What is the best leather strap for a killer weight bass?

[castleshade13]

Hey all!

I'm looking for a new strap, i like leather, the feel, the look etc

i play at waist hight lowest, so i don't need a strap that will go ultra low

if anyone can suggest a grippy, strap which is very strong and 3 or for inches thats fine

i like neckdive unlike most, but i want to be able to control the position of the instrument

also i like the normal ones with the holes that go over the strap buttons, like this,

http://images.miretail.com/products/.../576241jpg.jpg

Thanks
Adam

[Pilgrim]

The best strap will be as wide as possible - and personally I like sheepskin padding on it when the bass is really heavy.

[castleshade13]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

The best strap will be as wide as possible - and personally I like sheepskin padding on it when the bass is really heavy.

Thanks!

What strap do you use?

company i mean

[Pilgrim]

I buy 'em off Ebay or at GC - no brand in particular, although I have a couple of Levy's straps and they are beautifully made.

The sheepskin one I have on my heaviest bass came from Ebay. Good strap selection there.

[ggunn]

I have an anti-recommendation. I got one of those stretchy ones with the foam padding, which I thought would be great for my (heavy) Bongo 5. I hated it. Every time I moved it would sort of bounce up and down, and that drove me nuts (not that it's that long a drive ). I took it back after a single rehearsal.

[Pilgrim]

Here's one that is similar to what I had in mind. I've bought from this vendor and the product was good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-5-Blk-Western-...d=p3286.c0.m14

[Byzcat]

When I had my G&L SB-2, which was quite heavy, I bought a neoprene Geotech strap (I'm not sure if they still make them). It was 3 1/2" wide and padded, and quite comfortable. The logo had a cute little hot air balloon, so, me being me, I got out some fabric paint and drew a cloud with lightening poised to hit the balloon. If your main interest is comfort, I'd recommend one.

Right now, I've got a 3 1/2 Levy padded leather strap, with conchos (gives my long hair some ornamentation to cover up). If it's leather you're really looking for, I'd go with a Levy. It's padded, quite comfortable, and the instrument stays put pretty well.

You definitely should get a wide strap, so the weight of the instrument is spread out across as much of the shoulder as possible- narrow straps have a tendency to dig into your trapezius, which can cause pain all the way down the arm. And for a heavy instrument, some sort of padding is pretty much mandatory.

[Im a sock]

I also use the 3.5" padded Levy strap. My bass isn't terribly heavy, but I've used it with a 5 and 6 string as well and didn't have any problems. The strap is extremely comfortable and I'm glad I spent an extra few bucks on a nice one.

In addition to the 3.5" strap, they make a 4.5" padded strap as well. Looks cushy

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...rap?sku=369224

[jimc]

4" Moody strap is the best!

[bassybill]

I have two Moody straps and they are just perfect. Not cheap, but worth the money imo.

[classic57]

I use the Levy's 4 1/2" leather strap. Very comfortable. Got it from Musician's Friend.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...rap?sku=369224

[Stumbo]

Here are a few links you may want to check out:
1 Comfortable strap
2
3

[One Drop]

Moody 4" make the bass seem much lighter, very soft leather.

[stflbn]

IMHO neoprene type straps are hard to beat.

[Pilgrim]

I also would vote for the wide, padded Levy's straps - but if you want to control the instrument's position, make sure it has a grippy material such as suede on the side that contacts your shoulder.

The neoprene straps are interesting but I have an illogical preference for leather.