Neck Dive Solution

[MycooLeeyun]

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)

Yeah, the tuners are so bad ass I don't want to change them

 

[MycooLeeyun]

These tuners are no joke, I think they're so cool.

I'm going to try a new strap first and worst case scenario I will change tuners.

 

[lug]

I just added a 1.2 lb. scuba weight to the back end of my strap but the bass in question is less than 8 lbs. so this may not work for you.

 

[HaphAsSard]

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.

^ This. It is the other way to skin the cat, it has been done (it is an option offered by Dingwall), it totally works:

Mod and picture by @jpmcbride.

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

That means you're way more Italian than them: Italia is a British brand, with products made in the Far East.

 

[Killing Floor]

^ This. It is the other way to skin the cat, it has been done (it is an option offered by Dingwall), it totally works:
View attachment 4342421
Mod and picture by @jpmcbride.


That means you're way more Italian than them: Italia is a British brand, with products made in the Far East.

I'm not Italian. But their straps smell great! No affiliation. But man, opening that package is the best scent! Is that weird?

 

[Ric Vice]

Way back in the 80's I bought one of the McIntosh Duo Straps that have a strap for both shoulders. I've never looked back, I use the
Gruv Gear Duo strap now, but I still have the McIntosh as a backup. Just my take however.

 

[dr doofie]

What lug said in #43 was the angle I took as far as the physics goes
I attached a barbell threader to the very end of my strap with a bolt and washer and nut… I just punched it through the suede of the strap. It adds a little weight to the extreme opposite end where you need it the most
(I would put in a picture if I was home)
I've done it to all my straps
It's virtually unnoticeable and you don't have to change your playing style at all

 

[dr doofie]

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.

If you do both you'll be so dive-free you can raise your hands in the air and do that clappy thing people do during drum breakdowns

 

[dr doofie]

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

You might get a slightly higher percentage the further you move away from the instrument
So the G string tuner removed would create greater neck dive relief

 

[MultiScaleMale]

You might get a slightly higher percentage the further you move away from the instrument
So the G string tuner removed would create greater neck dive relief

Correct. It's an approximation, but can get you in the ballpark. Actual difference would depend on the lightweight tuners used. Someone joked about using helium balloons. Two helium balloons can lift about one ounce. An average bass tuner weighs ~ 60g, so attaching about 5 helium balloons to the headstock would be about the same as removing a tuner. If you have 5 standard helium balloons lofting in your living room for whatever reason.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

That means you're way more Italian than them: Italia is a British brand, with products made in the Far East.

Just so this doesn't cause confusion, Italia straps are made in the US in California.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Just so this doesn't cause confusion, Italia straps are made in the US in California.

I gladly stand corrected: I thought they were the same folks as Italia Guitars!

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

If you're willing to spend the money, YES, swapping for ultralight tuners will definitely help you. I'll also add that using a wide strap with a grippy back will help even further. A 4" Italia strap really helped me control the neck dive of a Guild B302.

 

[LowEndLobster]

I can only speak to Hipshot ultralites, but swapping out the stock Sire tuners on my V5, V7, and P10 reduced the weight on the headstock by about 1/4 lb which is VERY significant. Neck dive dramatically reduced or eliminated. Highly recommend the upgrade, and the stock tuners will cover the additional hole drilled if you decide to go back to stock.

 

[Marc valero]

I can only speak to Hipshot ultralites, but swapping out the stock Sire tuners on my V5, V7, and P10 reduced the weight on the headstock by about 1/4 lb which is VERY significant. Neck dive dramatically reduced or eliminated. Highly recommend the upgrade, and the stock tuners will cover the additional hole drilled if you decide to go back to stock.

I have a V7 I got about 2 months ago, which size ultra lights did you use and did you have to do the painters tape thing that video shows?

 

[LowEndLobster]

I have a V7 I got about 2 months ago, which size ultra lights did you use and did you have to do the painters tape thing that video shows?

Great question. I got the 1/2" Licensed Ultralites which do require the painters tape (but work great). The USA 1/2" Ultralites should be a drop in with no tape needed, though I have not tried myself to confirm.

 

[lug]

What lug said in #43 was the angle I took as far as the physics goes
I attached a barbell threader to the very end of my strap with a bolt and washer and nut… I just punched it through the suede of the strap. It adds a little weight to the extreme opposite end where you need it the most
(I would put in a picture if I was home)
I've done it to all my straps
It's virtually unnoticeable and you don't have to change your playing style at all

Here is my temp solution.....

 

[Marc valero]

Great question. I got the 1/2" Licensed Ultralites which do require the painters tape (but work great). The USA 1/2" Ultralites should be a drop in with no tape needed, though I have not tried myself to confirm.

Thanks, I was thinking of getting the USA ultralights. I really like the bass, sounds great, but on the heavy side, plus neck dive. I have a padded strap but also fashioned another pad from a slip on spongy knee brace. Inside the brace I put a couple of foldable spongy cooly can holders.

 

[dr doofie]

Here is my temp solution.....

View attachment 4342813

I found this to work

 

[dr doofie]

Correct. It's an approximation, but can get you in the ballpark. Actual difference would depend on the lightweight tuners used. Someone joked about using helium balloons. Two helium balloons can lift about one ounce. An average bass tuner weighs ~ 60g, so attaching about 5 helium balloons to the headstock would be about the same as removing a tuner. If you have 5 standard helium balloons lofting in your living room for whatever reason.

You never know what people have around the house