• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I surrender: Need a new bass

#41
I had a Lyte and loved the feel. My go to bass right now TOTALLY hits all your criteria as long as you're okay with a little flash. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

I have the green/silver version. Picked in up as a NAMM floor model for $750. It weights about 6 pounds and is insanely comfortable and fast to play. I would say the neck is very similar in feel to the Lyte.
upload_2019-8-31_10-13-22.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Polk Salad and mikewalker
#42
Jack Casady is a full scale, semi-hollow body, light weight bass, that's pretty versatile thanks to the varitone contol...and very affordable to boot. All kinds of colors are out there as well. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I bought one (Alpine White) as a back up to my Ric 4003s, and it almost immediately became my #1. Three hour gigs are a breeze...
 
#48
Mike151 said:
I currently have 2 Fender Lyte PJ basses that I stripped and customized with lightweight tuners, Bad Ass Bridges, and EMG pickups, oh and not to mention auto body paint jobs. I just simply can't wear a heavy bass for 5 hours any more. It just ruins my back and puts me in a great deal of pain. I also have an LTD ESP bass Maple that I LOVE but I can't wear it for more than one set. SO fellow low enders....I'm looking for one of two things. I very new high tech lightweight bass that is about mid price 2K or so that has a jazz neck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I was almost about to buy another Rick but I know that would kill me and I prefer a thin jazz neck at my age.
The second I would be looking for would be something that just is the bad ass Jazz bass that I could wear for one set and use for lap practice at home.
let er' rip and let me know what you think!
thanks!
Mike
Click to expand...
What weight are you looking for?

One thing you can do is to schlep over to Sweetwater and go through their basses; for those that are in stock, they publish the weights. I bought an 8 lb Player Precision then put on a jazz neck and lightweight tuners. It's awesome.

One of the lighter basses that interests me is the Ibanez Mezzo. It's 32" scale, but the weights are usually in the low 7lb range. It's a PJ. Other Ibanez's tend to be lightweight as well.

I special-ordered a G&L JB4 made from Paulownia, they call it Empress, their lightest wood. When I ordered it I told Rocket Music that it should exceed not 7.5 lbs. They nailed it, and it's a killer Jazz as well.

My lightest bass I built myself. 6.5 lbs, Paulownia Jay Jr body from USACG with a Mighty Mite neck. Best jazz I ever played. I'm building a PJ that will come out to a similar weight, so for the lightest possible, you'll probably have to do it yourself. When you order the parts tell them what you're up to, and they'll work with you. USACG is friggin awesome.
 
#51
bdplaid said:
Guys always say that, as if weight distribution somehow lightens the bass. Saying with respect, and speaking from experience, this is never the answer. :)
Click to expand...

Like I said, the OP did NOT specify exactly what his PHYSICAL issue is. A heavy bass CAN cause shoulder and upper back discomfort, which CAN be alleviated by a better strap.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Malak the Mad
#55
FlyingPigSound said:
Jack Casady is a full scale, semi-hollow body, light weight bass, that's pretty versatile thanks to the varitone contol...and very affordable to boot. All kinds of colors are out there as well. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I bought one (Alpine White) as a back up to my Ric 4003s, and it almost immediately became my #1. Three hour gigs are a breeze...
Click to expand...
I've a Jack Casady. While it's a superb bass, it weighs in at approx 8lbs. And due to the way the body is and how it balances, you have to wear it a bit weird, low and off to the side a bit. May aggravate your issues.

To @DWLANG, I have the Wine Flame Maple, but your Alpine White is stellar!
 
  • Like
Reactions: DWLANG
#56
bdplaid said:
Guys always say that, as if weight distribution somehow lightens the bass. Saying with respect, and speaking from experience, this is never the answer. :)
Click to expand...
Also with respect, @mrjim123 might be on to something. A shoulder harness strap system isn't about lightening an instrument, but rather about better weight distribution. I work in the fields of muscular health/pain relief and "repetitive stress" is something I see with great frequency. Weight that's evenly distributed will be less impactful than a lot of weight crushing down on one side of the body for hours on end. (Seriously, you even tell when someone has been rockin' something as lightweight as a computer mouse for months or even years! That's all it takes to leave a mark! :blackeye:)

That being said, the OP hasn't elaborated on his particular issue. If, for example, it's something to do with his spine (scoliosis, herniations, stenosis, etc…), no amount of weight distribution will help him in the long run. Too much is still too much. ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: dmt and bdplaid
#60
Coolhandjjl said:
I've a Jack Casady. While it's a superb bass, it weighs in at approx 8lbs. And due to the way the body is and how it balances, you have to wear it a bit weird, low and off to the side a bit. May aggravate your issues.

To @DWLANG, I have the Wine Flame Maple, but your Alpine White is stellar!
Click to expand...
Good point...some do have neck dive issues with the JCB. I use a 2” wide leather strap, and it balances perfectly.
Thanks, I love the white, and have been searching for one in blue with no luck...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back