Super lightweight 5 or 6 string recommendations?

[Sufenta]

These might fall into the 'boutique' category, but they can be found frequently on Ebay and TB and CL. This one weighed in at slightly over 7.5lbs. Used for around $1300. Well worth it.

 

[beadgc23]

+1 on the Bolin - it's a real featherweight. Mine is a hair below 7lbs and I'm deliriously happy with it. Another flyweight is the Turner Renaissance series, my 5FL is around 6lbs. Granted that you could have a problem finding either in the UK, but they ARE both production instruments (though I've played boutiques that don't even come close)

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.

 

[ThumbyAche]

Heartfield DR-5 for Non-Boutique and if on a budget. These basses are typically really light, sound great and very reasonable price wise. Worth it if you can find one. With the money you save from buying used, you can mod the bass with a great onboard pre and have one heck of a bass.

 

[Carver]

You know, the guy said no boutiques. Nice way to read the whole post, guys.

Oooops...Don't know how I missed that.

Anyway, Try a Cort-made Elrick. Super light and tone for days.

 

[Kwesi]

Surine Basses are ridiculously light. Amazing basses to boot but they'll put, what i consider, a huge dent in your wallet (USD $3000 minimum). As many have said before me the Peavey Cirrus basses are really light too but the bass itself isn't in the same league as Surines.

 

[Suburban]

If you really have a bad back, and want to keep playing bass, then you have to go "boutique". I have played all kinds of readily available basses, and they didn't do my back any good.

I now play SUBurban basses or Basslad STD, which are the only ones including some boutiques, that my back can stand for one or two hour gigs.

 

[DanielleMuscato]

+1 on the MTD Korean-made 5 and 6ers. I got my Artist 5 on eBay for under 450 shipped and *love* it.

Also, Steinberger/Hohner etc. basses! It's hard to find anything lighter than that. They are ugly as sin, though.

Also might check out chambered, etc like the Sadowsky mentioned above. Carvin makes some chambered instruments for a little less $. Depending on your budget, Parkers and Rob Allens are cool, too.

You could always play an upright if your back gets bad enough

edit: Oh yes, and +1 to Basslab. 5.5 pound Jazz bass, available in 5-string... a-there you go.

played by Marcus Miller

 

[Michael Vee]

+1 on Steinberger Spirit basses! It's hard to find anything lighter than that. They are ugly as sin, though.

Beauty in the eye of the beholder, Dave! Although the straight, black minimal bodies Steinies are an acquired taste visually, I personally think my Spirit XZ's are very attractive basses. They are definitely lightweight, balance well on a strap, and can be modded for a variety of tonalities if desired. The stock electronics are fine with the right string sets.

 

[DanielleMuscato]

Hey, you edited my quote, haha.

Aren't the Spirit series wood-bodied?

 

[Aarix]

Oooops...Don't know how I missed that.

Anyway, Try a Cort-made Elrick. Super light and tone for days.

+1 I have an RB5, very light, very playable, super tone.

It's a lot of bass for around $500.