what size strap: 2.5 or 3"?

parksung · #1 03-13-2009, 06:48 PM

Not sure where the appropriate place to post this is, but was wondering what size you prefer? I'm pretty small, 5'3" so I don't think wider than 3" would feel right, but curious which size you like...

I'm looking at Levy's padded leathers....

EagleMoon · #2 03-13-2009, 06:51 PM

I've got straps that vary from 2" to almost 4" and they all feel fine.

millsbass5 · #3 03-13-2009, 06:51 PM

You'd be surprised after 3 or 4 sets.I have (prefer) the Levy's neoprene straps.Esp with my '75 Jazz.Ash=heavy.

Jim C · #4 03-13-2009, 06:53 PM

2" is good for me but only with a feather weight
The big boys deserve a 3"

**DougD** · #5 03-13-2009, 07:06 PM

I have nothing smaller than a 4" and one 5" that I use on my heavy weight bass. If I use anything smaller than a 4" I get shoulder and neck pain

Phalex · #6 03-13-2009, 07:10 PM

I use 2.5" but that's just because I bought a split leather strap that was 2.5" wide. The split leather part of the equation was the important part for me. I tear non-leather straps a new one for some reason.

MysticMichael · #7 03-13-2009, 07:18 PM

Mine are 2.5 inches wide. That's plenty wide enough for me...

MM

deekay911 · #8 03-13-2009, 07:25 PM

My 4in Moody is the most comfortable strap I ever had..

w33nie · #9 03-13-2009, 07:34 PM

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Planet-W...07-i1171516.gc

I'm thinking of getting this for a 2 inch strap I have, instead of getting a wider strap. you might want to try that. Anyone try this before?

MEKer · #10 03-13-2009, 09:22 PM

I'll tell ya---a 4" is great. If you've never used one, you'll realize you been missing something once you do.

shamus63 · #11 03-13-2009, 10:38 PM

3" leather straps for me; perfect weight displacement (IMO).

Hammr · #12 03-13-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deekay911

My 4in Moody is the most comfortable strap I ever had..

+1

Thunderitter · #13 03-13-2009, 10:50 PM

What the saying? Long and thin gets you in, but short and thick does the trick?

PsyDocHill · #14 03-13-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderitter

What the saying? Long and thin gets you in, but short and thick does the trick?

3.5" Levy (long) padded: One's all-leather, other's leather + polymer, both keep that shrapnel in my shoulderblade from acting up that much.

I love Levy straps & recommend them unless you're vegan; I'm a mere vegetarian so I'm happy w/leather.

Solarmist · #15 03-14-2009, 01:47 AM

I like 3" or wider ... wider = less weight per sq in

**bassybill** · #16 03-14-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deekay911

My 4in Moody is the most comfortable strap I ever had..

Same here.

bassdriver · #17 03-17-2009, 01:56 PM

I like 4-inch wide straps too. I have a number of the 4-inch versions from Italia Leather

PsyDocHill · #18 03-17-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassdriver

I like 4-inch wide straps too. I have a number of the 4-inch versions from Italia Leather

I've gotta look into those Italia Leather straps. 4" will be extra-good for me.

Thanks for the info.

PsyDocHill aka Stone

85vf500rr · #19 03-17-2009, 02:56 PM

I've got the 4-1/2" Levy's strap. Nice & comfy, tough it seems a lot less of an issue with my new to me swamp ash bodied Jazz, than with the gibson Grabber I was learning on. I haven't weighed either one, but the Fender seems like a feather compared to the Grabber. Here's a link to the one I have:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...rap?sku=369224

PsyDocHill · #20 03-17-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85vf500rr

I've got the 4-1/2" Levy's strap. Nice & comfy, tough it seems a lot less of an issue with my new to me swamp ash bodied Jazz, than with the gibson Grabber I was learning on. I haven't weighed either one, but the Fender seems like a feather compared to the Grabber. Here's a link to the one I have:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...rap?sku=369224

Cool info: I boycott MF (and now, GC too) for personal reasons and for the pragmatic ones that they tax me while others don't, plus they charge nearly $70 shipping on the same heavy items other vendors don't, plus they charge shipping no matter what unless you purchase a certain minimum

. Who needs that when there's plenty of online highly-rated competition happy to drop all fees and reduce the price of the merch to boot? Try it, those of you who haven't: When you're fixin' to buy a high-ticket (and this is relative to your budget, duh) item: Go to the "Pricematch" or "We Will Beat the Competition" etc. link and follow the directions: Almost all online stores, except for the usual suspects, will rise to the task, dropping shipping, reducing price so that you'll pay the same or less than the competition even w/the tax...all but MF and GC. Some will even send you little gifts and other tokens of love and friendship. Funny: The big vendors make lots of money, oh yeah. I guess that can have an adverse effect on 'tude toward mildly-to-severely financially-strapped (up to 6.5"!) musicians. People forget where they came from.

Not that tax would make much of a dent in the price of a strap.... But, on principle, there you go.

But, thanks again! Strangely enough I never investigated the possibility that there might be a strap that "goes to 4.5"

As one poster wrote, the greater the weight distribution, the (all else held equal) more comfortable the "fit." Just watch out, those of you who are really small-boned

We don't want any accidents with straps slipping off narrow shoulders, eh?