Well, I did it… Now what?

[Reedt2000]

I just picked up a Spector NS Pulse 5 string which is 8 lbs and the 4 strings are slightly lighter. Sweetwater has those ibanez headless basses and some of them are really light.

 

[Killing Floor]

Yep, for the money and the concern of weight, 4 strings, all that, take a look at Reverend. Great instruments and not too pricey. Also take a look at Kiesel. They usually have a few in stock aside from the custom order stuff. They use pretty light ash. Very well made for the money. If you are interested, a lot of brands are making nice basses of paulownia, aka empress wood. It's going to be about 30-40% lower mass than a typical alder body.

edit some G&L instruments are empress wood

 

[Indiana Mike]

Look at a Sandberg super light. I know this one is over your budget. May have to shop around.

 

[BASSDROID]

Another vote for an Empress G&L.
JB or JB2, you can't go wrong!
7.8 lbs here,

 

[Kaa]

Fender Pbass Lyte. Find a nice one and mod it to your heart's content. Great neck, smaller body, light.

 

[31HZ]

Brady Muckelroy's design is the most well-balanced and easy-to-play that I've yet to encounter. If I had physical/ergonomic issues, I'd have several of his basses.

 

[Persona87]

Ibanez Premium SR2600 Bass Guitar - Cerulean Blue Burst

Second the Ibanez SR recommendation. Very light bodies, slim necks, active electronics, and this one comes with Nordstrand Big Singles, their take on single coil pickup design. Supposed to be super clear and clean. Also has an EQ bypass if you don’t want the modern sound.

 

[micguy]

I build my own basses, using Warmoth wood, Hipshot Ultralites, graphite rods in teh neck (not steel), etc. With careful attention to the weight of every stinkin' part, I now have a small herd of 5 string basses, all of which weight between 7.1 and 7.95 pounds. With a 4 stringer and the same approach, it'd be a bit lighter than that - I have built many 4 stringers, all under 8 pounds, with one at 6.6.

....and not a single neck diver in the bunch - every single one you could put on, jump around, and it'll stay put.

 

[sotua]

weight and ergonomic issues? hi fi tone? Check the Ibanez headless series: EHB | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars

Some of the most comfortable basses I've found in my 20+ years playing, and great sound too. I almost bought the short scale one 4 stringer (so light and comfy!) but eventually the budget wasn't there for a $1k bass so I had to let it go.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I can't say enough good things about the playability and sound of Ibanez basses.

On the "low" end, I think they're still hovering around 400(USD) and they play terrific and sound good.

Jump up to the 750(USD)level and the difference in sound is noticeable.

All that said, the bodies are light weight with a 35" scale (but no noticeable neck-dive) because they're "sculpted" like the old Ibanez SA model guitars.

My only issue is the cheap ______ plastic nut, but they're easily replaceable.

Ibanez basses (300 - 1000 USD)

Good luck!

 

[7dollarbologna]

Maybe an acoustic/electric bass guitar - those have to be pretty light

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Luckily I think Sweetwater lists the weight of basses and guitars. That should help you out. We used to sell some really cheap P bass copies that had necks heavier than the bodies. It was pretty laughable. I am not sure what kind of poplar or scrap wood they were made of, but they looked nice.

I would go to a shop and just pick up basses to see which ones feel good.

The wide straps really do make a difference also.

 

[Lammchop93]

This checks all your boxes. No affiliation to seller.
6.5 lbs
Jazz bass nut width
Can be active or passive (vintage or hifi tone)


https://reverb.com/item/47546864-g-...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=47546864

 

[mongo2]

I know it's a short scale but...My Hofner Ignition Club bass weighs 4lbs 8oz sounds great and is very easy for me to play. My aging body likes it.

 

[magyk8ball]

Ibanez headless bass. Mines i think in the 6lb range, by far my most ergodynamic bass. Thats if youd be ok with non-traditional looking basses.

 

[Bonecat]

Valenti's can be pretty darn light.
I know you said 34-35" scale but the "Cat" nordstrand bass could be the perfect thing for your physical woes. I have herniated discs in my back and neck and going to short scale has really helped.
Might be worth looking at other options to take care of yourself

I had a Nordstrand Acinonyx and loved the tones, but couldn't get good with the narrow string spacing. Sold it. The new owner is very happy. It’s the classic “It isn’t you, it’s me” thing….

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Sandberg Superlight all day. 6.5 pounds or so. Sound is fantastic. In your price range.

 

[alembicguy]

 

[bigdaddybass12]

IBANEZ. SR series. Low 7 pound range most of them, all the bells n' whistles, easy playing necks.

This, I am not a ibanez bass fan, some of the best bass sounds I have heard come from ibanez, plus the ones I have played have been the lightest. (other than BTB series). You can drop $1K for a killer one, have $1k for a lighter weight cab.

 

[DrBnz]

I'm in the same situation in terms of pain vs. playing time. I've pretty much concluded my search and chose EBMM "Special" 5H (8.6lbs). I've always loved my EBMMs, but they were heavy. The new "specials" are not. I could easily find either 4 or 5 strings.... one "H" or two. This years models (2021). Prices (between 1600 - 1800) / weight range (<8.8lbs)...... Yeah, I have a Short Scale (7lbs) and a nice Ibanez (7.8lbs) but they don't bring the growl the way the EBMM does. Slowly all my other toys are being put aside and the special" is becoming the player. Sadly I'll sell many of those off next year.