I need a light bass. My back is killing me.

[spade2you]

Bah, I can guarantee you'll get a 5.5lb bass if you order a Rob Allen Mouse 30 and it's very ergonomic as well. I don't have back issues, but I am spoiled on such a light and balanced beast.

 

[Rumblin' Man]

Kid-
Make sure you play a 'Beatle' style bass for a while befoe you make the purchase. Even though they're light, they just don't seem that ergo friendly to me. I play mine as an upright...now there's an idea! Here's hoping your health improves.

I replaced the heavy metal tuner paddles with plastic ones. It makes a fantastic improvement in the balance on the strap.

 

[Fender32]

Not my bass , but they are some very nice pics !

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[MultiScaleMale]

You might want to check out a Matt Pulcinella bass www.mpguitars.com. You can get a handmade bass for about 1500.00, and in the 7 pound range with your choice of electronics.

+1. Light weight and great ergonomics. Add a ComfortStrapp and I think you would be very happy.

Barker Bass would be a good solution if you need the absolute least stress on your back.

 

[powerbass]

I started playing bass 2 yrs ago w/a Fender Jazz. I couldn't get comfortable w/it. The neck dove and the thick body was just too heavy. Being a massage therapist I knew the Fender Jazz was bound to create strain and injure me. So I decided to build my own. I've made an acoustic/electric fretless and chambered fretted as well as an electric upright. What I have learned is this: a compact head w/compact tuners is better than the heavy elephant ears and long headstock on the Fenders - the long headstock creates a long lever arm that weighs the neck down and since the strap attaches to your neck your neck gets weighted down too. A headless design would eliminate even more weight and reduce the lever arm as well. Chambered bodies reduce even more weight. My fretless acoustic electric is made completely out of red cedar and weighs next to nothing and is sweet sounding. Infact light bodies resonate better than heavier bodies. Benevente has some nice chambered basses as does Godin.

 

[Human Bass]

I had a Bongo that was not light at all.

Lots of advice in this thread will point to basses that can be light, but are not made to be light.

It is!!! the body is basswood, a very light wood. I had the chance to hold one during my time in Canada, i was surprised how light it was.

 

[mikeswals]

If there is a certain bass you like, try calling around to several dealers and see if they can weigh a couple of them for you. This is what I did when looking for another Lakland Skyline JO4........I got lucky and the first place I called (Bass Central) had a 8.25 lb.

This is the best idea here. Your favorite bass in a lighter wieght is out there you just have to find it.
I have a 7.5 lb P Bass, an 8 lb Jazz, and last month I got an 8.3 lb Stingray, and used to have a 7 lb MTD 435.

 

[fullrangebass]

The lightest basses I own are:

Lightwave Saber
Matt Pulcinella Level 5 (just above 6lbs)