What is your ideal bass weight?

[GroovyBaby]

Your OP weight is the lightest I can go and have nice balance. If balance and tone were solid, I could go lighter! All three of my basses are mid eight pounds. My alder G&l JB5 is 8.5! I had an empress L2500 that was 7.9 and I regret selling it.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

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

Then I guess my 5 string weight is my limit and I just get a bit more greedy with a 4 string.

 

[Just George]

About 7 1/4 lbs.

 

[Ace Of Bass]

As much as I appreciate light Basses, I don't think I have a preference other than when it comes to mid to late '70s Jazz Basses....I probably wouldn't buy one that weighed less than 11 pounds..

 

[GroovyBaby]

And even though all my basses are mid eight range now, I did play 11 to 12 lb basses when I was younger and didn't have the neck, back, and shoulder issues I now have at 47. And before anyone says I need to workout, I do, a lot. Years of music, martial arts, and mountain biking have taken a toll on my spine and I lift, do yoga, tai chi, and still want light basses!

 

[Mr_O'B]

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.

9 lbs. - 9.2 lbs.

 

[Bobhmcs]

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.

8.4lbs Fender Reissue '62 pickups, Babicsz Full Contact Bridge, Hipshot Hb7 tuning machines, etc.
;[)
Bob

 

[Danny O Danny]

9 lbs is pretty much my limit on the heavy side. I don't really have a limit on the light side, though I do like to still feel a bit of "heft". It really is true that balance and ergonomics play a tremendous role in how comfortable a given weight does or doesn't feel.

 

[selowitch]

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

It matters only inasmuch as it informs my expectations of what would be a desirable weight for that particular instrument. I expect a five-string to be heavier than a four.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

Anything under 11.5lbs.

I'm no strongman — neither big nor tall, not young, not in great shape — but instrument weight has never been an issue for me.

Thank You.
You said id MUCH NICER than I was going to...

 

[lermgalieu]

I play best when I'm under 180

 

[Bob Leton]

8-9lbs = 3,5-4kg

 

[Mastermold]

I don't have an ideal weight. If it's comfy, I play it.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I play six string basses exclusively.
That being said,all four of mine weigh an average of 10.5 lbs.

My Fretted Tune TWB63 10.5 lbs
Fretted Ibanez BTB676 10.7 lbs
Fretted G Style YB100 10.5 lbs
Fretless Tune TWB63 10.7 lbs

 

[mouthmw]

I'd say 8.5 is ideal to me. I avoid anything above 9 lbs. I only play 4 string basses.

 

[Claymore]

8.5 lbs for a 4-string is just right for me.

 

[fauxtoe]

My two favorite basses are 8.2 and 8.5 lbs, but 9.5 is probably about my max for comfort before I start to feel it after a while. I don't think I'd want a bass in the 10+ range unless I just couldn't put it down and had to buy it.

 

[armybass]

About 245-250. Easier on my back and feet.

 

[TrevorG]

Recently I've come to appreciate anything under 10lbs due to a shoulder injury but, while tone and balance are also issues, I find I don't like the bass being able to swing about a lot so too light is not good for me either.

 

[satjhmo]

Not this.