Suggestions for lighter 5 strings

[DaleAU]

Hi. I am looking for suggestions for lightweight 5 strings. I have a history of back issues, which had largely gone away while I took a bit of a break from playing for 2 years after my son was born. I have recently began playing again and have noticed the return of some pain, so I assume the bass playing it at least partly to blame.

I currently play a Squire VM Jazz V, which was fairly cheap but I quite like, it is very heavy - around 5.1kg (~11lb). I have a wide comfort strapp, but I think it might be still too heavy for me.

Playing through an Ashdown ABM head and 1x15, with a Sansamp for DI if needed. Don't use a lot of effects live, usually a bit of compressor.

Anyone have any ideas what some options to look at are? I am in Australia, and there isn't a lot of range in my home town. Don't mind pickup configurations, JJ, P/J or humbuckers. Active or passive don't really mind, as long as active has an easy access battery compartment. Would like to stick with the 5 string, as find the B useful even though I don't use it all the time.

Probably don't want to spend too much north of $1000 AUD. Just looking at something that might help prolong my playing. Thanks in advance!

 

[chris_b]

If you want to play bass comfortably and with no pain you need to find one that weighs around the 8 - 8 1/2lb mark. Adjust your budget when you find that bass.

I have the same issues with a damaged back and the sound I want and the bass I feel comfortable playing is a Sadowsky. There are lots of 8lb NYC's around. I'm working on the budget.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Sadowsky is probably the lightest weight 5 sting you can find. Excellent quality.

 

[Turxile]

Most of the Ibanez SR models are rather light. Easy to find as well. Check them out before you try as they have a tighter string spacing.

 

[bordinco90]

Look for a premium Ibanez used or you can find a used carvin PB5. They are pretty light.

 

[rpmpest]

Ibanez SRA - I have one, its the fancy version with the quilted top and EMG's. But any SR will be among the lightest you can get. I have a Sadowsky coming too which should be even lighter again, but I am not worried if it isn't.
If you want to feel like a 78yr old, play a few sets on a Warwick, then try and bend over.

 

[Sid the Kid]

Ibanez will be the most consistently light 5er you can find.

For a budget that can only afford the Sad in Sadowsky (like me!) you should check out Cort. I have a GB 75 in their open pore natural finish that weighs 8#. The body is a downsized Jazz and the neck is similar to a Lakland skyline. Check out reverb, can probably snag one for a make offer price of $350.

 

[Yahboy]

Try check with sweet water site, some ibby SR 305,505,605 are weight around 7.5～8lbs.

 

[ajkula66]

Gibson EB5, either 2013/2014 version or the current 2017/18 one. Remarkably light - probably less than 8lbs for the most examples - and quite inexpensive on the secondhand market.

Here's my 2013:

 

[Maxdusty]

Ibanez, even Schecter has some light ones. I had a Schecter Deluxe V that was much lighter and had a slimmer neck than my Yamaha TRBX305.

 

[Herrick]

Second the Ibanez recommendations as well as ajkula66's recommendation

 

[Geri O]

My Mike Lull 5-strings weigh in at 8 lbs, +/- a few ounces. They aren't cheap, but not quite as much as Sadowskis, and they can be found used at really good prices.

Both of mine feel like extensions of my head and hands. Fantastic, high-quality basses.

 

[Kmonk]

Ibanez basses are pretty light. I recently acquired an SR405 as a back up to my Spector 5. I was surprised at how light it is and how good it sounds.

 

[scowboy]

The ESP LTD RB1005 is pretty light and the used market is pretty soft on them.

 

[Algo]

I'm gonna guess there isn't anything lighter than the Ibanez SRs as many have said
And they are also really good basses, from the 505 up

 

[Gabor-the-HUN]

Ibanez hands down. I own two SDGRs. The semi-hollow fretless 5 string is a spacebass..... practically weightless. Easy on the wrist and sounds like an upright!

 

[DaleAU]

Seems like ibanez Sr will be a good option. I'm not sure the budget and the wife will want me getting into sadowski territory just yet.

What are the Ibanez SR 405 and above like for a basic blues tone?

 

[Moving Pictures]

Elrick is another option if you can find one used. I agree with the Sadowsky and Ibanez options. Regarding the Ibanez Premium series, not all of them are light. I have an SR1205 and it is decent but some other Premiums I tried were heavier, some much heavier and some were lighter than mine. I like chris_b's advice. Find the bass then the budget. It will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[Spectre1966]

Another Ibanez SR recommendation.....just got a new SR 505 last week and I can't believe how light it is.

 

[Joe Smithberger]

IMO balance is almost as important as weight. Be careful of lightweight basses that neck dive. Ibanez is good to look at as are the import MTDs.