Neck Dive on Squier VM Jaguar

[Bloodbuzz]

A few weeks ago I bought a Squier VM Jaguar. When I played it in the store I was sitting, so I bought it and took it home and played it standing up. The neck dive is a pain in the butt. I have to hold the neck and head up and it kills my wrist even if I am playing for only 10 minutes. I like everything about the bass except for the neck dive. Are there any free or cheap ways to fix the neck dive? Or should I return my bass, because I can't deal with it. I've heard about Hipshot ultra light tuners or getting a heavy bridge, but those things are too expensive for me, I don't have very much money.

[NightTripper]

Which Jag do you have? There are several different models in the VM series. I have the one with block inlays and p/j pickups and haven't noticed any neckdive. But anyway before you do something extreme like selling it, why not try a nice thick strap? Something that will grip well to your shoulder.

[mccartneyman]

I think it's more the body balance than the neck. It just seems to feel weird where the strap falls. But it definitely does not hang as comfortably as my other basses. You could try hanging a string of metal washers off your rear strap button, but you'd have to use plenty of 'em.

[Bloodbuzz]

Originally Posted by NightTripper

Which Jag do you have? There are several different models in the VM series. I have the one with block inlays and p/j pickups and haven't noticed any neckdive. But anyway before you do something extreme like selling it, why not try a nice thick strap? Something that will grip well to your shoulder.

I have the P/J pickup one with the block inlays. I could try a strap, but I'd have to order on from the internet.

[Growly Lytes]

I saw these hook type things the other day on TB here.People are using them because of neck dive.They work great i think they can be bought at MF.

[Bloodbuzz]

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

I saw these hook type things the other day on TB here.People are using them because of neck dive.They work great i think they can be bought at MF.

Can you be more specific? What are they called?

[gunlak]

try getting a wider strap.

[Spectrum]

I have that model and I use a wide leather strap with suede on the inisde for gripping my shoulder. No neck dive.

[SurferJoe46]

Neck dive on the VM-Jags isn't that bad!

A nice leather strap or one in foam on the inside will solve the problem - but really --- I never noticed head dive on mine.

FWIW: No Fender design is gonna be as well balanced as - say, f'rinstance: an Ibanez SR Series bass - but they aren't THAT bad.

[Stilettoprefer]

I just got a leather strap to fix the neck five issue that my parts P has. Grips my shoulder nicely, so once it's placed, it's there for the rest of the night.

[Masashi is God]

I have a jap fender jaguar and the neck dive is a bitch on that model too, thicker strap helps, but not if you like to jump around like a looney when your playing.

I don't use mine a great deal now :-( and only sitting...

[Growly Lytes]

Originally Posted by Bloodbuzz

Can you be more specific? What are they called?

Hey Bloodbuzz i just found the thread.Check it out.....
EUREKA! IT WORKS! (GS Axe content)

[Bloodbuzz]

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

Hey Bloodbuzz i just found the thread.Check it out.....
EUREKA! IT WORKS! (GS Axe content)

Thanks. Those are very interesting.

I think I'll look into getting a strap. I was thinking about getting a Couch strap? Has anyone tried their straps? I've heard good things about them and they look really nice.

Does anyone else have some suggestions on straps that won't cost too much? Less than $30.

I'll look into getting some Hipshot tuners maybe too.

[SurferJoe46]

I was all set to recommend Get-M-Get-M straps, but I just cruised their website and I see they've seriously crippled the line they had and are only offering things I don't particularly care for.

I have a couple of their older straps and like them though - unfortunately I couldn't find the ones I have on their listing any more. Sad.

Other than that, Levy's makes some seriously nice leather straps.

[76sagi]

I have an Epi EB3 bass (long scale). These and all other gibson SG basses are known for their excellent neck-diving characteristics. I have found that playing it higher on the body and using my plucking arm to steady it (hold the body of the bass steady to your body with somewhat of a light downward force) keeps it in place. Awareness is key. I know what will happen when I take my hand off the neck and just make sure that if I do, I am holding the other end down. End of story, end of neck dive. This has solved all problems for me. Of course, if you pick rather than pluck this may not work as well. Best of luck.

[joeyl]

how much money are you willing to spend to fix it? I know you said no Ultralites but they are routinely 60-75 used for a set on the TB classifieds. You could save up that money, no?

for what it's worth, all my Fenders (P, Js US and foreign made) have a small degree of neck dive and they all had the Ultralites upgrade as soon as I could afford it. The lighter tuners fixed the neck dive

[Growly Lytes]

Last nite was really hot.I decided to have a jam & the Cort Punisher has neck dive too but since i was sweating like mad the Fender strap somehow held the bass steady.
This can only happen with the shirt off, wearing a shirt it slides downward easy.

[Triangle]

Setting the strap shorter might help too. I've found that it tends to hug your back more as you raise up the bass.

[repoman]

My one and only bass is a Squier Jag, since I have nothing else to compare it with I'm not sure what you are talking about .... what exactly is neck dive?

[Bloodbuzz]

Originally Posted by repoman

My one and only bass is a Squier Jag, since I have nothing else to compare it with I'm not sure what you are talking about .... what exactly is neck dive?

It's when the neck goes towards the floor.