The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
  1. #1

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    I have a bass that's neck heavy. Through experimentation, i concluded that 8oz worth of weight at the end of the instrument strap effectively solves the problem. The instrument is only 7lb so it's not a weight dealbreaker. However, I need a weight that I can attach to my strap which won't get me flagged going through the airport metal detector. Most of the fishing weights i've looked at look like bullets. I also want a less toxic material than lead. Probably tungsten...

    [edit] - I have the perfect solution. The instrument uses dunlop straplocks. The luthier is making me a brass appliance that is 8oz that can be clipped into the endpin strap button. That way, I just clip it on when I need it and don't have to attach anything to the strap or worry about lead...
    Last edited by jzucker; 10-06-2024 at 02:53 PM.

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  3. #2

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    Lead in solid form like a fishing sinker or ingot isn't really toxic in any way. You could swallow a sinker and literally nothing would happen except it would come out the other end. Speaking from experience having worked with tons of lead and having cast about 100k bullets in my day. The fumes off an overly hot lead pot are what you are concerned with. Or molten lead in an enclosed non ventilated area. Or ingesting small flakes of lead i.e paint chips. The danger is greatly exaggerated. I have melted down many wheelweights in my time.

    I had a problem Sheraton like this and didn't like the "lemme weight down my strap approach" so I sold it. Should've bit the bullet (no pun intended) and put a Bigsby on there. Really regretting getting rid of that wine red beauty because the action was absolutely incredibly low and buzz free...had to raise it to play the blues.

    Jack, I would look for a wireless pouch for your guitar strap that you could fill with lead, iron, steel, or tungsten until it balances out. You just need to find one without holes on the side/bottom that will keep it contained.

  4. #3

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    The wireless pouch idea is great. BBs might be a reasonable counterweight.

  5. #4
    [edit] - I have the perfect solution. The instrument uses dunlop straplocks. The luthier is making me a brass appliance that is 8oz that can be clipped into the endpin strap button. That way, I just clip it on when I need it and don't have to attach anything to the strap or worry about lead...

  6. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by jzucker
    [edit] - I have the perfect solution. The instrument uses dunlop straplocks. The luthier is making me a brass appliance that is 8oz that can be clipped into the endpin strap button. That way, I just clip it on when I need it and don't have to attach anything to the strap or worry about lead...
    Sounds like an appropriate solution. Hopefully 8oz will knock down the neck dive. There is nothing worse in a gigging instrument (other than bad sound or action) than having to hold onto the neck of the guitar the whole gig. I sing and go hands free at times so it isn't an option to have a neck diving instrument. Good luck Jack. Hope you are well and the music is treating you good.