Help? I need a new strap.

totallyfrozen · #1 09-05-2010, 09:43 PM

I know this has been discussed in other threads, but after reading those threads, I thought I should ask my own question rather than hijack someone else's thread. So...

I'm in the market for a better strap. I've been playing a lot more lately and I'm using a cheap, simple 2" leather strap with no padding and I'm starting to get a sore neck and sometimes back after a couple of hours.

I'm comparing these 4 right now:
Levy's Leathers MSS2-4
Levy's Leathers M29
Neotech Mega Bass Strap
Mono GS1 "The Betty"

Anyone have experience with all 4?
Or can anyone give me a good idea of what to expect or which one might be better?

I won't spend over $100 for a strap so the custom/boutique straps are off the menu. I'd like to keep it below $50 if that's possible. So, good advice for something below about $100?

No goofy harness gizmos, please. I'm not driving race cars or jumping out of airplanes. Just playin' bass.

funk_in4 · #2 09-05-2010, 09:58 PM

Hi- I have used both models of Levy's straps as well as the Neotech...no experience with the Mono. I experienced a shoulder injury some time ago and had to experiment with straps a lot to get comfortable again. The wider and/or padded leather straps are much better than a narrow strap of any kind in terms of weight distribution, but I have used a neoprene Neotech strap for years now and can't feel good without it. The neoprene straps are not for everyone, though- they can feel very bouncy to someone unfamiliar with how to relax with them. Leather straps definitely allow you to feel more in command, physically, of your ax. Numerous companies make the neoprene type of strap and I highly recommend at least trying one if you can. Pay attention to the length, though- it can really affect where the weight actually bears on your shoulder.

totallyfrozen · #3 09-05-2010, 10:09 PM

Thanks, funk.

I try to keep my bass in the same spot whether sitting or standing so currently, my stap is 44-1/4". That's not the ideal length for me, honestly, and I will do a little adjusting. I could actually use it a little longer but my current strap will only let me adjust in 2" increments and that might be a too little much. Anyway, point is, I'm looking for something that will go from around 40"-ish to about 50"-ish and have small enough adjustment increments (1 inch or less?) so that I have some room to play with and make adjustments until I hit the best spot. Not sure how well that would work out with a bouncy neoprene strap, though.

jazzblade · #4 09-05-2010, 10:11 PM

+1 on the Neotech strap. I have a few "heavy" guitars and this one makes me not even feel it. I don't like how some of the wider leathers stick to my shirts sometimes either.

JDJen · #5 09-05-2010, 10:19 PM

I have to vote for your first pick on the Levy's. I have one of the Blacktop series with a piece of stingray in it with about 7 years of gigging heavy basses on it. Still in great cosmetic shape and soft on the shoulder.

can_v · #6 09-05-2010, 11:20 PM

You should check out Comfort Strapp as well. It helps me with my Warwick.

http://www.comfortstrapp.com/

kesslari · #7 09-05-2010, 11:22 PM

I like those padded Levy's. Good strap, right width for me. I rock 3 of them (on different basses).
Italia straps are also nice, and especially nice for the price.

MosGuy · #8 09-05-2010, 11:35 PM

You may find this thread helpful: http://ozbassforum.com/viewtopic.php...st=0&sk=t&sd=a . They review and compare most of the ones you are considering.

totallyfrozen · #9 09-05-2010, 11:40 PM

Thanks very much MosGuy. That was pretty helpful.

**peledog** · #10 09-06-2010, 02:24 AM

Best strap evar..

http://www.basscentral.com/2003/comfortstraps.shtml

MosGuy · #11 09-06-2010, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totallyfrozen

Thanks very much MosGuy. That was pretty helpful.

Your welcome I'm glad someone else found it useful. I'm in the market for a new strap myself. I was originally thinking of a Sadowsky. After reviewing that thread and a bit of research. I'm leaning now toward the mono GS1 personally.

Turock · #12 09-06-2010, 07:22 AM

I'd go for the "buy one, get one free" deal at Italia.

Dirk Diggler · #13 09-06-2010, 07:38 AM

The name says it all:
Comfort!
Dirk

73jbass · #14 09-06-2010, 07:53 AM

I have used Levys straps for quite a number of years now,and don't use anything else. I tried the noeprene straps,but the tend to move too much,especially with a heavier bass. The 4" Levys are really nice,and the ergonimic Levys are nice too. The Levys are a heck of a lot cheaper than other similar leather straps. Go with the Levys.

**StrangerDanger** · #15 09-06-2010, 09:38 AM

I like these too:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Franklin...60-i1388526.gc

RFord04 · #16 09-06-2010, 09:46 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/No-1-Stretch-Gui...item2eac662eeb

I got one of these straps a couple years ago when they were made in Germany, and now they're made by Levy's. This strap is the best strap I've ever used for making any heavy bass feel much, much lighter, and I can play full nights with my heavy Warwick with no back shoulder and neck pain at all, and it's only $25. Go with one of these, you WILL NOT be disappointed.

dcr · #17 09-06-2010, 09:51 AM

I voted "OTHER" so I could push the Italia straps. Comes in 4" or 2.5". I've owned both and I love them!

Of your choices listed, I'd say the Mono "Betty". I own two and that's what I gig with a lot of the time. The Italias are adjusted for a particular bass, so I'm always carrying two straps if I use them. With the Monos, I can carry one strap and quickly adjust for whatever basses I've brought with me.

That and one of the Monos has a slot cut in it, which serves nicely as an anchor point for my wireless transmitter.

dcr

Ewo · #18 09-06-2010, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzblade

+1 on the Neotech strap. I have a few "heavy" guitars and this one makes me not even feel it. I don't like how some of the wider leathers stick to my shirts sometimes either.

I'm fond of the Neotech strap, too--although the Mega is just a bit too long for me. I play slap and want the bass to sit up a little higher than the Mega will adjust. The regular model works great for me.

totallyfrozen · #19 09-06-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFord04

http://cgi.ebay.com/No-1-Stretch-Gui...item2eac662eeb

I got one of these straps a couple years ago when they were made in Germany, and now they're made by Levy's. This strap is the best strap I've ever used for making any heavy bass feel much, much lighter, and I can play full nights with my heavy Warwick with no back shoulder and neck pain at all, and it's only $25. Go with one of these, you WILL NOT be disappointed.

It looks like this strap is less than 3" wide. Is that comfortable to you or has it ever been an issue?

Hard to tell just by the eBay listing but it looks narrow and unpadded. Have you ever wished it was wider?

zippydog · #20 09-06-2010, 11:41 AM

I've got a couple of Italia Straps and they're awesome.

http://www.italiastraps.com/indexcart.html

...and they're running a "buy one get one" sale so you can pick up a couple of different colors in one shot.