Waters' positioning above is perfect. This is also the position I'd recommend to a beginner because I find that my wrist strains when the bass is horizontal and is more difficult to move up and down the fret board. I also play upright bass, so it's more natural for me to have the headstock level with my head.
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Speaking of neck dive...
- Thread starter u84six
- Start date
I really don't think I need to modify any of my basses since I see other bassists (see picture above) having no problem when using a fairly standard bass and standard strap. So it's probably the way I'm configuring my strap. I just don't know what it is. There's 2 holes, one for each end. haha
For a few bucks more than a good strap you can change your tuners to Hipshot Ultralites or Gotoh Res-O-Lites that will physically reduce the leverage that causes neck dive rather than masking it with the friction of a sticky strap.
If it's a Fender style bass I've found the simple addition of Dunlop dual design strap locks REALLY helps. That extra inch sticking out the upper horn seems to make all the difference for me. I move my basses about to accomplish different techniques so a "grabby" strap doesn't work at all for me. I just end up with a bunched up shirt.
As always YMMV....
As always YMMV....
I'm just assuming because they look so relaxed. But since you asked me the question, is that what you do all night while you play? Or do you prefer horizontal?
Interesting. I've never used strap locks. I've seen too many basses come unlocked and fall on the floor. I just never wanted to take the chance of losing it while I play.
BassHappy
Supporting Member
Hello
I can appreciate the general "strap" problem. I have 15 basses and I don't need an adjustable strap, but a fixed length one. I also need a strap wide enough to take the stress off the shoulder as much as possible - but still stay put and look great the whole time. I think Gibson was on to something with their "memory foam" stuffed ones, but they didn't carry it all the way and offer one in a fixed length. I appreciate the problems, as a retailer you would have to stock dozens of lengths to satisfy us, the discerning players.
I have had custom leather shops make a dozen straps for me over the years, but not any as perfect as these, and he makes adjustable straps as well as fixed lengths at a reasonable price:
You can see a variety of his fine work here,
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
or simply click here to see even more of his fine work on his own site:
http://www.brookwoodleather.com/
Keep truckin and pluckin
BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
I can appreciate the general "strap" problem. I have 15 basses and I don't need an adjustable strap, but a fixed length one. I also need a strap wide enough to take the stress off the shoulder as much as possible - but still stay put and look great the whole time. I think Gibson was on to something with their "memory foam" stuffed ones, but they didn't carry it all the way and offer one in a fixed length. I appreciate the problems, as a retailer you would have to stock dozens of lengths to satisfy us, the discerning players.
I have had custom leather shops make a dozen straps for me over the years, but not any as perfect as these, and he makes adjustable straps as well as fixed lengths at a reasonable price:
You can see a variety of his fine work here,
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
or simply click here to see even more of his fine work on his own site:
http://www.brookwoodleather.com/
Keep truckin and pluckin
BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
Hello
I can appreciate the general "strap" problem. I have 15 basses and I don't need an adjustable strap, but a fixed length one. I also need a strap wide enough to take the stress off the shoulder as much as possible - but still stay put and look great the whole time. I think Gibson was on to something with their "memory foam" stuffed ones, but they didn't carry it all the way and offer one in a fixed length. I appreciate the problems, as a retailer you would have to stock dozens of lengths to satisfy us, the discerning players.
I have had custom leather shops make a dozen straps for me over the years, but not any as perfect as these:
Or, click here to see more of his work:
http://www.brookwoodleather.com/
Keep truckin and pluckin
BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
Hmm, I don't see much difference between a sweet looking leather strap and a cheap one other than its appearance. I'd most likely have the same problem. I'm definitely starting to lean towards a strap with some grip. But these are very nice looking.
BassHappy
Supporting Member
The nice thing is in the backing - it is two ply so you have a choice of material which GRIPS the shoulder as you see fit.
Also the width - customizable of course - which distributes the weight in a much friendlier manner.
BassHappy
Also the width - customizable of course - which distributes the weight in a much friendlier manner.
BassHappy
I guess like you. I like wearing my bass guitars high, with the headstock almost level with my head as well.
I prefer to use leather straps with the suede underside. It doesn't cure neck dive, but it keeps the bass guitar from pointing straight at the ground. When I first started out I used those nylon ernie ball straps and my bass guitars would be flying all over the place...especially the neck dive prone ones.
Suede straps definitely helped. I'm planning on maybe doing that upper strap button mod thing to both my 6ers.
Interesting. I would have to disagree. Water's bass is hanging pretty low.
After messing around for a few years, I find the best position is to adjust strap length while sitting down. That way your bass is in the same position while you're standing. I will sometimes drop it down slightly but not much. My bass isn't horizontal, it's still at an angle with headstock higher. I have 2 MIA PBasses, MIA Jazz and SR5, all 8.5 - 9.2 lbs. I've never had a serious problem with neck dive with any of them or wrist strain.
I had never really thought about this but is it possible that neck dive is more pronounced if the bass is hanging lower? Maybe cause the strap is longer and therefore there's a longer range of possible movement of the bass and something about weight and distance? OK somebody with better physics skills (or memory) than mine should respond.
For straps, the Neotechs and ComfortStrapps are great and may help some but won't eliminate neck dive. Try shortening strap though. Curious if it will help.
As someone else mentioned, I find my Comfort Strapp neoprene strap really helps the bass stay put and reduces neck dive.
www.comfortstrapp.com
www.comfortstrapp.com
Do you usually play sitting down? I find that when I'm sitting I can't the angle I like (as when I angle it, the. rounded edge if the body slides on my legs until its horizontal again). So I set the strap to the height it would be at while sitting and then just play standing up... haven't neck dive problems since.
Just messing with this a bit at home. With bass on a strap adjusting for sitting position, bass pretty much stays put. When I lengthen it out the neck starts to dive a bit more. Some of this may be also due to the fact that when the bass is higher, it's closer to your body so there's less movement. Also, the aptly named belly cut helps keep it in place. Interesting...
I use Levi's straps and I did make some difference when I was playing warwick thumb basses which are known for neck dive. Now I play a conklin and the upper horn goes way out like above the 11th fret and even with it being a huge 7 string neck it doesn't have neck dive issues.
