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Super lightweight 5 or 6 string recommendations?

#21
Originally Posted by Double Agent
This may teeter on the edge on boutique, but I had a Dingwall AB-I V. It was the lightest bass I've every played, shockingly so. They are about $1300-1500 used, which is similar to the price of a new Musicman so maybe they are just barely in the non-boutique range? Best bass I've ever played in any case


Smallmouth_Bass said:
I would have to double that suggestion.
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I am going to triple that suggestion!..
 
#25
derrenleepoole said:
Dimensions aren't really an issue with me. I've had a Cort Curbow and that for me was a wide neck spacing which I found easy to play. It's all about technique right ;)

One thing to bare in mind is that I'm in the UK. Should of mentioned that first hey!
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Derren, you could do worse than asking your question directly to Alex at the Bass Gallery in Camden :hmm: .

They are the only Sadowsky dealer in England (there's one in Scotland too) and they also have Dingwalls, Status and lots of medium/high end gear.

Great, friendly service too :) . They won't give you any b/s, just to make a sale.
 
#31
OhThePeacock said:
I have a cirrus 4 string that is the lightest bass I've ever played...try a 6 or 5 string version of one.
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I have both a Cirrus 5 (Redwood/Alder) and a 6 (Tigereye maple/mahogony). The fiver isn't particulary heavy but I wouldn't say it's lightweight, and the sixer is fairly heavy as far as I'm concerned. My Lighwave Saber 5, now that's a really light bass... between the chamber cutout in the body, not having any pickups, the lightwave/piezo bridge (which is made of a really lightweight graphite composite) and the extra large routing area needed to house the lightwave electronics, it almost feels weightless.

Hey Rob, that's a beautiful Sadowsky. One day I'll have to weight the Lightwave to see if it's lighter than 7.5lbs.
 
#33
8 lbs even. Swamp Ash body, maple neck.:)

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#36
Try to find a Fender American Deluxe Jazz with an ash body. Some of these are very light; I had a '99 Am. Dlx. Precision (four string) that was about 7.5 lbs. A Reverend fiver might be good too, if you can find one. With the chambered body I'd expect them to be extremely light. I've only tried the four string myself.
 
#37
The Bolin NS basses are worth looking into. My fiver is around 7.5 lbs and is incredibly well made. Black Canyon Guitar is selling several new ones on ebay (US) right now with various pickup options and there is one used from a private seller.

Bolin's stuff is boutique, but the Bolin NS is a production model designed in tandem with Ned Steinberger and produced by Bolin.
 
#38
embellisher said:
You know, the guy said no boutiques. Nice way to read the whole post, guys.:hmm:
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:) Yeah, you're right.
However, how do you define boutique? It's hard to define, but "standard" production range basses can probably not be defined as boutique, can they?
And since we haven't been given a price point, an easily available production model seems like a decent suggestion.
The Parker basses can be found for $1500, and the lower line PB51 can be found for even less (although it's not quite as lightweight)
The Matt Pulcinella Guitars Level-basses aren't that easily available, but can be bought directly from Matt from $1700 (for the 6-string).

But give us some price indication, and it will be easier to suggest something non-boutique enough. ;)
 
#39
I had severe shoulder tendonitis so bad I couldn't play standing for more than 30 min. without intense pain. I poured $$$ into light basses, but I finally solved my problem with the Bass Brace belt. They're no longer sold, but you can make one. It's basically a weight lifter's belt with a small leather tongue (about 4 inches long) that comes off the front where your belt buckle would be. You put a Dunlop style straplock on the "tongue" and a recessed Dunlop strap "hole" on the lower body edge of the bass. You can pick the spot that balances best (as a bonus, this can correct neck dive on ANY bass). When attached to the belt, 90% of the weight is on your hips. You still wear a strap, but it's only to keep the instrument in a position you like. It's a $%%^&&&* miracle!
The mod to your bass is invisible from the front and unless the bass is vintage, won't appreciably change resale value IME. I also have a bass stand I bought from MuFriend that holds any bass with a front mounted jack in virtually any position you like, but then you cannot move around. I'd sell the stand if someone wants it. With the belt, bass weight has ceased to matter to me.
 
#40
derrenleepoole said:
I'm glad you said that :smug: I was thinking the same thing, but didn't dare say owt for fear of alienation :hiding:

The Peavey suggestions look interesting though. Cheers for all the responses though. How do the cheaper end range of Peaveys hold up?
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Obviously many people prefer the Peavey USAs for a reason, but the BXPs are IMHO an unbelievable deal, especially the ones with the active VFL pups. I love my Millennium AC BXP four string. Fit and finish are great and it plays like butter. The active pups give great tonal control. And like I said earlier, the thing balances so well it feels lighter than other basses that actually weigh the same. Absolutely no complaints.

I have no experience with the Cirrus BXPs or the Grind (not active) bass, but from what I have heard you can expect the same quality with those.

Peavey makes BXP fives in both the Millennium ($349) and Cirrus ($649) lines and five and six string Grinds ($399 and $469).
 

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