Don’t overlook strap choices. Cheaper than a new bass and eight pounds is pretty good already. There are threads on strap choices.
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Yeah… just start buying lighter instruments. I have a Nash mustang that weighs 7 lbs, a USA G&L jazz bass that weighs 7.5 lbs and a Sadowsky NYC modern 5 that weighs 7.6 lbs.
I recommend a wider strap too. Like 3” +
I recommend a wider strap too. Like 3” +
My Traveler TB-4P weighs around 7lbs., is medium-scale and headless, and can be had for around $500. One of the best bargains for a new bass.
I’m loving the GRUV Gear John Patitucci strap these days. That thing is surprisingly as comfy as can be.
I will second many that a lot of people mentioned (although it depends on your budget as well):
Sandberg Super Lite
I have a well balanced non-Super Lite 5-string that comes in at 7.8 lbs and it is a joy to play.
Ibanez EHB's
My 5-string EHB1500 comes in at 7.5 lbs and there is absolutely no neck dive which makes a big difference in how the weight is felt on your shoulder.
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I just bought the 5-string version and it comes in at under 8 lbs. This particular model is consistently light (although they do hover around 8 lbs for the 5-string). It is on the budget model end of the spectrum, but feels and sounds very good.
Yamaha TRBX174
I had an older model that I bought used for my nephew and it was really light. These are considered starter basses, but play and sound pretty good for the price (which is about as low as you can get).
Bass Lab
I had a buddy who had one a while back and these are really different. It is hollow and had more of an acoustic vibe to it. I don't know how they do it or what the technology behind it is, but they are definitely light.
The other thing to mention is: I would try and practice sitting down. 5 hours standing is a lot. I will do that on a gig night (3+ hours playing time, plus setup and all that), but I wouldn't subject myself to that for rehearsals.
Sandberg Super Lite
I have a well balanced non-Super Lite 5-string that comes in at 7.8 lbs and it is a joy to play.
Ibanez EHB's
My 5-string EHB1500 comes in at 7.5 lbs and there is absolutely no neck dive which makes a big difference in how the weight is felt on your shoulder.
[This invalid link has been removed]
I just bought the 5-string version and it comes in at under 8 lbs. This particular model is consistently light (although they do hover around 8 lbs for the 5-string). It is on the budget model end of the spectrum, but feels and sounds very good.
Yamaha TRBX174
I had an older model that I bought used for my nephew and it was really light. These are considered starter basses, but play and sound pretty good for the price (which is about as low as you can get).
Bass Lab
I had a buddy who had one a while back and these are really different. It is hollow and had more of an acoustic vibe to it. I don't know how they do it or what the technology behind it is, but they are definitely light.
The other thing to mention is: I would try and practice sitting down. 5 hours standing is a lot. I will do that on a gig night (3+ hours playing time, plus setup and all that), but I wouldn't subject myself to that for rehearsals.
Danelectro is your answer, Rdore2000. There's no full-sized bass lighter than them.
The Wattplower 2 is short scale, 30”. Great bass, it’s one of my current top 3
I'm still in the Springsteen tribute, and we do 3+ hour shows. Most of the band gets a break except for me because I have to do the Richard Davis bass line in "Meeting Across the River." while most of the rest of the band gets a pee-break. Hah!
One of the biggest fixes I made was not resting my forearm on the bass - that made it infinitely more comfortable for those long shows. Do you rest your forearm on the bass when you play? That will definitely come back to hurt you.
One of the biggest fixes I made was not resting my forearm on the bass - that made it infinitely more comfortable for those long shows. Do you rest your forearm on the bass when you play? That will definitely come back to hurt you.
Spector. Many are under 7lbs. However if you're looking for a classic P or J, I would recommend a Japanese Fender. Something like an Aerodyne. In my experience Jazz basses tend to be heavier than Precisions but my Aerodyne J is my lightest bass.
just asking: do you have comfy strap? You could even look at double straps like (that particular model unavailable but you could probably jerry rig something )
bassmusicianmagazine.com
Damian Erskine Signature DuoStrap by GruvGear
Damian Erskine Signature DuoStrap by GruvGear… I had the opportunity to review this really cool new bass strap by Damian Erskine… have a look!
bassmusicianmagazine.com
I use the Ernie Ball locking straps. They are incredibly comfortable and I only start feeling the weight after two hours. Standing up during rehearsal is something that I want to do (not suggested by the band leader) so that I am prepared for the stage.
Thank you all for your suggestions!
Thank you all for your suggestions!
Good call! Another one of my lightweights (weight, not tone) is my Fender Aerodyne P. After a tuner swap to Hipshot UltraLites it weighs 7.0 lbs.
p.s. Should I put a white pickup on it? 
I have often heard that is the "proper" technique, but it never occurred to be as a contributing factor in how heavy the bass feels while strapped on.
I am too old and set in my ways to change that and my basses are light enough that it is not an issue.
Do you find that you get more right arm fatigue by having to position so that the forearm is not resting on the bass?
May we someone can help me resolve this mistery…………just asking: do you have comfy strap? You could even look at double straps like (that particular model unavailable but you could probably jerry rig something )
Damian Erskine Signature DuoStrap by GruvGear
Damian Erskine Signature DuoStrap by GruvGear… I had the opportunity to review this really cool new bass strap by Damian Erskine… have a look!
On the picture below, the strap on his left shoulder is attached to a standard button but for the strap on his right shoulder, where is the other strap attached ?
I’m asking because I have one of this Gruv Gear duo strap and I’m struggling to use it on my p bass.
Yes! They're weird but you'll find nothing lighter. I used one for a number of gigs after back surgery. I still keep it around just in case (in a case).
Been there, done that.
I bought a Danelectro DC Bass way back in 2001 (I guess). Best purchase ever. My old shoulder thanks me everyday for that.
I am middle aged with shoulder and neck injury so this my wheelhouse.
Stingray Special is an excellent option.
The short scale Rays are a cheaper alternative.
JMJ Mustang is also great.
As others mentioned, strap choice is paramount.
I played the Mustang American Professional Classic and its super light and surprisingly well balanced.
Sandberg Superlight sounds good to me.
Sadowskys are expensive but light. Same with the Suhrs.
Stingray Special is an excellent option.
The short scale Rays are a cheaper alternative.
JMJ Mustang is also great.
As others mentioned, strap choice is paramount.
I played the Mustang American Professional Classic and its super light and surprisingly well balanced.
Sandberg Superlight sounds good to me.
Sadowskys are expensive but light. Same with the Suhrs.
