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Best Strap for Weight & Neck Dive??

Best for weight + neck dive (non-slippage)?

  • Levy's MSS2-4

    Votes: 9 14.3%

  • Levy's 3" Padded Neoprene Strap (GC)

    Votes: 7 11.1%

  • Neotech Mega Bass Strap

    Votes: 13 20.6%

  • Comfort Strapp

    Votes: 13 20.6%

  • Planet Waves 3 Inch Wide Bass Guitar Strap w/ Internal Pad

    Votes: 4 6.3%

  • Other

    Votes: 17 27.0%
  • Total voters
    63
Twocan

Twocan

Living the Dream
Supporting Member
Oct 5, 2009
1,887
2,189
New England, USA
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#1
I just picked up a 79 Kramer (aluminum neck) - the sound is killer, but it's a hefty bass with notable neck dive. I currently have a 2.5" leather strap, and find that the neck falls level if I take my hand off the neck or my right forearm off the body.

I'm looking for a strap to take some of the weight off, but more importantly to stop the bass from the falling (no slippage). I've searched TB and am listing some of the higher rated straps. Unfortunately my local music stores do not have any of the models listed in stock, so I can't try them out.

If you've overcome a similar problem - please let me know what strap did it!
 
#7
I voted for the Neotech Mega strap. I don't have a problem with weight or neck dive but the Neotech is very comfortable and does not slip. Best strap I have ever had - and I have had a bunch of Levy's and other straps.

Dan K.
 
#8
I had one of those Kramers years ago (I sold it because of massive neck dive! ;) ) and I found that moving the strap button to the upper horn helped quite a bit.

I'm not familiar with the strap models you listed, but what I think you want here is a 4" strap with suede against your shoulder. Avoid straps that have a separate pad that slides around (because it will) and just go with a very wide, suede strap. That's about the best you're going to do.

After moving the strap button and using a really wide strap, I still never really solved the problem. I got it to the point where it was playable, but not comfortable. The tuners aren't so big on those basses that you'd save much with Hipshots (although it might help a little), so it kinda is what it is.

I loved the way that bass sounded, and kept it for a while for recording, but it never really worked out for me. :bawl:

Good luck with yours-
E
 
#12
I have the Levy's MSS2-4 for my Warwick Thumb BO4 and it works wonders. I have played a 5-hr gig with it and was very comfortable. Paid $50 before shipping. However I would go for the neotech if you don't want leather and half the price! Pretty much anything 4+" thick will work.
 
#14
I've been using a Levy M4GF 3 1/2" suede strap (from a family owned store in Erie, PA, "World of Music") on a couple heavier basses which tend to have a neck dive problem. A custom fretless and a Travis Bean TB2000. I also got a Levy 3 1/2" MS4 in the last month. Everytime I need a quality strap, Levy has so far filled the need.

I haven't found a 4" strap yet locally, but would consider trying one. I'll look at Levy's website, but I like to see and handle a strap first before laying out upwards of $50 or $60 for it, which I don't mind if it suits my needs.

Lloyd Howard
 
#19
nukes_da_bass said:
On basses with massive neck dive I install a strap button or strap lock on the lower horn.
This can cause "bass dip" where the bass falls FORWARD but it takes much less effort to hold it in place with this system.
Click to expand...

I have also had luck moving the strap button to the top inside side of the top horn. That pulls the neck up.
Having a good strap is important, no matter what bass you own but that does not really help with neck dive. The suggestions that nukes_da_bass or I will help getting the bass to balance comfortably.
 

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