Playing sitting down: Strap or no strap

fourstringdrums · #1 06-12-2005, 10:37 AM

I've always played sitting down, and I've never used a strap. However lately I've felt like maybe I should start using one, that it might give me alittle more control especially when playing higher on the neck.

For the times that you play sitting down, who chooses to use a strap and who doesn't?

Futurehead · #2 06-12-2005, 11:32 AM

No strap for me. Then again, I never play sitting on a chair, usually I'm cross-legged on the floor. That lifts the neck up high enough for me.

Eric Lutton · #3 06-12-2005, 11:51 AM

Wearing a strap while sitting (or standing) is like wearing a seat belt in a car. I can testify to guitars falling head first while changing a page of sheet music, taking a drink, etc. Your bass is worth it!

Snarf · #4 06-12-2005, 11:57 AM

Strap on always. My bass is always higher up on my chest than if it were on my leg, so a strap is usually a necessity.

Munjibunga · #5 06-12-2005, 11:59 AM

Strap ... even at home during practice.

basscentric · #6 06-12-2005, 12:07 PM

A few years ago when I was taking lessons... I started playing seated without a strap. My teacher told me that it was a bad habit to get into and he was right for a few reasons.

- It leads to inconsistent technique if you also play standing. Things are very different position wise between the two without a strap.

- It really reduces your range and access.

- Leads to sloppy technique

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #7 06-12-2005, 12:48 PM

The only time my straps come off of my basses is when I'm taking pictures of them, and the only time I play without a strap is if I have less than ten seconds to play (like if I get an idea on the way out the door).

I used to never play with a strap. Then on the occassions when I'd have to stand and play, I would be very uncomfortable, because playing with the bass on your right knee puts the neck in a much different position than when you're standing. I had to work pretty hard to change this, as I didn't want to have to sit down everytime I played with other people because I couldn't play as well standing up. I wear my bass fairly high, so wearing a strap keeps the bass in the same position whether I'm sitting or standing.

Now it's the only way I play.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #8 06-12-2005, 12:59 PM

Definitely use the strap. I think that, if I'm going to play seated, my bass should keep the same relative position as when standing. That's one of the many advantages of wearing the bass high.

reiver1 · #9 06-13-2005, 08:55 AM

A strap with straplocks always. I wear my bass high so the position is the same sitting or standing. It might not work for those who wear their instrument below belt level, though.

Nick Bassman · #10 06-13-2005, 08:57 AM

I always play seated, no strap.

**MAJOR METAL** · #11 06-13-2005, 09:12 AM

I dont use a strap when i seated and play.

JMX · #12 06-13-2005, 09:16 AM

Always fasten your seatbelt.
I wear my bass high, the position would change without strap.

**Rodent** · #13 06-13-2005, 09:21 AM

I am a firm believer that a strap should be used for both standing and sitting. Lately, though, I've become somewhat of a hypocrite on this topic due to circumstances.

I play sitting almost 100% of the time, and am in a restricted space area. I also need to change basses (fretted/fretless) several times during a set, and there is usually just enough time to make this swap if I am strapless.

R

I am Domokun · #14 06-13-2005, 10:30 AM

I practice with the strap on.

Hehe - strap-on.

**embellisher** · #15 06-13-2005, 10:35 AM

Like most of the others who have posted, I play seated or standing with a strap. This keeps the bass in the same position. If you practice sitting with no strap, and then gig standing up, some of the things you praticed are not going to work the same way, due to the difference in the position of the bass in relation to the rest of your body.

tplyons · #16 06-13-2005, 05:54 PM

All about wearing a strap seated. As we speak, I'm actually holding a bass, no strap because it's not a bass in my regular rotation, but it feels wierd. I wear my bass rather high, and consistency in this game is certainly rewarded.

CamMcIntyre · #17 06-13-2005, 10:08 PM

Always with the strap. When i play in musical pits-it stays on because of the position of the bass changes if i play it without my strap.

That's all

randlk · #18 06-14-2005, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

Definitely use the strap. I think that, if I'm going to play seated, my bass should keep the same relative position as when standing. That's one of the many advantages of wearing the bass high.

YES, YES and YES! Thank you for bringing that to the fore!