Just an observation here...... I got ahead of the budget and splurged on a Music Man 20th Ann. SR5 HH. This is everything I could ever want in a bass.........but, it seems to be abit heavy. Always wondered why I noticed, in the classified section, the recurring question, "how much does it weight?". I now know why. My Ric, Fender P and J are light as a feather after taking the SR 5 off my shoulders! As I said, just an observation as the sound this baby puts out is worth alittle discomfort..........Bud
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My aching back!
- Thread starter BigBud
- Start date
Yeah, bass weight really makes a difference when you get older or have back/neck problems. Glad you're enjoying your new, but heavier bass. 
In my camp, no bass is worth any amount of discomfort. I'd really like an Alembic (11 lbs?) or EBMM 5 (10+lbs) but the ergonomics leave something to be desired IMO.
Riis
No easy solutions. Some might recommend a wider strap but I've found that a heavy bass is a heavy bass, no matter how it is strapped. A good strap will ensure that it doesn't press too hard down into your neck but it won't do anything for your lower back.
I've had heavier basses that I've learnt to live with. I'll use them for short gigs and for sit down gigs. I also played a particular heavy bass enough that I got used to the weight (became stronger!!!) enough that it would feel normal.
I do tend to take a lighter bass to those long wedding gigs.
I've had heavier basses that I've learnt to live with. I'll use them for short gigs and for sit down gigs. I also played a particular heavy bass enough that I got used to the weight (became stronger!!!) enough that it would feel normal.
I do tend to take a lighter bass to those long wedding gigs.
I'm scrawny & weak. I used to have a REAL problem making it through 2-3 hours playing without strong knife-like pains in my shoulder muscles near the neck.
A neoprene strap (NeoTech is the brand I use) helps INCREDIBLY.
A neoprene strap (NeoTech is the brand I use) helps INCREDIBLY.
Hi There Big Bud. I'm happy to offer a few suggestions to minimize your back strain. I am a gigging bass player on weekends and a practicing doctor of chiropractic during the week, so this is right up my alley.
First, diet and loose any tummy fat (if you have some).
Second, strengthen all of your abdominal muscles with daily exercises.
Third, stretch all over before a gig.
Fourth, if you stand "swayback" while playing, tuck your pelvis to decrease the curve of your low back.
Fifth, wear a low back support belt while loading and unloading your gear.
Sixth, stand with your weight evenly distributed on both feet, or move in an overall balanced manner.
Seventh, wear flat shoes with thickly padded soles.
Eighth, stretch again between sets if you feel some back strain coming on.
Ninth, go back and sit on your bass cabinet during the ballads (if you're not singing)....I'm assuming here that it's a 1-15" or a 4-10".
Tenth, get acupuncture, chiropractic, and pro massage weekly to heal the tissues and joints of your back.
Remember Big Bud, you are no good for anything if you wear out your back....so take care of it now before you end up with a bulging disc and surgery.
Tisabelle
First, diet and loose any tummy fat (if you have some).
Second, strengthen all of your abdominal muscles with daily exercises.
Third, stretch all over before a gig.
Fourth, if you stand "swayback" while playing, tuck your pelvis to decrease the curve of your low back.
Fifth, wear a low back support belt while loading and unloading your gear.
Sixth, stand with your weight evenly distributed on both feet, or move in an overall balanced manner.
Seventh, wear flat shoes with thickly padded soles.
Eighth, stretch again between sets if you feel some back strain coming on.
Ninth, go back and sit on your bass cabinet during the ballads (if you're not singing)....I'm assuming here that it's a 1-15" or a 4-10".
Tenth, get acupuncture, chiropractic, and pro massage weekly to heal the tissues and joints of your back.
Remember Big Bud, you are no good for anything if you wear out your back....so take care of it now before you end up with a bulging disc and surgery.
Tisabelle
+1 - I dropped 50 lbs this past year through controlled diet & increased exercise, and have been doing a lot of strength training - it definitely helps with all areas of life, including holding heavy basses.
imp
I bought a MM back in the early 80s (I'm an old cat...), and gigged with it for a while--until the discomfort got to be too much for me. Yeah, it sounds good but it's a lot of weight on the shoulder.
So I put it away. Still have it (it's a '79).
Have you checked out the MTD Kingston Artist and Heir basses? Might get you the sound, without the weight.
yeah, those Stingrays can feel like slabs of concrete, especially when you compare them to something like a Spector or whatever!
If your back aches while playing the heavy bass only, don't play the heavy bass. I don't currently own anything more than 10lbs. My main basses are sub 8lb basses and a joy to play. Contrary to popular belief, heavy doesn't equal tone.
I'm with Riis on this. Life is too short for heavy basses.
Seriously though, everyone has different thresholds I guess. I have been fortunate to find an SR5 that weighs less than 9 lbs and my ADJV is also very light. I've tried the wider straps and they help, but I just can't deal with heavy basses long term.
Weight is a large consideration for me when buying a bass. However, even basses of the same weight are not created equal. The way it balances and plays strapped on can make a big difference too. I have two different basses that weigh exactly 9 lbs. One always feels lighter than the other.
I would also agree that heavy weight does not equal good tone.
I would also agree that heavy weight does not equal good tone.
I couldn't agree more. I don't have a really bad back or anything, but I owned a Lull P4 that sounded fantastic and weighed just over 7 lbs. Ever since then, weight has been a factor for me. There's no reason you can't have great tone, comfortable ergonomics, and a light bass.
On a related note I just picked up a Yamaha RBX4A and 5A. The honeymoon is still on, but the 4 weighs 6lbs. 13oz, and the 5 weighs an even 8 lbs. They both sound great. (The price couldn't be beat - $279 and $299.)
Thanks for the replies guys! Especially you, Doc. I'll do some stretching! I do have a natural habit of being alittle bent over, possibly because I'm 6'7" tall. The world has had a way of putting a lump on my noggin' when I'm not careful. But can't give up the MM........as I said, I've got a few of the finest basses made, but the MM just is too nice. I'll keep a stool ready...... Bud
I hear you, Bud. I have a Sterling that I love, but it's a little heavy. I know there are lighter EBMM's out there. (Light Stingray) If you're not dead set on keeping the 20th Anniv., perhaps you can be on the lookout for a lighter one?
I totally second the Comfort Strapp. It's not just the width, but it's also the material and the padding that make it easier on the shoulder.
I finally found a Warwick that's 7.2 lbs and I couldn't be happier. Add that to Markbass and Epifani weight, and you got a combo that's much easier on my back.
I totally second the Comfort Strapp. It's not just the width, but it's also the material and the padding that make it easier on the shoulder.
I finally found a Warwick that's 7.2 lbs and I couldn't be happier. Add that to Markbass and Epifani weight, and you got a combo that's much easier on my back.
You may want to consider a Skjold. I have one and it weighs 8 pounds. I purchased a 4 inch strap from Pete Skjold and the bass disappears. It sounds incredible, just pain free.
