Neck Dive Solution

[75Ric]

Another solution you could try is to get an inexpensive acoustic guitar quick release strap (like the one linked below). Attach one end to your normal strap (instead of attaching to the upper horn) and loop the other end around the headstock, just above the nut. You are basically putting an extension on your normal strap and strapping on like an acoustic guitar. I found it works pretty well for neck dive problems.

D'Addario DGS15 Acoustic Quick Release System

 

[jastraw]

It can be as simple as this. All my 7 basses neck dive one form or another. Now zero of them does. No changes except for these.

Amazon.com: Strap Gummy - Prevent Strap Slips - The Original Non Slip Shoulder Strap Grip Strips - Set of 4 Black: Shoes

 

[Wasnex]

lighter tuners will definitely be a step in the right direction.

The general formula to calculate the torque T generated by a given force is the cross product of the force F and vector OP.

With your bass, OP is the length from the rotational center to the tuners. Although the tuners are relatively light, meaning they only exert a slight downward force, the neck is long which essentially multiplies the torque. Obviously you can't shorten the neck, but you can choose lighter tuners.


Another possible solution is an upper horn extension. Some people extend the strap button, and some fabricate a neck plate that mounts to the bass.

I have an Ric 4001 that originally had a bit of neck dive. One of the mods I did on the bass was to install a 2-Tek bridge, which is quite heavy. This corrected the neck dive, but it was an invasive and non-reversible mod. Obviously it also made a relative heavy bass even heavier.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

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.

Italia can make a 3" strap if you contact them. 4" is too wide for my preferences, 2.5" is ok, but 3" is ideal. Which reminds me I need to get another.

 

[Blackjac97]

Thank you

Especially if the bass only has a little neck dive. In some of the more hopeless cases, they help but not remedy, but if it's not too bad then they can solve it.

 

[Wasnex]

IMHO grippy straps and anchoring the bass to your pants may stop the neck dive, but it's likely to results in bunched up clothes or wedgies. My Ric used to twist my shirt or jacket around my neck. YMMV, but IMHO this is trading one problem for another.

 

[Matt O]

Install a hootenanny button and then run a piece of string from it to a headband if you're in a jam band or a dog collar if you're in a punk band.

Or try lighter tuners.

 

[Killing Floor]

Install a hootenanny button and then run a piece of string from it to a headband if you're in a jam band or a dog collar if you're in a punk band.

Or try lighter tuners.

This!!!

My new P has a hootenanny button! I think you could match your headband to the strap and be all set.

 

[Max Bogosity]

Another solution is a harness strap like those made by Slinger (Ergonomic guitar straps) and others. I got one because I can't tolerate much weight on my left shoulder anymore, but it also absolutely cures neck dive. Does look kind of goofy though.

 

[dmac1961]

Hipshots or Gotoh Resolites. The Yamaha tuners are heavy, they also have that adjustable collar for tensioning them that is a PITA! They are sweet basses though.

 

[BSatt]

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.View attachment 4341712

This. My suggestion is to get a wider strap before trying new hardware. If the strap doesn't fix the issue, then advance to step two - the hardware.

While not leather, I use and recommend...
Levy's Strap

Used on both my Warwick Thumb NT 5 string and Warmoth 5 string jazz. Never noticed neck dive.

 

[TOOL460002]

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

See and I was just going to suggest lead/concrete counter-weights and here you making all kinds of sense.

 

[Five String]

I suggest the upper horn extension. I got a set of straplocks, which stuck out more than regular strap buttons, then I got a slightly longer screw and inserted one extra non-straplock strap button between the bass and the straplock. It looked good, felt good, and while it did slightly change the way the bass hung on my shoulder, it was not noticeable and did not change the way I played the bass. You would be surprised at what a half or so inch will do to improve balance. And it is cheaper that new tuners.

 

[micguy]

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

Hipshot Ultralites are literally half the weight of standard steel tuners.

 

[2saddleslab]

lighter tuners will definitely be a step in the right direction.

View attachment 4341768

The general formula to calculate the torque T generated by a given force is the cross product of the force F and vector OP.

With your bass, OP is the length from the rotational center to the tuners. Although the tuners are relatively light, meaning they only exert a slight downward force, the neck is long which essentially multiplies the torque. Obviously you can't shorten the neck, but you can choose lighter tuners.


Another possible solution is an upper horn extension. Some people extend the strap button, and some fabricate a neck plate that mounts to the bass.

View attachment 4341773View attachment 4341774

I have an Ric 4001 that originally had a bit of neck dive. One of the mods I did on the bass was to install a 2-Tek bridge, which is quite heavy. This corrected the neck dive, but it was an invasive and non-reversible mod. Obviously it also made a relative heavy bass even heavier.

The right pic is the ASE [ASAT Strap Extension] I had fabricated about 15 years ago. I had 7 made for my ASAT collection and sold about 15 to others around the world. Due to the lack of a top horn, the ASE did a great job allowing an ASAT to hang like any other bass [w/ a top horn].

In my experience, all a wider strap does is transfer the issue to your shirt. It does nothing for an unbalanced bass. You need to reduce weight [light weight tuners] or change the center of gravity.

Per the previous strap lock suggestion, I've added 1/2" nylon strap button extender [painted black] which brings the strap out to the 12th fret. Every little bit helps.

 

[Vitrius Humor]

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!

Part of the tone is the tuners and bridge on those basses. I had a BB800 and it did weight a bit and had a little neck dive, but the wider strap with the unfinished underside worked. Still have that strap (first leather one I ever bought)

 

[PaulTreff]

There is a funny solution:

 

[Bartrinsic]

Kliq strap, silicone band and plastic clip--requires a belt loop. It's an inconvenience, but the bass is fixed in place which frees up hands and arms and allows for all manner of movement--plus its a secondary retention.

 

[sears]

What I'm talking about isn't a mod, just an ignorant question. If moving the strap button out past the horn, or extending the horn helps, and I know it does...

then what about, once again from a design and not modding standpoint, moving the other strap button a couple of inches somewhere within the body? In theory, if it could be done comfortably, would putting it there make the problem better or worse? Then you have to figure out how to recess the strap button so it's not poking you, which is impossible in a 1.75" thick body, but I was just wondering. A clip like in men's trousers.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

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.

As an Italian myself it sounds like the way to go