What is this technique in this Claypool cover called?

[KayXero]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjlQSxeL4R8

He does this bend thing in the beginning where he grabs the horn of his bass and bends the neck.

Ive never seen someone do this, or maybe I have and never noticed it and what it does to the sound.

Is it like a slight trem effect without trem?

[perkidan]

Basically yes. I do it from time to time for that kind of tremolo effect. Usuallu on harmonics

[Samsound]

What is it about YouTube that makes bass players want to show off scrawny chests and hairy beer bellies...

[KayXero]

Originally Posted by perkidan

Basically yes. I do it from time to time for that kind of tremolo effect. Usuallu on harmonics

Is this bad for the neck?

and what would you call this technique?

I may start doing it, instead of possibly killing a good bass with a tremolo installation.

[BuffaloBass]

He is simply bending the neck "flat" to relieve tension. You can bend a harmonic at the string if you're subtle about it. My preferred method.

[rreynoldsbass]

Originally Posted by KayXero

Is this bad for the neck?

Yes.

[Stilettoprefer]

It is very bad for the neck. You're lucky if you don't break the headstock off while doing it.

[kr0n]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBass

He is simply bending the neck "flat" to relieve tension. You can bend a harmonic at the string if you're subtle about it. My preferred method.

Flat? I think he's giving the neck a little more curve for less tension. Or am I thinking about this the wrong way?

Flat would be straightening the neck so strings get closer to frets. Right?

[KayXero]

is there an alternative way to do this without a neck bend since some say its bad for the neck