bass modification question

[thump_dumpster]

ok. so i bought an ibanez gsr206 6 stringer. it had great reviews wherever i saw it online.... but noone mentioned the one downfall...


the neck dives like an olympic swimmer.

my question is... is there a way to add weight to the body without ruining the tone? or would it just be easier to make a new body out of some heavier wood?

also where could i get a body made that will fit my neck and hardware? think warmoth would do something like that?

i really like the neck and bridge, just would like a little more balance.

 

[Beej]

Well, typically neck dive is not a problem with an sr ibby, so I have to ask what kind of strap you're using?

Other answers: yes you can add weight without affecting tone whatsoever. I've heard of people using tire balancing weights inside the control cavity to help neck dive. Other more expensive options include getting ultralight tuners to replace the stockers.

Its never easiest to make a new body to deal with something like this, especially on a super common bass like that. If you can't resolve the neck dive, then I'd first suggest finding another similar bass in their sr lineup and trying that out. If you find one, just sell yours, they're all cnc'd anyway and are literally almost identical from bass to bass these days...

 

[NoBlackTShirts]

I've improved things on a couple of instruments by making a steel peg or strip (I've done both) that moves the strap button out past the body. It's not hard to do, if you think about it for a while and ductape up some prototypes. It costs almost nothing, which is a plus. You can pretty much go out any distance you want, which saves you from having to buy one of those basses with horns that go halfway to the tuning pegs.

NBTS

 

[tZer]

I think neck dive is a crime. I cannot understand why anyone would build an instrument that doesn't balance properly and release it to the world.

That said, a thick suede strap can help reduce neck dive is it's not too bad. But if it's more than what a good strap can correct, the bass was simply made wrong and should be shipped back to the mfr. with a stern reprimand attached! I'll be happy to write it for you if you like. ;-)

Trying to play a bass with a neck that is constantly going for the ground is not only frustrating, it causes pain and discomfort as well as nurtures poor technique. I cannot imagine any instrument being so 'great' that you'd suffer with neck dive. Personally, I'd sell it (or return it, if possible) and get one that's balanced. Excessively modding an unbalanced instrument looks tacky and more than likely cuts resale value if done badly.

 

[Simo98]

Put a set of lightweight tuners on it, and maybe try shifting the strap buttons around (and a better strap)