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Who doesn’t mind neck dive?
- Thread starter Warpeg
- Start date
IMHO, any bass with neck dive was not designed correctly. As long as the upper horn is around the 12th fret, there should be no neck dive 99% of the time.
I can’t say I don’t mind it, just that I’m willing to put up with it if it’s a Jazz bass. It’s always a relief to play the non-divers when I don’t need a jazz bass.
Basvarken
Commercial User
- Dec 3, 2010
- 1,744
- 10,609
- Disclosures
- Hobby Luthier / Gibson Bass Book
As a bass player I have never had a problem with a little neck dive.
But as a luthier I really make sure my builds do not suffer neck dive.
Simple because I know lots of players do have a problem with it.
But as a luthier I really make sure my builds do not suffer neck dive.
Simple because I know lots of players do have a problem with it.
My Tony Franklin does a little bit when I’m standing, but does not cause any problems. I don’t feel any when I’m sitting. But in the past, I had two other basses with ND even worse but that’s not what bothered me about them.
I don’t believe neck dive is a real thing, or at least not as real as the internet makes it out to be. It’s right up there with tonewoods and dead spots.
Before I was active on TB, in had never heard of it, let alone worried about it.
It is one of those problems that only arises when it is pointed out to you.
Before I had a mirror, I would never have known I was ugly.
Same here. It’s just never crossed my mind.
Same with bass weight; I’m selling a Lakland and I got questions specifically about that. I actually prefer a more substantial bass so “too heavy” isn’t a factor either
Neck dive is subjectively awful from an ergonomic and technique standpoint.
Like dead spots, we argue over degrees of perceived existence, as if any one example were everyone’s reality.
Fun to read, though.
Nope. Neck dive forces your body to compensate with the left arm, leading to reduced dexterity, limiting your playing ability. Hence, objectively awful. Any enjoyment derived from neck dive is a coping mechanism.
Many have unknowingly(or knowingly) compensated for years by pushing down with the plucking arm and lifting with the fretting.
And don't know it until they play a bass that doesn't dive and are relieved at the relative ease of playing.
Like running with a weight on your back for years and then having it removed.
Edit: Why do so many who aren't bothered by neck dive post pics of themselves with their hands holding the bass?
Let it go!
Post a pic while not holding the bass.
And don't know it until they play a bass that doesn't dive and are relieved at the relative ease of playing.
Like running with a weight on your back for years and then having it removed.
Edit: Why do so many who aren't bothered by neck dive post pics of themselves with their hands holding the bass?
Let it go!
Post a pic while not holding the bass.
Last edited:
Basvarken
Commercial User
- Dec 3, 2010
- 1,744
- 10,609
- Disclosures
- Hobby Luthier / Gibson Bass Book
I' not even gonna read thru the 4 pages of replies. I'll just say, it has never bothered me. I have owned Warlocks, Mockingbirds, Thunderbirds and an Ibanez Destroyer for decades, none of them bothered me.
I can’t stand it. I don’t even like when my bass is “perfectly” balanced, I.e. rests in a horizontal line when hung by the strap. I like my basses to hold themselves up at a 30ish° angle.
It’s shame, because a lot of the designs that are inherently neck-divey are the coolest looking ones IMO. (Cough*Gibson*Cough)
It’s shame, because a lot of the designs that are inherently neck-divey are the coolest looking ones IMO. (Cough*Gibson*Cough)
