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I surrender: Need a new bass

#61
DWLANG said:
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...
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I have a regular strap, no real issues with neck dive, but I do occasionally get back pain from other activities, so I know where the OP is coming from.
 
#62
The harness type straps look like a great idea until you wear one. It hold the bass perfectly flat to your torso, meaning you have to reach back with your Left arm to play. I found it uncomfortable and probably a source of different back issues.

No, the answer is a lightweight bass, no getting around it. I found that everything else is a band-aid.
 
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#66
You could get a Maruszczyk Elwood L made for you. Typically they seem to be in the 7.5 - 8.5lb range before adding any lightweight options (swamp ash body, roasted maple neck and/or fingerboard, resonance chambers, lightweight tuners, bent bridge). I think even with all the options you'll be able to stay under 2 grand and you can email Adrian and explain that your priority is light.
 
#68
#69
Questions:
1. What is your desired weight limit?
2. What type of strap are you using?

Additional info from my experience:
I used to be very uncomfortable with anything over 9.5 lbs. Under 9 strongly preferred.
Then I started using a Levy's MSS2 4" padded strap, and I was good up to 10 lbs. with that.
Then I started using a Comfort Strapp, and I was good up to 10.5 lbs. with that.
Then I started using an LK strap, and I am good up to at least 12 lbs. with that, and now weight is no even longer a factor I have to consider.
Amazing what a bit of stretch can do! Turns out the stretchiness is even more important that the width.
 
#72
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
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$0.02....

I think first, you need to have an exact optimal weight in mind, and work from there. Do you know the exact weight of your basses? You'll need a shipping scale to know (~ $20). You already know that your Fender Lyte basses are too heavy, weigh them for your reference point.

Everyone has different weight needs, but if you're already ~ 8lbs with the Fender Lytes (?), then going lighter means less choices. If you need < 7lbs it gets even tougher, but apparently Fender-style basses under seven pounds can be found. Happy hunting.
 
#73
I don’t know if this has been mentioned, but have you looked into getting a build from Warmoth? They give you the weights and you can specify a super light weight Bass. Can also get a “Dinky J” slightly smaller and lighter body than a normal J. Plus you can spec it to what you want
 
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#76
Mike151 said:
I'm looking for something a bit more pricey. You get what you pay for iMO.
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I own two SR's. One mahogany and one black. Both are professional quality IMHO. I've played for decades as a touring professional, and I got tired of buying legacy basses with dead notes, the need for "upgrading hardware" PLUS the always heavier weight.

BTW Ibanez does make +2000USD basses if you're interested. They come out of the box already hot rodded and don't need "upgrades." Ready to rock out of the box.

Good luck, keep us posted on what you end up with.
 
#77
I would go the custom route. Maurizio Uber basses can build you a killer bass in that price range with a chambered body. If you tell him a goal weight he can usually hit it. I think his lightest one was in the 5lb range.

It seems to check all your boxes. And his communication is incredible. Pictured every step of the way and I've never gone more than 24 hours without hearing from him.
 
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#80
Mike151 said:
I'm looking for something a bit more pricey. You get what you pay for iMO.
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Then buy a Fender USA and tell us it's too heavy and needs fret work. Point being, price is not the indicator it used to be.

DavC said:
have had several Warmoth necks ... they feel great , ... their weight is listed .. i think .?!
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I've built a lot of basses and Warmoth necks are heavy. The steel rods add weight, and they are chunky with a lot of wood. The graphite rods take off a few ounces, but they are still heavier than USACG or Mighty Mite. And Warmoth does not list neck weight.
 

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