Lightest basses?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Libersolis, Dec 10, 2007.

  1. Libersolis

    Libersolis

    Sep 9, 2004
    Austin, TX
    In your opinion what are some of the lightest (good quality) basses around. I have been in the market for something new for a while and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a light bass. I have been using the comfort strap, but haven't found that it makes that much of a difference in terms of bass weight on my fender.
     
  2. JayAmel

    JayAmel Supporting Member

    Mar 3, 2002
    Carcassonne, France
    Status Stealth and Vigier (Passion or Arpege) are the lightest basses I've heard of. There are probably many others, though.
     
  3. Baryonyx

    Baryonyx Inactive

    Jul 11, 2005
    Marathon Man
    I have a 6 string Status Stealth and it's incredibly light. Kubicki basses are also very light too!
     
  4. the rob allen mouse might be very very light too
     
  5. Baird6869

    Baird6869 Supporting Member

    Anything chambered or hollow like a Rob Allen Mouse, Hofner Club or Beatle bass are obviously really light.
     
  6. mattq

    mattq

    May 23, 2006
    Santa Cruz, CA
    warwick corvette proline and, from what i hear, corvette ash. lightweight wood, and smaller bodies
     
  7. For the J type tone, the Sadowsky NYC's are typically around 8 pounds or so, and combined with the slightly downsized bodies, they are REALLY comfortable. If you order the lower priced Metro model directly from Roger, you can probably spec one on the lighter side (under 9 pounds). However, the NYC models are routed out for very light weight, and you could probably spec one close to 7 pounds.

    In the more modern tone area, the Skjold basses are quite lighweight, and Pete has a model (Lion's Pride) that has a more traditional Fenderish look that he is producing now. Since he is a pure custom shop, you can spec and under 8 pound instrument.

    The build time for both the NYC and Skjold is around 8 months or so from order.

    Carey Nordstrand is building 'Nordy' models now that are J Bass designs. You could also spec a lightweight version that would be close to the Sadowsky NYC weight. Build time is around 4 months for those, and the price is very good for a boutique instrument.

    The Rob Allens are REALLY lightweight, but are specialty instruments meant to sound very organic and acoustic.
     
  8. Audiophage

    Audiophage Guest

    Jan 9, 2005
    Ash isn't exactly the lightest material, even swamp ash basses tend to be at least 5-6lbs.

    Doesn't Yamaha make a really light bass with lights on the knobs?
     
  9. abarson

    abarson

    Nov 6, 2003
    Santa Cruz
    4-stringers come in around 5.5 pounds, 5-stringers slightly more.
     
  10. Might? No...IS very light! They're usually 5.5lbs or so.
     
  11. K2000

    K2000

    Nov 16, 2005
    Brooklyn
    Epiphone Jack Casady
     
  12. Mikeyd74

    Mikeyd74 Guest

    Jul 28, 2007
    The lightest bass that I own is my Ibanez SR800. Although I'm not a big fan of lightweight basses this bass still feels and sounds solid.
     
  13. Blacimbla

    Blacimbla Guest

    Aug 6, 2006
    Barre, Vermont
    My friend owns a Samick bass which is the lightest bass I've ever played. The sound isn't anything special but you could probably wear it all night without feeling any aches.
     
  14. Fbass without an exotic top. Usually around 8 lbs or so, expensive though.

    lowsound
     
  15. DblG

    DblG

    Apr 27, 2005
    Buffalo, NY
  16. jasper383

    jasper383

    Dec 5, 2004
    Durham NC
  17. Billy-Bob

    Billy-Bob Guest

    Nov 4, 2005
    So Cal
    A Dano or a swamp ash Carvin B-4 would get my vote.

    Billy-B
     
  18. Squier Vintage Modified P bass 7lbs

    Rogue SX100 6 lbs

    The weights vary greatly from guitar to guitar. You need to go to a shop and pick one out.
     
  19. Double Agent

    Double Agent

    Mar 10, 2006
    Lakeland, FL
    Dingwall AB-1...I was shocked the first time I picked one up because they look pretty big. Light as could be for a full-scale solid body (< 8lbs.)and perfect balance too.
     
  20. maxvalentino

    maxvalentino Endorsing Artist Godin Guitars/ Thomastik-Infeld

    I have an early version ('96) of the Turner Renaissance four string fretted which weighs in at 4.7lbs. Damn comfy to play!
    My five string fretless Ren is somewhere just over 5.5.

    Max