[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1443023307' post='2871582']
This is the crux of the matter. It boils down to the fact that if you're not actually in pain yourself then it's hard to understand that other people can be, and for what reason. It's like a friend telling you to 'snap out of it' when you're actually clinically depressed. If you've never suffered from depression there is no way you can appreciate how debilitating it really is.
Personally I've never suffered from pain brought on by a too-heavy bass thank God, but I sure as hell suffer pain from an unrelated condition, so can sympathise. However, I do prefer light basses purely because I find them easier to play, and for longer.
Plus, I'm sure there are quite a few, er... 'older' bass players on this forum (including myself) who have noticed all sorts of aches and pains that start to manifest themselves over time as our bodies become less flexible and weaker and we approach the time when we finally join the choir invisible. And what a fine day that will be as the angels of the LORD, in all their splendour... (cont p.94)
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Amen to that, I'm 70 next year but mentally 21 still so I have a young outlook on life.
I've had a really bad back for more years than I can remember so my P Lyte at 7.5 lbs is perfect. I had John Shuker make me a maple board and he fitted me an SD-SPB1 pickup and it's perfect now, one of the best basses I've ever owned.
So good I'm looking for another to give it the same treatment and have it for a backup.
I have to say though that standing there with my USA P bass is a great feeling, just too heavy.