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.
Status Stealth and Vigier (Passion or Arpege) are the lightest basses I've heard of. There are probably many others, though.
Anything chambered or hollow like a Rob Allen Mouse, Hofner Club or Beatle bass are obviously really light.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Yamaha makes one that is specifically designed to be light. http://www.yamaha.com/guitars/products/productdetail/0,,CNTID%253D545068%2526CTID%253D,00.html Affordable, too. Many recommendations you will get are for basses that can be light, not for ones that are designed to be light.
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.
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.
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