callen3615 Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 Hey guys, I wanted some input from some fellow SG players. I own a 1971 Gibson SG standard, I just spent 300 bucks getting it re fretted. I havent been able to play it for about 3-4 months now and i have been playing my two strats and my les paul. Well after getting it back I cant help being overwhelmed from the neck dive tendency of this guitar. I use a strap that is rough on both sides to prevent sliding but I cant help from getting frustrated trying to play it. Its not just the neck dive, because of the placement of the strap button the guitar constantly wants to flip over and face the ground. It is extremely frustrating when Im trying to play and sing. Last night at band practice I threw it back in its case and grabbed one of the bassist's les pauls. Ive just gotten used to being able the let go of the neck and it not trying to do somersaults. Its pretty much impossible to change chords accurately because the neck spins in my hand when I go to change chords. Am I the only one that is annoyed by this??? I am tempted to move the strap button to just behind the top horn. The guitar is not all original so its worth nothing. I love to play it sitting, but standing up pisses me off to no end. Im at the point of putting it on fleabay, but I love the fact that it is very old and looks very vintagy. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nasticanasta Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 out of all the SG's I have ever played, this has never happened unless I lean forward....and even then it just tips. I would suggest a better strap...no offense but what you describe with your strap makes no sense as it is not detailed enough. Post pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
callen3615 Posted September 20, 2011 Author Share Posted September 20, 2011 Its a suede strap. I am also using strap locks, Im not sure if it contributes to the balance issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nasticanasta Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 It does!.. I used to use strap locks.. the dunlops with the ball bearings. Also it holds the strap out further from the body which contributes to that "somersault" effect you mentioned, I would remove them. One day on my beloved rare Trevor Rabin Signature Series it actually slipped out and crunched the tip of the Jackson style headstock. I got rid of all of them off my guitars the very next day.. sold them all on eBay. I guess I thought I was smart, I went right back to my old way.. that's a plastic washer. The best system ever! Here's a pic....ya I know it's not "stylish" and ya don't take it off so every guitar I have has a strap, but it works and that's all I care about! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
callen3615 Posted September 20, 2011 Author Share Posted September 20, 2011 Yeah, I think I will remove the front strap lock and replace it with a generic button and dunlop system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dallastx Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 The older S Gs did that. The neck joint has been changed. The button on the horn may be an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SG Jones Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Hey guys, I wanted some input from some fellow SG players. I own a 1971 Gibson SG standard, I just spent 300 bucks getting it re fretted. I havent been able to play it for about 3-4 months now and i have been playing my two strats and my les paul. Well after getting it back I cant help being overwhelmed from the neck dive tendency of this guitar. I use a strap that is rough on both sides to prevent sliding but I cant help from getting frustrated trying to play it. Its not just the neck dive, because of the placement of the strap button the guitar constantly wants to flip over and face the ground. It is extremely frustrating when Im trying to play and sing. Last night at band practice I threw it back in its case and grabbed one of the bassist's les pauls. Ive just gotten used to being able the let go of the neck and it not trying to do somersaults. Its pretty much impossible to change chords accurately because the neck spins in my hand when I go to change chords. Am I the only one that is annoyed by this??? I am tempted to move the strap button to just behind the top horn. The guitar is not all original so its worth nothing. I love to play it sitting, but standing up pisses me off to no end. Im at the point of putting it on fleabay, but I love the fact that it is very old and looks very vintagy. Any suggestions? Try lighter tuners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
callen3615 Posted September 21, 2011 Author Share Posted September 21, 2011 I think the only way to rid it of all neck dive is to counter balance it somehow. Either by a weight in the control cavity, end of guitar strap or under rear strap button. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOL! Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 I think the only way to rid it of all neck dive is to counter balance it somehow. A Bigsby is one option. I do understand what you are talking about, but I have yet to experience it to the level you describe and I own two SGs (Special Ltd and a Classic). One strap lock option that is easy and cheap are these DUNLOP PLASTIC STRAPLOCKS I also had my wife sew a strip of corduroy on the inside of my straps. That helped a lot with keeping the strap in place, but the problem was more the strap material, surplus seat belt, being slippery than neck dive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
callen3615 Posted September 21, 2011 Author Share Posted September 21, 2011 Fixed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lungimsam Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 I would put a Maestro vibrato on it and see if that counter balances it. Looks good too. I heard about someone putting fishing weights in the control cavity too. Nice walnut finish on your SG. I'd love to have one in that color. Here is mine with the Maestro on it: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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