neck-heavy guitar

[brammerd]

I seem to be holding my bass into a good position with my left hand.

Is there any way to balance my bass so it isn't so neck heavy anymore?

[PJSShearer]

A few things you can try:

1. Get a wide strap - at least 3 inches wide. The additonal friction will help the Bass stay where you put it.

2. Try routing the strap from the bottom strap button (nearest the bridge) across the face of the bass, rather than behind it as normal.

3. Instead of using the top strap button, tie the strap to the headstock with some sash window chord like an acoustic guitar.

OR - Get a short scale :-).

[XylemBassGuitar]

Are you having trouble with the balance in the sitting or standing positions (or both)? What kind of bass is it?

PJSShearer has some good suggestions. I would probably try the wider strap first...make sure the strap has a non-slippery material on the side that will be in contact with your shoulder. Leather is good, but nylon can slide around and unbalance your bass, even if the strap is 3" wide.


If none of PJS's suggestions work, try to find the fulcrum. Hold the bass in playing position, but grab it at the lower curve (the one you rest on your leg) with your right hand and move your hand towards the headstock until the bass balaces (approximately) on three or four fingers. Several manufactured basses' fulcrums are a little ways past the heel of the neck, about even with the middle of the lower horn.

Once we know where the fulcrum is we can offer more suggestions...but hopefully you won't need them.

[Staccato]

Sounds like a Thunderbird with that Nosedive....

[dmusic148]

Sometimes lightweight tuners will fix it, if it's not too severe.

[PJSShearer]

Originally Posted by Stacatto

Sounds like a Thunderbird with that Nosedive....

That or a Kramer with a metal neck !!, either way, if he's got either one of those then I would suggest the best cure would be to switch to a Jazz Bass, with the 3 inch strap (defnitely leather!!).

[brammerd]

it's an ibanez
5 string

i'm not buying a new bass just because this one is neck heavy

I tried some of the tips PJShearer gave me, good tips thx!

I like how bunny brunel attaches the straps
http://www.youtube.com/user/bunnybrunel?blend=7&ob=4