 pound or so between basses is noticable on a 4-hour gig. Especially once you get over 40 years old.

 

[Eskimo Spy]

I brew, consult and judge beer professionally and I would be happy to try one of your homebrews sometime.

Be careful what you agree to do without knowing anything about my brew...

Thanks for the offer!

 

[Showdown]

Why is this always the first question asked about any bass posted on here? I've never seen a more weight-obsessed group of people.

Is it just because you guys are careful about your backs, or is there something else that I don't know about? I don't think I've ever cared about the weight of an instrument except when I'm hauling it off to UPS. Are you guys sizing them up for shipping awaiting the day when the bass inevitably ends up in the classifieds?

There was a time (about 30 years ago) when I would have wondered the same thing. I'm 48 now, and my back can't take more than a 9 lb. bass on a gig. I prefer 8 or less. I have a bunch of basses that are 8 pounds or less and sound great, so why buy a heavy, painful bass?

 

[Busty]

And here we have a guy that lives in the best beer country on Earth.

Cheers!
After a while, y'know, many of us would quickly get tired of all those boutique basses…
ehr: beers and get quickly back to the regular Jazzpiler…

Trying to,remain on-topic: one of the most lightweight basses existing (in its category)=
Sandberg around 1994 i haven't seen any pictured online:
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[unbridled]

Two cervical spinal fusions, one cervical laminectomy, and Multiple Sclerosis limit my options. I'd rather play a light bass than not be able to play because I can't stand the weight four hours a night.

I do think lighter basses generally sound better unplugged but electronics and strings are so advanced anymore that there are many more things than weight that add to the tone.

 

[SurferJoe46]

I can get away with the 10 lb weight if I sit for the whole gig.

If the 'band' doesn't like me sitting - I pack up my toys and go home.

In VietNam I got Agent Orange in some heavy doses and I have severe bone conditions - although I look good on the outside, I hurt on the inside. Vicadin and playing music that makes sense to the audience is not mutually congruent.

So I sit and can handle a heavier bass - maybe that should be an option for people who can't hold a heavy bass for 2 or 3 sets.

This is all well and good since I am now buying Fenders a lot.

 

[Jon_West]

Trying to,remain on-topic: one of the most lightweight basses existing (in its category)=
Sandberg around 1994 i haven't seen any pictured online:
Invalid Link Removed

That's a nice bass.

How much does it weigh?

 

[Busty]

Hell, i don't know know… I'd say six pounds… damn converters…
I'm still waiting on myself sending some mail to :: in order to know what effin' bass this exactly is…

 

[DaLoCo]

If you want to know about weight coscious, join a cycling forum....they will easily run into 10 pages on how a person managed to save 50 grmas by cutting 1/8 of an inch of all the bolts, got a saddle that is as comfy as a beehive, used thinner tape on the handlebars....

Invariably the second post on any of the classifieds will be...."How much does it weigh?"

You guys are still very much in the safe zone here, once you break it down into grams I will worry. One thing I did notice is that most bass players, myself included, are not petite.....and big guys are always expected to pick up heavy stuff, hence all the back issues...

 

[RickC]

I'm already carrying enough weight, without the freakin bass

 

[metron]

Lighter basses are definitely preferable. I don't find the weight obsession odd as much as the apparently huge quantity of people with back issues of some sort.

 

[spade2you]

We're adults, so hunching over with a heavy bass isn't quite on most of our agendas. When you play for long periods of time, light basses become much more desirable. Simply put, I see no benefit of a bass being heavier, so no reason for me not to go for something lighter.

 

[Showdown]

Lighter basses are definitely preferable. I don't find the weight obsession odd as much as the apparently huge quantity of people with back issues of some sort.

30 years of standing for long hours with a bass, along with carrying heavy speakers and the effects of age all take their toll on your back. And it depends a lot on your build too. I'm tall and thin, with a long spine. Someone short and stout might not have the problems I do.

 

[banditcosmo]

Here's a better question. Why don't more for sale ads just post that info in the first place, instead of making me ask for it

/rick

+1

 

[FunkMetalBass]

I play 6+ string basses. If it's not heavy, I assume it's got terrible neck-dive and I don't even consider it.

 

[fretno]

for me it can't be too heavy , really anything over 10 lbs and it will end up just sitting on the stand , I've learned this now and purchase accordingly , so yeah first question is usually " How much does it weigh"

 

[RickC]

for me it can't be too heavy , really anything over 10 lbs and it will end up just sitting on the stand , I've learned this now and purchase accordingly , so yeah first question is usually " How much does it weigh"

This really gets to the core of the whole weight question - it's just another piece of information you use to make a purchase decision.

/rick