Noob strap question

[D_T]

Dammit. My bass didn't come with a strap. So I've got a stupid string + computer bag set up right now and it sucks.

I'm looking on line for a decent strap and there are quite simply too many options. Are the basic Fender straps ok? With my current contraption, I already wish I could raise the bass up higher on my belly.

Amazon has a ton. But geez ... sooo many.

I ask not just because I'm a noob but also because I'm an old guy with a bad back and shoulders from sitting too many hours programming in front of a computer.

[dmusic148]

You will get many replies. I like this one:
Neotech Mega Bass Strap

[MisterFabulous]

Most any ol' guitar strap will be better than what you have now. It really depends on what you need in terms of comfort, construction, and looks.

Got a heavy bass? As mentioned by dmusic, the neotech and others are a boon for those. Comfort strapp is another consideration, as is any strap that is padded.

Does your bass neck dive? Consider a strap that has the rough (sueded) side of leather next to your shoulder. This helps prevent slippage.

A lot of bassists prefer a wider strap than the 2.5" - 3" width that is the norm for guitar straps. Wider straps distribute the bass' weight more. Other bassists don't care about that.

I have 3 Italia Straps in 4" wide leather, sueded on the in-side. I like 'em a lot.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It's true, there are tons of options. It also depends on what you're willing to spend. I would suggest a nice wide strap 3" - 3.5" is good, but nothing less than 2.5" for a moderately heavy bass.

These are good and relatively inexpensive:
Comfort Strapp

These are nice (I have a few of the simple, but comfy Heritage models):
Eyeland

These are often considered the cream of the crop (and $$). I have felt them, but not played with one.
Moody

And these guys have stacks of different straps that you can find virtually anywhere:
Levys

[Pilgrim]

For me, a strap needs three characteristics:

1) It must be long enough that the darn thing isn't hanging at my ribcage.

2) It must have a suede underside to prevent slipping - this it CRITICALLY important with basses that are even slightly neck-heavy.

3) It should be wide, preferably at least 3 inches. This spreads out the load of a heavier bass.

For me, narrow guitar straps are not comfortable.

I like a lot of Levy's straps and have found them to be well made. I have also found some generic Guitar Center leather straps to fit all my criteria for around $20.

[electracoyote]

Yeah, if I had back or shoulder problems, I'd go with something at least 3" wide and nicely padded. Get the nicest strap you can within reason and budget. Nothing kills the joy of playing a stringed instrument faster than discomfort.

[darkstorm]

Qaulity soft leather, preferably 3 to 4 inch wide. This 3 and half inch wide one by clayton is nicer for both feel and durability then many more expensive leather straps Ive seen and tried. Only $25 to. Can last a lifetime type strap to. Clayton 3-1/2" Leather Guitar Strap: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

Ive tried nylon etc straps and they just dont cut it for me. I also dont much like the shiny type leather straps. To me they wear more and tend to be stiffer leather which cuts down on comfort factor.

[grendle]

Levies 4" padded leather. Reasonable cost ($30) good comfortable padded leather strap.

[TXLawDawg]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

You will get many replies. I like this one:
Neotech Mega Bass Strap

+1

I've tried many and the Neotech stuff is by far my favorite.

[Morning Beer]

I never hear these come up but it's what I use and couldn't be happier. I play a thumb 5 BO, never have any neck dive or weight issues with it.

MONO Cases GS1 Betty Guitar Strap: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

[mellowinman]

I shopped at Guitar Center, and I have very serious criteria:

1. It had to be leather
2. It had to be somewhat wide
3. It had to be cheap, because I only had twenty bucks

I ended up buying one just like this:

Perri Extra Padded Black Leather Lightning Bolt Bass Guitar Strap - DL625226LB | Strapking Guitar Straps

It's not that exact model. I hated the lightning bolt, and thought it looked like something a skinny teenage kid would buy because he thought it would make him look cool, when it really made him look dweeby. Then I realized it might fit the category of "so uncool that you have to be cool to even consider wearing it," which was a total rationalization, and then I tricked myself into really WANTING it.

Then I thought I was probably the only guy in town with it, but I realized I really don't give a crap about straps, or how straps look, or who has one, or how cool or uncool I am or look, and thought I'd share this little story just for a laugh.

Not MUCH of a laugh, I admit.

[Pilgrim]

Hey, that's a really decent looking strap. I think the lightning bolt is OK...if it really bothered you, it could probably be removed by cutting the threads, or more simply, colored with a black Marks-A-Lot.

[THE DANiMAL]

I use these on all my basses. Not to expensive, VERY comfortable. I've used these on every bass I've owned over the past 7 years.

DAddarioPlanet Waves » Instrument Accessories > Straps » Comfort Straps & Pads » Polypropylene Wide/Bass Strap

[Munjibunga]

I just ordered two Levy's MSS8s from Amazon. Seven bucks apiece. I have about eight of them, but I need some backups. I used to get them at GC but they quit carrying them a few years ago. Then tonight I noticed the model number on one so I checked to see if they're still out there.

They're a heavy-duty polypropylene weave with nice, thick leather ends to connect to the bass. They're very simple, but extremely durable. I like having one in each of my bass cases.

[D_T]

I went with the comfort strap. I like the two holes on each side deal since I'm still figuring out where I'd like the bass to sit on my torso.

[Turock]

Without counting, I'd say that I have somewhere between 30 to 40 straps, mostly leather except for a few. Comfort, Levy, Moody, etc..., I'll take my 4 inch Italia straps over any of 'em.

[robbotbass]

Really 16 people posted a reply on a thread about a strap?

[jmattbassplaya]

NeoTech straps are the shiz.

[Warfender]

I hope the Italia's are that good cause I'm gonna take the plung.

[Warfender]

2 for 1 thru tomorrow for Italia direct thru website. Sweet deal.