Help me justify $60 for a bass strap

kissmybASS01 · #1 08-26-2009, 11:12 AM

I'm currently using those standard 2.5" straps for my bass, for the longest time I had no issues. Recently however, I've developed a wierd rash on the back of my neck and right on the side. Exact locations where my strap touches my skin.

I was finding them digging into my skin slightly but then bought one of those padded seat belt covers thinking it would help. It did, but for a short time.

So....I recently saw one of those Levi straps that look about almost 4" wide and tried it on my neck. It looks like it would evenly spread the load out but....$59.99. %@#$!!!!

Think it's worth it?

Phalex · #2 08-26-2009, 11:17 AM

Why not? It should be able to pay you back in one gig. That's how I look at music type purchases anyway. Use it once and it's paid for. No biggy.

irishryno · #3 08-26-2009, 11:18 AM

i spent 100. justify it with that.

kissmybASS01 · #4 08-26-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishryno

i spent 100. justify it with that.

Wow! C note for a strap. Wish I was playing your gigs makin that kind of cash

Anyone have any opinions on these Levi straps? How adjustable are they for length, cuz I like my bass high and dry. Are they durable or do they fall apart after a couple of years? The ones I saw 'looked' well made but so do some Berin--r amps

Noonan768 · #5 08-26-2009, 12:21 PM

I love my Levy straps.. But I prefer the 2 or 2.5" ones.. I paid $37 for my Levy. I don't think I could do $60.. but they do last a long time.

crayzee · #6 08-26-2009, 12:43 PM

Comfort is worth it. I picked up a padded Levy's strap for one bass I have because it weighs a ton. Paid $60 CDN about 10 years ago for it. Still holds up well.

kissmybASS01 · #7 08-26-2009, 12:58 PM

Thanks guys!

Eilif · #8 08-26-2009, 01:15 PM

The health of your back and/or skin is definitely worth it. How much do you think one trip to the chiroprachtor or dermatologist would cost?

jimb213 · #9 08-26-2009, 01:54 PM

I have a padded leather levy's strap that I got in 2005 or so, and it's still in great shape. Definitely worth it.

ThunderLizard · #10 08-26-2009, 03:23 PM

Kiss-
You need a good strap, but don't be afraid to shop around. Carvin makes a good strap for about $15 and there's also some neoprene ones that are really good.
I bought a $60 Levi 'ergo' strap and never use it. Too uncomfortable!!

Jeff K · #11 08-26-2009, 09:58 PM

Do you like it? Is it comfortable? Can you afford it? If so, then get it. You'll be using it long after you've stopped worrying about spending the $60 bucks...

seanm · #12 08-26-2009, 10:02 PM

Italia Straps are 4" wide and $80US each (more if you want them longer). I believe they still have a two for one special.

B String · #13 08-26-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThunderLizard

Kiss-
You need a good strap, but don't be afraid to shop around. Carvin makes a good strap for about $15 and there's also some neoprene ones that are really good.
I bought a $60 Levi 'ergo' strap and never use it. Too uncomfortable!!

The leather strap from Carvin is about $54. after shipping.
I think the Levy's 3-1/2in leather is a better idea. Less money,
great strap. I think a 4in is very wide. I tried one and it cut
into my neck. I guess I lack the very big, manly shoulders.

kesslari · #14 08-26-2009, 11:36 PM

I just looked at the Italia site, and they do indeed still have a 2 for 1 special. Nice looking straps. The 2.5" are $69 - nice price for 2 straps

seanm · #15 08-27-2009, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B String

The leather strap from Carvin is about $54. after shipping.
I think the Levy's 3-1/2in leather is a better idea. Less money,
great strap. I think a 4in is very wide. I tried one and it cut
into my neck. I guess I lack the very big, manly shoulders.

Kicks sand on B String and steals his girlfriend.

Kidding, I am fairly average size and 4" is fine, but they are wide. You can kinda see the width of the strap in this picture:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

I just looked at the Italia site, and they do indeed still have a 2 for 1 special. Nice looking straps. The 2.5" are $69 - nice price for 2 straps

The Italia straps are very thick. They can be hard to get on the strap buttons. I use oversized buttons and once screwed in, the straps cannot be removed.

I have attached a pic of the Italia versus a Levy's. Note: I know this is an unfair comparison. The Italia is an $80+ strap and the Levy's cost me $20 or $25.

WookieeForLife · #16 08-27-2009, 12:17 AM

There is one in the TB store for 125 =]

Snakeman1066 · #17 08-27-2009, 01:14 AM

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...rap?sku=367528

The 4"-wide Neotech Mega Bass Strap features a weight-reduction system and a comfortable design so you can play for hours on end without discomfort. The longer neoprene pad with patented control-stretch system gives you more cushioning across your back and shoulder than other straps. Plus the Mega Bass Strap has an extra layer of foam padding. The attachment is top-grade leather so you can rest assured knowing your bass is secure. Fully adjustable from 42"-51".

$30.00 bucks!

kissmybASS01 · #18 08-27-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...rap?sku=367528

The 4"-wide Neotech Mega Bass Strap features a weight-reduction system and a comfortable design so you can play for hours on end without discomfort. The longer neoprene pad with patented control-stretch system gives you more cushioning across your back and shoulder than other straps. Plus the Mega Bass Strap has an extra layer of foam padding. The attachment is top-grade leather so you can rest assured knowing your bass is secure. Fully adjustable from 42"-51".

$30.00 bucks!

The way you describe that it almost makes me think you work for either Musician's Fiend, or Nanotech!

You shoulda started off with "Hi! Billy Mays here..."

ggunn · #19 08-27-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

The 4"-wide Neotech Mega Bass Strap features a weight-reduction system and a comfortable design so you can play for hours on end without discomfort. The longer neoprene pad with patented control-stretch system gives you more cushioning across your back and shoulder than other straps. Plus the Mega Bass Strap has an extra layer of foam padding. The attachment is top-grade leather so you can rest assured knowing your bass is secure. Fully adjustable from 42"-51".

$30.00 bucks!

I got a neoprene stretchy strap and I hated it. Every time I moved around it would go boingy boingy, and it felt like I was using a big rubber band for a strap. I used it for one rehearsal and brought it back to GC. I exchanged it for a $60 wide leather strap and never regretted it.

YMMV, of course.

Handyman · #20 08-27-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kissmybASS01

So....I recently saw one of those Levi straps that look about almost 4" wide and tried it on my neck. It looks like it would evenly spread the load out but....$59.99. %@#$!!!!

Think it's worth it?

$60 is cheaper than medical treatment and a prescription for a skin condition caused by a strap. Sounds like a deal to me.