Author Topic: Back strap button position (Read 376 times)

roberto · « **on:** March 16, 2007, 10:40:59 AM »

Hi Guys!
Does anyone know the effect or whats going to happen if we move the back strap button towards the bass side or treble side.
Will it solve the neck dive problem of Persuaders?
If any body ever tried please let me kmow.
Thank you very much
Robert

bsee · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2007, 08:37:43 PM »

Robert-

Best thing to do for neck dive issues is get yourself a good quality 3-4 strap with a suede backing, or anything similar that will hold position on your shoulder.

I have an SC-style bass on which a previous owner tried what you propose. First, it's ugly. Second, it helps a very little bit, but not enough to really matter. The quality strap is a much better solution. Go too far around and you will put a lot of pressure on the screw threads and risk it pulling free. I put it back where it belongs.

If I didn't have a good strap, I'd probably tie a bunch of helium balloons to the headstock.

-Bob

jazzyvee · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2007, 12:41:11 AM »

I've just plain got used to the neck dive on the SC now so find myself just adjusting it as part of my playing method.

I did try the suede backed strap but found that it still dropped, somewhat less, I agree, but pulled my shirt too which became uncomfortable. lol

I now just use a plain wide leather strap with the rough side against my shirt and live with the slow dive.

There are some interesting threads on this very same subject as it comes up now and again. I'd do a search as you should find some workable solutions.

All the best Roberto

Jazzyvee

to_81_0190 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2007, 02:35:53 AM »

Hi Robert,

I think that to move back strap button a little won't affect to neck dive.

My solution to prevent neck dive is to find out a suitable position where my elbow holds upper body of the bass by adjusting strap length.

Choosing a appropriate strap is very important thing as stated avove.

Toshiaki

(Message edited by to 81 0190 on March 17, 2007)

jet_powers · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2007, 10:52:00 AM »

I have a Persuader and a wide leather strap and don't have any problem with neck dive even though the strap is worn smooth from years of use.

-JP

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2007, 10:59:35 AM »

Hey Jazzyvee, if the strap moves your shirt uncomfortably, there is an easy solution: Play naked! (It worked for the Chili Peppers).

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Bill, tgo

jazzyvee · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2007, 07:14:53 AM »

Hey now why didn't I think of that. Unfortunately I play the bass higher up that Flea and that would reveal a normally well hidden piece of Ebony which doesn't provide additional sustain for the bass. lol
Jazzyvee

Bradley Young · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2007, 09:06:48 AM »

Bill,

I thought about that for a little bit, and then decided it just didn't communicate the right vibe at church.

Picture people clutching their heads and screaming, my eyes, my EYES! Oh the Horror!

Bradley

terryc · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2007, 02:45:32 AM »

You could always do what fender did on their early P - basses and put it on the headstock then you would look really country & western cool!!

roberto · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2007, 11:57:38 PM »

Bob,Bradley,Jazzyvee,Bill,JP,Toshiaki ,all of you thank you for the inputs and suggestions.
You re right about the strap.I did use a quite comfortable leather strap with pad on the shoulder.
But the position isnt quite 1:30 but its almost 3 o'clock.
Also I was wandering whats the plus and minuses of moving the button,cause I saw that Smith,Status and some other basses had the button on the bass side.
Playing naked is a good idea but then you cant tell whether the girls are screaming for the solos or the body.
Robert

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2007, 12:01:43 AM »

Playing naked is a good idea but then you cant tell whether the girls are screaming for the solos or the body.

or AT the body! LOL

Bill, tgo

roberto · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2007, 12:16:06 AM »

Thanks Bill!
Roberto

adriaan · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2007, 02:37:05 AM »

Robert,

You mention I did use a quite comfortable leather strap with pad on the shoulder.

Is that a loose pad that you can slide along the strap, or is it in a fixed position? It needs to be fixed, otherwise it won't help much. Preferably, you should have a one-piece leather strap, with or without padding, that is wide enough by itself.

Also see if you can let your right elbow or forearm (or left, if you're lefthanded) rest against the top of body to keep it in balance. The Spoiler/Persuader shape is a lot wider than the average Fender clone, so the ergonomics should work out.

to_81_0190 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 22, 2007, 04:04:17 AM »

This is my position

It's very difficult to prevent neck dive perfectly. Then I'm using nylon or cotton (not so wide but thick enough) strap which has not too much strong friction. Because it's easier to set back when the neck dives than wide leather strap. I prefer to keep neck free than fix. If you have interest, it's worth to try.

Toshiaki

somatic · « **Reply #14 on:** March 22, 2007, 04:03:37 PM »

On my small bodied S1, I have both ends of the strap screwed into the neck strap pin hole. This balances the bass at about 1 o'clock where I like it and it feels a bit like my Steinberger when playing. The strap can't be removed but that's no big deal too me; an extra strap is trivial compared to the cost of the bass, so much so that I'm getting a local guy to make me a fixed length strap specifically for this application. The bass is also due for a refin, so I might see about getting a metal insert put in there too.