here ya go... I have a very nice MIJ Fender Lyte, too - but this is lighter! 
For Sale - 1998 Rainbow Holoflake Peavey G Bass (Graphite Neck)
For Sale - 1998 Rainbow Holoflake Peavey G Bass (Graphite Neck)
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I surrender: Need a new bass
- Thread starter Mike151
- Start date
When I think of a light bass with a thin neck this is my go to; Tune Bass Maniac 5er.
I have exactly the same weight issues. So what is heavy? What is light?
My red line is 9 1/2 lbs. I have a Mike Lull PJ which comes in at 8 1/2lbs and a Sadowsky Metro Jazz that is pushing my limit, but sounds so good I'm dealing with the extra ounces.
The Sadowsky Metro Express weighs 9 lbs or less. I had a Lull Jazz which was around the 8 1/2lb mark. All my basses are 5's, so the 4 string versions could be even lighter.
Your story sounds identical to mine. Recently traded for a Sandberg California VM4. Lightest bass I’ve ever had and honestly has more sustain than my neck through basses. Active or passive with tone knob. But width is 1.55” so pretty much same width as a Jazz. It has quickly become my #1. Recently got a jazz version (TT model) but have yet to gig with that one. In the basement I prefer the VM version (reverse P and Musicman pickups)
Contact Nino Valenti. He can sell you what you want. Might or might not be at $2K, but you will like what you get. Look at his website Welcome to ValentoBasses.com to see what he has to offer . Notice the 7.9 lb Surf Green Jazz available to buy in stock - nice features that seem to check all your boxes including price.
If you have the skills to build yourself, get a Warmoth chambered body and roasted maple neck. That will give you a good lightweight start. You can adorn it with hardware / electronics to suit your taste. Most great Warmoth builds come in at around $1500-ish for all new components. You can save buying used components. I have 2 fabulous warmoth builds that come in at 8 lbs and 7.4 lbs. Warmoth slim taper Jazz Necks are great. Warmoth advertises body weights for bodies that are ready to go. You have to be patient and wait for the right body to be offered if you need a specific weight range. I just missed a 3 lb 13 oz Dinky Jazz body that was beautiful. You want to buy a body under 4.5 lbs in order to build a lightweight bass. Preferably in the 3 lb range. They currently have a couple alder Dinky Jazz bodies in the low 4 range without pickup routes that will fall close to 4 lbs when routed.
Sadowsky has a new line of matte painted basses that comes in at your price point. Not sure how consistent weights are, but newer Sadowsky instruments trend in the lighter weight realm. Worth a look.
I agree with Killedbydeath that you should look at an Ibanez SR Soundgear. They offer a broad range of quality and features and are not necessarily entry level junky basses. The Premium basses are quite beautiful and have very nice features. My low / mid level $200 used SR500 came with stock Bartolinis, 3 band EQ with mid switch, and weighs in at about 7.5 lbs. It is a GREAT bass. I bought it to try the SR series in anticipation of replacing it with a Premium SR1600 or similar. No need for me - I like the SR500. If you like the Jazz neck, you will LOVE the SR neck. Super skinny and fast. You owe it to yourself to try one.
Contact chopper at Alien Audio. His Constellation basses check all your boxes except the neck profile. The necks are 1.625 for a 4 string. I would imagine he can do a Jazz profile, but he doesn't list it on his site. Ask him - Super guy to deal with.
If you have the skills to build yourself, get a Warmoth chambered body and roasted maple neck. That will give you a good lightweight start. You can adorn it with hardware / electronics to suit your taste. Most great Warmoth builds come in at around $1500-ish for all new components. You can save buying used components. I have 2 fabulous warmoth builds that come in at 8 lbs and 7.4 lbs. Warmoth slim taper Jazz Necks are great. Warmoth advertises body weights for bodies that are ready to go. You have to be patient and wait for the right body to be offered if you need a specific weight range. I just missed a 3 lb 13 oz Dinky Jazz body that was beautiful. You want to buy a body under 4.5 lbs in order to build a lightweight bass. Preferably in the 3 lb range. They currently have a couple alder Dinky Jazz bodies in the low 4 range without pickup routes that will fall close to 4 lbs when routed.
Sadowsky has a new line of matte painted basses that comes in at your price point. Not sure how consistent weights are, but newer Sadowsky instruments trend in the lighter weight realm. Worth a look.
I agree with Killedbydeath that you should look at an Ibanez SR Soundgear. They offer a broad range of quality and features and are not necessarily entry level junky basses. The Premium basses are quite beautiful and have very nice features. My low / mid level $200 used SR500 came with stock Bartolinis, 3 band EQ with mid switch, and weighs in at about 7.5 lbs. It is a GREAT bass. I bought it to try the SR series in anticipation of replacing it with a Premium SR1600 or similar. No need for me - I like the SR500. If you like the Jazz neck, you will LOVE the SR neck. Super skinny and fast. You owe it to yourself to try one.
Contact chopper at Alien Audio. His Constellation basses check all your boxes except the neck profile. The necks are 1.625 for a 4 string. I would imagine he can do a Jazz profile, but he doesn't list it on his site. Ask him - Super guy to deal with.
You might get a used Elrick that would meet your needs. Tom Clement could build exactly what you want in that range. Agree with the others about the higher model Ibanez as well.
You can definitely find something that will work for you.
You can definitely find something that will work for you.
I think he is describing his quest for tone previously, and how he now needs a lighter bass.
If you've got near 2k to drop go custom! I recommend Lowdown bass.
LowDown Bass Guitars
His Hybrid series come in at under 2k and you tell him the weight you want and he'll get it there.
LowDown Bass Guitars
His Hybrid series come in at under 2k and you tell him the weight you want and he'll get it there.
Before sinking a bunch of money into a high-end, lightweight bass, first I'd recommend trying an ergonomic strap, such as this:
Slinger Straps "Hip Strap" | Ergonomic Waist Guitar Strap
If that doesn't work, I'd recommend buying an inexpensive, short scale, lightweight bass like a Danelectro or a Hofner Club bass. Used would be even better (price-wise). This will help you determine if a lightweight bass is going to solve your problem. There could be something else going on here, such as your posture, or just an inability to stand that long without back pain.
I wouldn't recommend a long scale, lightweight bass due to the likely issue of neck dive which creates ergonomic problems of its own.
You may want to find a physical therapist to watch you play and make recommendations on how you can reduce your back pain.
And if all else fails, do as others have suggested: play while sitting down. Good Luck!
Slinger Straps "Hip Strap" | Ergonomic Waist Guitar Strap
If that doesn't work, I'd recommend buying an inexpensive, short scale, lightweight bass like a Danelectro or a Hofner Club bass. Used would be even better (price-wise). This will help you determine if a lightweight bass is going to solve your problem. There could be something else going on here, such as your posture, or just an inability to stand that long without back pain.
I wouldn't recommend a long scale, lightweight bass due to the likely issue of neck dive which creates ergonomic problems of its own.
You may want to find a physical therapist to watch you play and make recommendations on how you can reduce your back pain.
And if all else fails, do as others have suggested: play while sitting down. Good Luck!
I just picked up a Lakland Skyline Jerry Scheff (see avatar). To me, it feels like it weighs about the same as a Squier VM Mustang (short scale) that I had. You may also want to check out Warwick...the Rockbass Corvette line felt pretty light too, but not sure if the neck is the exact profile you are looking for.
On a different spectrum, you may want to look at Wing Instruments and their Wingbass. Particularly the NT. Here is the link: [This invalid link has been removed]
Also...are you looking for 1 bass or 2? I wasn't really clear on that part.
On a different spectrum, you may want to look at Wing Instruments and their Wingbass. Particularly the NT. Here is the link: [This invalid link has been removed]
Also...are you looking for 1 bass or 2? I wasn't really clear on that part.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Start going through the Sweetwater site - they list the weights. Or give them a call and let them know what you are looking for. If you are spending that kind of money, I am sure they would be willing to go through their inventory.
Definitely get out and play as many basses as you can, even ones that you might normally avoid. You might find a winner. That's how I found my recent, a red PJ that weighs 8 lbs, 6.5 Ozs.
I have never played a PJ, and I don't really like red, but the connection was immediate and I play it all the time.
Open options are good. Have fun.
I have never played a PJ, and I don't really like red, but the connection was immediate and I play it all the time.
Open options are good. Have fun.
