(S)He Ain't Heavy...

[keurosix]

I started this thread for those who are curious (like me) as to how much weight is hanging on my shoulder when I play my Alembic. The older I get, the more it matters, and it seems less is best. However, this thread should also help those who are designing their own custom who need to consider weight as an important component of the instrument?s sound. I have listed my two Alembics below with a short list of features that contribute to their weight and sound. My hope is that members will add their own instrument?s specs to this thread, and it will grow to be a valuable resource for us all. I guess the weight is the most important feature, but a short list and picture helps round out the story.
Kris.
 
Europa 6 String S/N 02U12730
Weight: 12 pounds
Quilt Maple top
11 lam Maple / Purpleheart neck-thru
Ebony fretted fingerboard
Mahogony body
Brass plates
Brass bridge sustain block
 
Epic 5 String S/N 96W10105USA
Weight: 9 pounds
Wenge top
5 lam Maple set neck
Ebony fretless fingerboard
Mahogony body
Plastic plates
No bridge sustain block
 

[hifiguy]

I recently weighed my Stanley Sig Standard at my local dealer and it came in at a little over 9 pounds.  The impetus came from playing a Stan Sig Deluxe there that seemed to weigh a ton.  It had purpleheart neck lams, a vermilion body and cocobolo front and back plates and weighed 12+ pounds.  But lordy, it sounded like Jehovah's own bass.
 
My bass:
SJ9711115
Maple neck w/walnut pinstripes
Flame walnut top
Fretted ebony fingerboard
Mahogany body
Brass sustain block
Plastic plates

[tbrannon]

Just weighed my Rogue- albeit on a digital bathroom scale.  10 pounds.
 
Here's the details from the instrument file:
 
Rogue 96Q12212 WXB5
 
top: Weng?
accent: Maple laminate
body: Mahogany
neck: Maple, 35 extra long scale
fingerboard: Ebony with pearloid ovals
pickups: MXY56
original electronics: Europa (later changed to signature)
finish: satin natural polyurethane - Brass backplates
 
 

[inthelows]

Heh..Wanna take bets what this weighs?
I wanna see the ciropractic bill for this puppy.
NLP

[terryc]

I own a MK model and it weighs over 12 pounds(UK)
I bought mine second hand at Rudy's in NY in 1998.
The say the are hollowed out on the upper bout but when I tap the body it sounds solid.
I use a Comfort strap but it still feels heavy bt I am used to it now, anything else seems like balsa wood!!

[lidon2001]

I just weighed my brass back plate for my MK Deluxe: 217 grams  (you all can do the conversion, right?). Seems you would have a significant difference if you go with plastic or wood instead of brass backplates.  I'm tempted to get a plastic one just for this reason.
 
T

[mikedm]

217 grams. Back in the day that was enough for a few concerts.
 
BTW, my 20th Anniv drops in at a healthy 12 pounds of maple, with the brass plates.

[keurosix]

217 grams = 0.4784 lbs. (1 gram = 0.002204623 lb)
Just under 1/2 a pound! Besides many other sites, here is one with a quick conversion chart for the rest of the world to convert to our arcane system!
 
http://www.onlineconversion.com/weight_common.htm
 
Kris