I'd like to find a lightweight 4 string Alembic. Prefer the less expensive models, but if it's light, I'm interested. Would like to avoid ebay and buy from a private owner. Thanks.

The Essence is the smallest shape, and usually lighter than most other styles. One thing about Essences is that quite a lot of them (especially early ones) have maple bodies, which would make them heavier than the mahogany version.

Thanks.
I'm sure it varies from bass to bass. I'm going to try an epic and see how that goes. I expect a spoiler or distillate will be too heavy, in even the lightest version.

If you pick a flame or quilt maple body I don't think the weight is an issue. I guess it depends on the piece of wood, but in my experience most of the maple basses I've owned/played have been comfortably lighter than the mahogany ones. I have 2 Rics that only weigh about 8 lbs despite all that chrome plated metal, and my Pedulla was a similar weight.

It's not for sale, but my Orion 4 is the lightest bass I own...haven't weighed it, but it can't be much more than 8 lbs. You might want to check out Orions.

Leroy,
Check this one out. In the For Sale or Trade Section. A 4 string Epic Bubinga beauty. under 9 pounds.
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/395/41258.html?1182974322
 
Kris

You may want to have a look at an Elan, I recently got one and the weight is significantly lighter than my other mahogany body basses. They appear on Ebay fairly regularly so you should be able to get hold of one without too much trouble.
Jazzyvee

Well my Stanley Clark Standard is for sale on this site. It's not entry level but I believe it's a good deal for $3,200 and it's a small body model.