Neck Dive Solution

[MycooLeeyun]

Hi there,

I have a vintage 1982 Yamaha BB2000 all original and it freaking smokes!

I just started playing in a band and I definitely want to use this bass over my g&l jb-2 as it just has such an organic, deep, rich tone running through my Shuttlemax 9.2 and Berg HD112.

However, this yamaha bass is a beast (it isn't light), and it tends to have slight neck dive.

I'm wondering if replacing the tuners helps to solve this type of issue (the original tuners are hefty looking) or if there is a good strap you would recommend that would make playing this bass while standing enjoyable.

I appreciate any advice!

 

[jd56hawk]

No hassle solution...golfer's tape and a seatbelt cushion.

 

[TDR1138]

I picked up a used bass where the prior owner had lined the entire electronics cavity with 1/4 oz weights - about 4.5 oz worth. I took them out, noticed a little neck dive had suddenly appeared, but not worth putting them back in, IMO. I'm not super concerned with a bass' weight, but I don't really want to add weight when I don't have to. So yeah, I'd start with lighter tuners, though I'd be surprised if you find anything that doesn't require a little work to get them to fit.

I have a few basses that will point down. I just never take both hands of the instrument at the same time.

 

[rpt50]

It may be as simple as buying a wide $20 leather strap off of Amazon. The cheaper straps will have an unfinished underside that provides enough friction to prevent neck dive. I put one of the straps on my G&L when I first got it. I never even knew that bass had neck dive until I tried to replace the strap with a nice smooth leather one. Instant neck dive!

 

[2saddleslab]

Yes, light weight tuners will help.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

Yes, light weight tuners will help.

Thank you

 

[2saddleslab]

Thank you

While it cost a few $$, it's by far the most effective against neck dive.

 

[Warpeg]

Half joking (but half serious) - You could always tie a few dozen helium-filled balloons to the headstock.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Lighter tuners might help, haven't done that myself so can't say.

My two Musicmasters both had neck dive issues. After cervical spine surgery I was looking for a wider and well padded strap to increase comfort and relieve pressure. This strap also had the unintended result of curing neck dive for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathe...ords=levys+padded+strap&qid=1626888327&sr=8-4

 

[WillyW]

Cradle the neck in the crook of your arm while you play tambourine over your head.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

Lighter tuners might help, haven't done that myself so can't say.

My two Musicmasters both had neck dive issues. After cervical spine surgery I was looking for a wider and well padded strap to increase comfort and relieve pressure. This strap also had the unintended result of curing neck dive for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathe...ords=levys+padded+strap&qid=1626888327&sr=8-4

Thank you for the recommendation!

 

[Nuage420]

Wide suede or leather straps. 3" at least. They grip and don't slip, they disburse the weight and they really give your over all look a boost.

 

[micguy]

If you have steel tuners and slight neck dive, a set of Hipshot Ultralites (get the USA version, they're better and lighter) will fix you right up. Yes, there are things like grippier straps that help some, but they don't go at the the real cause, which is that you bass is unbalanced. Lightening the headstock with lighter tuners acts directly on the issue, without adding weight. The other rational solution is more weight on the body - a heavier bridge or the like, but more weight is not always welcome - certainly I don't welcome that solution.

 

[groooooove]

lighter tuners and a big thick strap can make it a little better.

for me, it's all about that upper horn / strap button placement.

if that's off, it's just going to be a part of the bass unfortunately.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

Some great replies, thank you! Sounds like new tuners (I'll save the 1982 originals) and a good strap should do the trick.

 

[Grinderman]

All my basses have Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners and wide leather straps. What's neck dive?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Remove one tuner and see if there is still neck dive. 25% is about what you might expect from using lighter tuners.

 

[Bassamatic]

Saw a video where the guy ran his strap through his belt before hooking to the lower button. No movement at all!
I find the wide straps tend to pull on my clothes, looking a bit sloppy.

 

[Max Bogosity]

The other really cheap and easy solution is to run the strap through your belt. If the body can't rise, the next can't dive. It will put more weight on your shoulder, though, which you may or may not want to deal with.

 

[Killing Floor]

I use Italia Leather Straps, the suede backing is plenty. I have a 4" but I prefer the 2.5" sizes so I use those most often. I have a Fender P with a solid rosewood neck, it dives but it isn't "slight" like you describe. It's head to the floor unless I have a good strap. Sounds so good I just live with it. Suede backed strap is more than enough.
They are very well made and they have great customer service. Just saying.