Can an Explorer be comfortable?

[stinkmaster]

I’ve been playing P-basses and Jazz basses for 35 years, they are very comfortable and easy to play. Recently I joined a band where both guitarists play Explorers, so I got one to match, a relatively cheap Korean made Hamer. It looks great, but WOW is this thing uncomfortable to play! Does anyone have any advice on how to make this thing feel better? The neck is huge, the strap button placement makes me have to reach really far with my left arm, I just kind of hate it. But I want to match with the rest of the band. I’m not afraid to heavily modify this bass to make it easier to play, I’ve thought about moving the strap button further up on the neck (has anyone done this? I can’t imagine it’s good for the instrument but I dunno, I’ve just never seen anyone do it before). I’ve also considered shaving the neck down to make it thinner and even routing out some weight relief holes in the back. Does anyone have any advice? My back and shoulders are killing me!

 

[bassicmike]

As one who (briefly) owned an Explorer guitar back in the 80s, the answer is no.

They LOOK cool as heck, but the are not ergonomically satisfying.

 

[godofthunder59]

my first GAS was the Alembic version, first real bass was the Ibanez Destroyer (back in the early 80s, red one with the cream split P pickup). Never had an issue with function or comfort... but the only other basses I spent time with were a Ric 4001 and the 70s Christmas Catalog Harmony I took lessons on for 6 months.

Did someone say Destroyer!? My 76 Ibanez Destroyer I bought new in 76. Here it is pictured onstage in 76, 79 and as it is today. It's one of my favorite basses and sounds great with a 60's EB0 and Thunderbird pickup.

 

[stinkmaster]

Definitely try some lightweight tuners then. Hipshot Ultralights(50 grams) or Gotoh Resolites (40 grams).

This worked really well! I got Gotoh resolites and put them on today, it is a noticeable difference and there’s no neck dive at all! Thank you!

 

[GrooveCaptain]

This worked really well! I got Gotoh resolites and put them on today, it is a noticeable difference and there’s no neck dive at all! Thank you!

Glad it worked out! All my basses get those Gotoh or Hipshot light tuners and Dunlop strap locks once I know they're keepers

 

[ctmullins]

This worked really well! I got Gotoh resolites and put them on today, it is a noticeable difference and there’s no neck dive at all! Thank you!

Science. Also they’re really nice tuners. Congrats!

 

[Metal Sombreros]

Its suprisingly one of the most ergonomical