Sunday Fun with Bass Weight and Statistics

[VeryTallBassist]

I have 12 currently. All weigh between 8.5 and 10lbs. I like a 9lb bass. Get too far over 10 and it feels heavy, too far under 9 and it doesn't feel right on a strap. I have sold basses that weighed 10.5 lbs and 8lbs, both because the weight was uncomfortable.

8.5 - 10 lbs is typically the sweet spit for my 5s, but i can't deny the Spector Euro 5 RST at 7lbs even. That thing is nice to your shoulder. That said, with a good strap I can go all the way up to 11.5 lbs for up to 2 hours.

 

[JJP_1984_LB50]

88 votes seems like plenty. Results below.

I was very surprised with a 9.56lbf average. I would have guessed way lower. The Jino is a beast!

 

[singlemalt]

I said 9.5, what did I win?

 

[JJP_1984_LB50]

I said 9.5, what did I win?

Just the satisfaction of a job well done…

 

[Crusher47]

I voted 9.5 too.... I get the sweet, sweet prize for winning the contest..... what, no prize? D'oh

 

[groovaholic]

I realize it would be small potatoes for a professional engineer, but why nose heavy, neck diving basses aren't that uncommon tells me no builder is calculating center of gravity.

What a joke.

I know that balance is a MAJOR consideration for Dingwall.

There's a video on YouTube where Sheldon D. relates the story of seeing a well-known player demo another builder's bass.



That bass neck dived, and the player put it back in the case *without ever plugging it in*

That experience stuck with Sheldon and made balance a key consideration on Dingwalls.

My 5 basses range from 7lb12oz to 8lb11oz.

 

[singlemalt]

Want a Thunderbird type bass that balances perfectly, with no neck dive?

Check out a Dingwall Dbird or Droc.

 

[fretno]

Gibby SG, Warmoth Sugar Pine ssb and History 27" J

 

[JJP_1984_LB50]

Update for 2026!

I recently retired, so I have even MORE time for this stuff!

I got a better resolution scale (and bought another bass!). Also added labels for the "mean+/-xStdev" curves. Slightly lower mean and some more differentiation. Discuss...