Same deal for me. I don’t mind sitting down at rehearsal though. And we do take breaks every hour or so.
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I almost edited my post to include “for Fender basses” after reading yours, but you made the point already. There’s definitely distribution and form to factor into the equation. There’s some basses in the sub 9lb range that I’ve found downright unwieldy in my hands.
8.5 +/- is good!!!
9 1/4 or less is not a problem unless you make it one.
Full disclosure: My fav. 4-string basses are almost exactly 8.5, and that great high-end fiver is under 9 1/4. My strap (and shoulders) can handle a 9.5, no problem!!! Get the strap that handles all your needs.
9 1/4 or less is not a problem unless you make it one.
Full disclosure: My fav. 4-string basses are almost exactly 8.5, and that great high-end fiver is under 9 1/4. My strap (and shoulders) can handle a 9.5, no problem!!! Get the strap that handles all your needs.
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I actually find it to be the opposite. My T-bird balances considerably better slung just below the belt than it does high up.
I do admit that unless it's the rehearsal right before a show, I tend to use my Peavey, which is actually my lightest bass. I do this also so that I have to change strings less often on my 4003S and T-bird, though.
Sure, I can see a thunderbird behaving differently due to its shape but the concept stands that where you hang the bass matters.
My ideal, comfortable weight range is between 8-9 lbs., but I'm fortunate to have a very light P5 made from USACG neck and body that weighs in at 7.7 lbs.- and it balances perfectly. My other bass is an ounce under 10 lbs, and it's great for the sit-down theater gigs, but a little too heavy for me when standing.+1 for W I D E straps! I could deal with a 9.5 pounder, but that's where I would draw the line.
Curious to read the range of weights and opinions. My Wishbass is 9.6 and feels heavy, while my Conrad is 6.8 and feels very light. The Wish feels very solid and dense. The Conrad although hollowbodied still feels strong and has a bigger sound.
You are correct! I have that in a 7 lb. P-style bass wit those characteristics. It's a cryin'shame it doesn't sound and record as well as my go-to.
So we have the usual, "man up" or "work out" or "I can lift 200lbs in my sleep" comments. Do you know how lucky you guys are? Appreciate it, every day.
My story: I was successfully gigging Mesa Boogie Road Ready 115 EV and 210 EV cabs for 10 years. What a great sound and it didn't matter that both cabs weighed near 90lbs . You know, I was fine until the second my back went bang, then I wasn't. I discovered I had seriously damaged my lower back and that it will be a limiting factor every day for the rest of my life.
Now I have to accept that even 1 lb can make the difference between can and can't and that just standing or even sitting the wrong way for too long can make my back ache for a week.
The time to start taking care of your joints, tendons and muscles is when you feel just fine. Lifting, holding or carrying heavy stuff when there are alternatives makes no sense. It really doesn't.
(/plea)
My story: I was successfully gigging Mesa Boogie Road Ready 115 EV and 210 EV cabs for 10 years. What a great sound and it didn't matter that both cabs weighed near 90lbs . You know, I was fine until the second my back went bang, then I wasn't. I discovered I had seriously damaged my lower back and that it will be a limiting factor every day for the rest of my life.
Now I have to accept that even 1 lb can make the difference between can and can't and that just standing or even sitting the wrong way for too long can make my back ache for a week.
The time to start taking care of your joints, tendons and muscles is when you feel just fine. Lifting, holding or carrying heavy stuff when there are alternatives makes no sense. It really doesn't.
(/plea)
I gig about monthly on my 4 string, with an original band, 45 minute sets usually, and rehearse weekly for 2 hours. Haven't had many issues with my heavier bass, but I do prefer my lighter one which is very very light. However a few years ago I did a fill in gig with my 11+lb Stringray5, I think 2 or 3 sets of about an hour. Basically was playing all night at a house party. I don't do those kinds of gigs very often, and I'm not very big, so my back was killing me afterwards. That's what started my quest to get a light 5 string. If you do that frequently, then you've probably built up more muscle and endurance. Same thing as me holding my 15 month old kid. But when you're not used to that, it can be killer. And BTW I'm not talking about shoulder pain (which a different strap can help), but actual back strain where it's the total weight of the bass pulling you forward/down.
8 lbs - Light
9 lbs - Medium
10 lbs - Heavy
I like 8-9 lbs as a sweet spot, anything under 8 tends to feel hollow and sometimes cheap, over 10 is just too heavy to be comfortable standing for a long time.
9 lbs - Medium
10 lbs - Heavy
I like 8-9 lbs as a sweet spot, anything under 8 tends to feel hollow and sometimes cheap, over 10 is just too heavy to be comfortable standing for a long time.
