I want to move the strap bolt things?

[Dum-Dum-Dum]

Yes, I've never tried to mess around with a bass before. I've thought myself bass so far, and my first gig is coming up. I got an Epiphone Thunderbird about a month ago, and the heavy headstock (while bareable) is going to be annoying when I play live. I'm pretty energetic, and plan to jump around alot so I want the bass to be as balanced as possible.

I heard the best way to achieve this is to move the strap bolts (or whatever they're called) and then use an appropriate strap... Does anybody know how I should go about doing this?

[T-Bird]

Hi, Dum-Dum-Dum

I somehow guessed Your bass from the head.

I drilled a pilot hole through the neck plate just above the Epiphone text. The depth obviously according to the screw. With a smaller bit at first matching the screw core dia and then enlargnened the hole in the plate a bit.

Wide suede topped strap helps also.



Regards
Sam

[Dum-Dum-Dum]

Aye, so near as I can tell, it's the Thunderbird's most annoying feature. Thanks for your help!

[T-Bird]

Hi.

You're welcome.

Yes it's annoying, but since it's repairable, I wouldn't worry about it as much as the F***** players do

I also run the rear end of the strap in front of the body to keep the bass from tilting forwards. Takes a little getting used to though.

While You're at it I suggest some quality strap-locks. I use Schallers but any good solid metal ones will do.

Regards
Sam

[Dum-Dum-Dum]

The gig is on Saturday, and a few practices before then. Bit nervous about damaging my Thunderbird now. I can always use my old ESP if all else fails, but I hope I won't have to resort to that.

My Thunderbird is the IV, it's a limited edition version with an ebony finish. I can't see where it says Ephiphone on it, apart from on the headstock so I assume it must say it somewhere on yours that is left out on mine. Is there any chance I could see a photo of your bass?

Thanks man.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

This fixed the neck dive for me.



You probably notice that I also milled the neck pocket and -heel to get the optimum contact area between them. And also removed the plastic spacer between the body and the neck plate. Improved sustain considerably, at least I think it did

Regards
Sam

[Dum-Dum-Dum]

Thanks Sam, you're a genius

[T-Bird]

Hi.

You're welcome. That's actually a combination of an instruction from internet and a measurement from my Gibson Firebird.

Sam