Lightest Option for a BrokeDink

[BrentB]

Hi fellow low enders, I have just recently had an ACDF neck fusion surgery and am now on the hunt for a lightweight 4 string 34" bass under 7lbs. Does the community have any recommendations that would help me out?

 

[Sharko]

Short scales were a game changer for me after a neck injury, so you could consider starting there.

Knowing your budget would probably help, because Sandberg specifically sells lightweight models but I don’t know your budget.

What is a “brokedink?”

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Short scales were a game changer for me after a neck injury, so you could consider starting there.

Knowing your budget would probably help, because Sandberg specifically sells lightweight models but I don’t know your budget.

What is a “brokedink?”

Yes, I was also wondering about the "brodedink" question. I assumed it was just another brand name I hadn't heard of.

Hofner Ignition club basses are light and pretty solid. There are styles in both violin and club/non-violin in case you like one far more than the other. I had an Ignition Club for awhile but I just can't get past my dislike of 2x2 tuners. But that's my issue, you may not care about that. Both styles come in 30" scale and if you shop around there's some good color choices too.

That's about the lightest bass I can think of.

 

[BGroovy]

I’ve owned many light and short scale basses. The Reverend Sentinel is one of the best balanced and lightest on the strap of ant bass I’ve owned. One of those that truly feels like nothing.

Balance is important and some light basses are neck heavy and put more weight on your shoulder. Headless basses are an option to look into.

 

[BrentB]

Short scales were a game changer for me after a neck injury, so you could consider starting there.

Knowing your budget would probably help, because Sandberg specifically sells lightweight models but I don’t know your budget.

What is a “brokedink?”

I have a decent 34" scale collection and would like to stay with that scale size as I hope to eventually heal and return to my collection. I'd like to keep my budget at sub $2k. Where I come from, we call injured people Broke Dicks. I was just trying to keep it clean.

 

[BrentB]

The Reverend Sentinel is one of the best balanced and lightest on the strap of ant bass I’ve owned.

I love my Reverend Decision bass but I'd like to stay with 34" scale.

 

[BGroovy]

I love my Reverend Decision bass but I'd like to stay with 34" scale.

I’d seriously consider a headless. Under 7lbs with a full headstock of tuners in a 34” is tough.

I think my lightest full scales have been an 80s Guild Pilot and my Elrick. Both just a hair over 7lbs. I’ve only had short scales get under 7lbs

 

[BrentB]

I’d seriously consider a headless. Under 7lbs with a full headstock of tuners in a 34” is tough.

I think my lightest full scales have been an 80s Guild Pilot and my Elrick. Both just a hair over 7lbs. I’ve only had short scales get under 7lbs

I have a Spector Dimension 4string that is just under 7lbs that I am currently using but I was hoping for some variety as I'm essentially limited on weight for the next 14 months.

 

[BrentB]

I’d seriously consider a headless. Under 7lbs with a full headstock of tuners in a 34” is tough.

I do have an '86 Steinberger XL2 and that is likely one of the heaviest basses I own.

 

[BGroovy]

I do have an '86 Steinberger XL2 and that is likely one of the heaviest basses I own.

Yeah they’re fantastic but usually 9lbs+. Modern headless are much lighter. That composite material is actually heavy.

 

[FunkHead]

I have a decent 34" scale collection and would like to stay with that scale size as I hope to eventually heal and return to my collection. I'd like to keep my budget at sub $2k. Where I come from, we call injured people Broke Dicks. I was just trying to keep it clean.

Any decent builder can put together a sub 7 pounder for under $2k. Or put one together yourself. Use a titanium Bridge, Schaller M4 Lite tuning machines, MJT P-Bass body around 3.5 Lbs, Aluminum knobs(or plastic), skinny & light Jazz neck etc....

I just used a 5 pound 5 ounce body and got under 9 pounds. That was using regular Fender Tuning machines.

 

[B-Mac]

Hi fellow low enders, I have just recently had an ACDF neck fusion surgery and am now on the hunt for a lightweight 4 string 34" bass under 7lbs. Does the community have any recommendations that would help me out?

Glarry.

Very light.

Very inexpensive.

Great modding platform.

But with a light body comes neck dive, so a wide strap is needed.

Glarry Club

 

[markjazzbassist]

Hofner Club or Violin basses (the fully hollow german models or ignition chinese models) are 5 lbs, you will likely not find anything lighter. They are fully hollow which eliminates the most weight.

 

[markjazzbassist]

What is a “brokedink?”

Yes, I was also wondering about the "brodedink" question.

DINK - Double Income No Kids

i think brokedink was a jest on that they are double income no kids but due to the medical surgery and bills they are broke.

 

[JRA]

I'd like to stay with 34" scale.

start with a glarry (paulownia bodies) and go from there: modify and/or swap parts until you have what you want = i can put together 'custom' parts axes all day long for ~$500, all under 7 lbs.

just sayin' --- something to consider! sorry about your dink, good luck!

 

[darwin-bass]

I have five light weight basses. The three lightest are 32" scale under 8 lbs and only one of those comes in under 7 lbs. It is a 32" scale P bass. All Warmoth parts. The body is chambered to reduce weight and that is why it is so light. The headstock is 2x2 with super light weight tuners to prevent neck dive. It balances beautifully and sounds like a P bass should. Price for all the parts would be over $1200.

 

[Phreaky Phriday]

Sandberg superlight is my first thought, there was a thread recently where owners shared their sub-7lb masses

 

[B-Mac]

DINK - Double Income No Kids

i think brokedink was a jest on that they are double income no kids but due to the medical surgery and bills they are broke.

He already explained it Above.

 

[groovaholic]

The recent Epiphone Embassy reissues are lightweight, 34" scale, and inexpensive.

IMO all the Embassy needs is a set of lightweight tuners to make it balance better - but you could still be all-in for $400 or so if you find a decent used one.

 

[Lo-E]

Over the past 25 years, and through several different ownerships, Danelectro has released a variety of both short and long scale basses. All of them are very light. Some of them are very good. I see them used for really cheap often but even new they’re not very expensive.