• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Neck Dive...Really?

#202
joebar said:
As long as your bass weighs 9 pounds or so, you likely won't have it
Click to expand...

It's not the absolute weight. Fenders can have problems when the body is light, because the tuners are so darn heavy. I have a P (I made it, not Fender) that's 7.05 pounds, and you can let go of the neck, and it stays put. A roasted maple neck ( a bit lighter than standard maple), and Hipshot ultralite tuners can get you well below 9 pounds without neck dive. My J is a bit under 7.5 pounds, and it's just fine, as well.
 
#203
fhm555 said:
I guess my thing is why seek a solution for a nonexistent (for me) problem?

I would imagine the simplest approach would be to move the rear strap button up to adjust the balance point toward the bridge, but having no need to try this i have no idea if it would work.
Click to expand...
Naturally a solution is for people who do have the problem.
Some of them simply don't want to alter their bass in any way.
That's why certain strap mods can help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: superheavyfunk
#204
IMG_20190903_153141542.jpg
I own a Chowny SWB1. It doesn't neck dive at all. The upper horn is only at the 17 the fret but the strap button is so positioned it doesn't just hold the bass, it lifts it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PWRL and Goatrope
#207
Every bass I’ve owned has done this. Most of it is my own fault, i.e. playing really low, thin straps, etc.
I add weight to my straps at the bottom to counterbalance. One time I filled the pick guard cavity with melted lead fishing lures. The bass was HEAVY, but one perk was it got rid of any and all humming and noise.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Killed_by_Death
#210
If youhave a squier affinity bass body (consideribly light and a little thinner) w/ big a** old school tuners, you'll experience some neck dive even on a fender type instrument. Talking from experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fhm555
#211
MYLOWFREQ said:
If youhave a squier affinity bass body (consideribly light and a little thinner) w/ big a** old school tuners, you'll experience some neck dive even on a fender type instrument. Talking from experience.
Click to expand...
I've got a dinky Jazz body with a 22 fret neck and Schaller machine heads, and no neck dive on a 2" nylon chea pass strap.
 
#212
I have experienced neck dive, but never on a Fender. I did own a couple Squier VMP5’s that had it pretty bad, but I think that was more a result of the body woods being a little too light for the necks they were mated to. I’ve owned well over a couple dozen Fenders across all lines and not a single one had it, which is why I’m also surprised when I hear about it. In fact, it’s one of the qualities of consistency that keeps me coming back to them. Neck dive would be a deal breaker for me.
 
#214
Ostie said:
Never been an issue for me. I used to own a T40 and a Victory Artist, but it was almost 40 years ago and I can’t remember if they were divers. I just remember that they were boat anchors.
Click to expand...
Former member of the T40 club as well, but I was young and in great shape so it was never an issue for me. I did however not mind even a tiny bit when I got my first DynaBass. :D
 
#215
My '67 Gibson EB-2 has a horrendous case - a whole night with it is exhausting (though I didn't notice it in my teens). Still, it has such a unique sound that I keep it around. I've used it for a few studio sessions where I can sit down with it. It brings the thunder like no other!
 
#217
WI Short Scaler said:
This would be the issue with my Musicmasters. But it's my only complaint and I remedied it greatly by putting a shoulder gel pad on the strap, keeps it in place far better on my shoulder.
Click to expand...

A much better remedy is lighter tuners. Yes, it costs money, but in my opinion, it's well worth it. Standing on stage with a lighter bass that's just hanging there (not tugging at one shoulder) is part of getting in the "zone" for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: WI Short Scaler
#218
hrodbert696 said:
Just wear a sandpaper jacket. Holds the strap nice and firm right where you put it.

EDIT: make sure it's made with the rough side facing OUT. Very important.
Click to expand...

Yes, I realize that your post is very old, but I think you should know that it still made me spit coffee all over my slippery polyester shirt which is now soaking in my kitchen sink. Luckily I got it soaking right away, so it should be fine, but if not, I'm holding you responsible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fhm555, bdplaid and hrodbert696
#219
3:16 real telecaster shape fretless 5. Best fretless I've ever owned. Best neck. It's a dive pro. The neck on this bass suits up every morning with scuba gear and wetsuit.

Michael, the builder, has a trick for neckdive. He puts a bag of ball bearings in the control cavity.
Ask me how that went during initial shipping...
He rebuilt the newly built bass free of course.
After the shipping/ball bearing fiasco I've never been able to look at a ball bearing again. Besides, Thor is at my weight limit before the ball bearings.
10.5 lbs.
Did I mention it's the best fretless neck of all time?
Some things we put up with for reasons.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back