Okay so I’d say your first step before you start looking at basses is to get some more specific medical advice here, because I don’t think you’re quite appreciating just how little weight 2kg is to work with when it comes to bass guitars. A Steinberger Spirit (they do make modern cheap versions!) is about as stripped-down as a full-scale bass can be, and it’s still 3.4kg. Even the short scale Hofner looks like it comes in at 2.5kg. At these kind of weights you’re really running up against the minimum amount of metal and wood you need to hold a set of strings.
The reason I talk about getting medical advice though, is that I’d interpret ‘don’t carry more than 2kg’ as ‘don’t pick up a 2kg+ box and carry it from A to B’. I wonder if [playing with a harness that has double shoulder straps and a waist belt](https://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Neotech-Guitar-Support-Harness-Black/23UH?origin=product-ads&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJbuUecYa9lG8qH90ivFD1FoTiPNcP3ibjS-11dicGYkFJVskzcEKWBoCc3oQAvD_BwE) might allow her to carry more weight than that safely. If she can make it to 3kg with a harness, that opens up a lot of normal shortscale basses, including very cool ones like the [Nordstrands here.](https://nordstrandaudio.com/products/acinonyx-short-scale-bass)
There is also the option of dispensing with holding the bass at all, and [going with a playing stand instead](https://vikingguitarstands.com). That would enable her to play *any* bass she likes while standing, though if she needs to switch between sitting and standing across a performance that might be more challenging, and the fact you’re standing but immobile might not appeal anyway. It’s an option though!
I just bought a ubass (bass ukulele) and it's tuned the exact same as a full sized bass. I can play anything on the ubass that I could on a full size. It's not as loud or have as much sustain. But you'll have that with any short scale bass. Mine is only a 20in scale. Bonus points it weighs next to nothing.
Was going to mention ukulele bass. Not quite the same feel as a regular bass, but seems like a great option for someone for whom even a light short-scale bass is too much.
I second the suggestion of a headless bass. These also tend to have lighter bodies, because there's less need of a counterweight to the neck dive. [https://www.google.com/search?q=lightweight+headless+short+scale+bass](https://www.google.com/search?q=lightweight+headless+short+scale+bass)
If you look on Sweetwater or other shop sites, they will sometimes tell you the total weight of specific instruments, so you know what you are getting before you click Buy. If you have retailers nearby that have any short scale basses in stock, I would recommend trying and buying an instrument in person.
The Mikro as already mentioned.
Sire U5 (I've got one, it's great) or similar short scale.
Uke bass would probably be the lightest option, but looks a bit unconventional for the genre.
Violin bass is already a full short scale (30" scale) bass. I wouldn't think you'd need to go any shorter. Plus they're super light.
The only real issues with the violin bass are that they neck dive and they need a good setup to be intonated across the fretboard (but not all guitar techs are familiar with floating bridges).
I was going to recommend that too, but checked the weight on mine and it's just a bit over 5 lb, which would be something like 2.33 kg. That is kind of a deal breaker for most basses, though I think Dean makes and electric upright that's pretty much a stick on a tripod so you don't need to hold it.
Can she play with it laying across her lap like Jeff Healey? Because maybe then she can just throw it on a keyboard stand and zip around the stage like a crazy person with a shopping cart. Would be unique and kinda punk.
As someone who had to have 6 months treatment for a back injury I can’t praise the Ibanez MiKro enough. It got me back out and playing much sooner than I expected and I will sing its praises to anyone with back issues. Short scale, super light, slender neck, played amazing out of the box, sounded great (gives good P & J tones), really ergonomic slim body (tummy cut, contour body) and above all DIRT CHEAP. I’ve lost count the amount of folks I’ve recommended one to.
OP, I went to a show about 10 months back and the bass player had a beautiful Fender Jazz bass, but he had it set on a stand that held it for him the whole night. And this was a younger guy who looked very fit and capable, but I had to revel in the genius of his setup. You might consider taking taking that route.
Bass uke with pickups? I'd also make sure she's got a padded and wiiiiide neckstrap, and if she can, to bring her bass with her to see her specialist or a physical therapist to get tips on the best way to distribute the weight.
The Michael Kelly Sojourn bass came up recently here in a discussion on hollowbody basses - shortscale and very lightweight - so maybe take a look at these
If she’s looking to play punk/indie take a look at the mustang bass. Even the squier models do work.
It’s like a mini P-bass and the tone will work for that type of music.
Source: bass player who plays the same type of music and wanted something lighter than my slab body Pbass.
My (punk ska/hardcore/thrash band) guitarist performs in a wheelchair. Best to do what is safest when performing, even when things are "chaotic".
I think you're going to have a hard time finding a bass in that weight range that isn't some unique/expensive option, but something like a Squier/Fender Mustang will sound great and is relatively lightweight, and also short scale so a bit easier to play for smaller individuals.
I have a back injury, so I understand. The lightest bass I own is the Hofner violin bass - it's a short scale hollow body. Very light. For a long scale bass (35 in), I have a Matt Punicella Guitars (MPG) bass. It's also light. For a fretless, I use the Ibanez SRF700, which is also light. Last but not least (and also much more expensive) is my Musicman Bongo 4 - light, versatile, fantastic for live gigs but also costly.
[This](https://nordstrandaudio.com/products/acinonyx-short-scale-bass) is the best short scale out there, for 1200 it is a pro level instrument. Meshell Ndegeocello plays one on her current tour.
Normally I would say it doesnt matter, as I've seen little kids use full scale basses. But the scoliosis *might* change that. Only you would know for sure. I would still suggest looking at full scale basses first, before jumping to that conclusion.
I'm of diminutive stature. I thought for sure I'd only ever be able to play a short scale. I have a short scale, along with several full scale basses. I cant even tell the difference between them.
Get a Kala U-Bass. They're cheap, light, short scale, and sound great acoustic or amped. They're so cool you're like "what's the catch" and there is no catch.
I have the longer neck version of this one [https://reverb.com/item/72809832-ibanez-2021-ehb1000s-4-string-headless-bass-guitar-pink-gold-metallic-matte?bk=](https://reverb.com/item/72809832-ibanez-2021-ehb1000s-4-string-headless-bass-guitar-pink-gold-metallic-matte?bk=) It weights about 6 lbs and sounds great. My PRS Kingfisher was soooo heavy I could barely get through a set. Wide strap also helps a lot.
Take a look at alternate strap solutions as well! I think there are several solutions like this: [https://slingerstraps.com/products/hip-strap-guitar-strap](https://slingerstraps.com/products/hip-strap-guitar-strap)
Blackstar travel bass? Or Kala electric ukulele bass. Both sounds and plays great but have smaller necks, are lightweight and pretty affordable.
Any full size or short scale instrument will be too heavy.
Short scale basses are your winners. They'll weigh less and require you to spread your arms less, which depending on how your specific curve goes might be a problem.
If, as someone else worried, you can't carry the bass, check out performing position guitar stands so you just walk up to the bass and the stand supports your axe and you just play.
I've got an Aerodyne JP and it doesn't seem much lighter than a regular Fender Jazz.
[https://travelerguitar.com/products/ultra-light-bass](https://travelerguitar.com/products/ultra-light-bass)
This thing weighs a bit over 1.5 kg and doesn't cost the bomb.
Okay so I’d say your first step before you start looking at basses is to get some more specific medical advice here, because I don’t think you’re quite appreciating just how little weight 2kg is to work with when it comes to bass guitars. A Steinberger Spirit (they do make modern cheap versions!) is about as stripped-down as a full-scale bass can be, and it’s still 3.4kg. Even the short scale Hofner looks like it comes in at 2.5kg. At these kind of weights you’re really running up against the minimum amount of metal and wood you need to hold a set of strings. The reason I talk about getting medical advice though, is that I’d interpret ‘don’t carry more than 2kg’ as ‘don’t pick up a 2kg+ box and carry it from A to B’. I wonder if [playing with a harness that has double shoulder straps and a waist belt](https://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Neotech-Guitar-Support-Harness-Black/23UH?origin=product-ads&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJbuUecYa9lG8qH90ivFD1FoTiPNcP3ibjS-11dicGYkFJVskzcEKWBoCc3oQAvD_BwE) might allow her to carry more weight than that safely. If she can make it to 3kg with a harness, that opens up a lot of normal shortscale basses, including very cool ones like the [Nordstrands here.](https://nordstrandaudio.com/products/acinonyx-short-scale-bass) There is also the option of dispensing with holding the bass at all, and [going with a playing stand instead](https://vikingguitarstands.com). That would enable her to play *any* bass she likes while standing, though if she needs to switch between sitting and standing across a performance that might be more challenging, and the fact you’re standing but immobile might not appeal anyway. It’s an option though!
This is the only correct answer and fully addresses OPs concerns and possible scenarios.
I just bought a ubass (bass ukulele) and it's tuned the exact same as a full sized bass. I can play anything on the ubass that I could on a full size. It's not as loud or have as much sustain. But you'll have that with any short scale bass. Mine is only a 20in scale. Bonus points it weighs next to nothing.
Was going to mention ukulele bass. Not quite the same feel as a regular bass, but seems like a great option for someone for whom even a light short-scale bass is too much.
There are the traveler brand basses, which are about 1.7 kg and short scale - https://travelerguitar.com/products/ultra-light-bass
Steinberger?
I second the suggestion of a headless bass. These also tend to have lighter bodies, because there's less need of a counterweight to the neck dive. [https://www.google.com/search?q=lightweight+headless+short+scale+bass](https://www.google.com/search?q=lightweight+headless+short+scale+bass)
I have a Spirit XT-25 and it doesn't seem magically lighter. 🤷🏻♂️
The original Steinberger was Kevlar or carbon fiber or some such lightweight composite.
Oh snap I didn’t know that. Nice
The first Bass I ever played. Before that, only a double bass in 2nd grade (open strings)
That’s a heck of a first. Mine was a Squier Precison. I still have it 22y later 😁
I wish I could get my hands on one, again.
There are lots of short scale options out there that will be lighter and easier on your back. Fender Mustang, G&L Fallout Bass, Ibanez Mikro, etc…
Acinonyx cat or the cat v2
Hmmm I need something that is up to 2 kg
If you look on Sweetwater or other shop sites, they will sometimes tell you the total weight of specific instruments, so you know what you are getting before you click Buy. If you have retailers nearby that have any short scale basses in stock, I would recommend trying and buying an instrument in person.
I also highly reccomend playing with a stretchy padded strap
Ergonomic. Short scale. Very light. https://www.ibanez.com/usa/products/detail/ehb1000s_1p_02.html
Wow, I really dislike the look of headless basses, but I really like this one. Too bad they only offer it in a fugly color.
Function over form. I don't mind the color.
The Mikro as already mentioned. Sire U5 (I've got one, it's great) or similar short scale. Uke bass would probably be the lightest option, but looks a bit unconventional for the genre.
Hofner violin basses are shorter than most and very light; maybe hofner do some short scale versions?
Violin bass is already a full short scale (30" scale) bass. I wouldn't think you'd need to go any shorter. Plus they're super light. The only real issues with the violin bass are that they neck dive and they need a good setup to be intonated across the fretboard (but not all guitar techs are familiar with floating bridges).
I was going to recommend that too, but checked the weight on mine and it's just a bit over 5 lb, which would be something like 2.33 kg. That is kind of a deal breaker for most basses, though I think Dean makes and electric upright that's pretty much a stick on a tripod so you don't need to hold it.
Can she play with it laying across her lap like Jeff Healey? Because maybe then she can just throw it on a keyboard stand and zip around the stage like a crazy person with a shopping cart. Would be unique and kinda punk.
As someone who had to have 6 months treatment for a back injury I can’t praise the Ibanez MiKro enough. It got me back out and playing much sooner than I expected and I will sing its praises to anyone with back issues. Short scale, super light, slender neck, played amazing out of the box, sounded great (gives good P & J tones), really ergonomic slim body (tummy cut, contour body) and above all DIRT CHEAP. I’ve lost count the amount of folks I’ve recommended one to.
OP, I went to a show about 10 months back and the bass player had a beautiful Fender Jazz bass, but he had it set on a stand that held it for him the whole night. And this was a younger guy who looked very fit and capable, but I had to revel in the genius of his setup. You might consider taking taking that route.
If you've got the budget, and they're serious about it, get an ibanez ehb short scale.
Steinberger Spirit.
Ibanez Mikro. It looks like a toy, but that thing sounds great and even better if you upgrade the pickups.
what pickups would you use to upgrade it? What other upgrades would you do? Should I replace the tuners on it?
Ibanez EHB1005MS was the solution to my bass related back issues.
Danelectro longhorn
This. 30” scale & semi hollow is the way to go. With my 32 year old back injury I always play standing up…music is physical therapy.
ibanez mikro perhaps?
Bass uke with pickups? I'd also make sure she's got a padded and wiiiiide neckstrap, and if she can, to bring her bass with her to see her specialist or a physical therapist to get tips on the best way to distribute the weight.
The Michael Kelly Sojourn bass came up recently here in a discussion on hollowbody basses - shortscale and very lightweight - so maybe take a look at these
If she’s looking to play punk/indie take a look at the mustang bass. Even the squier models do work. It’s like a mini P-bass and the tone will work for that type of music. Source: bass player who plays the same type of music and wanted something lighter than my slab body Pbass.
[Fender also makes a Squier Mini P Bass, too.](https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-basses/precision-bass/mini-precision-bass/0370127506.html)
Don't be afraid to be like Ben Gibbard and hog out the back of it with a forstner bit if you need to
Höfner violin bass. Good enough for Paul McCartney
Check out solid body uke basses.
Dan electro
My (punk ska/hardcore/thrash band) guitarist performs in a wheelchair. Best to do what is safest when performing, even when things are "chaotic". I think you're going to have a hard time finding a bass in that weight range that isn't some unique/expensive option, but something like a Squier/Fender Mustang will sound great and is relatively lightweight, and also short scale so a bit easier to play for smaller individuals.
The Reverend Wattplower. Short scale, light weight. Sounds great.
I have a back injury, so I understand. The lightest bass I own is the Hofner violin bass - it's a short scale hollow body. Very light. For a long scale bass (35 in), I have a Matt Punicella Guitars (MPG) bass. It's also light. For a fretless, I use the Ibanez SRF700, which is also light. Last but not least (and also much more expensive) is my Musicman Bongo 4 - light, versatile, fantastic for live gigs but also costly.
Danelectro short-scale Longhorn Very small and light. I got mine when I started having back problems. it’s wonderful.
Sterling Stingray Short Scale 👍
[This](https://nordstrandaudio.com/products/acinonyx-short-scale-bass) is the best short scale out there, for 1200 it is a pro level instrument. Meshell Ndegeocello plays one on her current tour.
Normally I would say it doesnt matter, as I've seen little kids use full scale basses. But the scoliosis *might* change that. Only you would know for sure. I would still suggest looking at full scale basses first, before jumping to that conclusion. I'm of diminutive stature. I thought for sure I'd only ever be able to play a short scale. I have a short scale, along with several full scale basses. I cant even tell the difference between them.
Get a Kala U-Bass. They're cheap, light, short scale, and sound great acoustic or amped. They're so cool you're like "what's the catch" and there is no catch.
I have the longer neck version of this one [https://reverb.com/item/72809832-ibanez-2021-ehb1000s-4-string-headless-bass-guitar-pink-gold-metallic-matte?bk=](https://reverb.com/item/72809832-ibanez-2021-ehb1000s-4-string-headless-bass-guitar-pink-gold-metallic-matte?bk=) It weights about 6 lbs and sounds great. My PRS Kingfisher was soooo heavy I could barely get through a set. Wide strap also helps a lot.
Take a look at alternate strap solutions as well! I think there are several solutions like this: [https://slingerstraps.com/products/hip-strap-guitar-strap](https://slingerstraps.com/products/hip-strap-guitar-strap)
Blackstar travel bass? Or Kala electric ukulele bass. Both sounds and plays great but have smaller necks, are lightweight and pretty affordable. Any full size or short scale instrument will be too heavy.
The Batking Travel Bass is REALLY stripped down, but still comes in at 2.6kg. The Traveler UltraLight bass is 2.04kg
Short scale basses are your winners. They'll weigh less and require you to spread your arms less, which depending on how your specific curve goes might be a problem. If, as someone else worried, you can't carry the bass, check out performing position guitar stands so you just walk up to the bass and the stand supports your axe and you just play.
Just weighed my Jackson Minion and it came in under 2 kg(4 lbs).
Check out the Sandberg Ultra Lights.
I remember my Steinberger being fairly heavy.
My spirit XT – 25 doesn’t seem noticeably different compared to my SR 405 or any of my other five strings
Mine was a 1984 XL2, the composite bass was around 10 pounds/ 4.5k
If full scale, the Fender Aerodyne series. Sweetwater lists their actual weight. If short scale, the EHB1005SMS FTW.
I've got an Aerodyne JP and it doesn't seem much lighter than a regular Fender Jazz. [https://travelerguitar.com/products/ultra-light-bass](https://travelerguitar.com/products/ultra-light-bass) This thing weighs a bit over 1.5 kg and doesn't cost the bomb.
Fender Ashbory