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06-28-2004, 09:48 PM
| | | | Problem keeping bass in place while standing
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After switching to one of my other basses after a while of not using it I have discovered that it is really hard to keep the bass itself in the right position while I am standing up. I have the bass at a comfortable position but it seems that if I am not pressing down on the bass with my right arm the neck swings completely down sideways making it impossible to play. And when i continue to apply some pressure to the bass with my right hand it creats a bend in my right wrist that causes a bit of pain after awhile. So I guess this is kind of a RH technique question as well. I feel like I shouldn't have to support the bass with either hand is this right. What am i doing wrong? Could it be that it is too heavy in the neck. It is an old Gibson "Grabber" Bass from the 70's with a fat neck.
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06-29-2004, 05:03 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sweden | | | Well, it sure sounds as if your neck/headstock is a bit heavy... While wearing the bass it should stay in a comfortable position, with the neck and headstock pointing slightly upwards, even if your arms are behind your back. Are you sure that you've adjusted the strap in a correct manner? |
06-29-2004, 09:31 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA | | | I take it that by "pressure," you mean that your right forearm is pushing against the body, pulling the bridge end of the bass in tighter against your body?
If this is the case, then stop doing that. It sounds like you're far too tense when you're playing.
Do you use a pick or do you play fingerstyle?
Both?
Try turning the volume up and playing with a lighter touch, that may help. Assuming I understood what you said correctly.
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06-29-2004, 09:49 AM
|  | Unprofessional TalkBass Contributor | | Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Brighton, England, UK, Europe | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by Trist6075 After switching to one of my other basses after a while of not using it I have discovered that it is really hard to keep the bass itself in the right position while I am standing up. I have the bass at a comfortable position but it seems that if I am not pressing down on the bass with my right arm the neck swings completely down sideways making it impossible to play. And when i continue to apply some pressure to the bass with my right hand it creats a bend in my right wrist that causes a bit of pain after awhile. So I guess this is kind of a RH technique question as well. I feel like I shouldn't have to support the bass with either hand is this right. What am i doing wrong? Could it be that it is too heavy in the neck. It is an old Gibson "Grabber" Bass from the 70's with a fat neck. | This sounds like a classic case of "neck dive" - do a search on "Neck Dive" - this has been discussed before and people have made suggestions to help with this.
My personal point of view is that I wouldn't buy a bass that was this unbalanced!! 
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06-29-2004, 02:25 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO, U.S. | | | I'd say you have three options. You can weight the lower strap button to balance it, move the upper button to the other side of the neck, or deal with it. |
06-29-2004, 03:16 PM
| | Workin' up a black sweat. | | Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Andover, MA | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by lemur821 I'd say you have three options. You can weight the lower strap button to balance it, move the upper button to the other side of the neck, or deal with it. | Huzzuh! You are correct. 
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06-29-2004, 09:34 PM
| | | | Me, too
My bass [P-bass clone] dives at the neck, but it's not an issue if I just hold it with my left hand. It doesn't seem to be enough weight to tire my arm, at any rate.
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06-30-2004, 03:07 PM
| | | | k thanks guys ill try some of that stuff |
07-02-2004, 03:28 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Edmonton AB | | My first bass was neck-heavy. I sold it. |
07-02-2004, 03:46 PM
|  | Looking like a born-again. Living like a heretic. Moderator | | Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: California | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by lemur821 I'd say you have three options. You can weight the lower strap button to balance it, move the upper button to the other side of the neck, or deal with it. | You could also buy a strap that clings a bit better instead of sliding so easily.
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07-02-2004, 03:52 PM
| | Banned | | Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chicago, Illinois | | | Neck dive supporting stinks on a 3 hour gig.
I'd buy a bass that is balanced. Lots out there too. | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | | 
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