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Lighter fender bass?

B

Buzter

Oct 23, 2009
118
9
#1
Ok, I got a MIM 5 string fender j bass a while back but didn't get to use it much til last night...Waaaay heavy. Hurt my back. Is there another fender 5 string or even a squier that
is light weight? I got a squier p bass special that's light as a feather. Have no idea about woods just need something that one put me in a permanent back brace.
 
#3
The Fender Aero Dyne Jazz Bass is lighter than standard Jazz basses. It also looks killer with its carved, cream-bound, black body.

0254505506_alt_wlg_004.jpg
 
#8
bigntasty said:
If you're looking for a light Fender 5-string, the MB-5 from the early '90s really fits that well. I played one for a few years and wish I had it back. MB stands for Mini Body - it's smaller than the standard Fender body, and considerably lighter. They can be found.
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Agree. I picked up a Fender MB-5 from the TB classifieds last week and it is stunningly light. In fact it weighs less than either of my short scale basses.
 
#11
Buzter said:
Ok, I got a MIM 5 string fender j bass a while back but didn't get to use it much til last night...Waaaay heavy. Hurt my back. Is there another fender 5 string or even a squier that
is light weight? I got a squier p bass special that's light as a feather. Have no idea about woods just need something that one put me in a permanent back brace.
Click to expand...

I've got a VMV too, and it is on the heavy side, or at least feels that way. But when weighed, it isn't THAT much heavier than my std 4 string jazz- just a little more than a pound. But with the wider neck, it sure feels that way when switching between them. Asside from the extra tuner, string, wider bridge and pups, I would expect the maple body to weigh more than ash. I've toyed with the crazy notion of picking up a $60 GFS palowina body (they're quite light), but I'd have to do quite a bit of routing and filling of holes to make it work, since none of the 4 string routing would be right. I could throw hipshot ultralite tuners on it, but I just don't see the point in throwing money into it for a little bit of weight savings. Besides, I love the way this bass looks, sounds, plays - especially since I paid a whopping $150 for it!

My recommendation is, if you like the bass, play it more- every single day, and get your body used to the weight. Maybe even add some diving weights to your strap during practice. Seriously! Barring some pre-existing injury or condition, the back pain issue is primarily one of physical conditioning. Also when you take the weights off for a jam session or gig, it'll feel like the bass was made from the wood of the very rare helium tree. Oh and do some pushups and pullups and build up your back and shoulder muscles. :D
 
#12
'09 Fender American Standard P 4: 8.2 LBs.

2010 Fender MIM Standard Jazz 4: 9.4 lbs.

By the way, the last Aerodyne I used was 8.4 lbs w/Hipshot ultralites & Badass II

On the physical conditioning note, he does have a point. I've always been in very good shape via conditioning on the track and playing baseball. I also threw shot put. I've got a very strong core and solid shoulders. I can wear a 9 lb. bass for hours on end because of it.
 
#13
....and it is on the heavy side, or at least feels that way. But when weighed, it isn't THAT much heavier than my std 4 string jazz- just a little more than a pound.
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A "pound +" is actually a pretty big weight differential for a bass guitar.

Think of it this way...let's say the average bass weighs 9 lbs.

Subtract 1+ lbs from it, and it then weighs less than 8 lbs, which is an absolute featherweight.

Add 1+ lbs to it, and it then weighs over 10 lbs, which is a boat anchor.
 
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#17
Templar said:
A "pound +" is actually a pretty big weight differential for a bass guitar.

Think of it this way...let's say the average bass weighs 9 lbs.

Subtract 1+ lbs from it, and it then weighs less than 8 lbs, which is an absolute featherweight.

Add 1+ lbs to it, and it then weighs over 10 lbs, which is a boat anchor.
Click to expand...

You're absolutely right. It is a significant difference. I guess humping a 75lb ruck with a loaded saw at the low ready in full battle rattle for clicks on end in the Army (carrying a heavy backpack and walking long distances while carrying and wearing other heavy stuff) changes ones perception of what's heavy ;)

All that said, lightness will still be near the top of my criteria list for my next bass purchase.
 
#18
Steveaux said:
Nope. Bad assumption.

I have an Aerodyne Jazz project body that weighs 5 lbs. 3 oz., stripped. That puts finished weight at 9 1/2 to 10 lbs., using standard hardware.
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Multiple results from a Google search indicate it is significantly lighter than a standard Jazz bass, on account of the carved top and a basswood, rather than alder, body. Wikipedia directly states it weighs "about 7 pounds" and that figure seems to have been taken from a Fender.com forum post.

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