I really want to save my SG, but it's just so uncomfortable to play.

[JereSG]

Or maybe you can buy some thin steel sheets and glue it (with industrial glue) to the plastic cover. I don't know how his would affect the electronics but it would definitely add some weight to the body. Then again, you can buy a new plastic cover and glue some steel to the "outside" of the cover. You don't have to damage the original cover and you'll be able to add much more weight than if you tried to glue the steel to the "inside" of the cover. This will also prevent any issues with the electronics.

 

[JereSG]

I've got a 2002 Gibson SG 'gothic' which which is the 1st electric I've ever bought:
View attachment 24731

I love everything about her, except the balance. The neck dives like an olympic swimmer anytime I take my hands off of it. I think this is because the guitar has heavier tuning gear (grover tuners VS the traditional) and it has an ebony fretboard (from what I read online different species of ebony are on average 20% denser then rosewood species).

I've tried wide straps and those with suede surfaces, there's so much weight on the left shoulder it just pulls my whole shirt down with it. And I don't want to get some strap that looks like an orthopedic device and ruin the whole vibe of the guitar.

What can I do? Re-Balancing a guitar seems like a difficult thing to do. I've seen some SGs with metal plates extending down from the bridge, I wonder if something like that would do it. If I can't make it a comfortable guitar to play, I gotta trade or sell her :/

It's one of the coolest guitars I've ever seen: manages to black itself out without looking like a BC rich / something hanging in hot topic.

hell of a first guitar!

 

[JereSG]

Or maybe you can buy some thin steel sheets and glue it (with industrial glue) to the plastic cover. I don't know how his would affect the electronics but it would definitely add some weight to the body. Then again, you can buy a new plastic cover and glue some steel to the "outside" of the cover. You don't have to damage the original cover and you'll be able to add much more weight than if you tried to glue the steel to the "inside" of the cover. This will also prevent any issues with the electronics.

A plate like the following :might" work (be sure to find out dimensions):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RUFFSTUFF-S...755235?hash=item51f10173e3:g:DawAAOSw3xJXpRu5

 

[LarryC]

I have black ('ebony') acrylic buttons on my Grovers, they will take nearly 60g off the headstock, well worth the $20 they cost me, and on your guitar you won't even notice the change visually.

Ebay seller is in Taiwan, name is tiasmlu, part number is FR-20B

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Acrylic-Button-fit-for-Grover-Black-6ps-FR-20B-/390858138755

Thanks Dave!,I just ordered these..I was thinking of changing out the Grovers but now I don't have to.

 

[DSR31]

I have a 2014 SG Futura with the G-Force Robotic tuners - a total neck dive situation. I tried the sandbag idea (I found diving bags on AMZ) but it was a pain to organize. I finally settled on using 'Tape Wheel Weights' as sold on Amazon and eBay (I used 10oz pieces). Anyway, they are already supplied with industrial tape on each weight so I just taped some on the inside of the plastic rear control cover and then put more on the outside - I even stacked them - until the guitar was perfectly balanced and all head dive stopped (In my case it was quite some little weights - almost 1/2 lb). Once this was done I covered it with black Gaffer's tape so it's not too obvious. You can always remove them and use a little goo-gone to remove any remaining sticky adhesive or simply buy a replacement cover from Allparts if you can't be bothered.

Later I decided to buy a Japanese made Navigator SG - considered to be an authentic replica of a early 60s Les Paul SG. This Navigator - in fact all Navigators - use a single piece old mahogany for the body (my Gibson SG Futura sandwiches 5 pieces of mahogany for the body and I can tell you that the Navigator is perfectly balanced and requires no mods for balance. I suspect the body is a bit thicker - as they might have been back in the 60s ? - which may account for the balance and lack of neck dive. BTW it sounds great with lots of resonance.

 

[shardy53]

The easiest thing you can do is to get a one foot use a piece of suede or felt material and either glue it or use double back tape to affix it to the inside of your strap where where it contacts your shoulder. I use a leather strap and have no problem because it is new but as it ages and the inside becomes worn and more slippery I will just do as I described.

 

[jtees4]

I have owned about 15 SG's since the 70's. Some were neck heavy, some were not. Changing the Grovers would be a good first step. BB's in a sandwich bag in the control cavity can help. You can also add weight in the control cavity by adding these to the inside of the control cavity plate (you can find cheap ones on EBay) Good luck! : https://www.amazon.com/Supply-Steel-Stick-Wheel-Weights/dp/B0031B7Y7W

 

[ivan H]

Hi, I would be looking to loose weight at the headstock rather than add weight to the body. Its all about "levers & moments (of force)", & the neck is quite a large lever. The Grover tuners as you know are quite heavy (something like 50 grams per tuner). If you changed your tuners to kluson revolutions (lockers, 18:1 ratio), your losing about 20 grams per tuner. I think this is a better approach to solving your neck dive. Hope this helps. Cheers

 

[deMelo]

Your problems are over.

Get this or make one yourself

http://guitarless.com/2010/06/prevent-neck-heavy-guitar-headstock-diving/

 

[zisme]

more gothic love! sweet looking guitar.

i have the same model as well as a later gothic sg, both with grover locking tuners. the thick fabric strap trick has always worked for me.

lighter tuning pegs could help. hipshots or klusons maybe?

 

[deMelo]

My '61 reissue has Klusons and doesn't neckdive.

 

[sgluvr]

I just think that wider Leather guitar strap with the suede on the inside would eliminate this issue completely.

 

[Biddlin]

Throw away the rotomatics and get some Kluson deluxe style tuners. There are black ones available fairly cheap on Stratosphere, ebay, etc. Don't f it up by swapping the strap buttons to new locations.

 

[Dave_Death]

Great idea, cheers for that. I even found a cheaper version: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Plastic-button-only-fit-for-Grover-Machine-head-Black-button-6p-FR-20B-/361869289493?

This is without a doubt the best option. Quick, simple, cheap, effective, no visual change.

 

[Norton]

Just reposition the strap button on the bottom of the guitar. Move it to the treble side of center.... Problem solved. No extra weight or do daddery.

 

[deMelo]

It all comes down to this: do you mind drilling extra holes?

If you don't, see above.

If you do, just find the right strap. Doesn't have to be a wide one, just one that adheres to your shoulder.

 

[rfiori9]

I've had a 74 special and now have a 77 custom with ebony fretboard and neither have neck dive and my custom is prob the most comfortable guitar I have. I do have a 76 Ibanez 2617 artist with ebony fretboard that dives like a beast so I'm also looking for solutions. I might try the weights in the control cavity.

 

[effcee]

I own 12+ guitars, different models from different manufacturers, and I've always found my SG to be one of the most comfortable instruments I own, for sitting or standing. Yes, there's a bit of neck dive, but I find that rectified by 2 things: 1) a wide leather strap which is suede on the underside, and 2) I don't let go of the neck(!).

All things considered, I find that wee bit of neck dive to be a more than fair trade when factoring in the SG's light weight and upper fret access. Plus, they're one of the coolest looking guitars ever designed and they have a uniquely focused tone, all their own.

As with most things in life, it's a trade. :-)

P.S. The MOST comfortable guitar I own (ergonomically speaking) is my Gibson Firebird. I took me way too many years to discover the wonders of the 'Bird!

 

[Raiyn]

Don't like it? Send it to me. I'll relive you of that unergonomic Beastie!

 

[bwotw]

I own 12+ guitars, different models from different manufacturers, and I've always found my SG to be one of the most comfortable instruments I own, for sitting or standing. Yes, there's a bit of neck dive, but I find that rectified by 2 things: 1) a wide leather strap which is suede on the underside, and 2) I don't let go of the neck(!).

All things considered, I find that wee bit of neck dive to be a more than fair trade when factoring in the SG's light weight and upper fret access. Plus, they're one of the coolest looking guitars ever designed and they have a uniquely focused tone, all their own.

As with most things in life, it's a trade. :-)

P.S. The MOST comfortable guitar I own (ergonomically speaking) is my Gibson Firebird. I took me way too many years to discover the wonders of the 'Bird!

Now you have me wondering about a Firebird...