Author Topic: New (to me) Spyder 8 (#4/25) (Read 313 times)

el8ed · « **on:** September 09, 2015, 01:33:52 PM »

Hello,
I just took delivery of my new (to me) Spyder 8-string bass - I can't express how excited I am to own this beautiful instrument. The former owner - a gentleman from Australia took exceptionally good care of the instrument - it looks and plays like brand new.

There is one little concern I have regarding the balance of the bass on the strap. The neck has a strong desire to point towards mother earth, which does dampen the pleasure when playing while standing just ever so slightly.

I had a similar situation just recently when I acquired another Explorer-inspired 8-string bass made by Dennis Fano. I resolved the problem there by relocating the neck-side strap button to a location closer to the neck and now it balances perfectly hands-off.

I was wondering if there was any great concern if I would add another strap button at the heel of the neck of my Spyder.

Thank you for your thoughts.
Cheers,
Oliver
(Austrian marooned in Texas)

tbrannon · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2015, 02:08:56 PM »

Beautiful looking Spyder!

Have you tried an extra wide, suede backed strap? I know there have been several others here who have had neck dive lessened somewhat or eliminated this way. Not sure it would work on a Spyder, though.

There are a few Spyder owners on here, so I suspect you'll get some feedback from them before too long.

keith_h · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2015, 02:17:15 PM »

While I don't own a Spyder from the ones I've played I have found it helps to keep the tail tucked under my right arm and my right forearm resting on the top. This acts as a counter balance to the neck. Another thing as Toby said is to use a wide strap with a suede back.

Keith

ajdover · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2015, 07:57:53 PM »

Try a Moody strap ... www.moodyleather.com. These are the only straps I use, and they work - 4 in width, suede on the back .. big help to deter neck dive.

ed_zeppelin · « **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2015, 11:57:16 PM »

I played with a KILLER guitarist who was 5'1 and played a custom Strat with a smaller body, but regular scale. So it was neck heavy.

His solution was really brilliant. He attached fishing line to his rear strap (under his guitar strap) and stood on it. Simple. He attached a postcard sized piece of wood to the end he stood on, but that was mostly so he could find it quickly in the stage lights. Nobody ever noticed it.

Eventually he replaced the fishing line with a thin strap, but I don't know why. Maybe the fishing line tangled too easily or something.

el8ed · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2015, 08:30:47 AM »

Thank you for all the suggestions. I do have a 4 Moody strap on order - maybe this will help a bit.

I'm still hoping to get advise from someone in the know about relocating the neck-side strap button.

-Oliver

ajdover · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2015, 08:02:32 PM »

Oliver - you'll find that the Moody works extremely well. They're the only straps I use now - very comfortable and they distribute the weight evenly. I even have one with an Alembic logo on it that I use exclusively with my Series II Entwistle Replica Spyder.

Alan