pete.young Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 On 12/09/2018 at 19:26, Raslee said: Read this thread with interest as I’ve been entering the glum back pain club lately I’m wondering if anyone can recommend a light 5 string, ideally below 8.5lbs and 18-19mm string spacing-equally I’m intrigued by short scales...does a 5 shortie exist? Have you thought about a Bass Collection 5? I've just weighed my SB465 at 8.6lbs, and that has an ebony fretboard and a dense hardwood cap - a standard SB315 might get under the 8.5lb mark. String spacing is 19mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 42 minutes ago, Al Krow said: I'm guessing cedar will be a significantly better than pine in this regard (I'm no expert), but it's a point to watch out for: woods are lighter due to lower (wood fibre) density and the trade-off is that they can be a lot less hard wearing. My Fylde acoustic has a cedar top. That was made in about 1975 and isn't showing any signs of wearing out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 3 hours ago, naxos10 said: The short scale ACG's ead was talking about are typically 7.5 to 8lbs in weight. I have 30.5" Skelf and TKO. ACG currently have a Border Reiver headless 32" scale for sale on their website. That should be reasonably lightweight. http://www.acguitars.co.uk/project/0310brss4/ I like that a lot! I wonder how much it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 Just now, fretmeister said: I like that a lot! I wonder how much it is. Yeah nice, shame not a 5 but sure they could build one. I wonder the prices too...and er can you pay in instalments to keep under divorce radar 😂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 At rehearsal yesterday I took a 4 string. As it happens the 4 is close to the weight of the Marleaux but the headstock end is a lot lighter of course so it was more comfy. I saw on the BD site there are a couple of Sandbergs at 8lb levels - 4 string. I might have to go and try them out. I did own a 5 string TM5, sounded great but it was 10 lb. I found the neck a bit too big too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krispn Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 What about a BEAD tuned 4 string? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 For some reason that tuning hurts my brain. I don't know why. At the moment I'm playing big band stuff so most of it wasn't written for a 5 string anyway. Not really a problem to not have that extra string. And I'll still be keeping my Ray5 as it's very light for the breed. It just doesn't have as good a low B as the Marleaux does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 8 hours ago, Cuzzie said: For all you guys wanting a lightweight bass you really need to keep a look out for Sandberg. They have a prototype bass made from Cedar wood and the whole bass comes in at under 3kg which is hovering around 6Lbs. You get Sandberg quality, their new black label pick ups which are more punchy and have more output, the neck is European Maple instead of Canadian which is lighter and a bit softer. Aluminium hardware. We all know Sandberg is massive quality and this bass absolutely slays, punch and sustain for days, really snappy sound. Aside from inside knowledge the only thing out there is in this video where it comes in at 20mins. https://ru-clip.net/video/9DZ4UNwWlS4/bass-talk-05-holger-stonjek-from-sandberg-at-tgu18.html it is a massive revelation. That looks great. ive sent a message to ask about production times / launch date. i really want to try that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 It will be later this year, maybe next if I am right?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 If I get an answer I’ll let you know. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyerseve Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 On 12/09/2018 at 19:26, Raslee said: Read this thread with interest as I’ve been entering the glum back pain club lately I’m wondering if anyone can recommend a light 5 string, ideally below 8.5lbs and 18-19mm string spacing-equally I’m intrigued by short scales...does a 5 shortie exist? I’d get a Hohner cricket bat, or similar, if I could locate a strap balancing hook like on the Steinberger Synapse- they just don’t sit right for me on the usual strap knobs. I know the string spacing isn't ideal but it's 32" and very lightweight and I can personally recommend it 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Amidst all these tales of back woe (very familiar, bin there, dun that, bought the back support) don't forget that buying lighter and lighter basses is only one approach to the problem. Another approach, which works well in tandem, is to do something about your back ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyerseve Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 2 hours ago, Happy Jack said: Amidst all these tales of back woe (very familiar, bin there, dun that, bought the back support) don't forget that buying lighter and lighter basses is only one approach to the problem. Another approach, which works well in tandem, is to do something about your back ... Exactly! Chiropractors are your friends when your back isnt. I've been down this road myself already and they really do work wonders and if you can, try to arrange for a sports massage once the chiro has done their part as your muscles will have been working overtime to try and support your back whilst your spine hasn't been fully up to the task. Expect a lot of knots and tightness in your muscles that will need to be redressed by someone who knows what they are doing. Fixing your back is not a quick or easy process and not is it cheap, but it's your back FFS and when it's not working properly all the money you've saved not visiting a chiro won't do you any good whatsoever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martthebass Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 2 hours ago, Happy Jack said: Amidst all these tales of back woe (very familiar, bin there, dun that, bought the back support) don't forget that buying lighter and lighter basses is only one approach to the problem. Another approach, which works well in tandem, is to do something about your back ... Don't disagree HJ. I end up in physio every 2 years or so - not back but wear and tear on the 5th and 6th. Trapped nerve city....... Physio suggests exercises to help build a bit of muscle mass but also instructs on posture (so no bass hanging below your knees......). Not always easy if you want to be active on stage but you can do your best. I tend to use 8lb basses on stage now to help and only use 9lb plus basses for single spotters or jams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 17, 2018 Author Share Posted September 17, 2018 15 hours ago, Cuzzie said: It will be later this year, maybe next if I am right?! @Cuzzie i got an answer.... It is being released TODAY! I'll keep an eye on their facebook for the full skinny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Good man on both our accounts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 6 hours ago, Happy Jack said: Amidst all these tales of back woe (very familiar, bin there, dun that, bought the back support) don't forget that buying lighter and lighter basses is only one approach to the problem. Another approach, which works well in tandem, is to do something about your back ... I've spent most of my adult life going to gyms in one shape or fashion. The last 10 years I have been mainly doing core and back strengthening exercises but sadly Life gets in the way occasionally. Almost a year ago I 'upgraded' my weak sacro-iliac joint to a prolapsed disc (and a hernia, for good measure!) when shifting some heavy potted plants back into my greenhouse from the ridiculously inaccessible but artful places I had stuck them in spring. So a decent interval after the hernia was fixed I booked a series of sessions the guy at my gym who specialises in lower back issues and has acquired something of a reputation for getting people back on track. He gave me a whole set of exercises that were pretty much a 'reset to default settings' basic regime, then building on that a progression from there. 6 months on I was feeling pretty good - core seemed in a good way and other than a few niggles I've been able to carry on as normal doing some, at times, heavy work n the garden. Yesterday I bent down to move the hose sprinkler to a different bit of the garden and - bingo! - back went again. Over the years it generally seems to be the silly little things you just can't prepare for that do the damage. At least, that is how it has been for me. Mind you, shifting a few kilos of excess fat wouldn't hurt... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 I know exactly what you're talking about, Paul. I've had a number of complete lumbar collapses, necessitating an entire week each of lying flat on my back, caused by: Picking up an empty jerry can as I walked past, Swinging myself into the cab of a white van, Sneezing as I stepped into the shower in the morning, Reaching to hang a bass on a wall hanger. No amount of core strengthening exercise is any use if you haven't engaged your core at the critical moment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Bassman Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 (edited) Someone on one the Facebook groups I'm in posted this https://www.slingerstraps.com/ They look like a good solution to me. Apologies if it's been mention before. I thought the harness strap looked very useful. Edited September 17, 2018 by Urban Bassman More info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 7 minutes ago, Happy Jack said: I know exactly what you're talking about, Paul. I've had a number of complete lumbar collapses, necessitating an entire week each of lying flat on my back, caused by: Picking up an empty jerry can as I walked past, Swinging myself into the cab of a white van, Sneezing as I stepped into the shower in the morning, Reaching to hang a bass on a wall hanger. No amount of core strengthening exercise is any use if you haven't engaged your core at the critical moment! Oh yes. 😄 I think the silliest for me was once when reaching with a towel to dry 'where the sun don't shine' and locking up completely. I had tears of laughter and pain at the same time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Last weekend I did 3 gigs, 6 sets, using my favourite bass which weighs just over 9 1/2lbs. By halfway thorough gig 2, my back, shoulder and neck were in a lot of discomfort. By the middle of gig 3 I had to switch and did the last set with my P bass, about 8 1/2lbs. No more pain or backache. Many things can help. Do exercise, do Pilates, build up your muscles, improve your posture but my bottom line is, if you have these "issues" and 1lb can make such a difference, reducing the weight of your bass and gear is something that should be at the top of your to-do list. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opticaleye Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 I've tried a few things after badly breaking 3 ribs 18 months ago. One of the ribs didn't heal back up and I can really feel it with a typical 9 /9.5lb bass after a few songs. I now have 2 Sandbergs that are very light, a California II VS4 at 7lbs 7oz and a TT4 Deluxe at 7lbs 3 oz. This has helped considerably. I also bought the Mbrace stand from Thomann that I mentioned earlier but haven't used it at a gig yet. It seems comfortable enough at home and the ability to step away from the bass between songs is good. It will come in handy when I'd prefer to use the heavier basses. Here's a thread about the Mbrace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 17, 2018 Author Share Posted September 17, 2018 I've got an Mbrace - I used it post surgery. But it's not practical for my purposes - I move rooms every 40 minutes and have to take everything with me. It's bad enough with the amp / cab etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 17, 2018 Author Share Posted September 17, 2018 36 minutes ago, Opticaleye said: I've tried a few things after badly breaking 3 ribs 18 months ago. One of the ribs didn't heal back up and I can really feel it with a typical 9 /9.5lb bass after a few songs. I now have 2 Sandbergs that are very light, a California II VS4 at 7lbs 7oz and a TT4 Deluxe at 7lbs 3 oz. This has helped considerably. I also bought the Mbrace stand from Thomann that I mentioned earlier but haven't used it at a gig yet. It seems comfortable enough at home and the ability to step away from the bass between songs is good. It will come in handy when I'd prefer to use the heavier basses. Here's a thread about the Mbrace. Did you order the TT4 specifically for low weight or did you just keep looking in the shops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opticaleye Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 11 minutes ago, fretmeister said: Did you order the TT4 specifically for low weight or did you just keep looking in the shops? I bought it from Bass Direct off the shelf. They still have it up for sale online at this moment having forgotten to remove it from the in-stock page! I'd made the visit to try the Masterpiece basses they had in but really liked the TT4 deluxe when I tried it. A 2 pickup lightweight to complement my VS4 for 3 set gigs was the requirement but it has become my primary bass due to its versatility. http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Sandberg_TT4_QMT.html It's lightweight mahogany with a birds-eye maple top, passive and is perfectly balanced tonally and does a surprisingly good P tone. It can also sound a bit Gibson-ish at certain pickup blend positions. I've added the extra weight of a black pickguard ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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