Neck dive is a common problem with certain electric guitars, where the headstock of the guitar tends to want to “dive” towards the floor when the guitar is held by the strap. This can make the guitar uncomfortable to play, especially for long periods of time.
There are two main factors that contribute to neck dive: the weight distribution of the guitar and the placement of the strap buttons.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a guitar is determined by the materials used in its construction, the size and shape of the body, and the placement of the hardware. Guitars with heavier headstocks (such as those with large tuners or tremolo systems) and lighter bodies are more prone to neck dive.
Strap button placement
The placement of the strap buttons also affects the weight distribution of the guitar. If the strap buttons are too close together, or if the one on the back of the guitar is too low, it can cause the guitar to neck dive.
How to balance your guitar
There are a number of things you can do to balance your guitar and reduce neck dive:
- Use a wider strap. A wider strap will distribute the weight of the guitar more evenly across your shoulder, making it less likely to neck dive.
- Move the strap buttons. If possible, move the strap button on the back of the guitar to a higher position. This will help to shift the center of gravity of the guitar towards the body.
- Add weight to the body. If the strap buttons cannot be moved, you can add weight to the body of the guitar to help balance it. This can be done by attaching a strap lock to the strap button on the back of the guitar and adding a small weight to it.
- Use lighter tuners. If your guitar has a heavy headstock, you can try replacing the tuners with lighter ones. This will help to reduce the overall weight of the headstock and make the guitar less likely to neck dive.
- Get a different guitar. If you have tried all of the above and your guitar is still neck diving, you may want to consider getting a different guitar. Some guitars are simply more prone to neck dive than others.
Here are some additional tips for balancing your guitar:
- Adjust the length of your strap. Make sure that your strap is adjusted to the correct length so that the guitar is hanging at a comfortable height. If the strap is too long, the guitar will hang too low and be more likely to neck dive.
- Hold the guitar properly. When you are playing your guitar, make sure that you are holding it properly. Your fretting hand should be placed on the neck and your strumming hand should be placed on the body. You should also be using your right arm to support the weight of the guitar.
- Use your body to balance the guitar. When you are playing your guitar, you can use your body to help balance it. For example, you can lean back slightly to shift the weight of the guitar towards your body.
If you are still having trouble balancing your guitar, you may want to take it to a luthier for professional assistance.
