The hunt for a light weight bass

[BassBeginer64]

I was in auto accinent a few weeks back and incurred shoulder and elbow injuries , so playing my standard 9 to 10 lbs bass’s are a bit painfull to play.

I like to continue my practicing but with a lightweight bass with 19mm string spacing and in the 5 to 6 lbs range. with a fixed bridge and saddles . 30-32-34 - all will work.

 

[mikewalker]

Hofner Club or BB. . My last one was 4 pounds and a bit...

 

[BassBeginer64]

Think the club is 16mm, also looked at the delectro's same issue - i have very big paws

 

[Naviiin]

New Tobias Growler is supposed to be very lightweight. Other than that, maybe an Ibanez EHB?

 

[KohanMike]

Any bass uke, 21 to 23" scale, they're less than 4 pounds, just change the poly strings to either nylon core flats or rounds.

 

[fretno]

Kala my next lighter is a History 27” J. Then a Warmoth Sugar Pine P, beyond that light weight class are my go to P types. Those are around 8 lbs. which is super comfy for me. My heaviest is a ‘68 Tele bass at 10.5. Sorry OP I didn’t read your spec requirements. However if you don’t have a Kala I highly recommend one.

 

[ardgedee]

New Tobias Growler is supposed to be very lightweight. Other than that, maybe an Ibanez EHB?

EHB is going to be in the 7 pound range. The body is surprisingly chunky.

Maybe the Ibanez Mikro? I couldn't find weight info but I'd bet they're under 6 lb., and the bridge has 19mm string spacing just like a long-scale four-string.

 

[Geddaric]

Steinbergers are light although not altogether aesthetically pleasing.
If weight is the major determining factor, yes, Bass Uke.

 

[Bodeeni]

Cant go too wrong with an inexpensive Bronco. Great around the house bass and light

 

[Polardog]

Spector RST 4 or 5. Wonderful basses in every respect.

 

[kodiakblair]

I like to continue my practicing

Practice sitting down.

Zero point in buying another bass just for your recovery period.

 

[EBlovesCharvel]

Flight makes a pretty good miniature jazz bass

 

[learning_towalk]

Woodcraft Ampmaster!

 

[Dynacord]

I really like the Nordstrand Acrinyx (aka "cat") basses. However, 17mm bridge spacing so likely still too tight, but they don't feel as cramped as some of the other options to me. They are light at 6 to 6 1/2 lbs.

 

[Nuisance]

I have chronic back issues. Here's what I found if you are looking for a full scale bass:

1. Shop at Sweetwater. They list the weight of all instruments over $400.
2. Ibanez makes many full scale basses that can go down to 7 pounds. All models. You just need to keep an eye out for a light one. Additionally The Ibanez Mezzo (med scale) can go as light as 6 pounds.
3. Spector NS Pulse basses can be very light (mine is 7.2 pounds).
4. In the higher range look at EBMM Stingray Specials (mine is 7.5 pounds).
5. Fender mades a Lyte P-Bass that can get into the 7 pound range. I believe the Aerodynes can get into the 7 pound range as well.
6. Most short scale basses can be very light. I have a 7 pound Gretsch Electromatic that balances and plays well.

The only issue I have found with some of the lightweight basses is that they can sometimes be neck divey. Try before you buy, or shop at a place with a good return policy (or be OK with swapping the tuners for some Hipshot ultralites). Additionally, string selection will be critical on short scale basses. Expect to burn some money on finding the right strings (and gauges).

Stay away from Luthite bodies.....nasty stuff that shrinks over time and will cause you a plethora of issues.

 

[dune]

5-6 pounds seems like a big ask. I doubt that I could find anything that light that I would be happy with.
I think @kodiakblair raises a good point - if it's just for a recovery period, I'd try the seated thing.

 

[GypsyBilly]

Check out a Reverend Dub King - they are semi hollow, short scale, but due to the bridge placement, they feel full sized. Probably in the 7 pound range.

 

[BobKos]

I had an Ibanez SR500 that was featherweight.

 

[Pirate Captain]

Hofner Club or BB. . My last one was 4 pounds and a bit...

Was going to second the Hofner Club...Saw Tears for Fears a while back and Curt played one the whole show...good enough for him, good enough for anyone (side note: read somewhere he plays a stock Ignition)

 

[lug]

Look at the Sire V6 and P6 offerings at Sweetwater. They sometimes get down in the 6.X lb range and plenty in the 7 lb range. I have a V6 that weighs in at 7.4 lbs and have seen even lighter.