| Author | Message | ||
| texangerbil
Junior Username: texangerbil Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2007 |
Recently acquired a 5-string Persuader which I'm loving played sitting down, but I find when I put it on a strap it's definitely neck-heavy. It's the first unbalanced instrument I've played and it's messing with my head - not to mention my shoulder. Has anyone come up with ways of improving the balance? Lightweight tuners? Ballast on the tailpiece (I've read about hidden brass mass loading under the tailpiece for extra sustain - maybe that would solve things)? Velcro on the strap?? Maybe I should go for an Exploiter after all.... | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5200 Registered: 6-2000 |
A W-I-D-E strap may help. The ones in our online store are 4 inches wide and have a pigsuede underside so there is a little "grip" to the strap. You can improve it slightly with lighter weight tuners, since they are way out on the end of the peghead. Skip the idea of ballast - you have to add so much to make an impact that you really can't enjoy playing the bass anymore. The balance is all about the length of the upper horn. The closer it is to the twelfth fret, the better the balance. The Persuader uses a Spoiler body shape, which was originally designed as a 4-string medium scale bass. If we add another tuning key, a wider neck and a longer scale length, the shape is not performing at its best. So you can try a different strap and lighter tuning keys, but if the shape just isn't suited to you, then you should probably consider a different shape. Note that some people play long scale Persuader 5-strings and are completely comfortable with the balance. Exploiter body shapes balance extremely well. Other well-balanced shapes are: Rogue, Europa, Essence, and Balance K (hey - Balance is its first name). You would probably want to stay away from the short scale Stanley Clarke models too based on your experience with the Persuader. | ||
| texangerbil
Junior Username: texangerbil Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks Mica. I'm used to playing Rickenbackers which are very well balanced. I happen to love the Spoiler shape, and this particular instrument has a gorgeous top in what looks like burl walnut. I'll try the fat strap, which is definitely the easiest option. I was considering changing the tuners for gold finish anyway to match the brass. Since the current set don't sport the Alembic A I don't feel like I'd be compromising the integrity of the instrument. Does anyone have suggestions for replacement lightweight tuners? I presume Hipshot must do something that would fit the bill? I'm attempting to attach a photo of my current set (first try at uploading...)  | ||
| texangerbil
Junior Username: texangerbil Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2007 |
Sudden panic - are standard Alembic tuners 3/8" or 1/2" post? Hipshot ultralites come in both sizes and I'm not sure how to measure... | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5238 Registered: 6-2000 |
The tuners appear to be Gotoh on your bass. When you order from Hipshot, just let them know you are replacing Gotoh bass tuners and you'll get exactly the size you need. | ||
| denis
New Username: denis Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hi, I had a balance problem with my Epic 5. I solved it by using a Y strap. I bought a cheap planet waves for 12$ and it helped a lot. This strap goes over your two shoulders and it balances the weight. | ||
| texangerbil
Junior Username: texangerbil Post Number: 22 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hmm, thanks Denis, interesting idea, I'll look into that. I have to admit I like the sound of a $12 strap better than a $150 Alembic one (or a $125 set of ultralites) even if it doesn't have the same kudos! | ||
| texangerbil
Junior Username: texangerbil Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2007 |
I finally got hold of a Planet Waves Dare Y-strap, and I can report that it does help control the dive a little, and spreading the weight of such a heavy guitar across both shoulders helps too. It also changes the sit of the guitar relative to the player's body - it sits more round to the right. | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 338 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hi Nigel, I can attest to the Alembic strap doing a great job. The pigsuede underside really grabs and when you position the bass it stays put! I have a 6 string Europa which has a good balance to begin with - however - the WIDE strap also helps distribute the weight so it's not so gainly. A BIG plus! Kris (Message edited by keurosix on July 01, 2008) |
