ISO decent short-scale lightweight bass

[Purple bassist]

I am an average player; fortunate enough to play weekly (or weakly ). Classic rock and blues.

My Schecter banshee short scale is too heavy for my arthritic shoulders. Looking for something similar, but lighter. Any ideas? My budget is around $1500 (US), if that helps.

Thank you for your expertise!

 

[michael_t]

My Schecter banshee short scale is too heavy for my arthritic shoulders. Looking for something similar, but lighter...

Define "too heavy"... How much does your Schecter weigh?

 

[T McClure]

The Nordstrand Acinonyx is noticeably lighter than a Banshee and fits your budget.

I’m not a paid spokesman, but I’ll gladly accept money, Nordstrand.

 

[Purple bassist]

Define "too heavy"... How much does your Schecter weigh?

9 lbs, which is about 2 too many.

 

[evs]

My lightess shortscale bass is an Ibanez EHB1000S.
It's under 7 pounds.
It's not a traditional looking bass though.

 

[ModuMan]

I gigged an Acinonyx V1 in a blues band for two years. Got more than a few nice compliments - even from soundguys! I think it will suit your requirements just fine.

 

[Purple bassist]

The Nordstrand Acinonyx is noticeably lighter than a Banshee and fits your budget.

I’m not a paid spokesman, but I’ll gladly accept money, Nordstrand.

Ooh! I'm looking at the Acinonyx!!

 

[Island Thumper]

Sandberg Super Light short scale: 30", 5.85lbs

 

[Rocket Queen]

The Ibanez miKro that I had weighed 6 lbs on the nose.
You could buy seven and a half of them.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I am an average player; fortunate enough to play weekly (or weakly ). Classic rock and blues.

My Schecter banshee short scale is too heavy for my arthritic shoulders. Looking for something similar, but lighter. Any ideas? My budget is around $1500 (US), if that helps.

Thank you for your expertise!

Kiesel has great bass options, 30” scale options, and will let you spec light woods like swamp ash. You can also get the body chambered on some models, to further reduce weight. If you go for a headless, chambered bass, it can be really light and will still balance well.

Prices start around the top end of your budget, but if you don’t select any fancy options, other than chambering, you can keep it under $2k pretty easily, especially during a sale.

They also used have an upcharge to “select the lightest wood available” of a given species, but not sure they still do that.

They made me an 8 string guitar (swamp ash chambered Vader) and its under 6 lbs.

Best of luck!

oh, also those headless Ibanez ehb’s can be nice and light.

one more thought, Sweetwater lists the weight of their basses, and in some cases you can sort the search results by weight.

 

[jasper383]

Ibanez EHB
Hofner Club
Danelectro Longhorn or '56

all decent, and very light

 

[Old gold]

Another vote for the Hofner Club. Inexpensive and very light. I put on a set of Beatle bass strings, and it sounds very nice for classic rock. A bonus, at least for me, is the thin neck that is easy on my arthritic hands.

 

[pingvuiini]

Another vote for the Ibanez Mikro. Well made for a great price.

 

[Killing Floor]

Duesenberg Starplayer if you can find a used one. Very light. And a thunder stick.

 

[markjazzbassist]

Hofner club or Beatles bass are fully hollow and are 4-5 pounds, they are the lightest option bar none.

/end thread

 

[Bruce Pete]

Gibson Les Paul Jr Tribute DC

Weighs 7lb and is a great sounding bass.

 

[bassfran]

Lakland HB30.

 

[Danny C]

I'm experiencing the same issue. I recently purchased a Reverend Dub King. I've used it on 6 gigs and me and everyone else was very happy with the sound. It can get deep and full but also has a snotty J bass vibe. It has a blend knob for the pickups instead of a switch so there is much tonal variety here. It's light and slightly under $1200 new. I picked up a used one for under $800 cuz I found an earlier one that was a Gretsch orange color with the sides, back and neck matching. The later ones just had the orange top with the rest being brown or black. Anyway it's an excellent choice for me. Good luck and have fun.

 

[nonohmic]

Sandberg Super Light short scale: 30", 5.85lbs

View attachment 5463919 View attachment 5463920

That's ridic.

 

[burpgun]

Check out a Guild Starfire I, it's hollow body and light as a feather. Also very inexpensive.