Lightest Option for a BrokeDink

[thombo]

there's a thread here where someone had an Epi Jack Casady bass that's 7 lbs and a few ounces. With some upgraded tuners, removing the pick guard, you might be around and even 7lbs. I might start with a call to Sweetwater, as they sometimes weigh their basses. You can always buy elsewhere, but it's a good starting point.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

Yamaha RBX4 A2M bass review

This four-string wonder aims to reinvent the wheel, but still offer great tone. Has it bitten off more than it can chew?

www.musicradar.com

 

[klyph]

I'd go with a used Danelectro DC or Hodad if you can find one. The necks can dive a little, but you can get creative with strap buttons if needed.
Theres quite a few Fernandes basses that can be had for cheap that are pretty Light in both 32 and 34" scales.
Honestly, if you're thinking that this is simply a temporary recovery stage, you might think about a 32" scale until you're feeling better.

 

[bassdog]

Have you considered acoustic electric? Many sound very good plugged in.

 

[sawzalot]

I was just at The Bass Gallery in London, they have a Status Streamline that is 32” scale and 6.39 pounds. Wonderful shop, too.

 

[60bass]

If you go to Sweetwater they list multiple models of the same bass with the actual weights posted. Here's a short scale Sterling that I purchased from Sweetwater. If you look at the listed weight it's under 7 pounds. I had my salesrep Jordan put it on hold and verify the weight was correct prior to shipping. It's light as a feather and sounds HUGE

 

[overit]

That’s a good budget. Just look for a Sandberg Superlight.

 

[21DaHoagie12]

meanwhile me after my laminectomy and discectomy I’m still playing 35” scale, 11lb Ibanez BTBs like an idiot hahaha

 

[Saetia]

Yamaha RBX4 A2M bass review

This four-string wonder aims to reinvent the wheel, but still offer great tone. Has it bitten off more than it can chew?

www.musicradar.com

These were super light and sounded great. I always wanted to pick up the guitard version.

 

[hondo4life]

Fender Aerodyne is 5 lbs. I’ve never had the privilege of holding one, but I want to.

edit: or it could be 7 lbs. Search results vary.

 

[pete rallis]

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?

I just bought and Ibanez SR300E..7.2 lbs…just a good bass, and a really nice neck..

 

[hooky_marr]

I’d look at the Ibanez EHB1000 (34” scale) - tends to be around 7lbs, balances really well as it’s headless and has a chambered body. Alternatively the EHB1000S short-scale which will be even lighter and maybe a bit easier to play. The latter you might need to shop for used, not sure it’s still in the current lineup.

 

[DaveParker39]

If you look hard enough you can find a Spector Euro4 RST for 7.0lb.

 

[-Stingray]

I have a 7.2 pound Korean Spector. A 7.5 pound EBMM Stingray Special. A 6.8 pound Ibanez Mezzo, and a 5.5 pound Steinberger Spirit.

Other than the Steinberger, they each took years to find. The light ones are out there, you just have to look, and be ready to jump when one surfaces.

I would keep my eye on the few retailers (Sweetwater being one) who publish individual bass weights online.

Good luck!

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

These were super light and sounded great. I always wanted to pick up the gui**** version.

A bassist friend had/has one. I got a chance to play it a few times. They always sounded decent and entirely fine for what I heard it used for. Would that be the bass I would choose first? No. Would I be opposed to playing one for certain things? No.

 

[Wild_Bill_57]

Sandberg Superlight basses, I have these 2 super light and they are great.

TM4SL 5.0 lbs

TM5SL 6.0 lbs

 

[Saetia]

A bassist friend had/has one. I got a chance to play it a few times. They always sounded decent and entirely fine for what I heard it used for. Would that be the bass I would choose first? No. Would I be opposed to playing one for certain things? No.

Agreed, for what they are and what they could be had for when they are blowing them out, can’t complain.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Yamaha RBX4 A2M bass review

This four-string wonder aims to reinvent the wheel, but still offer great tone. Has it bitten off more than it can chew?

www.musicradar.com

I'd love to find a 5-string version, but you don't see them often.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I would take a look at the Ibanez EHB series. My 5-string is 7.5 lbs, so you should be able to get lighter if you remove a string.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Have you considered acoustic electric? Many sound very good plugged in.

^^^This. My lightest bass, at 6.27lbs, is a Breedlove ABG with a Fishman piezo bridge that sounds fantastic plugged in!