| Author | Message | ||
| daveo
Member Username: daveo Post Number: 51 Registered: 12-2005 |
OK, it is the best sounding and feeling guitar I've played to date, but it's heavier than any other guitar I have or have played and heavier than many (or most) basses. I haven't actually weighed it, but I'm guessing it must be around 11 or 12 lbs. I'll bet the gorgeous and killer-sounding double-thick coco bolo is a major contributor to the weight. I've found that if I want to play and/or gig with my Tribute, I have to only play the Alembic whether practing alone, rehearsing or gigging. If I start switching to my other guitars my shoulder and neck must weaken or I get lazy or something like that. Do any of you other Tribute or Alembic owners in general out there notice that their instruments are too heavy for a comfortable 4 hour gig? Or even for a couple hours of practicing at home? And while I'm not currently in the market for another guitar (lauging here- what guitarist/bassist isn't always in the market?  ) are Further's much lighter than Tribute's? Maybe it's just that I've been on vacation for a while and have gotten a bit soft, but when my bassist friend, Jeb, noticed that my Tribute is heavier than most heavy basses I took note and can't get it out of my head. DaveO | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 755 Registered: 10-2003 |
Once, in 1985, I "got rid of" my Alembic (Cocobolo, long scale) for a Steinberger, due to the weight and onset of a persistent sore back. It was the biggest mistake I've ever made with an electric musical instrument. Some years later, I was able to talk my brother into selling it back to me (it mostly sat in the case, as it had been killing his back too). Now I concentrate on maintaining good posture (or at least try to) and have introduced a stool or chair into my blues and jazz gig setup. I've also adjusted the strap out a bit, which seems to slightly help. I still play other basses a fair amount, but nothing gives me the musical joy that the Alembic brings. When the sound and my performance really matter, it is worth the extra weight. John | ||
| smokin_dave
Advanced Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 269 Registered: 10-2002 |
My Rogue 5 was giving me fits right in the center of my back and after I switched to a very wide strap,that problem vanished.I also don't feel it a great deal in my neck and shoulder area.I bought an Alembic/Moody strap 4" across.It worked for me and although they are pricey,I thought it was well worth the cost. | ||
| daveo
Member Username: daveo Post Number: 52 Registered: 12-2005 |
Thanks for your input, John. I'm sure I could practice better posture. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 487 Registered: 6-2002 |
I know this is gonna sound strange idea. A couple of years ago I went to see the Wailers band (Bob Marley's band) at a concert in Birmingham,England. I noticed the guitarist Al Anderson had his guitar on a really short strap but it was not hung round his shoulder as is the norm, but actually around his waist!!! Basically he hung his bass of the top of his backside. He seemed really comfortable and it didnt affect his playing. I guess you must have a flat stomach to do that and like your guitar at a slightly lower position... :-) Jazzyvee | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 470 Registered: 12-2003 |
To quote Elaine from Seinfeld..."I don't know how you guys walk around with those things." Real men play Little Darlings! Good luck, Jonathan | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1445 Registered: 7-2004 |
David: Is your Tribute a custom with an extra thick top? The descriptions on this site list the Tribute with an average weight of 8.5 pounds. The Further is listed at 8 pounds. I haven't noticed any of the Furthers or Tributes I've tried as being exceptionally heavy. By the way, according to dozin.com, Jerry's Tiger guitar weighed 13.5 lbs! You might try weighing yourself on a bathroom sale while holding the guitar, then without it. How much does it really weigh? By the way, does your band ever venture to the East Bay? I'd love to check out your Tribute in action. Bill, tgo | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 870 Registered: 9-2002 |
Regardless of whatever strap you use, 10 or 12 pounds is STILL 10 or 12 pounds . . . BUT, the right strap makes all the difference. Back when Reunion Blues still made straps, they had a padded strap that would make the heaviest basses or Pauls just weightless. It's a wonder doctors didn't prescribe them. I'm still looking for an equivalent. The wide straps help, but in my experience they tend to 'v' or make a fold right down the middle that puts all the weight on that crease. Haven't allowed myself the luxury of one of Allison's straps, really got to get around to it soon. J o e y | ||
| georgie_boy
Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 52 Registered: 8-2005 |
Have you tried STRAPP???????? A 4" strap that I use with my Series 1 Takes all the weight off-and I'm only 5ft 6"!!! G | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1448 Registered: 7-2004 |
George: Is this what you're talking about? http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:4PCnb2BPMaYJ:www.comfortstrapp.com/+strapp&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=3  Joey: I have several Moody's, all 2.5" though. They realy are GREAT straps and well worth the investment IMHO. Given that she uses 3 layers of leather, I don't think "V"ing would be a problem. Also, I seem to remember some strap company advertising that the Dead used their bungee-like straps. Anyone know anything about those? Bill tgo | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4030 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bill; are you talking about the straps in the View From The Vault vid? | ||
| georgie_boy
Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 53 Registered: 8-2005 |
Yeah Bill-the one on the right!! really good with a heavy instrument. G | ||
| daveo
Member Username: daveo Post Number: 53 Registered: 12-2005 |
Wow, thanks for all the cool ideas and support. Everyone here is so awesome! I'm going to go weight myself without and with the guitar right now and will report back on the actual weight. I ordered a 4" thick strap and will look into the Strapp, Moody's, etc... Thanks!! | ||
| daveo
Member Username: daveo Post Number: 54 Registered: 12-2005 |
My scale is digital so I imagine it's not the most accurate, but it says my Tribute (SN 05T13503) is 11 lbs. It does have double thick coco bolo front and back, but I thought all the tributes had that. | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 925 Registered: 7-2003 |
I've found the 4" Moody's strap is more than a match for my 11 pound self-built cocobolo/mahogany bass. I've worn it for 6 hours (excluding 2-3 very short breaks) with no noticable strain, kinks, etc on my back or shoulder. Actually, for the money, I think I may try the Comfort Strap for a mahogany J I sometimes play. Despite it all, nothing is easier to carry and, after these loads, more fun to play than my Gibby EBO loaded with two Dark Star pu's. It's less than 7 lb. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1450 Registered: 7-2004 |
David: The descripion of the Tribute on this site only describes the top as double thick, not the back. That might explain the extra weight on yours if the back is a custom double thickness. Modder Dave: I don't know if the bungee-like straps are in the VFTV video. I'll have to check it out. Bill, tgo | ||
| honkylips
Junior Username: honkylips Post Number: 22 Registered: 8-2005 |
I have to agree with George about the Comfort Strap on the right in the photo. My Tribute doesn't weigh 11 lbs, but it does seem heavier than my other guitars. I have a late 80's Les Paul that I previously thought was the heaviest guitar on the planet. It probably weighs about the same as the Tribute, but the Tribute seems heavier. Almost like there might be an optical illusion because of the body shape. You expect it to be fairly light, but the Tribute is anything but light. I think the active electronics and LEDs must add some weight when you consider there are 5 nine-volts on board. Long story short, though, get yourself one of those comfort straps. It solved my problem. If you move around much when you play, you will have to get used to the strap as it tends to slightly boing around like a Slinky. Good luck! | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1177 Registered: 4-2004 |
if i am not mistaken the boards for front and back are double thickness for the carving requirements but i am a bass player... so what do i know i do know when discussing the tribute bass with val- it was decided right at the beginning that we wouldnt do this due to weight issues and hence came up with a different edge carving to give it the look but not the weight- thickness was another reason i didnt go series electronics as those basses are aslo thicker and quite heavier... | ||
| jseitang
Intermediate Member Username: jseitang Post Number: 160 Registered: 6-2002 |
man my neck is sore.... i have my custom series II made as a solidbody, along with the original 70's thickness of the body and triple ebony neck laminates makes my bass soo heavy, but it sure sustains nicely! | ||
| made_a_rose
New Username: made_a_rose Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2006 |
Due to multiple surgeries on my spine, I use a device called an Mbrace. It actually lets you mount your guitar on a tripod style mike stand. You just walk up to the guitar and play it. I use it sitting too. It's amazing how many friends now use these in their home studios. It's done wonders for me. http://www.mbracestand.com/mbrace_home.html | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1460 Registered: 7-2004 |
Rich: Interesting looking device. The web site, however, isn't so interesting. Not much info, and it looks like the distribution network is VERY limited. Also, it doesn't even give a hint of the price. So, how much does this thing cost? Bill, the guitar one | ||
| made_a_rose
New Username: made_a_rose Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2006 |
Bill, These were just re-introduced. They sell for $50.00 without the stand. But I found a place for 50.00 w/stand. http://www.aapss.net/ I can't say how good the stand is, but the mbrace will hold any guitar. |
