Jazz bass that is too heavy...

[Gruff]

I have Squier jazz bass that I never play because it's too heavy for me (it's 9.4lbs). I have a 3" air-pocket strap but still get neck/shoulder pain when I play. I used to play it a lot - maybe it started to feel too heavy after extended playing during covid, or maybe it was after I changed the neck to a fretless one. Not sure, but either way, I tend to play my Fender CB60SCE acoustic, or Höfner violin bass instead these days, and the jazz just hangs on the wall.

I'm thinking a different kind of strap might help, something wider, or different type? Any suggestions?

 

[marchone]

Try a wider strap. 9 1/2 lbs is normal for a Fender Jazz Bass. It’s never going to feel like a Hofner violin bass.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Sell it and buy something lighter. There are some rather intricate strap designs that may help.

Riis

 

[thmsjordan]

I bet you'd just hate my 10.5 lb American deluxe 5 string.

 

[Yahboy]

I only use Neotech Neoprene Mega bass strap, work like charm on my 9.3lbs jazz bass. Hope it work for you.....

How about swap the bulky himass bridge to fender vintage bent bridge and Gotoh re-o-rite GBR640 on headstock.

 

[chris_b]

Changing your strap can only work if the strap was the problem in the first place. If your problem is the weight of the bass then no strap is going to fix that. . . . you need a lighter bass.

 

[5StringBlues]

You'd really dig my '79 fretless Jazz that weights 12 and some change.

 

[micguy]

If you're feeling pain from the pressure on your shoulder, a wider strap can help. If your back is giving you pain, then it's the total weight, and a strap change isn't the fix.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Treadmill weights and a good diet. Being in good shape helps more than any magic light tuners or super wide strap.

 

[Ostie]

My MIM Jazz std weighs about the same (9.4). I don’t play it much anymore.

 

[PaulS]

I use one of these, distributes the weight to both shoulders.
DuoStrap Neo

 

[Winton]

I use one of these, distributes the weight to both shoulders.
DuoStrap Neo

I use one of those, too!
It helps me out so much with my physical issues so I can keep playing. I’m using one in my profile picture and the bass feels super light!

 

[ToddB1963]

I have Squier jazz bass that I never play because it's too heavy for me (it's 9.4lbs). I have a 3" air-pocket strap but still get neck/shoulder pain when I play. I used to play it a lot - maybe it started to feel too heavy after extended playing during covid, or maybe it was after I changed the neck to a fretless one. Not sure, but either way, I tend to play my Fender CB60SCE acoustic, or Höfner violin bass instead these days, and the jazz just hangs on the wall.

I'm thinking a different kind of strap might help, something wider, or different type? Any suggestions?

Jayne, have you investigated options for playing in a seated position?

Instrument weight might not be as much of an issue

I've suffered from a congenital back problem my entire adult life (I'm 59 - chronic pain since 19 ) and I can handle a heavy bass (over 5 kg) in a semi seated position i.e. tall stool - right leg on footrest, left on floor, with bass - although strapped on - largely resting on right thigh.

I find this helps a lot

 

[jd56hawk]

I use one of these, distributes the weight to both shoulders.
DuoStrap Neo

Beat me to it.
Surprised no one else has mentioned it.
Only other solution might be this.
Stand Up Guitar Holder Performance Stands for Acoustic & Electric Guitars

 

[gidbass]

I have Squier jazz bass that I never play because it's too heavy for me (it's 9.4lbs). I have a 3" air-pocket strap but still get neck/shoulder pain when I play. I used to play it a lot - maybe it started to feel too heavy after extended playing during covid, or maybe it was after I changed the neck to a fretless one. Not sure, but either way, I tend to play my Fender CB60SCE acoustic, or Höfner violin bass instead these days, and the jazz just hangs on the wall.

I'm thinking a different kind of strap might help, something wider, or different type? Any suggestions?

View attachment 4734370

View attachment 4734360

I use 4 inch italia straps.

4 Inch Wide Guitar Straps and Bass Straps

They have normally run a BOGO sale often...right now infact.

Buy One, Get One Free

Good Luck!

 

[mongo2]

I eventually moved to a Hofner Ignition Club after developing shoulder pain after decades of heavier basses. I don't miss them.

 

[Snert]

Buy an Ibanez EHB. No headstock so no lever weight from it, and light weight.

 

[Mastermold]

If you look on Sweetwater the list the weights of every bass they sell and, if you're patient, you should be able to find some Jazz (or Jazz style) basses under 9 lbs and maybe even under 8 lbs.

Edit: just ran a search and found two Fender Aerodyne Jazzes under 8 lbs.
Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass - Black | Sweetwater

Edit: found some Squier Jazz basses in the low to mid-8 lb range:
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass 3-color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard | Sweetwater
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass Black with Maple Fingerboard | Sweetwater
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass Charcoal Frost Metallic with Laurel Fingerboard | Sweetwater

 

[Bill Murray]

Keep the bass and buy a stool

 

[marchone]

I recall in Get Back hearing John Lennon remark, “These Fenders are heavy!”. They were mostly playing hollow and semi-hollow bodied guitars before then.