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Anyone Use Slinger Hip Strap or Sling Strap?

ronin614

ronin614

May 15, 2008
761
598
New York
#1
I had shoulder surgery (torn labrum repair, several anchors put in, collarbone shaved, and several other icky things) about 8 months ago, and may have to have more work done soon. Wearing either of my basses (an inverted Hohner Jack and lefty SX Ursa II) has become, shall we say, unpleasant.

I’m considering giving either the hip strap or sling strap a shot, and would like to know the impressions of those who have used either.

Also, I don’t play w/my basses straight out as some people do; I prefer to play at an angle.

Any other suggestions for straps that help relieve shoulder and neck issues are appreciated.

As always, thanks for any input.
 
#3
I've been using one for over 4 years. I could no longer tolerate a shoulder strap, no matter how padded, wide, etc. (Arthritis...bad.) The slinger was a godsend.

I mount the lower horn strap differently. I use flush mount strap locks, and attach the short tab under the bass, just to my left of the balance point of the bass.

I still use my original strap, and bought another for a backup. The down side is drilling extra holes in instruments to accommodate the Slinger. I even use it with several heavy guitars I have.

In high school (mid-late 60's) I was injured in wrestling, and could not use a standard guitar strap for about a year. Fender sold a waist strap that attached to the back of the guitar with screw eyes. When my shoulder problems got bad 4 years ago, I looked for a modern equivalent. The Slinger was the answer for me.

And as I told my brother-in-law, "Now my shoulders don't hurt, but my pants fall down."
 
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#5
Bumping for experiences with the waist strap.

@Steve Dallman In case you're still active (fingers crossed): Thanks for your insights! Could you spare a picture of how you install them and have you experienced any neck diving?

Bonus: Does anyone know where to order it in Europe?
 
#6
I'll post some pics in a day or two. Neck dive is determined by where on the underside of the short horn you mount the strap. I don't like using the end of the horn like they suggest. The bass isn't in the right place. I find the balance point and maybe move 1/2" toward the neck. My main bass has very slight neck dive, but none when my arm is over it while playing. It feels right to me.
 
#7
Can't speak to the hip-strap. I don't much care for the design, seems like it would limit instrument movement pretty severely. I've got a not-so-great left shoulder and some back issues (not as bad as yours).
Currently running a GruvGear Recoil strap which is "better" but not perfect. Basically really wide with 2 side adjustability.

I came cross the DuoStrap a few months ago and am curious.
DuoStrap Neo™

Perhaps a Spinstrap would be helpful
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#8
@Steve Dallman Yeah alright, maybe I could experiment by having someone support it various places and find a sweet spot. I'm trying it on a talman which have a jaguar kinda body.

@Lowend65 I've also looked into the duo in particular and that will be my second choice, however, I have some extremely sensitive nerves on my left shoulder from an old injury while I have long arms and (maybe) therefore hang my bass quite low so I figured the waist strap would be a matcch made in heaven for me
 
#10
Watchootognbout said:
I tried one of those years ago.

Take your hand off the neck of the bass.
Neck dive city!
Click to expand...
I've had mine over 4 years, mounted on a Line 6 Variax 5, my 35" scale fretless, a five string Steinberger Spirit, a Stingray knockoff I built, a Les Paul, very heavy Telecaster, heavy 5 string modded Squire Protone and several other basses. No neck dive with any except for the Line 6 and I chose how much I could live with vs balance. There is just a tiny bit of dive, but nothing drastic.

If you mount the front mount just to the left of the balance point, no neck dive. I don't know how one would mount a Slinger Hip Strap and get neck dive...possibly with a Thunderbird.

The bass is mounted tight to your body. How will it dive. It's not like a shoulder strap that can slip with a heavy neck.

I wore out my first Slinger and just started using my second.

I use Dunlop flush mount straplocks. They work best as they do not add to neck dive and are not as visible.
 
#11
getBAK said:
Can't speak to the hip-strap. I don't much care for the design, seems like it would limit instrument movement pretty severely. I've got a not-so-great left shoulder and some back issues (not as bad as yours).
Currently running a GruvGear Recoil strap which is "better" but not perfect. Basically really wide with 2 side adjustability.

I came cross the DuoStrap a few months ago and am curious.
DuoStrap Neo™

Perhaps a Spinstrap would be helpful
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

I have no restriction of movement. I am in the habit of moving the neck up and down, and changing my left hand position. I've done this since the early 80's after watching our guitar player suffer from hand/carpal tunnel problems. I have severe degenerative arthritis and do what I can to keep my hands working.

No restriction of movement on any of my instruments with the Slinger Hip strap.

I can't tolerate any strap on my shoulder for more than 10 minutes. The arthritis spurs are biting into my trapezious muscle. I have all the other variations and designs of shoulder straps...neo, wide padded soft leather, dual straps...none help. The Hip Strap was my salvation as far as gigging.
 
#12
getBAK said:
Can't speak to the hip-strap. I don't much care for the design, seems like it would limit instrument movement pretty severely. I've got a not-so-great left shoulder and some back issues (not as bad as yours).
Currently running a GruvGear Recoil strap which is "better" but not perfect. Basically really wide with 2 side adjustability.

I came cross the DuoStrap a few months ago and am curious.
DuoStrap Neo™

Perhaps a Spinstrap would be helpful
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

I have a spin strap on a headless Explorer bass I built in 1980. It works but the weight is still on my shoulder. Mine does the ZZ Top spin thing but is mounted just like the diagrams on the Wittman site.
 
#15
Garret Graves said:
You sound great Jake, very nice arrangement! Hope that strap keeps you pain free!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much. I had to do the clone wheel intro since I'm a Hammond player by trade, but after 52 years we're both taking it easy. The arthritis in the thumbs and shoulders is really severe, but Tom's strap relieved almost every symptom . Now I have to take credit for all the clams......... ;)

Jake
 
#17
Does anyone else have experience with this as a cure for left shoulder and nerve related issues?

I'm super reluctant to want to drill holes in my instruments, but I'd also like to enjoy playing without pain and making life worse than it needs to be while I'm playing (and long term away from the bass as well).
 
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#18
Hmmmm, lets see.....
Small hole in bass = pain free.
Play with standard strap = agony

I'm not schilling for Tom, but he was in contact with me during the design phase, calculated measurements from me, and shipped the product out quickly and I am totally satisfied with it.

Very personable guy and takes great pride in his work.

If I ever do wear this one out I'll definitely buy from him again.

Jake
 
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#19
lightbg said:
Hmmmm, lets see.....
Small hole in bass = pain free.
Play with standard strap = agony

I'm not schilling for Tom, but he was in contact with me during the design phase, calculated measurements from me, and shipped the product out quickly and I am totally satisfied with it.

Very personable guy and takes great pride in his work.

If I ever do wear this one out I'll definitely buy from him again.

Jake
Click to expand...
I agree 100%- An instrument is a tool, and if it isn't comfortable should either be sold or modified to fit the needs of the user!
 
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#20
I have been dealing with neck and shoulder pain from an auto accident for a few years. I use a Harness Strap from Slinger Straps. The one that has a waist belt and goes over both shoulders. This strap has allowed me to keep playing bass. I cannot recommend it enough.

And I also agree that Tom is great to work with.
 
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