What is your ideal bass weight?

[RBrownBass]

I've owned only one bass that was too heavy to be uncomfortable. But I remember early on that I made a bass feel heavy because I was resting my thumb on the bridge pup and playing harder than I should.

If I were playing three sets, I'd probably have a limit of 11 lbs. or so. Neck dive would make that worse.

 

[HardNHeavy]

between 8 and 10lbs.

 

[CallMeAl]

8.5 is my sweet spot. Recently returned a bass that was 9.5 (among other factors.) too much lighter, and it starts to feel cheap

 

[Killing Floor]

I have never owned a bass heavier than 12#, one of my '70's P fretless is just about 12 pounds. I have a Les Paul that's also over 11 pounds. A decent tuba or Sousa is about 40# and tenor quads are about 25#. Just saying, if that skinny kid in the high school band can stand and march in the Texas sun for a 5 hour rehearsal surely anything under 12# for a bass is just fine by me.

I'll clarify that for any instrument, even a custom project, at any cost, weight is not among the factors I would consider.

 

[moreblues]

Between 8-10 lbs. is about my limit.
9 LBs. Or a little under is my sweet spot.
There are exceptions...I have custom ordered many G&L LB100's and my favorite one That I would never sell weighs 9 lbs. 13 oz.
All the ones that I have sold were right around 9 pounds give or take...

 

[GretschWretch]

One weighs 7.3 lbs and the other is over 10 pounds.
I'll play either, but I'm only 64 so weight isn't really an issue.
View attachment 4099007

Are you losing your hair? Are you still being sent Valentines? Birthday greetings? Wine?

 

[jd56hawk]

Are you losing your hair? Are you still being sent Valentines? Birthday greetings? Wine?

Funny, but I actually started shaving my head way back in May when everything started closing and I've been doing it ever since...must've saved $200 maybe $250.

 

[Nephilymbass]

For me:

4 string - 8.25-8.5 lbs
5 string - 8.5-8.75 lbs

Allowances added for awesomeness.

Assume balanced ergonomics. We know that a well balanced 9 pounder can feel lighter than a neck heavy 8 pounder.

9lbs seems to be just about right for me. Not too heavy but not so light it flops all over the place when doing certain things like popping the d or g strings for example

 

[InhumanResource]

For me:

4 string - 8.25-8.5 lbs
5 string - 8.5-8.75 lbs

Allowances added for awesomeness.

Assume balanced ergonomics. We know that a well balanced 9 pounder can feel lighter than a neck heavy 8 pounder.

I have no earthly idea. Basses are heavy so I use a nice big strap. Seems to work ok.

 

[InhumanResource]

Never weighed a bass. Never bought a bass on weight.

Sounds a little anal. Lol

FTFY, but agreed. I don't even know how I would determine my "ideal weight" for a bass.

 

[selowitch]

I'm with the OP. 8.0 to 8.5 lbs. for a four-string and under 9lbs. for a five-string is best for me.

 

[ToneMonkey]

The Player Precisions all seem to be a tad over 8lbs. That weight feels perfect for me. Anything over 9lbs is too much for me.

 

[FloridaTim]

I guess the poll could have been on if you have ever weighed a bass.

 

[Jefenator]

10lbs 7.4oz would be a problem for me with most basses but with my Warwick Streamer Stage I "broadneck" it somehow works. Everything about that axe kind of flies in the face of what most players can tolerate and that's part of the fun. I'm sure the solid flame maple body wings contribute to the tonal character. (I'm not sure I could do 4 sets with it.)
I had a Pedulla Rapture that weighed 9lbs 10oz, which is kind of heavy, especially for the conspicuously small body. I think the density of whatever wood that was helped make for a punchier response.
8 1/2 lbs feels "sensible" to me.
I guess I'm more concerned about speaker cabs. (It was starting to seem like the old 2x12 was throwing my back out every single time...)

 

[fretno]

I like them light 7-9 lbs. but I'll hang onto anything up to about 11 lbs. an 11 lbs bass will certainly wear me down a little after awhile though .

 

[Koshchei]

Up to 9.5lbs with a SBL The One bass strap. That is a seriously comfortable strap that distributes weight very well.

 

[TonyP-]

I prefer under 11 lbs...

 

[MultiScaleMale]

One weighs 7.3 lbs and the other is over 10 pounds.
I'll play either, but I'm only 64 so weight isn't really an issue.
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I like the top pick guard a lot. Did you design it?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Y'all that are saying I'm crazy for worrying about the weight of my bass have likely never visited the Bass Guitars Classifieds on TB. Heh. For me, I know what weight will make a 3-4 hour gig comfortable and what weight will make me start to stretch the back out near the end of the second set.

 

[jd56hawk]

I like the top pick guard a lot. Did you design it?

No, saw it on a Japanese L2000 last year.
Much nicer than these, I think.