I'm finding it increasingly more painful playing the bass these days. Due to a long term illness and subsequent muscle wastage, I very quickly start to suffer shoulder and upper back pain when playing with a bass strapped on.
I think I need to face facts and accept that if I want to continue gigging, then a light weight bass will be essential.
My taste in bass guitars leans towards the traditional styles. I currently have a USA Precision, Squier VMJ, Wal, Yamaha BB1200 and a Yamaha Bex 4.
The Precision causes less pain than the VMJ, which is strange because the Precision is the heavier of the two. But even so, I can only play for about half an hour before really suffering.
I am using a good quality comfort strap and have tried various other models, so I don't consider this to be a strap problem.
Anyway the purpose of this post is to ask for info/recommendations for a light weight bass, preferably one with looks/sounds that will appeal to my traditional sort of taste.
Below 9lb would be good.
I tried a couple of Ibanez basses at the weekend and was impressed with the build quality. They also felt extremely light compared to my lot. But I wasn't keen on the modern look.
Maybe I will have to compromise, but thought I would seek out the opinion of others in the first instance.
I know there are other BC'ers of the same vintage as me (50+), do any of you have the same problem, if so what did you do?
Cheers, all the best, Gary