Recommend a lightweight bass option.

[Kahrmine]

Hey there,
After years of playing heavy guitars, I am looking for something gentler on my frame.

Here is my criteria, if you could recommend a lightweight option:

- 4 string
- I prefer classic bass tones with a leaning towards either P/J pickups or straight jazz configuration
- I prefer classic style fender type basses, but am open to other options
- I'm open to hollow or semihollow basses
- if it can be had used and cheap, that's even better. Otherwise, I would like to spend around $300

thanks for your suggestions

 

[Jazz Ad]

I see a Danelectro in your future.

 

[D. Gallis]

Ibanez sr, Yamaha rb

 

[Hobobob]

I used to own a Schecter Raiden Deluxe. The undersized, basswood body kept it nice and light, and the P/J pickups made it versatile. If I remember correctly, it was $299 new.

 

[Kahrmine]

Thanks, keep 'em coming.

 

[Kahrmine]

The Hodad is a possibility, as it's pretty classic and the lipstick pickups don't sound bad.

 

[D. Gallis]

Squier VM Jag

 

[blindrabbit]

Used Fender Precision Lyte. P/J configuration, keeps you with Fender, and I'm sure they are all in the 7 lb range, it wouldn't surprise me if some are even in the 6s. The only problem could be the price...you may have to be patient to find one for $300. $400 is more realistic.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Used Fender Precision Lyte. P/J configuration, keeps you with Fender, and I'm sure they are all in the 7 lb range, it wouldn't surprise me if some are even in the 6s. The only problem could be the price...you may have to be patient to find one for $300. $400 is more realistic.

I was going to mention the Fender Aerodyne. It hits a lot of the same buttons blindrabbit mentions in regards to the P-Lyte; lightweight (mine's 8½lbs and I've heard of some that are even lighter), P/J config, etc… However, it also usually sells for $400+ as a used instrument.

 

[PortlandBass77]

Snag a used Fender Musicmaster Bass!

 

[philvanv]

Honest go find a Guild Pilot, so light and P/J...my opinion is the best PRODUCTION BASS EVER.....

 

[Thombas]

I was going to mention the Fender Aerodyne. It hits a lot of the same buttons blindrabbit mentions in regards to the P-Lyte; lightweight (mine's 8½lbs and I've heard of some that are even lighter), P/J config, etc… However, it also usually sells for $400+ as a used instrument.

Yup, I would try an Aerodyne too. The one's I've tried were light and comfortable, and fit your criteria. Good luck!
Thomas

 

[Jeff Bonny]

I see a Danelectro in your future.

Yep.

 

[cnltb]

Hey there,
After years of playing heavy guitars, I am looking for something gentler on my frame.

Here is my criteria, if you could recommend a lightweight option:

- 4 string
- I prefer classic bass tones with a leaning towards either P/J pickups or straight jazz configuration
- I prefer classic style fender type basses, but am open to other options
- I'm open to hollow or semihollow basses
- if it can be had used and cheap, that's even better. Otherwise, I would like to spend around $300

thanks for your suggestions

How light is light enough?

 

[darrenmt]

Air bass!!

 

[sgiacomo]

A used Fender JP-90 fits your description, cost might be a little tight though.

 

[Real Soon]

I know it doesn't sport the traditional jazz configuration, but depending on the kind of sound you like, the Spectorcore is a semi-hollow with a single-coil and a piezo bridge pickup. The new ones are out of your listed budget, but around here, I've seen a few on craigslist, etc at some amazing prices. Someone who's played one may have insight. I would've gone for one but really wanted to land a passive bass (Washburn Taurus T24).

 

[Jack Butler]

This would do it...

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PBassPJCAR

 

[darrenmt]

This would do it...

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PBassPJCAR

Thay looks fantastic!!

 

[Maxdusty]

A used Fender JP-90 fits your description, cost might be a little tight though.

You can fine one usually for $300-400. It is a MIA Fender for a bargain price if you can get over the somewhat funky pickguard. It is very light and has a fantastic sound.
In many ways it kills my MIM Fender P bass with the SD pickups in terms of sound . Thing feels like it's made of balsa wood- it's really light.

Other Fender basses I can think of, the Aerodyne, Squier VM Jaguar.