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Some basses are too heavy, but are some too light?

Dincrest

Dincrest

Sep 27, 2004
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#1
As we get older, heavy basses become harder to shoulder. Even those of us who work out regularly can feel the weight of a heavy bass over a long gig. Hence why many of us ask about the weight of a bass.

We look at certain numbers and immediately think, "Yeah no, that bass would be too heavy for me." But does anyone look at a number and think, "Yeah no, that bass is too light for me"?

I have an excellent, higher-end bass that's roughly 7.5 pounds and balances perfectly for me (which is very cool because some lightweight basses can neck dive due to light bodies not counterbalancing heavier necks). I also have a killer bass that's roughly 8.8 pounds and is pretty comfortable (probably because I've had it for 14 years). I was jamming out on both of them and since I like to move/dance/rock out all crazy while playing, I was happily swinging around the light bass but got carried away, the bass nearly got away from me, and I almost threw out my back. On the other hand, with my heavier bass, I could still dance around, but not as crazy so the bass never felt like it was getting away from me and I was in less danger of throwing my back out. I felt more stable with my heavier bass.

So I'm thinking I would not want to go any lighter than that 7.5 pound bass. I see anything lighter than that and I'd probably think "Yeah, no, too light for me." (8- 8.5 pounds seems to be my sweetspot).

So how about others? Is there a point where a light bass is too light?
 
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#3
I like light basses. Most of mine are 7.5 lbs to 8.5 lbs. Actually all but 1 are 8lbs or less. My 5 string weighs 8.5 lbs and balances so well it is a joy to play.

To me it is about light and balanced. Light and neck dive is just as bad as heavy. Both put unnecessary pressure on your shoulder. I've also found anything less than 7lbs feels disconnected from me, for the reasons you mentioned. Maybe when I hit my 70s I'll feel different.
 
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#4
It all depends upon which bass (what type) and its balance to me. A P-bass typically weighs less than a J-bass. I look for a P that is less than 9 and a J that is less than 9.5. Heavy is heavy. Strap or not. BUT..... balance is almost more important to me. A "slightly" heavy bass is good in that it just sits there - doesn't move. A light one is only great so long as the neck is light too. So if you're talking something with a thick neck... that factors in. An AO-50 P, a Vintage II '54 P or a USA Geddy are examples of those that have beefy necks. So I'd shy away from a light one as I suspect they have neck dive. Yet, still I wouldn't buy any of them that were over 9.5lbs.
 
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#5
Weight doesn't matter to me as much as weight distribution and body shape. I like when everything feels solid and the weight is balanced on the strap for me. Also body shape around my belly really helps when I don't feel like I'm being taken over by the body and my shoulder is hunched because I'm reaching over a countertop. Great example of a good weight balance with body contour is how the Schecter Stiletto feels. Even more comfortable is the Tobias body shape. And right up there would be the Warwick streamer. Obviously everyone is different but if you're built like me. 6'1" about 240lbs these have been the most comfortable I've owned. The Ibanez soundgear is wonderful too but if the neck was just a little bit thicker it would fit my hand perfect. As mentioned by the OP these are absolutely great basses and should be on everyone's list to try once. They can do just about anything except look like a fender.
c3841fc6-697f-4d99-a1b6-afe24555b7c5.jpg
1000001981.jpg
 
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#7
I play six string basses.
That being said,most sixers weight about 10 lbs +-
This is because the body must counter the weight of the neck of else you get
dive.gif


But I have recently(a year ago) acquired an Ibanez EHB1506MS.
Which is chambered and headless.
So there is no dive.
 
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#8
According to Mr. Miyagi, it's all about BALANCE.

I have an Ibanez that weighs 7.8 lbs. I also have a 5-string Yamaha that weighs 9.4 lbs. They're equally comfortable to play because they're both nicely balanced.

I have a Fender J weighing 9.4 lbs. (alder body) and a Fender J weighing 8.2 lbs. (swamp ash body). The heavier one is actually more comfortable to play, while the lighter one is not as balanced and I can feel the weight of the neck against the weight of the body.
 
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#12
Dincrest said:
.....does anyone look at a number and think, "Yeah no, that bass is too light for me"? ........... Is there a point where a light bass is too light?
Click to expand...
i've gotta believe there is a point where an EB (as we know them) can be too light --- not 'substantial' enough to play correctly. (IME, a 6 lb. ax isn't there yet. it's a P-bass/FSO, but as lightweight as it is, i know i could go lighter...i just don't know how much lighter.)

my 6 pounder is a gas to play because of its lack of heft, but it's a P-bass (so, it's limited :wideyed: ). i'd really like to try a PJ. i have no clue at what point i'd consider the thing a hassle because of its lightness. but for me, 6 lbs. ain't it. and of course, balance is supreme!

blonde P-bass copy.png
 
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#14
Pdaddy1978 said:
The Hofner violin style, and even its many clones, are so light that for me they feel toy like.
They might be great players for some, and its probably because I've spent my playing life with heftier basses, but thier feather weight feels weird to me.
Click to expand...

Came here to say this. Too light weight is definitely a thing. A bass has to feel solid and balance well, not fragile.

My general limit is 10lbs on the upper end. Maybe 7.5 at the lightest. But 8-9 is the sweet spot.
 
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#15
This bass when it was originally constructed.

Spector Coda 5.jpg


I bought this bass used a few years back. How can you not be impressed by its looks. Kinda surprised why somebody would commission this bass and sell it. Very light body and very heavy tuning machines. The balance was totally off. I lived with it as is for a while because the tone was so great. Then I decided to swap out the tuners with Hipshot Ultralites. What a world of difference. Now this bass is great.

Bones
 
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#16
I agree that as long as it balanced properly weight is not too big an issue, but I also remember hating long sessions with my Rick 4001 becuase it really got tiring on my shoulder. I was young then, so back wasn't an issue. I do sometimes think my Ibanez SR1350B might be a bit on the "too light" side, but it balances well. Generally I only notice it after switching from my heaviest bass, the Jazz Plus. Next to that one the SR feels a bit like a toy.
 
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#18
Dincrest said:
As we get older, heavy basses become harder to shoulder. Even those of us who work out regularly can feel the weight of a heavy bass over a long gig. Hence why many of us ask about the weight of a bass.

We look at certain numbers and immediately think, "Yeah no, that bass would be too heavy for me." But does anyone look at a number and think, "Yeah no, that bass is too light for me"?

I have an excellent, higher-end bass that's roughly 7.5 pounds and balances perfectly for me (which is very cool because some lightweight basses can neck dive due to light bodies not counterbalancing heavier necks). I also have a killer bass that's roughly 8.8 pounds and is pretty comfortable (probably because I've had it for 14 years). I was jamming out on both of them and since I like to move/dance/rock out all crazy while playing, I was happily swinging around the light bass but got carried away, the bass nearly got away from me, and I almost threw out my back. On the other hand, with my heavier bass, I could still dance around, but not as crazy so the bass never felt like it was getting away from me and I was in less danger of throwing my back out. I felt more stable with my heavier bass.

So I'm thinking I would not want to go any lighter than that 7.5 pound bass. I see anything lighter than that and I'd probably think "Yeah, no, too light for me." (8- 8.5 pounds seems to be my sweetspot).

So how about others? Is there a point where a light bass is too light?
Click to expand...
i have had many basses both heavy and light. never has a heavy bass bothered me, same for light.

what does very very much matter is balance. i will take a balanced heavy bass over a light one with neck dive any day. An unbalanced bass is exhausting and i will sell it, or add weight to the body side to balance it.

my danelectro was maybe 6lbs?? sold it cause it was neck heavy and annoying to play. but it looked, sounded and played great!

my green dingwall 6 must be 12lbs with massive ropes for strings, wenge neck, and walnut body. but it is so well balanced it is crazy. I can play it for hours and never has it been a trouble.

oddly my yellow dingwall is just as well balanced and much lighter… but i dont find myself noting the difference or preferring it due to weight. i am not a huge guy, but even 5lbs is no big deal imho. But i am fit and have no back issues.
 
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