Weight question.

[jlepre]

I have amassed a nice little collection of balls, and I have a question. I wanted to know why my 07 LE Blue Dawn SR5 HH weighs so much? I mean it's almost 12 pounds (11.7) and it has effected how often I take her out to a gig. I love the tone, look and feel of this bass, but I find myself taking either my 20th SR5 HH (10.7 pounds) or my Sterling 5 HH (9 pounds) out alot more often. It's almost made me think of selling or trading her!

So why is there such a big difference in weight among similiar basses? I know that the Sterling 5's should weigh less with the smaller body, but why is there a pound difference between the 20th and my Blue Dawn?

Also I just picked up a beautiful Sterling 4 HH that tips the scales at 9.6 pounds. Why does it weigh more than my Sterling 5's?

 

[rhythmCity944]

wood density...

my basses range from 8 pounds to 11 pounds

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I have asked this question myself. My two SR5s weigh 9 and 10lbs on the nose. I couldn't imagine going much higher than that and having it be comfortable to play for any period of time.

 

[Bloodfist]

I'll agree with wood density or some other mystic wood properties. I have Three Basses, My Stingray weighs in at 10.7 pounds, One of my Spectors weighs in at 7.5 pounds, and the other Spector weighs in at 8.6 pounds. I used to use a 2 inch strap unitl I got the EBMM, then I switched over to a 3 inch Levy's strap. The weight doesn't bother me, but the 3 inch strap really distributes the weight good. If you haven't tried one, you should pick one up and see if that helps you.

 

[TSanders]

Its wood dude. Simple as that.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

My guess is that it's too difficult to standardize the chosen woods to be a very specific weight. Is there a weight that is out of the acceptable range for an EBMM bass?

There's always the option of chambering the bodies, but then they'd have to cap the tops and that would be additional tasks to the building process.

 

[bovinehost]

My guess is that it's too difficult to standardize the chosen woods to be a very specific weight. Is there a weight that is out of the acceptable range for an EBMM bass?

Right, not to a specific weight, but yes, within a given range. There is wood that is rejected as too heavy.

the working from memory,

Jack

 

[TNT]

Your thread said "weight question".

I thought you wanted to know how you could lose a few pounds. I was going to suggest that you weigh yourself after you take your bass off.

 

[phatduckk]

ya all wood is different. i have 6 sterlings and they all clock in at different weights. thats just how it goes

 

[rhythmCity944]

like i said, wood density

every piece of wood is different, different grain patterns, different parts of the poor tree, some pieces are more porus (sp?) than others and some are very dense and that's putting it simply...

 

[58super]

The weight is just like the figure on the neck. Sometimes you just get lucky.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Is a weight something you can specify when ordering a new EBMM bass?

I know as many of us get older, instrument weight becomes more of an issue. I know I've personally set 10 lbs as a max weight - and even then, that is on the top end. 7.5 to 9 lbs would be ideal.

 

[MingusBASS]

Is a weight something you can specify when ordering a new EBMM bass?

Nope.

 

[Manfloozy]

Is a weight something you can specify when ordering a new EBMM bass?

I know as many of us get older, instrument weight becomes more of an issue. I know I've personally set 10 lbs as a max weight - and even then, that is on the top end. 7.5 to 9 lbs would be ideal.

I would guess, not so much... Other than ordering a Sterling instead of a Ray. Although with the 25th going to regular production next year that should give another option.

 

[adouglas]

There's also the electronics package to consider. Those massive humbuckers aren't made of goose down.

My HHp Bongo 5 is up there. Compared to, say, a 4h, I've got a bigger bridge, one more string, one more tuner, more wood in the neck and headstock, one more humbucker and the elctronics for the piezo. Never weighed it, but it's heavy enough that if I'm going to be playing for hours I'd much rather use my sub-9 lb. 5H.

Regarding wood... species also has a lot to do with it. My favorite Bongo, appearance-wise, is the Open House mahogany Bongo...the one that has the same finish that wound up being used for the 30th SR. I got to hold it at the desert bash, and was shocked at how heavy it is.

About 30 years ago I owned a Peavey T-40 that was made of northern ash (not swamp ash)...the stuff they use for axe handles. It was monstrously heavy. My shoulder still hurts.

FYI, Levy's makes a 4-1/2" wide padded strap. It's what I use, and it's fantastic for dealing with heavy basses.

Buy Levy's 4-1/2" Padded Leather Bass Guitar Strap | Bass Specialty Straps | Musician's Friend

 

[Manfloozy]

FYI, Levy's makes a 4-1/2" wide padded strap. It's what I use, and it's fantastic for dealing with heavy basses.

Buy Levy's 4-1/2" Padded Leather Bass Guitar Strap | Bass Specialty Straps | Musician's Friend

I can vouch for that strap as well. Still not my favorite... but I can't find my favorite anymore.... it was a Levy's as well, sold it with a previous bass and now can't figure out which one it is.

 

[Musicfreak1988]

I would guess, not so much... Other than ordering a Sterling instead of a Ray. Although with the 25th going to regular production next year that should give another option.

My 'Ray weighs in at about 9,25 lbs, while my former Sterling weighed a tad over 11 pounds. Former, 'cause that's why I got rid of it. I was looking forward to having it, until I felt its weight.
For me, this IS actually something to consider 'cause I might be interesed in ordering a new 'Ray, but, being a lefty, I'd have to cough op de dough, even if I would decide not to buy the bass if it turns out to be too heavy, 'cause they'll need to special order the bass for me 'cause it'd be lefty, which was the case with my former Sterling.

 

[Northray]

Well, I can definitely say that my two EBMM basses are heavy (especially my Stingray 5). I'm scared to actually weight them...

My wife recently bought me two Italia 4 1/2 inch straps - they help a bit, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried any of the so called "comfort straps" or other foam rubber type straps? Do these work?

On the plus side, our guitar player picked up my Stingray last week, briefly inspected it, and said with a look of awe, "it's perfect!"

What can I say, aside from the weight, he's absolutely right!

 

[Basscake]

I'm wondering if anyone has tried any of the so called "comfort straps" or other foam rubber type straps? Do these work?

I've got two of those. One word: Excellent!

My good ol' faithful SR5 is a lead filled monster. Thats why I bought that strap it in the first place. But it also feels very good on my relatively light SR4. Thats why I bought the second one.

Of course they don't change the weight of your bass but they act a bit like the shockers in your car. They absorb the sudden yank on your shoulders which is really good news if you happen to move on stage.
Don't get me wrong. Your bass won't snap to your chin if you let go of it. They are still reasonably firm and not as bouncy as one might expect.