Average Bass Guitar Weight: The Definitive Guide [2022]

Bass guitars can vary significantly in terms of their weight and you might be surprised by how much some models can weigh.

Whether you want to ship your bass, take it on a plane, or find a comfortable model to play with, this guide will help you to answer all the questions related to the bass guitar weight.

How Much do Bass Guitars Weigh?

On average, bass guitars weigh between 7 to 10 pounds (3 – 4.5 kg). Most bass models weigh around 8 pounds (3.6 kg). One of the lightest popular bass guitars is the SG standard bass, weighing 6.4 pounds (2.9 kg), whilst one of the heaviest is the Fender J Bass which weighs up to 12 pounds (5.4 kg).

Below are two popular bass models you can get the idea with:

Fender Jazz Bass Weight

A typical Fender Jazz Bass Guitar weighs around 12 Ibs (5.5 kg). The heavyweight of the Fender J bass is due to its solid Alder wood body combined with a nice maple fingerboard.

Fender Precision Bass Weight

A typical Fender Jazz Bass Guitar weighs around 11 Ibs (5 kg). The heavyweight of the Fender P bass is due to its solid body made of Alder tonewood. Although with its nicely balanced neck profile and smooth body finishing, it provides great comfort while playing.

Bass Guitar Weight Chart

What Impacts on the Weight of a Bass Guitar?

There are many factors that have an impact on the overall weight of a bass guitar. By understanding these factors will help you while buying a new model for you.

Different types of wood can have a significant difference in their densities that impacts the guitar’s weight.

Here’s some of the common wood used in bass guitar:

Wood Type	Weight
Alder	400 – 700 kg/m3
Swamp Ash	450 – 550 kg/m3
Basswood	300 – 600 kg/m3
Mahogany	450 – 640 kg/m3
Walnut	650 – 700 kg/m3
Maple	550 – 700 kg/m3

As you can see, not only there is a difference between the different woods, but also within the similar wood type. this is because the weight of the wood can vary due to its location and growing conditions.

Generally, Mahogany is considered a heavier wood than Alder. But it is definitely possible to get an Alder body that weighs more than the Mahogany.

Other than that, the shape and size of the body also make a big difference in the bass’s weight.

Are Heavy Basses are Better?

Is it right to say: Heavy Bass = Better Tone?

The tone of any bass guitar depends on a number of factors including its material, body design, construction, etc. which’s why it would be completely wrong to say, heavier the bass guitar, the better it is going to sound.

It’s obvious that lighter bass guitars are much easier to play and move around as compared to the heavier models. But higher-weight basses come with their own advantages.

Durability

This is one of the major advantages of heavy bass guitars. Imagine, you drop a hollow-body bass on the floor, you could literally break the whole body structure.

On the other hand, If you’re dealing with a heavy 12-pound bass model, It can take more beating and most likely get a little scratch or dent in the finishing.

In short, Heavy bass guitars are more durable as compare to the lighter models. (of course with some exceptions!)

Playability

This is something that I notice in recent years.

Heavy bass models provide great playability when playing standing. Especially, when the neck of the instrument is heavy, it stabilizes the bass and makes it easier for you to hit notes while allowing you to play more consistently.

I agree, the weight of the bass guitar has its impact on the overall sustain and it offers you a fuller-sounding tone, but there are so many lightweight basses available in the market, that provide you a similar or even better tone.

Personally, when I consider weight because it plays a major role in comfortability, not because of its effect on the sound quality.

How to Weigh a Bass Guitar?

If you google it, you’ll find lots of crazy ways to weigh your bass guitar. But to keep things simple, I’m going to mention the most straightforward way here.

1. Weight Yourself: Step on the weighing machine and weigh yourself.
2. Weight with Bass: Hold your Bass in your hands and weigh yourself again.
3. Now you can simply substract your weight and end up with the weight of your bass guitar.

I know that sounds very simple and it is. There is no need to make such complicated. Just make sure you hold your bass straight up and down to align with your body, so you’ll get more accurate results.

Although the general weighing machines (especially digital models) can provide you the error of around +/- 0.5 pounds (0.2 kg), but still this method is a very easy way to get a general idea, how much exactly your instrument is weighing?

Why are bass guitars so heavy?

The bass guitars are used to generate the lower frequencies that required a larger instrument, which increases its weight. The bass guitars are originally manufactured to attract upright bass players, who prefer to play larger instruments on a longer scale which also style basses weighty and makes them heavy.

Generally, the bass has a longer scale length with a longer neck to tune the bass strings at low notes with sufficient tension. To balance this long neck, a higher weight is required. When you play the basses at different intensity levels, to stay them in a tune, a larger body is required.

If you are not comfortable with heavy basses you can simply use short-scale basses which come with shorter necks and less weight.

Also, if you have any problem with long scale length, you can try 5-string basses. For this, put the capo on the 5th fret. It sounds just like standard 4-string basses with a smaller scale length.

How you can Make your Bass Guitar Less Heavy?

If the weight of your bass is a big problem for you and you aren’t planning to buy another one for whatever reason, there isn’t any way to actually reduce the instrument weight unless you’re planning to cut off a significant body. 🙂

Still, there are a couple of things that can help you here to make your bass more comfortable, so you can play it for a longer time.

One of the things I prefer is, using a wider shoulder strap. A wider strap spread out the weight of the instrument over a larger area, making it lighter for your shoulders and thus easy for you to hold.

I suggest a 3-4 inch wider strap like this (Link to Amazon!) which gives you nice value in terms of durability and comfort. Adjust its length so your fret hand is bend at the right angle.

Also, many peoples advise you to go with lighter hardware. However things like replacing bridges and tuners, wouldn’t make the larger difference, but definitely provide you little relief in the weight.

DO NOT DRILL out the holes in the instrument body. To make a significant change in the weight, you need to remove a large quantity of lumber. By routing little holes in the body you won’t notice any difference, however, you’ll surely wrack your bass.

FAQs on Weight of the Bass Guitars

If you have any other questions, feel free to put them down in the comment section. I’ll more than happy to answer your queries ASAP.

So, According to you:

What should be the Ideal weight of a Bass Guitar?

Finding the ideal weight of the bass so you will get the most comfortable playing experience is really a big deal. Personally, I find anything from 9 pounds or fewer works great.

Do you have any specific weight for your bass guitar? What do you think, what should be the ideal weight of any bass guitar for you?

I want you to choose the option and put down your comments below about your experience with the bass weight.

You May Also Like to Read:

• How many strings are present on bass?
• What are the Best 5-string Bass under $500?
• Best Bass Guitar for Worship Music
• Drop C Bass Tuning