On the fence due to weight....

[2F/2F]

First thing that comes to mind: Go ahead and suffer a little. And if it's REALLY too much in the actual medical sense? Then only play it sitting down.

I hate gigging my Music Man B00 bass. Ash, and HEAVY. The thing must weigh 11 or 12 lb. But if that's the bass I wanted for a gig, I'd just use it anyhow, and allow myself to dislike it.

Too light is even worse than too heavy, IMO and IME. Much more uncomfortable to manage through a gig. A heavy bass, if nothing else, is at least well anchored and well balanced, usually.

 

[Bartrinsic]

I think you need to find a " sweet spot " when it comes to weight. 9.2 lbs. is it for me. I had a '70's Jazz that weighed 9.9 lbs, and gave me upper back aches the whole night. Otoh, basses that weigh under 9 lbs aren't comfortable either, feeling awkward, or not the right balance. My two cents.

Right on sir. Once you find your range, .7lb over is a lot.

 

[frankie5string]

Can you honestly not get an identical/similar sound out of a bass that's lighter, or that you already have? Or is it the look/nostalgia that's drawing you in?
It sounds a bit like a head/heart conflict.

 

[two fingers]

Can you honestly not get an identical/similar sound out of a bass that's lighter, or that you already have? Or is it the look/nostalgia that's drawing you in?
It sounds a bit like a head/heart conflict.

It's not very common. And, unless you go custom, you won't find anything like it

 

[Basically Bob]

IMHO, based on personal experience, poor posture, while playing, creates more pain and discomfort than heavy basses.

Go for it!

 

[frankie5string]

It's not very common. And, unless you go custom, you won't find anything like it

Is it a unique Fender? Sunburst?

 

[Drang22]

You don't need another bass. What you have now is fine.

 

[shadven]

4" Wide padded strap.

 

[Dadaxe81]

Unless resale value is a huge concern, find a luthier in your area and ask them about weight relief.

 

[pcake]

my first thought would be to buy it. if it doesn't work out, sell it.

 

[DigitalMan]

I'm glad you're in great shape for your age, but really? NO difference? ROFLMAO.....of what alternative "science" do you speak???Differing levels of numerous hormones, accumulated wear and tear on tissues that regenerate slowly, poorly or not at all (like articular cartilage, central neurons, spinal discs to cite but a few examples), lower bone density.....are just a few of the ways a human over 50 is "different" from one at 30. Changes in some of these parameters can be partly mitigated for a while, by many, but in the end, age is more than a number and although time is kinder to some than others, it waits for no one. Good maintenance of our machine goes a long way, but like all machines, it doesn't last forever. For 30 years I have spent my working life looking at MRIs, CTs ultrasounds and X-rays of human innards and I can assure you, real science documents countless ways we're more worn out at 50 than 30, rose coloured glasses notwithstanding Pro athletes tend to wear out their bodies faster because they push them to their limits, but we all put mileage on our odometers, just by living a "regular" life.

All the points on wear and tear are valid. There is new evidence however that metabolism starts to slow down later than previously thought.

Metabolism in adulthood does not slow as commonly believed, study finds (nbcnews.com)

All I can attest to is that my body responds differently to sitting around all day versus not.

 

[Gizmot]

I'm 50 years old, but in good shape. That said, I'm not sure how I would do with a 10 1/2 pound bass around my neck for a gig.

In my area, there's a screaming deal on a bass I REALLY like. I did hundreds of gigs with an 11 pound version several years ago. I recall it felt heavier than my other basses. But I don't recall avoiding it due to weight. Like I said, I did a LOT of gigs with that bass!

I think I could flip it if it winds up being just too heavy.

Spitball with me. Throw out the first thing that comes to mind. I need to talk this out.

if you're playing a bass you really like, weight is a minor inconvenience, not a major impediment. Besides lifting a lb or two will help keep you young and fit

 

[TonyP-]

4" Italian leather strap which definitely helps out.

I only play those 4" Italia Leather Straps and they are killer.

 

[Hounddog409]

First off, sometimes up to one full lbs can come off of the weight of a bass with hardware changes. Lighter tuners. Lighter bridge. Replacing metal knobs with plastic or aluminum. Dumping the pick guard. Aluminum strap buttons. Buying Alumitone pickups.

IMO, the worst thing about a heavy bass is...........RESALE! It is very difficult to sell a heavy bass guitar and it is usually the first words out of a potential buyer's mouth............."How much does it weight?"

Ive bought and sold many basses. Not once did anyone asked about weight. Ive never asked myself.

Outside of this place, its not really a big thing.

Which is good. I have no clue what any of my basses weigh, and i am not going to buy a scale to find out.

 

[Black Out Jazz]

I'm 63 and occasionally gig with a T40. I laugh at death!

Lol

 

[Black Out Jazz]

I'm 50 years old, but in good shape. That said, I'm not sure how I would do with a 10 1/2 pound bass around my neck for a gig.

In my area, there's a screaming deal on a bass I REALLY like. I did hundreds of gigs with an 11 pound version several years ago. I recall it felt heavier than my other basses. But I don't recall avoiding it due to weight. Like I said, I did a LOT of gigs with that bass!

I think I could flip it if it winds up being just too heavy.

Spitball with me. Throw out the first thing that comes to mind. I need to talk this out.

Heavy overhead presses will trash a shoulder. Be careful.

 

[Mastermold]

I'm 50 years old, but in good shape. That said, I'm not sure how I would do with a 10 1/2 pound bass around my neck for a gig.

In my area, there's a screaming deal on a bass I REALLY like. I did hundreds of gigs with an 11 pound version several years ago. I recall it felt heavier than my other basses. But I don't recall avoiding it due to weight. Like I said, I did a LOT of gigs with that bass!

I think I could flip it if it winds up being just too heavy.

Spitball with me. Throw out the first thing that comes to mind. I need to talk this out.

I'm 53 and have a 12.5 lb bass I gig from time to time, used to be my only bass back in the 80s and 90s but I still don't mind playing with it for a single set. If it's a long rehearsal or gig however I'm sitting down with it.

 

[retslock]

I'm 50 years old, but in good shape. That said, I'm not sure how I would do with a 10 1/2 pound bass around my neck for a gig.

In my area, there's a screaming deal on a bass I REALLY like. I did hundreds of gigs with an 11 pound version several years ago. I recall it felt heavier than my other basses. But I don't recall avoiding it due to weight. Like I said, I did a LOT of gigs with that bass!

I think I could flip it if it winds up being just too heavy.

Spitball with me. Throw out the first thing that comes to mind. I need to talk this out.

Buy it! Take a relief bass to gigs. Alternate sets.

 

[whatlolawants]

Haha, I'm 54 and am a personal trainer, my first thought was 'DM the guy to train his traps and lats so he can keep that bass' hahaha! I hope you keep it and just try it.

 

[DeepHz]

I think you said it all when you stated you REALLY like it! After all ...... What's a few pounds amongst Basses?