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Seeking 5 string lightweight options
- Thread starter BassNGuns
- Start date
Yamaha TRBX series and Cort are two I can think of. It will help if you can define light. For some that is 8lbs or less and for others that is 10lbs or less. FWIW, I am happy with my Fender Roasted Pine Pro II Jazz V which is 8lbs.
I’m sure others will post more options shortly.
I’m sure others will post more options shortly.
Gibson EB 5s are light, whether it's the 2014 through 2017 versions or the redesigned 2017 version.
- Dean Edge 1-5 – I've seen the weight listed by various retailers as 7 pounds
- Steinberger Spirit XT-25 – A headless design
- Hohner B2A V – Another headless design; discontinued, but with patience can be found pre-owned
- EBMM StingRay 5 Special – StingRay 5s aren't exactly known for being light, but apparently 8 pounders do exist.
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ESP/LTD used to have the Rocco Prestia designed RB line that was specifically designed with light weight in mind given Rocco's medical needs. The RB-1005 was the 5-string. However, it was discontinued a few years ago and they're pretty rare on the preowned market.
Otherwise, ESP/LTD basses tend to be heavier than comparable Ibanez Soundgears.
Otherwise, ESP/LTD basses tend to be heavier than comparable Ibanez Soundgears.
I often see 5'ers from Elrick and Maruszczyk listed in your weight range.
I play 4-strings and my tolerance for heavier instruments has diminished now that I'm further away from my warrior years. I want to replace my old 10.5 lb. Jazz with something rather nice that doesn't need a two-shoulder strap, etc. to manage it for a full show. These two builders have several terrific looking candidates for me, but they also offer some 5 and even 6 string basses that are remarkably light.
I play 4-strings and my tolerance for heavier instruments has diminished now that I'm further away from my warrior years. I want to replace my old 10.5 lb. Jazz with something rather nice that doesn't need a two-shoulder strap, etc. to manage it for a full show. These two builders have several terrific looking candidates for me, but they also offer some 5 and even 6 string basses that are remarkably light.
The Dean Edge-1 five string weighs in at about 7.3lbs. At $249 it is definitely worth a look.
Not sure of your budget or desired timing, but you can do an empress body “option” on a G&L 5 string model of your choice. They are taking several months to fulfill these days, but I hear the instruments are coming in around the 8lb mark. Got one on the way for myself.
It really depends upon what You consider "Light weight" .
Almost every lightweight (7.0-8.0lbs) 5 string I've tried (many different brands) had a tendency to be slightly heavy at the headstock requiring a mod to install lightweight tuners. This mod almost always fixes this issue.
Most medium weight (8.5-9.0) 5's I've tried balanced pretty well without the neck heavy tendencies.
You will find that balance might be more important to you than light weight.
If the weight is distributed in the proper way then the bass will naturally feel lighter than a lightweight bass with a heaver headstock.
There are lightweight 5's out there but you have to be very selective.
Look at the upper bout, what position does it stop at ? It should be at the 12th or 11th fret.
Does it have true lightweight tuner keys ? If not then consider a mod.
Is the headstock size huge or streamlined ?
A headless could be a good option but not all headless are lightweight or even have good balance.
Also be aware that "balances good" to one person may be "neck heavy" for another. So don't just take a sellers word for it. Ask them if you can return the bass if it doesn't feel right to you.
You've got to try it before you buy it.
Almost every lightweight (7.0-8.0lbs) 5 string I've tried (many different brands) had a tendency to be slightly heavy at the headstock requiring a mod to install lightweight tuners. This mod almost always fixes this issue.
Most medium weight (8.5-9.0) 5's I've tried balanced pretty well without the neck heavy tendencies.
You will find that balance might be more important to you than light weight.
If the weight is distributed in the proper way then the bass will naturally feel lighter than a lightweight bass with a heaver headstock.
There are lightweight 5's out there but you have to be very selective.
Look at the upper bout, what position does it stop at ? It should be at the 12th or 11th fret.
Does it have true lightweight tuner keys ? If not then consider a mod.
Is the headstock size huge or streamlined ?
A headless could be a good option but not all headless are lightweight or even have good balance.
Also be aware that "balances good" to one person may be "neck heavy" for another. So don't just take a sellers word for it. Ask them if you can return the bass if it doesn't feel right to you.
You've got to try it before you buy it.
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