• 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.

Is a 9 pound bass too heavy?

Is a 9 pound bass too heavy?

  • Yes! I might break a nail!

    Votes: 30 15.2%

  • No! My junk is heavier than that!

    Votes: 168 84.8%
  • Total voters
    198
#101
Obviously, I guess it depends on your tonal goals and physical condition. I have a injured neck so anything over 10.5 is too heavy for me. My sweet spot for the tone / comfort ratio is 9.0-10.5. Below 9.0 I feel the instrument lacks a solid depth, focus and richness in the tone (which appears to be very subjective). Balance seems very important in the perception of weight. I'm also looking into dual shoulder straps as well.
 
#102
Basstardus said:
I don't understand you guys! Such babies! I never heard guitar players mounin' about their Les Paul's are too heavy, their tube amp is too heavy, or anything like that...
Click to expand...

I had a former guitar player that had a Les Paul so heavy it cut the circulation off in his leg when played sitting down. His shoulder didn't appreciate it when strapped on either, but he loved the guitar.
 
#104
Basstardus said:
I don't understand you guys! Such babies! I never heard guitar players mounin' about their Les Paul's are too heavy, their tube amp is too heavy, or anything like that... I guess where I'm from, people tend to play more, and worry bout this things less, and maybe people are better friends in a band, they help each other with heavier gear such as 100W tube Marshall head and a marshall 412 cab. I once had an 6 hour gig with a Stingray wich is 11 pounds, and it was a bit off putting at the end, but now I have passive 9lbs bass and an active 7,7lbs bass, and in a long run, really don't feel the difference...
Click to expand...
I've heard of some guitarists using Les Pauls in the studio but using SGs live, due to the latter's lighter weight.
 
#105
Basstardus said:
I don't understand you guys! Such babies! I never heard guitar players mounin' about their Les Paul's are too heavy, their tube amp is too heavy, or anything like that... I guess where I'm from, people tend to play more, and worry bout this things less, and maybe people are better friends in a band, they help each other with heavier gear such as 100W tube Marshall head and a marshall 412 cab. I once had an 6 hour gig with a Stingray wich is 11 pounds, and it was a bit off putting at the end, but now I have passive 9lbs bass and an active 7,7lbs bass, and in a long run, really don't feel the difference...
Click to expand...
joker+clapping.gif

tumblr_m79qgevRT01qctkcl.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: RedHotFuzz and Staccato
#107
JimmyM said:
Anyway, for a serious answer, damn right I have a weight limit. 8 1/2 lbs is about the top limit. 9 is pushing it. Anything more and it's right out. Don't like it? Don't care.
Click to expand...
I suspect I'll probably feel similarly when I'm your age, and I'm also guessing you play longer sets than I do.

And that's part of the reason I play heavy basses now. If talkbass is anything to go by, it looks like I have a limited number of years to play them comfortably. Light basses will still be around when I'm forty, when my shoulder/back can't take the heavy ones.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Remyd
#109
My weight limit for any bass is 9 1/2 lbs. I had a beautiful Music Man Big Al 5 SSS what was a limited Ball Family Reserve (BFR) with a Roasted Maple Neck last year that was an outstanding bass, but it weighed 12 lbs. Had to sell it, I found after one 1 hr. set my back was done. Lesson learned, now I won't buy anything over my 9 1/2 lbs. limit. Ironically the guy I bought it from told me after I received it that's why he sold it to me, due to its weight.

TD
 
#110
Thornton Davis said:
My weight limit for any bass is 9 1/2 lbs. I had a beautiful Music Man Big Al 5 SSS what was a limited Ball Family Reserve (BFR) with a Roasted Maple Neck last year that was an outstanding bass, but it weighed 12 lbs. Had to sell it, I found after one 1 hr. set my back was done. Lesson learned, now I won't buy anything over my 9 1/2 lbs. limit. Ironically the guy I bought it from told me after I received it that's why he sold it to me, due to its weight.

TD
Click to expand...

I sold three perfectly good MusicMan basses for the same reason, although not as heavy as your Big Al was. 9.5 lbs is my upper limit as well, provided it balances well.
 
#111
I don't think wanting lighter basses is being wussy or being a baby at all.

If you play a 12-13lb Peavey T-40 or 70's Fender at 50 or 60 years old, knock yourself out. I am 45 and after doing hundreds of gigs, I know that 9lb = good and 10lb+ = bad for my back. I COULD play a 13lb bass if I really had to, but why? A 10lb bass doesn't force me into a wheelchair or traction, but it does make the lower back ache a bit after a few hours. I gig/rehearse/practice standing up at least 10 hours every week, so lighter is easier/better for me in every way provided the basses have good tone.

To each their own, but last month I even switched from a walnut body to a much lighter alder body on a high end custom I have in the works. The luthier told me that walnut would be 10lb for sure, so I changed it to a lighter wood.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back