Quickly adjusting strap height?

mambo4 · #1 06-26-2008, 11:25 AM

I keep my bass strapped about waist-high, not the "pro" chest height I see Wooten et al use. I generally favor the lower frets, this makes it more relaxing to reach them. Plus I get the cool low hang look...cosmetic and inefficient, I know, but thats how I like it.

Now I have to play a few new tunes that require playing up near the octave, and I would be nice to have the strap height raised for just those tunes. However the adjustable part of my strap takes a few minutes of fuss to get it set.

Has anybody come up with a clever way to quickly shorten the strap , like with a clip or pin of some kind, that can then be removed to return to the the low hang?

JimmyM · #2 06-26-2008, 01:47 PM

Some straps, mostly the leather kind, have multiple buttonholes.

Wootsticks · #3 06-26-2008, 01:52 PM

Reach around your head and yank on the part of the strap in the "buckle", then pull on the strap.

snyderz · #4 06-26-2008, 01:54 PM

Just have a second strap, set at the length you need. Shouldn't take but 15 seconds to switch.

()smoke() · #5 06-26-2008, 01:54 PM

yeah, the older styled leather straps have the multiple holes...or you could always go the automobile seat belt strap route and just yank the strap to cinch it up tight

if it isn't for a whole song, you could even put a foot up on the monitor and rest your bass on your thigh like some guitar players when they play a solo

fretlessman71 · #6 06-26-2008, 02:07 PM

Here's an idea:

Jim Dunlop (I think I have the right brand in my head) uses a Strap-lok system where you could use either a normal strap with no locks on it OR a locking strap complete with their particular clip-on to the strap. Here's the one I'm talking about.

So, you could install this strap button on the bottom of the bass, and adjust your strap how you like it.... and then, cut a hole in the same strap several inches higher than the end of your strap, and install the strap lock. All you'd have to do then is reach around and grab the strap lock and insert it into the strap button for the higher position, and then remove it and release, and whammo, you're back where you were.

mambo4 · #7 06-26-2008, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the replies, guys...

I am hoping to avoid having to change straps or adjust the buckles...maybe I'm just being lazy. Do any of you guys adjust your straps to get various lengths in mid-gig?

fretlessman71, thats the exact strap lock I use. I'll have to check my comfort strap to see If I can live with an extra hole in it...

I as hoping for some one who has experience with like mountain climbing gear or other "strap-heavy" gear , that may have encountered some kind of quick release cinching device...

Just J · #8 06-26-2008, 04:02 PM

I have a nice leather strap with two holes. Tossed a strap lock in each.