Jazz bass that is too heavy...

[doran.dragic]

You should really find a jazz bass that fits you in my opinion. As we get older our bodies change and being able to handle the load is one of the abilities that diminish too. I'm not sure how many headless jazz basses are out there but a medium / short scale would be an option too. Sire offers a short scale PJ and there are others for sure.

Getting and staying in shape is a good advice but I wouldn't expect this to solve the issue. Anyhow, the muscles that do the most work in this case are you upper back and shoulder muscles (trapezius and deltoids) so push-ups (while a great al around exercise) are not a good specific exercise in this case.

 

[baileyboy]

Even the most comfortable strap isn't going to eliminate the fact that the bass may be too heavy. Life changes, our bodies change.... sell it, and get a lighter bass.

 

[ElectricBass72]

My G&L Tribute JB is 12 lbs!

Damn Swamp Ash wood.

 

[DwaynieAD]

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

14.3 =)

 

[chris_b]

Another vote for the GruvGear Duostrap - fantastic idea and very well made. However, if you can afford it I would be looking for a lighter bass also; my thinking being that if your shoulder is being impacted I would imagine that over time you may start feeling it in the back too. I swapped my heavy, (beautiful) jazz for a bass that was 2 kg or 5 lbs lighter and it was a very good decision. All that said, get a quality dual strap and change your life! (Well maybe not, but be a lot more comfortable when you play.)

The Duostrap is a good product and spreads the load across both shoulders.

The benefits of working out is something we should all be aware of. As we age muscle mass, strength and stamina seep away at an alarming rate. Our posture can sag and that has a adverse knock on effect in many areas.

But if the reason for discomfort and pain is a damaged back then lightening the load (in conjunction with the other suggestions) has to be the main solution.

 

[Dominic D]

I don't think saying "my bass is heavier" is as helpful as you guys seem to think it is.

 

[Gruff]

You should really find a jazz bass that fits you in my opinion. As we get older our bodies change and being able to handle the load is one of the abilities that diminish too.

As the day progresses and the replies come in, I am kind of coming to the conclusion just to sell it. My Höfner violin bass is about a third of the weight and has a great tone. I need to cut the emotional bond to the jazz bass!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

As the day progresses and the replies come in, I am kind of coming to the conclusion just to sell it. My Höfner violin bass is about a third of the weight and has a great tone. I need to cut the emotional bond to the jazz bass!

I agree. But dont give up on the jazz bass. There are lighter weight ones out there. If you like a good jazz bass,,just sell the one you have. You can find a lighter one. Nothing wrong with having a jazz bass and a hofner. Obviously you appreciate the differences between the 2.
No one likes coloring with the same one crayon all the time. Variety is the spice of life.
Im going to send you a message.

 

[Bob Rhett]

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.

In case it hasn't been mentioned, I'd like to point out that Sweetwater has recently added an option to sort by weight.

 

[MobileHolmes]

9.4 is probably on the light side for a Jazz (mine is 10 even). I use a 3.5 inch levy’s padded strap. As others have said, the strap will help your shoulder but not really your back. You could probably drop 1/4-1/2 pound with lighter tuners but you would really need to switch basses to drop much more than that.

 

[Gruff]

In case it hasn't been mentioned, I'd like to point out that Sweetwater has recently added an option to sort by weight.

Thanks, but I'm in the UK. So no Sweetwater complimentary candy for me

 

[DrBnz]

A great strap will only make it SLIGHTLY better. Ya either learn to play sitting down or you need a new bass. Sell it off and get ya something nice

 

[perfektspace6]

If you really like the bass, strengthen your trapezius and shoulder muscles. 9.4 isn't that heavy and you can probably adapt if you get stronger. If not, get rid of the bass and buy something lighter.

 

[Jebberz]

I had shoulders proiblems in the past, and a heavy Fender, this was the solution that worked for me:

Nylon Woven Dare Guitar Strap | Accessories | D'Addario

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Check your inbox. Message sent.

 

[wyleeboxer]

I’ve installed light weight tuners on all my basses. It helps distribute the weight off my shoulder and no neck dive keeps less stress on my fretting hand. Could be your new neck? Heavy necks (like Warmoth) are like adding extra heavy tuners as well..

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Thanks, but I'm in the UK. So no Sweetwater complimentary candy for me

Check with places like Thomann and Andertons. If you call them, they might be able to hand pick one for you if you explain that you really need a light one do to physical limitations. But at least Sweetwater gives you a good reference as to what is available out there.

 

[Cave Puppy]

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.

The Bass VI he was playing ARE heavy! Not the same but the Squier Bass VI I had was a firkin boat anchor. Perhaps saying "heavy" he meant - "Whoa, cool, man these are HEAVY!" John and George both had at least one Fender Strat at that point. They both played lead guitar on Nowhere Man with Strats.

 

[thmsjordan]

14.3 =)

 

[dusterdan70]

If you love everything about your bass, why not just buy a paulownia/empress body and transfer all your parts to that? The weight would be in the low 8 to high 7 range, tops and you'll still have the "feel" of the bass you're used to (most of that comes from the neck, and pickups from my experience).