Helderius Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 (edited) Hi, I have a Fender American Deluxe Jazz V 2011. Body in ash and maple neck. This bass is wonderful, but ... It weighs 5kg (11:03 lbs). And my backs already begin to complain Is this is a normal weight in this series? Cheers All the best Edited April 2, 2015 by Helderius Quote
Cameronj279 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I can't really speak for ones I've owned but the woods used can vary drastically in weight and occasionally a really heavy one is produced. I will say I have saw people on here talking about their basses which weighed a lot, had one myself that was just over the 6kg mark. I would say if you're not already try a padded strap of sorts. Mono straps seem to get good reviews. Cameron Quote
CamdenRob Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Jazz basss have pretty large bodies and can be weighty... My Wal weighs around 5KG and I've not had a problem. Then again I'm only playing 45 minute originals sets and 3 hour rehearsals once a week tops. I totally understand guys having issues with 3 x full pelt sets every weeeknd... Quote
badboy1984 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I've seen or play more heavy bass then a jazz. Is one of those things, you probably have to get use to it or hit the gym to build up the strength ......... Strap height and type of straps you use will play a part as well. Quote
CamdenRob Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 [quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1427967926' post='2736355'] My Wal weighs around 5KG and I've not had a problem. [/quote] [quote name='badboy1984' timestamp='1427968046' post='2736359'] Strap height and type of straps you use will play a part as well. [/quote] I use a comfort strapp and play my bass very high which probably helps. Quote
Happy Jack Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Playing a 5kg bass will definitely do damage to your body over time, and it may take years for that damage to surface. The stresses created by slinging a heavy bass over one shoulder and then twisting your upper body to play it are entirely assymetric, and damage not only the obvious places but also - through your body compensating for that - a load of other places too. If you know that in advance, then it's possible to take preventive action to protect your neck, shoulders and lower back. Going to the gym to build up strength won't hurt, but it won't deal with the damage caused by that lack of symmetry. It's like getting tinnitus from too much exposure to loud music. If you wait for that tinnitus to appear before you start using decent earplugs then - frankly - you've left it a bit late. The time to start doing something about tinnitus is [i][b]before [/b][/i]you suffer from it! Quote
Helderius Posted April 2, 2015 Author Posted April 2, 2015 (edited) Yes, I agree no doubt. Some gym workout and a padded strap will certainly help. For now it is best to play sitting I can not however help but be a little surprised because already own a Fender American Deluxe Precision V 2005 and the weight was substantially lower. We are talking about at least 1 kg. Edited April 2, 2015 by Helderius Quote
badboy1984 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I've build up a bad habit of playing the bass when I first started and is hard for me to correct it now. I had my strap low back in the days and my back is not straight when playing the bass because of the weight. Now my wife keep saying my back looks horrible because is not straight. I know for the long run i will do damage to my back ...... Quote
GrammeFriday Posted April 3, 2015 Posted April 3, 2015 The ash-bodied Jazz Vs are generally up to 1kg heavier than the alder-bodied ones. The wood depends on the colour/finish you opt for. Quote
40hz Posted April 3, 2015 Posted April 3, 2015 I had a mij Geddy Lee that weighed a fraction under 11lbs, truely torturous to play longer than 30mins. It had to go. My mim jazz I now have is a straight 8lb'er. Much nicer! Quote
Wimpy Posted May 2, 2015 Posted May 2, 2015 I had couple of DLX Jazzes in my hands and they were bit lighter...4,5 - 4,8kg ...5kg is little heavy but it's still o.k. if your body is in good shape :-) Quote
Lozz196 Posted May 2, 2015 Posted May 2, 2015 I find as long as the bass is balanced well weight isn`t too much of a problem - though I must admit I do now use my 2010 Precision (9.2lbs) for rehearsals and only bring out my trusty 78 Precision (10.6lbs) for gigs and recording. The 78 I don`t find a problem but as I have a lighter bass, why not use it, especially on 3 hour rehearsals. Quote
PlungerModerno Posted May 4, 2015 Posted May 4, 2015 It all depends on the person. For someone who's very fit, strong, and has perfect technique - 11 lbs or even more might be comfortable with a decent strap - but for somebody else almost the same, given how people vary - the same bass may feel uncomfortable after just 5 minutes. I'd recommend listening to your body. If you're feeling discomfort - it's a warning sign. If you're standing for long time I'd say heavier basses should be avoided - even if they're comfortable. If you can find a lighter version of the bass, and sell or retire the heavy version to recording duties - Better safe than sorry. Hope you find a solution that works for your needs, and doesn't cause problems for you later. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.