Author Topic: My Tribute Is Too Heavy!! (Read 324 times)

daveo · « **on:** July 02, 2006, 12:16:13 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2006, 02:26:00 PM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2006, 10:08:46 PM »

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2006, 10:09:17 PM »

Thanks for your input, John. I'm sure I could practice better posture.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2006, 12:00:00 AM »

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 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2006, 08:01:15 AM »

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 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2006, 08:11:39 AM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 03, 2006, 06:41:46 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2006, 04:35:32 AM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2006, 08:46:24 AM »

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 Ving 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

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2006, 09:19:10 AM »

Bill; are you talking about the straps in the View From The Vault vid?

georgie_boy · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2006, 01:31:57 AM »

Yeah Bill-the one on the right!!
really good with a heavy instrument.

G

daveo · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2006, 10:39:28 AM »

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 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2006, 10:42:59 AM »

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 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2006, 11:28:20 AM »

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.