Light weight bass

[ken ken]

Hi, due back and shoulder issues I am considering to get a light weight bass, I have always played fender jazz US, but not easy to carry and have on shoulder anymore. Can someone suggest a good bass that is light weight? Can be short scale as well. Budget ideally between $1.5k- $2k range

thank you

 

[saltydude]

I’ve fancied the Yamaha motion B medium scale 24 fret bass.
Exceptionally light and powerful passive bass. Much cheaper than your price point.
I’d look for a used Muckelroy in your price range. He builds very light professional basses.
Good luck. !

 

[jd56hawk]

8 pounds or so?

 

[ken ken]

Preferably 6-7 pounds

thank you

 

[naetog]

I’ve fancied the Yamaha motion B medium scale 24 fret bass.
Exceptionally light and powerful passive bass. Much cheaper than your price point.
I’d look for a used Muckelroy in your price range. He builds very light professional basses.
Good luck. !

This.
My Mucks are 6 and 7 pounds each.
Both 4 string, 24 frets/positions.

And it'll likely play better than any other bass you're considering.

 

[GIBrat51]

My short scale Danelectro Longhorn weighs - according to my digital postal scale - 5.12 lbs. Lighter than my 2 violin basses, in fact.
Does it look... odd? Yeah, but if you hold it next to, say, an ES-335 guitar? It's actually the same shape; the Longhorn just has the inner parts of the upper bouts removed. Mine lives, quite nicely, in an Epiphone ES-335 guitar case, in fact. Longhorns are what I'd call String Chameleons; if you want "that Dano sound"? Easy-peasy with the right strings. With different strings, it will sound very different. Sweetwater will sell you one for about $570. Or... if you want something a little more "normal"? Their new short scale DC bass might suit you. Same price, and it should weigh about the same. I have 2 long scale DC59's; they both tip the scale at 6.11 lbs. Also string chameleons...

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Sandberg Superlight. Less than 6 pounds for a 4 string. My fives weigh about 6.25

 

[sonojono]

Preferably 6-7 pounds

Not a Jazz bass but..

Boden Bass Original 4 Natural | .strandberg* Guitars

 

[Sid the Kid]

It may serve you to try a headless bass given your back and shoulder issues. I have shoulder issues as well and I have found not having to support the weight of a headstock has been more beneficial than a lighter weight instrument. Couple the headless comfort with a lighter weight bass and you have an ergonomics dream.

For consistently light weight in a balanced package I suggest the Ibanez EHB 1000. They seem to consistently range from 6.5# to 7.5#.

 

[Dluxe]

My Zon Sonus is around 7 1/2 pounds.

 

[tb-player]

Call John Scott at Bluesman Vintage Guitars just outside Nashville. He consistently builds jazz basses in that price range and weight range. I’ve owned a few of them and they’re really excellent (my newest one will be here in a couple of weeks).

He can build you one or he may have what you’re looking for in stock. If you like a Fender, he’s pretty much perfected it in a lightweight build.

 

[Chrisk-K]

Hofner

 

[darwin-bass]

Preferably 6-7 pounds

thank you

My Warmth 32" scale P is 7.5 lbs IIRC The J I had was about the same. My fretless P is 6.7 lbs. Parts cost is about $1200 each.

 

[Dominic D]

I have back problems as well and my Danelectros are super light and great sounding. I also play a 2014 Gibson EB 5-string that’s 7.9 pounds. I’d imagine the 4 string is lighter.

 

[Hillsidebass]

I’m 68 years old, 6’2” 200lbs and my 8lb 2oz Stingray Special 4H fits me perfectly. I’ve owned a couple of sub 7lb basses that were actually too light to be comfortable for my frame. They felt a bit unstable….if that makes sense.

 

[Jim C]

G&L JB made from empress.
Mine is 7 1/2 lbs. and they are all about the same weight.
I've tried to buy a Stingray Special but most of them are 8 1/2 lbs. and up.

 

[GretschWretch]

Or, you could get a dozen Glarry Jazzes and still be within your price range.

 

[JRA]

you could get a dozen Glarry Jazzes and still be within your price range.

or get one and modify it --- or use the body and/or neck + good parts to assemble one to your liking.

this one cost ~$475 USD (in 2020), plays superbly and weighs exactly 7 lbs.


assemble one from parts you like, save money, have a better ax! good luck!

 

[SirMjac28]

I have neck and back issues myself I actually prefer to play seated and I got one of these a few months ago it is so comfortable and it thumps. The 86' Ibanez RB999 Roadstar II

 

[NewKid1011]

Yes, play seated and the weight won’t matter as much.