Bill Wyman's solution to neck dive

[west al]

FWIW, Wyman's position is only slightly more vertical than my favorite, Jack Casady, who often uses a very diagonal position off the right hip:

Basically the only way to hold a JC bass really comfortably when standing, and (to me) makes proper left hand positioning far easier than horizontal playing. It's just the right way to do it. IMHO. YMMV.

That's what I was saying in the earlier post, about having the the neck in a more upright angle. More similar to an upright bass. I changed my playing position to be more on my right hip, and the neck more upright a few years ago. it's worked out fine. It works out really well with having short arms, and playing a Ric 4003W. Easier reach to the head of the neck.

 

[Showdown]

Solution = wide strap

Problem solved.

Not at all. That will just pull on your shirt. And my back will ache just as much - or more - as without it.

 

[Showdown]

FWIW, I've never understood why this neck dive thing bothers everyone quite so much

Because it HURTS MY BACK! Not a big deal, right?

Oh yeah, if you have to hold the neck up with your left hand you aren't able to move up and down the neck as easily.