Torn between two lovers

[Flatwound]

I have two Jazz Basses I really like, both USA 22-fret models. The first is my '90 Jazz Bass Plus, which came with Lace Sensors and a preamp I believe is a Kubicki design. I didn't like the original electronics, so I replaced them with EMG JVX pickups. Great bass, weighs 8 lb. 5 oz. Second is a '92 American Standard "longhorn" Jazz, unmodified. It weighs 9 lb. 5 oz. The '92 is the best-sounding Jazz Bass I've ever owned.

The problem is that extra pound. I'm old (66), and having some undiagnosed back trouble. MRI coming soon. The cover band has no more gigs scheduled this year, not sure yet if we have our usual New Years' gig or not (yes, I know that that's technically this year). So I'm playing every weekend at church, and practicing with the cover band, although that's slowing down for the holidays as well.

I've just gotten the Gruv Duostrap Neo to see if I can continue to play standing up. I'd been playing for a couple of weeks at church sitting on a stool, but I'd rather be on my feet. I tried it last Sunday, and it does help. I'll post a review eventually.

So the upshot is, I'd really like to play the '92 out more often, but the last time I gigged it, I paid for it for a few days afterwards. The Jazz Plus is still a great bass. I'm fortunate, but, you know.

Pics or it didn't happen:

 

[Gorn]

Get a light bass. Why cause yourself unnecessary pain? No one but the bass player cares what the bass player is playing.

 

[BGroovy]

I'm in the same boat with a shoulder injury. All my favorite basses end up being over 9 lbs, but I can't do 3 hours with them hanging on a strap.

Sell em both and get a Mike Lull

 

[Flatwound]

Get a light bass. Why cause yourself unnecessary pain? No one but the bass player cares what the bass player is playing.

But.. but.. there are people right here on Talkbass who think lightweight basses aren’t manly!

Sell em both and get a Mike Lull

Ohhh, now that’s an idea!

 

[CallMeAl]

I’m over playing instruments that aren’t perfect for me. My goal is to remove obstacles and distractions, where I don’t even think about the instrument just the music. I’ve accepted that tastes and needs evolve, and sometimes that means a new love.

If I were you I’d go try out instruments. Find one that fits your needs. A new love awaits!

 

[lug]

Take both to gigs, split the time.

 

[Low End Scum]

Would it be feasible to put the same electronics from the longhorn into a short scale bass? Might help retain most the sound you're enjoying but make it feasible and comfortable?

 

[darwin-bass]

I suspect your lighter bass would sound better with different pickups & preamp, and perhaps no preamp. Pickups are a major contributor to the sound.

Perhaps swap your tuners for some Gotoh Res-o-lites. You'll save 1/4 pound or more on the headstock which will not only reduce weight but greatly improve balance.

side note - Is the intonation on the red Jazz correct? That bridge looks wonky to me.

 

[winston]

Lighter tuners and taking off the pickguard could shave off at least 8oz. Possibly titanium bridge/control plate could lighten it further.

 

[Phreaky Phriday]

Its possible to go lighter with 34" scale - i planed the body for this sucker to a little under 1.5 inches and ended up with a 7.8 lb. Would be lighter still with ash instead of black limba

You may want to hunt for a cheap jazz bass with a slim body and swap in the neck and electronics you like (and move to lightweight tuners if necessary)

 

[Low Main]

The late great Tony Markellis played sitting down with his bass on a Gracie stand,

Tony got his set up to the point where you had to look closely to see that he had the bass on a stand when he was in a large band like Trey Anastasio's.

Gordon Edwards played sitting down with a strap and stood up whenever he wanted to during a tune. He never looked like he was at a disadvantage.

As he got older, he moved up to a high stool and it was an effective look onstage.

I bought a folding IKEA high stool to try out his approach. It's a good thing.

 

[darev]

my '90 Jazz Bass Plus, which came with Lace Sensors and a preamp I believe is a Kubicki design. I didn't like the original electronics, so I replaced them with EMG JVX pickups

I have the same year & model but in 5 string. I know there are a bunch of Kubicki bass fans on TB but I think that preamp sounds like A$$ and A$$ with more mids (the last thing that pre needed). I have played mine passive for 34 years because the pre is so horrid sounding.

I hope you can find some relief for your back issues.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I can relate to the OP. I had a Tony Franklin Fretless PBass and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately it weighed 9.5 lbs. Not bad as basses go but too much for my 74 yr old back. I reluctantly sold it and replaced it with an Ibanez SRH505F 5 string fetless at 7.4 lbs and I have fallen in love with it. 2 lbs made major difference for me and the same may be true for the OP. Remember, when one door closes, another one opens. It sure worked for me and hopefully it will work for OP. Good luck.

 

[PotsdamBass8]

I would definitely try to put the electronics from the 92 into the 90, just to see what it sounds like. Also, play a bunch of other jazz basses if you can to see if you find anything else that sounds like your 92. There are lots of great jazz basses at all types of price points, so there’s no reason you need to stick with one of these unless there’s nostalgia.

 

[Neck Diver]

How about taking the electronics out of the 92 American Standard that you like the sound of and swapping them with the 90 Jazz Plus that is lighter. If it sounds better and is lighter then maybe that would be your answer for best of both worlds.

 

[Neck Diver]

PotsdamBass beat me to it.

 

[MidlifeBeginner]

If you want a light bass, buy a cheap bass body. Cheap ones are often lighter wood and thinner slabs. A downside of a lighter body can be neck dive, which could anger your back depending on the issue.

One thing I have not seen attempted is hooking a bass onto a belt. That would take weight off the back.

 

[Klangfarbe]

Start hitting the gym?

I'm not even kidding. Having your frequent dose of sports will not only help with your bass problem, but also significantly better your overall life quality.
And being more active really isn't a question of age.

 

[jimmydean]

Bring a stool and use it when you need to use it , the last two years I have found myself sitting more and more .

 

[bmusic]

What is the color on that longhorn? Some kinda plum or something? Kinda in love with that, all of a sudden...