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Looking for a Quality Lightweight 5 String

Triassic Ash

Triassic Ash

Oct 4, 2013
25
7
San Francisco, CA
#1
Hello everyone,

Recently found myself dealing with nerve issues in both arms/hands; still trying to figure out if it's a neck or thoracic issue, but regardless it scared the hell out of me and made me realize that playing 9+lbs basses is no longer sustainable for me 😞

So with the background info out of the way I'm in the market for a lightweight quality instrument new or used around ~$2,500 price range. Currently looking at Strandberg's and Spector RSTs. I've played both, but not side by side and it was long before my injury and long before I was in the market. Currently trying to track each down so I can reevaluate them. However, in the meantime I thought I'd get the communities input. Any thoughts on either of these instruments or is there another manufacturer I should consider? Thanks everyone in advance!
 
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#3
BGroovy said:
Depending on your issue you may want to look into shorter scales.
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Although a drastic solution, I too was about to suggest solid body uke basses. Small, lightweight, generally a great value (especially Kala and Flight), easy on the fingers, shoulder and pocketbook (although you can get expensive custom uke basses too). Most of all, tons of fun!!!

1766960324715.png
 
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#4
pingvuiini said:
Although a drastic solution, I too was about to suggest solid body uke basses. Small, lightweight, generally a great value (especially Kala and Flight), easy on the fingers, shoulder and pocketbook (although you can get expensive custom uke basses too). Most of all, tons of fun!!!

View attachment 7397771
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Not that these aren't great instruments. I just want to believe regular 34" maybe 32" scale basses are still in my future. I'm only 36 so hoping this heals relatively well and I get a few more decades of bass playing 🤞😬🤞
 
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#9
Frank Kreber said:
Hello,
Last week I acquired this SR Prestige and I'm absolutely blown away by this bass. It weighs only 3.84 kg, is very well balanced, and has the familiar and very comfortable playability of the SR series. The neck is, as always, very slim but a bit meatier – this, along with its oiled finish, makes it extremely comfortable to play (it's made of roasted maple/walnut). The combination of rosewood fretboard and alder body is very classic and provides a great foundation for the sound: punchy, full, never harsh. As you would expect from a bass from the Fujigen factory, there are no flaws in the craftsmanship. The black finish plus the rosewood on the fretboard and pickups creates a pleasantly elegant look, where the gold hardware doesn't stand out too much – perhaps I'll replace it with black hardware at some point. Now let's talk about the electronics: I've come to appreciate the Nordstrand Big Singles on my previous SR Premium. The newly developed Sonitec preamp finally manages to fully bring out the fantastic sonic qualities of the Big Singles: a warm and round bass tone even with the EQ in the neutral position, a very effective EQ section (bass, mid, treble), and a mid preset of 250/350/450/600/850/1000 Hz. The real highlight for me, however, is the Master Tone control: push/pull for passive/active mode, and this is a new feature for Ibanez—a tone control that works not only in passive but also in active mode—similar to the VTC on Sadowsky basses (though not quite as effective). In conclusion: a great bass that combines my personal ideal sound with perfect playability.

View attachment 7369453
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Maybe this one? Still love playing this bass
 
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#10
Yahboy said:
Some light weight bass suffer with neck dive issue even the bass come with ultra light machine head .....

Maybe headless a best of both .

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=ibanez+ehb+bass
Click to expand...

In addition to the Sandberg Lightweight , I was going to suggest the same thing: an Ibanez EHB. I addition to the light weight, it's the balance. With virtually no headstock weight, it makes it feel even lighter.
 
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#11
Triassic Ash said:
Hello everyone,

Recently found myself dealing with nerve issues in both arms/hands; still trying to figure out if it's a neck or thoracic issue, but regardless it scared the hell out of me and made me realize that playing 9+lbs basses is no longer sustainable for me 😞

So with the background info out of the way I'm in the market for a lightweight quality instrument new or used around ~$2,500 price range. Currently looking at Strandberg's and Spector RSTs. I've played both, but not side by side and it was long before my injury and long before I was in the market. Currently trying to track each down so I can reevaluate them. However, in the meantime I thought I'd get the communities input. Any thoughts on either of these instruments or is there another manufacturer I should consider? Thanks everyone in advance!
Click to expand...
Are you open to headless Ibanez type basses?
 
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#15
I am 72 playing 3 or 4 hour gigs with my band 4 times a month and most Sundays at church also. The Ibanez Mikro5 string does it all for me. Punchy, thick single coils, 28.6" scale and under 7 lbs. Does it sound better than the $2500 basses I owned? Nope but it does sound amazing especially in the FOH system and mix we use. No fatigue. I did add some good tuners to this $279 gem. Can't wait until our next gig!
 
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#17
I have similar issues and recent found myself in possession of a SBMM Bongo bass. I have played SO many different basses and thought a Jazz shaped instrument was my least uncomfortable option (this includes headless and shorter-scale, both were not great). I must say, the Bongo really surprised me in so many ways. It is easily the most comfortable bass I have ever played, even at different positions (I tend to prefer higher but even lower it was great) on a strap...but what really got me was how much JOY it is to play. I'm certain the comfort level has a lot to do w/ the fun I am having but it also sounds SO great and there are a load of tonal options and it is so well built. I'm positive the 5-string and EBMM versions are even better (maybe?) and look forward to exploring those options...it is to the point that I barely touch my other amazing instruments (P-bass, J-bass, Thunderbird and short-scale Epiphone), all of which I still play but I must say I am quite taken w/ this lovely BONGO bass. Best of luck on your quest~
Bongo squat.webp
 
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#19
There is (or was?) a P/J Bluesman vintage 5 string in the classifieds right now that’s like 7lbs 15oz and in your budget.

No affiliation*

Here, I found it:

2025 Bluesman Vintage El Dorado 5 PJ/Updated

For sale 2025 Bluesman Vintage El Dorado 5 PJ/Updated

For sale is my Bluesman Vintage El Dorado 5 string PJ. Black nitro light relic finish with a 4 ply Tortoise shell pickguard. The body is roasted Paulonia. Neck is roasted maple with a rosewood fingerboard. 1 7/8” at the nut. Neck profile is what they call “chunky”. I received this bass in May...
$2,500.00
$1,900.00
21 watching
 
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