Lightweight bass choice (<780$)

[de@n]

Try some Maruszczyk basses (mostly Jake and Mr. Tee)...not under 700$ but you may find some good deals buying used instrument on Basschat or eBuy...they are lightweight.... you may also find some good deals on new ones....

Example:
Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Fondsdale]

I'd also check out Spector. Should be able to find one used as they seem pretty popular over in Europe. The Euro LX models can be pretty light (I've seen numerous listed in the FS section that are around 8-8.6lbs but you'd have to search a bit as some tend to be 9lbs or more) and I imagine some of the Korean models aren't too heavy either. Avoid the pre-LX models with solid maple wings as they tend to be pretty heavy.

 

[FingerDub]

+1 on the Spector. Bodies are very comfortable and lightweight. I have a Spector Legend P/J that is 7.5 pounds with a killer neck, although you might want to upgrade the pickups, but otherwise, a real players bass and very reasonable cost.

 

[ValeriusCrow]

I'd also check out Spector. Should be able to find one used as they seem pretty popular over in Europe. The Euro LX models can be pretty light (I've seen numerous listed in the FS section that are around 8-8.6lbs but you'd have to search a bit as some tend to be 9lbs or more) and I imagine some of the Korean models aren't too heavy either. Avoid the pre-LX models with solid maple wings as they tend to be pretty heavy.

Even used Spectors are way out of price range

 

[4StringTheorist]

MTD Kingston CRB (P style) - 0 example on reverb
or
MTD Kingston Saratoga (J style) - 0 example on reverb

Fit your bill for budget, weight and P/J style. Every MTD I've touched has been a delight in terms of ergonomics.

 

[GeneralElectric]

For what its worth you can find Fenders that are sub 9lbs all the time, at least the American standards.

But instead of getting a new bass, why not get a new strap?

My 120lb singer chick plays a >14lb Gretsch Elliot Easton electric guitar. She bought it because it looked cool, but she soon realized that its heavy as hell and she started to get shoulder and back problems from the damn thing. I lent her a 4" strap which helped, and then a 4" padded strap which helped more. She tried a slinger hip strap but could never get it so that the guitar was at a good playing angle for her.

Then she got one of these:
GRUV GEAR · DuoStrap Signature "Damian Erskine" Ergonomic Double Strap · MAKE LIFE GRUV

Solved all of her problems overnight. A $150 strap is cheaper than a $800 bass and you'd still get to play your Sandberg which you like.

 

[FingerDub]

Even used Spectors are way out of price range

I have Spector Legend P/J that I got for next to nothing, and it weighs 7.5 pounds. Good craftsmanship too.