Weight of G&L basses

[Bluesmama59]

Hi - I have a G&L bass that I just love - but it is awfully heavy; it's as heavy as a 5 string. I'd like to trade it in on a lighter G&L. Any recommendations?

[Craig]

Hi - I have a G&L bass that I just love - but it is awfully heavy; it's as heavy as a 5 string. I'd like to trade it in on a lighter G&L. Any recommendations?

You might post an Ad in our Marketplace. Make sure to indicate the model and weight of your bass and
include a photo of it. We don't allow ads posted directly on the G&L Forum (aka G&LDP), so please post it on the Marketplace.
You will need to register it in our G&L Registry before you can post in the Marketplace.

If you've got a local G&L dealer near by, you might take it to them and see if they would do a trade.

Hope this helps.

[Bluesmama59]

Good idea but that's a little far ahead....right now I am just wondering if there ARE any good B&L basses out there that are lighter than the heavy one I've got.

[KenC]

What model is your bass? Do you know what kind of wood was used for the body?

My one G&L bass is a first-style SB-1 with a maple body. I haven't thrown it on a scale, but it definitely weighs less than any of my guitars - I'd guess somewhere around 6-7 pounds. The early SB-1s and SB-2s occasionally show up for sale, and the prices are still pretty reasonable in most cases that I've seen.

Semi-hollow construction could also give you the light weight you're looking for. I don't have any personal experience with SH G&Ls, but I suspect it would cut a couple of pounds off the overall weight.

Ken

[Bluesmama59]

My G+L is a JB...I just weighed it and it weighs 11 pounds! Yikes no wonder I have a sore back.

Apparently weights can vary even between identical models...even if made of the same wood (mine is made of alder) - depends on the density of the specific wood chosen for the bass. I just went and checked out same models in a music store and they all weighed different (sometimes markedly so). Not sure what this means....certainly it doesn't bode well for buying a replacement G&L online unless I get the person sending it to weigh it first....any other suggestions?

[darwinohm]

I have several basses and they are all heavy, both the Stingray5s and the G&L. The lightest, by far, is an American Deluxe Jazz Bass by Fender. and if I had to part with any of them, that would be it. I have found ( I am older than dirt ) that the weight is not as big a factor as how you wear it. I use a wide strap to distribute the weight on my shoulders and adjust the length for a comfortable fit. I find that I get more sore with a regular 6 string guitar than I do with my bass. it is because the bass is supported so well by the strap and fits my stance. Just another thought.-- Darwin.

[Bluesmama59]

I did buy a great strap...one of those Levy neoprene ones that I LOVE and I'll never part with it. Well worth the money! But the bass is still just too heavy...plus I play in a blues band and some of those long long blues solos go on FOREVER...and I'm pretty long in the tooth myself for doing such things. So I really need a lighter bass. I have been considering a Rickenbacker I saw that is quite light...tell me more about your Fender...sounds like you are thinking of maybe parting with it?

[KenC]

I agree with Darwin, except that MY Jazz Bass is the heaviest one I've ever played. I might as well have my upright hanging from my neck. I've always played the Jazz sitting down, even back when neither the bass nor I were old...

It just goes to show how much variability there can be within a single model. And you're absolutely correct (Bluesmama59) that there can be huge differences in density (and thus weight) within a single species due to growth characteristics, or between different kinds of the same wood (for example, sugar maple at about 45 pounds/cubic foot and swamp maple at 35 pounds/cubic foot). That could account for a difference of several pounds between two otherwise identical "maple" guitars.

Any reputable seller should be more than willing to toss an instrument on a scale for you. If one wasn't willing to do that, I would stay far away from that transaction.

Ken

[Bluesmama59]

I understand what you mean about having your upright hanging from your neck! I have actually been playing my Steinburger upright more because the G&L is so heavy. I'm going to have to make a change soon which breaks my heart because I truly love playing the G&L.

[louis cyfer]

I did buy a great strap...one of those Levy neoprene ones that I LOVE and I'll never part with it. Well worth the money! But the bass is still just too heavy...plus I play in a blues band and some of those long long blues solos go on FOREVER...and I'm pretty long in the tooth myself for doing such things. So I really need a lighter bass. I have been considering a Rickenbacker I saw that is quite light...tell me more about your Fender...sounds like you are thinking of maybe parting with it?

try a 4" wide moody strap. you'll be blown away at the comfort.

[KenC]

+1 to a wide strap. Not sure about Moody, as I haven't needed to shop for a bass strap since I found my 4" leather one back around 1982...

I mentioned the old SB series in an earlier post. They were made of very lightweight but resonant maple back in the early 80s. They don't show up too often, but when they do the prices can be pretty good. I think a first-style SB-2 was on Guitar Center's site for under $400 a couple of months ago. If my SB-1 is any indication, they are dripping with vibe and have extremely playable necks. I guess Leo wanted them to be as comfortable as possible for new players, in hopes of moving them up to an L-series or an El Toro as their playing developed.

Ken

By the way, is your Steinburger a 42" scale or something more like a fretless electric? I've thought about getting an electric upright for lugging to avoid carrying the "doghouse" to practices, but switching between 42" and 34" scales would not be good for my playing...

[Bluesmama59]

It's a fretless electric standup. It's a beautiful instrument.