Bass Guitar Strap

consider strap locks?

 

If you love your bass....you'll get strap locks. I can't tell you how many times I've dropped, or caught at the the last moment, a bass that has fallen off of a standard strap.

 

If you want to be uber cheap you can get some wide flat washers, unscrew the strap mounts, and screw the mounts back in using the washers to keep the strap in place.

 

Strap locks are 100% the way to go, or the cheapie method mentioned by Saxn.

Also, get yourself a wide strap, that can distribute the weight of the bass more evenly across your shoulder.

 

Strap Locks aren't that expensive. Last I checked, they were $10 - 15 for the set. And it won't look cheap.

 

+1

Very inexpensive solution (or no cost at all if you have some hanging around the house) and offers a permanent and 100% foolproof solution to the problem of the strap coming off when you least expect it.

 

It's all about using the right hardware, my friend! In my line of work I have all kinds of hardware at my disposal... And I won't bother doing any sort of addition or mod to any device I own if I can't make it look factory.

 

Neoprene washers from any hardware store. About .40 or .50 cents each. Put your strap over the strap button, then put the washer over the strap onto the pin. They come in various sizes. Just make sure that the hole in the center of the washer is smaller than the head of the strap button. They go on or off easily, but only if you stretch them a bit. Then they automatically resume their normal shape.

I sold all my Schaller strap locks years ago and have been using these ever since.

 

The problem with the washer method is you have to unscrew the strap buttons to take the strap off. None of my basses will fit in their cases with the strap on. I also have one strap that I like to use with all my basses. Strap locks are the way to go, IMO. I install the same buttons on all my instruments, so the strap can be used on any.

The suggestion to use a wide strap is a good one, and this is often overlooked. I'm always surprised by the number of bass players with skinny straps. Doesn't that hurt? That said, this is not likely to be an issue with a Beatle bass, being one of the lightest instruments you could buy.

In short, I'd go ahead and keep the existing strap, put some strap locks on it, and be done with it.

 

Get a 4 pack of Grolsch beer. The rubber washers on the caps are the perfect dimensions for strap locks. No screwing/unscrewing, and for half the price of a single set of strap locks you get an extra pair to put on a back up bass or to share with your guitarist - and you get to drink beer

 

LOL

 

If your new bass is neck heavy you may want to try a suede leather strap to help hold it in position

 

I've certainly gotten by on that myself, in the past. I have a fairly wide leather strap on my P bass, along with Schaller strap locks. Works well. My Jazz bass and Strat have nylon straps with Dunlop strap locks, but I am going to go to Schallers on those too.

 

I like that one...

 

Just get a nice wide leather strap with a suede underside and thick leather ends - they'll hold onto the strap buttons just fine. You don't really need strap locks unless you're jumping around on stage. Of course, there is never any harm in being safer than you absolutely need to...for most of us, straplocks are insurance, not a necessity.

Ebay is a good place to find decent wide leather straps at affordable prices.

 

I can't count the number of times my MIM jazz bass slipped a(ny) strap. The best thing about getting strap locks is not even having to think about the strap - it's just there.

Locks are awesome.

 

I mostly use one bass. I use a leather strap and the holes remain so tight, (what I call a virgin strap) that it actually takes unnecessary force to get off the button.
This effect goes away with excessive removing and replacing of the strap.

 

GREAT idea!!!!!!!!!