What is your ideal bass weight?

[Eddie LeBlanc]

For me I could stand to loose a few pounds that I had picked up during COVID restrictions. I'd like to get back to 175 to 185.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. The Debil made me do it.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

For me I could stand to loose a few pounds that I had picked up during COVID restrictions. I'd like to get back to 175 to 185.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. The Debil made me do it.
View attachment 4099254

I definitely put on my COVID 19. Currently doing keto and the weight is dropping steadily. Work has said we won't be in office until June 1, so I have 5 more months to drop the pounds before going back to the office.

 

[Snibborwocky]

Anything around 9lbs or under. Unfortunately, that definitely won't apply to any 70's Fender Jazz that I may or may not be having GAS towards for the last few years...

 

[StereoPlayer]

I have never weighed any of my basses.

 

[obimark]

For me 8 to 8.5 at max. My Ibanez is right at 8.

 

[sawzalot]

The weight of the basses that I love the sound/feel of is the perfect weight.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

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.

4 string, 13.2

Just playin. It's about 11

 

[Pings Bass]

About 27 lbs

 

[Benko]

Sub-9lbs for the 5 strings, currently about 8.5 (Stingray 5H Special) and 8.6 (Zon).

Just bought a Roscoe Beck that is at 9.8lbs and a bit worried this will be a deal breaker

 

[bwoodman]

8#

 

[MultiScaleMale]

About 27 lbs

Get back over to the other side!!! Now!!! A few months ago I somehow ended up in the doghouse side and I was oh so confused. Those guys are serious.

 

[Pings Bass]

Get back over to the other side!!! Now!!! A few months ago I somehow ended up in the doghouse side and I was oh so confused. Those guys are serious.

heh heh heh, nah I like messin with y'all over here, definitely a different vibe

Funny thing is I never even considered weight until I joined TB. Balance is the main thing, can't stand neck dive. But then I've never had a bass guitar that weighed more than 9.5 lbs probably.

 

[CTC564]

4 string 9 lbs or lighter
5 string 10 lbs or lighter

Give or take for awesomeness...

 

[dkelley]

I get nervous if the first number if higher than 8
I get excited, visibly and audibly, i the first number is lower than an 8

 

[RBrownBass]

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'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.

Quick question for the both of you: Why does it matter how many strings the bass has, assuming it doesn't dive?

 

[BishopHastur]

Since the bass I've been playing the most recently weighs in at 15.05 pounds I'mma go with that for my ideal weight.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Quick question for the both of you: Why does it matter how many strings the bass has, assuming it doesn't dive?

It doesn't, but I realize that a 5 string is probably going to weigh a bit more than a four string. There are exceptions, but those are usually rare or really expensive.

 

[RBrownBass]

It doesn't, but I realize that a 5 string is probably going to weigh a bit more than a four string. There are exceptions, but those are usually rare or really expensive.

I get that. But if I was at my limit, my shoulder wouldn't go, "Well, it's a fiver, so I'll just have to tolerate a few more ounces" Weight is weight, if there's no dive.

Now this thread has got me wondering if a slightly wider neck with light tuners is lighter or heavier than a slimmer four-banger with standard plate tuners... and the same model bridge in 5 weighs more than a 4... a lot to think about, lol

 

[coy garcia]

The lighter the better but if it sounds and feels right i'm happy to rock a fatty. My lightest is a solid koa 1990 carvin 5 string about 7 lbs and very warm sound.

 

[RBrownBass]

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

I remember feeling the same way back when I first started playing.

And once in a pawn shop, I encountered a Lakland Skyline that had to have been 8 lbs or less. I put it back on the wall almost immediately, because I just didn't know any better.