Strap length

mcblahflooper94 · #1 11-07-2011, 08:16 PM

I'm not sure what I should do. Usually my strap is up tight, but it makes it tiring to play like that too long. But, if you have it too low, you can't slap. I don't know what question I'm asking, more of a statement. What do you do for performances/ practices? Thank you

Definitely · #2 11-07-2011, 08:22 PM

I usually sit so I don't use a strap, but if I stand I keep the centre of my bass around belt buckle height, obviously for slapping I'd make it a bit tighter but I don't do that much. You must be extremely bored to post this as a thread.......

mcblahflooper94 · #3 11-07-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Definitely

I usually sit so I don't use a strap, but if I stand I keep the centre of my bass around belt buckle height, obviously for slapping I'd make it a bit tighter but I don't do that much. You must be extremely bored to post this as a thread.......

Kinda. Very much.
But it's just io don't know what I should do. Theres this one song I really want it to sound like a kick in the puhtootie, but I don't want to hold my bass sideways and look stupid to be able to slap.

squashedOpossum · #4 11-07-2011, 08:45 PM

I use a leather strap like this one: Levy's Boot Leather Guitar Strap: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend (not this exact one, but you get the idea) with two holes in the end of it so I can change the length quickly between high (finger-style) and lower (with a pick). Sometimes I swap the length during the set just for a change, even if I play only finger-style.

mcblahflooper94 · #5 11-07-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squashedOpossum

with two holes in the end of it so I can change the length quickly between high (finger-style) and lower (with a pick).

exactly what I needed. Thank you. But how quick can you do it? Thank you for your helpful comment.

squashedOpossum · #6 11-08-2011, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcblahflooper94

exactly what I needed. Thank you. But how quick can you do it? Thank you for your helpful comment.

Glad I could help. It takes only a couple seconds -- easily done between songs, or during a quick measure break in a song. It's just pulling the strap button out of one hole and putting it in the other. I don't use strap locks, otherwise I'd have to have a release on both strap holes, and that might even take longer.

jabsys · #7 11-08-2011, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squashedOpossum

I use a leather strap like this one: Levy's Boot Leather Guitar Strap: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend (not this exact one, but you get the idea) with two holes in the end of it so I can change the length quickly between high (finger-style) and lower (with a pick). Sometimes I swap the length during the set just for a change, even if I play only finger-style.

My strap is same type with the holes are about 6 inches apart, I normally play punk so the strap is set as low as possible but it only takes a few seconds to swap holes for more complicated music.

jdepriest · #8 11-08-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcblahflooper94

I'm not sure what I should do. Usually my strap is up tight, but it makes it tiring to play like that too long. But, if you have it too low, you can't slap. I don't know what question I'm asking, more of a statement. What do you do for performances/ practices? Thank you

My bass is in exactly the same position sitting or standing. It dosen't matter what style I'm playing.

**StrangerDanger** · #9 11-08-2011, 07:26 AM

44 inches

zon6c-f · #10 11-08-2011, 07:28 AM

I saw Billy Sheehan at a seminar some years ago. He adjusts his strap so his bass is in same position as when seated; he demosnstrated it. I haven't perfected that teqhnique, but I have raised my position from the low slung "rocker" postion of my youth.

Adjust your strap to where you can access entire neck and be comfortable standing for 1 hour; most sets are @ 45 minutes, so if you can tolerate an hour or 45 minutes followed by a break, you should be good.

clutebass · #11 11-08-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdepriest

My bass is in exactly the same position sitting or standing. It dosen't matter what style I'm playing.

this... actually learned this from an old Billy Sheehan interview I saw somewhere. It doesn't make sense to learn to play sitting down and then have all your angles and muscle memory changed up on you by stringing your bass down by your ankles. Though it works perfectly fine for some and looks "cool"

JimmyM · #12 11-09-2011, 10:00 PM

I can't stand my bass up high unless I'm playing jazz. I don't wear it at my knees or anything, but I like it kind of low. I say just adjust it where you find the best compromise between being able to slap and not getting tired.

atomicdog · #13 11-09-2011, 10:09 PM

Try sitting on a stool, no strap.

efe_gallagher · #14 11-09-2011, 10:30 PM

I used to hung my bass at groin level when I started playing 6 years ago, but now I've adjusted my bass playing "height" to get the bass right above my belt buckle (Belly-button kinda). It's just equally comfortable for my plectrum style (Hard, rocking base or harmony) and my finger style (Usually faster, more "Lead" bass playing)

I must say it depends a lot of the neck profile. I an play with thicker necks a bit lower than my waist line

G3Mitch · #15 11-09-2011, 10:41 PM

i always practice standing, not something i did on purpose, just prefer it that way. bass sits kiiinda low i guess. if its to high my right arm gets sore and timing gets sloppy haha.

carlthegroover · #16 11-09-2011, 10:51 PM

The best way to place your bass when standing. Right in front of the crotch, looking like a huge phallic substitute. Just don't forget to buy a strap whose length is almost double your height.

Oops, I forgot this guy now plays for Metallica. If you play root notes that can't be heard in the studio or live versions of the songs, then this is the position for you.

AdamR · #17 11-10-2011, 07:37 AM

Or if you play jazz you can wear it up high enough that you can hide your face behind it.

JimmyM · #18 11-10-2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomicdog

Try sitting on a stool, no strap.

That's entertaining...zzzzz....

loopmantra · #19 11-10-2011, 09:45 AM

hell,i remember seeing the late great pete steel with a chain(actual chain) supporting his doublebass on some concert(i think it was dynamo open air),so now all mine (and therefor yours too) problems with the strap seem so...well....ridicilous....

JimmyM · #20 11-10-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loopmantra

hell,i remember seeing the late great pete steel with a chain(actual chain) supporting his doublebass on some concert(i think it was dynamo open air),so now all mine (and therefor yours too) problems with the strap seem so...well....ridicilous....

That would hold water if we weren't all built differently and have varying levels of physical health. For example, I have a chronic shoulder problem where if I used a chain, I would already be retired due to injury. Up until I was 43, no problem. Now...problem. So don't judge everyone by a gigantic guy who used a chain on his bass.