How to Deal with Neck Dive

[PauFerro]

I bought an Ibanez Talman 5 string recently. The 4 string, which I also own, had a neck dive, so I figured the 5 string would be even worse. This is because of the extra tuner.

This is how I fixed it. I simply ordered a strap that is suitable for a solid body electric or an acoustic guitar. The strap came with a loop with a strap button on it. The loop goes around the nut end of the headstock, under the strings, and after the nut. This is normally used on acoustic guitars, in my experience.

I simply attached the loop to the Talman bass as if it was an acoustic guitar -- looping it just beyond the nut under the strings.

This allowed me to balance the bass at the right point on my shoulder to get rid of the neck dive.

Thought I would share as neck dive is often a problem with certain instruments and a gripe that many bass players have when reviewing specific models.

 

[Watchootognbout]

 

[mcnach]

I tried that way, but I really don't like how the bass hangs.

I also tried grippy material straps... and all they did was pull my shirt until it looked like I was wrestling my bass, and probably losing.

I have an Epiphone EB0 with neckdive, but it was not terrible. Replaced the tuners with Hipshot ultralites and smaller clover handles, and no more neckdive. This worked because the neckdive was not huge and it's a short scale bass, I doubt it would work with a long scale EB3.

The only thing I found to work 100% was... let the bass go and get another without neckdive

 

[backin82]

The only thing I found to work 100% was... let the bass go and get another without neckdive

This is the best move. Fighting with an instrument isn't fun, and isn't that why most of us play music?

 

[Drifter8230]

I didn't even read the rest of the thread before I needed say that the time period from when I pressed "play" on the video to when I saw that man run his strap through his belt, was the highlight of my life. That was it.

Marriage, kids being born....nope...my life is complete now. Goodbye TalkBass, I've reached bass "nirvana"

 

[2saddleslab]

Lightweight tuners are the biggest help I've found. If that doesn't solve the ND time to look for another bass. YMMV.

 

[J Wilson]

The only cure for a neck- heavy bass ( . . . Sir! We're going down by the bow ! )
is a new bass.

And frankly, I really don't like that many builders, large and small, can't/won't do even the basics to insure they're not selling basses that balance well, and shame on us for accepting it.

There's no bigger PITA than a bass you have to hold up to play.

 

[Hillie]

I tried that way, but I really don't like how the bass hangs.

I also tried grippy material straps... and all they did was pull my shirt until it looked like I was wrestling my bass, and probably losing.

I have an Epiphone EB0 with neckdive, but it was not terrible. Replaced the tuners with Hipshot ultralites and smaller clover handles, and no more neckdive. This worked because the neckdive was not huge and it's a short scale bass, I doubt it would work with a long scale EB3.

The only thing I found to work 100% was... let the bass go and get another without neckdive

The issue with that particular bass is that the neck side strap mount is too close. This is where basses with long upper horns have a huge benefit, because the further towards the headstock the strap mount is, the more weight goes to the "pickup side", reducing the neck dive.

It can be a struggle though. I've started playing my basses more angled, moving a bit towards an upright position. It seems to make life easier too in that respect.

Otherwise, lightweight tuners and a wider grippy strap can help, although the latter can bring its own issues as mentioned by someone else here.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I wouldn't think to use that method on a bass, but now that I think about it, didn't some of the early Fender Precisions have a strap button on the back of the headstocks? I don't think I would like the feel and way it hangs by strapping it there.

Lightweight tuners are the best way to avoid neck dive, as is having the upper horn strap attachment point aligning with the 12th fret and having the bridge at the butt end of the body so there is not too much of a left arm stretch when the neck sticks out more (and more leverage for a heavy headstock to dive).

 

[Monkey]

I hate neck dive, so I have tried different options to get rid of it. The most effective one for me has been to add a short extension to the strap button. I replace the screw with a longer one and put some sort of sleeve on it before tightening down. I built the bass below and it had mild neck dive, so I added an extension. The sleeve is from a black ink pen. Problem solved.

 

[Zooberwerx]

If you're really clever, you could fabricate a Steinberger-esque hanger and attach via the rear-mounted neck screws. Definitely go the Hipshot Ultralite or Gotoh Res-o-lites first.

Riis

 

[jd56hawk]

 

[Pings Bass]

Denial, that's how a significant minority on here deal with it

Given that it's entirely possible to build basses that don't neck dive and don't look ridiculous or weigh too much, there is no reason to own a bass that neck dives.

 

[brianrost]

The ultimate solution:

 

[mambo4]

By far the best solution I have ever seen.
A regular old belt is cheaper than ultralight parts, specialized straps, or funky counterweights.

You could probably design or modify strap with a clever, unobtrusive belt hook mechanism too.

 

[stringthrough]

This is my unusual solution that I performed on a short-scale Epiphone EB3.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, glad you found something that works for you. Skip Batton with the Byrds used the cowboy strap method on his P Bass.

I did the same thing with an Epi T Bird that I owned, but it was more to access the lower register.

I've also put another strap button closer to the neck. I think some Spectors also come with two strap buttons.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Here's my solution to neck dive.

Most unconsciously(or consciously)compensate by lifting with the fretting hand and pushing down by the plucking arm.

Some don't realize they were doing it until they play a bass that doesn't have to be supported while fretting.
And are relieved.

The difference is like wiggling your fingers while holding a 5 lb barbell(Which causes extra forearm muscle tension)
And wiggling them without holding one.

Most want their fretting to be as effortless as can be.
Or so one would think.

 

[JIO]

This is my unusual solution that I performed on a short-scale Epiphone EB3.

View attachment 7257687

This method (minus bridge-post loop) works well for a T-bird...

 

[Makten]

I'll put this here again...
Move rear strap button to ~this location: