Travel/couch/light(er) bass?

[Old_Noob]

So, I sold my GSR200 finally. I just did not get on with it. Been loving my Squire CV60s P with flats on it. However, 2 downsides: 1) Bugger is heavy...my shoulder wears out after a while; and 2) I am limited to when I can practice it due to its size--mostly late at night, downstairs after the kids are in bed. Its not really good for plonking on the couch with the kids running around ( already had one close encounter with the headstock and a kids headstock) and does not really fit in the car easily (won't lay across in the trunk) for weekend trips.

I am looking for "something" (haven't quit figured that out yet) that would let me practice in those conditions. So, something lighter and shorter. I have considered a number of short scales but now have started to be intrigued by solidbody u-basses as well. I am not interested in a Hofner travel bass or those things that disassemble. I am limited in what I can try in person because GC has almost no stock and the other chain store by me is appointment only and not very laid back.

Given that I did not get on with the GSR, I am a little leary of the Ibanez mikro or mezzo. U-basses seem cool, but at my price range, the Hadean ones seem almost like toys.

 

[Luixfern]

I've been looking into a Squier Bronco bass to fiddle while lounging around watching TV with the fam or Tiny Boy bass if they ever actually start production.

 

[FatStringer52]

Have you considered one of the many headless basses. Steinberger made a couple of models, Kramer made "The Duke", Cort and many others. Some are made with the small bodies (which is great as far as weight is concerned) and some are made with full-sized bodies (probably better suited for sitting around on the couch). Prices range from $400 to $4000. Depends on your budget. Just Google "headless bass" and see if anything interests you. This is my Steinberger XP and it is a blessing for an old man with a bad back. These can be found for about $1000.

 

[Obese Chess]

this would be my vote.
https://www.mauriziouberbasses.com/miezo

 

[bikemusic]

I've found the longer scale uke basses make passable couch-noodlers that don't feel a whole lot different than playing up the neck on a regular bass. Hadean makes a solid body with 24" scale (UKBE-22-33) and you can put tapewounds on it instead of the rubber strings if you like. Galli UXB 810's.

 

[ellipsis]

I have an acoustic Taylor GS Mini for exactly your use case. They are pricey new, but show up at more reasonable prices on the used market periodically.

 

[KohanMike]

I've found the longer scale uke basses make passable couch-noodlers that don't feel a whole lot different than playing up the neck on a regular bass. Hadean makes a solid body with 24" scale (UKBE-22-33) and you can put tapewounds on it instead of the rubber strings if you like. Galli UXB 810's.

Yep, under $200. I add Gold Tone/La Bella 25" MBLS all steel flatwounds to mine, $40, they fit perfectly.

 

[Max Bogosity]

Short scale Danelectro? Headstock isn’t big and the hollow body makes them a bit more audible for unplugged noodling.

 

[micguy]

If I had 2 basses (what I really mean is if i ONLY had 2 basses), and one was light and one heavy (none of mine are heavy), the heavy one is the one I'd use on the couch - the light one would be for when I gig and need to wear the thing.

 

[micguy]

Have you considered one of the many headless basses. Steinberger made a couple of models, Kramer made "The Duke", Cort and many others. Some are made with the small bodies (which is great as far as weight is concerned) and some are made with full-sized bodies (probably better suited for sitting around on the couch). Prices range from $400 to $4000. Depends on your budget. Just Google "headless bass" and see if anything interests you. This is my Steinberger XP and it is a blessing for an old man with a bad back. These can be found for about $1000.

View attachment 4228782

That thing won't sit comfortably on your lap at all - I'd prefer something with a regular body to that for couch playing.

 

[monsterthompson]

Travel basses with multiple neck lengths which can be swapped.
https://www.mauriziouberbasses.com/x3m
Scale length available are: 27", 25.5", 22.75" and 18". Take your pick. The 18" scale neck bolted onto the body fits right inside the X3M gig bag. The other two necks fit inside individual pockets in a separate compartments. And that is all within maximum hand-carry size allowed by our beloved airlines.
A 30" scale length neck will marginally exceed the maximum allowed length by a mere 2" and would need a custom gig bag. Lastly, a 34" scale is available as a custom order. Both fit inside a guitar gig bag. Those who do not travel often will find in the super light 6.5lbs (3kg) 34" long X3M the best companion for long gigs.

18" scale mini bass. I'm having one made now, and it's been a great experience.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Prices are pretty reasonable for what you get.

 

[Winton]

So, I sold my GSR200 finally. I just did not get on with it. Been loving my Squire CV60s P with flats on it. However, 2 downsides: 1) Bugger is heavy...my shoulder wears out after a while; and 2) I am limited to when I can practice it due to its size--mostly late at night, downstairs after the kids are in bed. Its not really good for plonking on the couch with the kids running around ( already had one close encounter with the headstock and a kids headstock) and does not really fit in the car easily (won't lay across in the trunk) for weekend trips.

I am looking for "something" (haven't quit figured that out yet) that would let me practice in those conditions. So, something lighter and shorter. I have considered a number of short scales but now have started to be intrigued by solidbody u-basses as well. I am not interested in a Hofner travel bass or those things that disassemble. I am limited in what I can try in person because GC has almost no stock and the other chain store by me is appointment only and not very laid back.

Given that I did not get on with the GSR, I am a little leary of the Ibanez mikro or mezzo. U-basses seem cool, but at my price range, the Hadean ones seem almost like toys.

About your Squier CV60 pbass, I also have one that’s quite heavy (10lb). What has helped me practice longer with it was purchasing the Gruv Gear DuoStrap Neo. I’ve been able to go through hours of rehearsal with that on.

 

[MCS4]

I picked up a standard Kala U-Bass recently for this purpose and absolutely love it. It's a real game changer for me in terms of getting some extra practice on the basics during times when I otherwise would be just hanging out on the sofa. I considered picking up something slightly longer scale and solid body, but I'm glad that I didn't because the U-Bass's extra small size is a definite plus in terms of use of use on any sofa/chair/etc. (particularly if someone else is on the sofa too), the slight extra volume from the acoustic body allows me to always hear enough of what I'm playing even if the TV is at decent volume, and the built-in tuner is a nice plus for overall ease of use.

 

[macmanlou]

Another two to check out are the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] TB4P and Ultralight basses. The tuners take some getting used to, but they don't need double ball strings. The TB4P has a built-in headphone amp.

 

[NOVAX]

 

[NOVAX]

32" scale. Normal long scale strings. Overhead compartment etc. And tort! So realistically-
What else does one need?

 

[macmanlou]

View attachment 4229128

The sunburst TB4P comes with a maple board now, as does the black Ultralight.

I forgot to mention that the TB4P also has an Aux input.

 

[JakobT]

Traveler Guitar TB-4P. Nuff said.

 

[macmanlou]

View attachment 4229128

That's just like mine. I really like sound of the Duncan designed Mustang-style pickups. Very PBass like.

 

[NOVAX]

And tort!!!