Neck dive on Epi Thunderbird Pro IV

[fusdepilee]

Hey all,

I have recently come into possession of a rather gorgeous Epi Thunderbird Pro - unfortunately it appears to be suffering from the dreaded T-Bird neck dive.

I had the older model T-Bird and that was easy enough to move the front strap holder to the joint between neck and body as there was a small flat area there.

Problem is, the new T-Bird Pro is a neck-through and has a smooth, curved area (much like a Ken doll) so I'm not sure its going to be possible to move the strap holder under the neck?

Has anyone done this or have any advice?

Cheers all!

[bassmachine2112]

I drilled a pilot hole and screwed the strap button in,also moved the rear button up a bit as well

[Lozz196]

Yep, moving the rear button changes the centre of gravity on the bass quite nicely. Only needs to be moved an inch or so.

[fusdepilee]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1406490592' post='2511930']
Yep, moving the rear button changes the centre of gravity on the bass quite nicely. Only needs to be moved an inch or so.
[/quote]

So can you just change the rear button or do you still need to do both?

[Muzz]

If you Google the T-Bird Pro V, the strap button on that is at the back, where the neck plate would be if it had one...

[fusdepilee]

[quote name='Muzz' timestamp='1406549878' post='2512304']
If you Google the T-Bird Pro V, the strap button on that is at the back, where the neck plate would be if it had one...
[/quote]

Great stuff, so looks like the fix is just sticking the button on the back - should make things a little easier!

[bassmachine2112]

Remember to drill pilot hole first

[Lozz196]

[quote name='jeweytheroux' timestamp='1406547114' post='2512263']
So can you just change the rear button or do you still need to do both?
[/quote]

Doing both is probably best but moving the rear button is probably easier.

[bassmachine2112]

A good grippy suede leather on the inside of the strap helps as well.
It,s worth it cause a t-bird sounds great and a lovely neck to play-yes it,s long but it looks cool,sounds like a grand piano with serious bottom end and ringing highs and mids galore-like a fat Rick.
Guess I like marmite basses

[Weststarx]

I had an Epi Thunderbird and sold it for this very reason. Unfortunately you don't stand up in music shops when you try out a new guitar.

I think its awfully designed, who wants an unbalanced instrument? and why when they built it did they think its good enough?

Nobody should have to be drilling holes in their guitars!!!

Really fustrating because they are so cool.

Edited July 30, 2014 by Weststarx

[BigRedX]

[quote name='jeweytheroux' timestamp='1406558485' post='2512414']
Great stuff, so looks like the fix is just sticking the button on the back - should make things a little easier!
[/quote]

Sticking the strap button on the back might cure the neck dive but will also cause the bass to hang forwards away from the player which can bring a whole new set of problems.