Best Bass Strap for Weight Distribution?

[Iridescentone]

My Sling strap came today. Helps quite a bit for my sprained AC joint, which is slowly healing.

Last night I tried to play a light weight (8.5lbs) bass with a 4" strap. Made it for only 5 minutes before an onslaught of severe pain. Couldn't get the bass off fast enough, almost dropped it in the process.

Anyway today, with the Sling over my left shoulder, and a 9lb bass, I managed 15 minutes mostly pain-free. Even so, the Sling's 2" wide strap was digging into my shoulder a bit.

So I ordered a Planet Waves gel-filled shoulder pad from Sweetwater. Should make the Sling even more effective.

Planet Waves PW GSP Gel Shoulder Pad for Fabric Straps | eBay

Will report back...

 

[Iridescentone]

I use the Waist Strap...not anything that goes over my shoulders. I've tried all manner of shoulder straps (padded, wide, double, etc) and they all hurt me and hurt me bad. Arthritis spurs are chewing up the soft tissue all over my body and my shoulders got bad a couple years ago.

If it were not for the Slinger Waist Strap, I would not be gigging anymore.

I just looked at the Slinger site again. They call the "waist" strap the "hip" strap. I'll call it such from now on. I could swear it used to be called a waist strap. Maybe memories of the Fender waist strap I used in the mid-late 60's.

I'm hoping not to have to go to the Hip/Waist strap. Not loving the idea of drilling holes in my basses to accommodate that strap.

 

[Steve Dallman]

And that's the rub. I used flushmount straplocks. I do have basses I'm reluctant to drill.

The acoustic hip strap uses the existing strap button on the end, and uses velcro on the upper body. That might be an alternative to drilling.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Just bought a Comfort Strapp.Far better than the Dare strap. It really helps distribute the weight of this 13lb bass!
Do you notice that my bass has no neck dive when I let go?.That's because of my Anchor Belt.
Third picture shows relocated strap peg on the back.

 

[monsterthompson]

I'll vouch for the Slinger waist/hip. I'm friends with the maker and got to give him feedback and input. It does have limits on positioning, but it beats crippling shoulder and neck pain.

 

[addicted]

How does wide and narrow bass strap differ? Does the wide bass strap offer better weight distribution? And does leather material help making the strap more comfortable on shoulder (not to mention it does sport a finer look) ?

I am often experiencing neck and shoulder blade issue even before I started playing bass thus I want to invent on better strap to help reducing the shoulder load when playing bass.

 

[AREA]

I use a Ritter "Tempur Strap" and find it very comfortable. I think Sadowsky makes identical Straps.

 

[Neotech]

How does wide and narrow bass strap differ? Does the wide bass strap offer better weight distribution? And does leather material help making the strap more comfortable on shoulder (not to mention it does sport a finer look) ?

I am often experiencing neck and shoulder blade issue even before I started playing bass thus I want to invent on better strap to help reducing the shoulder load when playing bass.

There is actually quite a bit of science going on here. A wide strap can help disperse weight, but depending on its materials etc. it can end up simply moving all the weight to the two outer edges. This can result is a less-uncomfortable strap more than a comfortable strap.

Hope this helps. I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

[T2k5]

There is actually quite a bit of science going on here. A wide strap can help disperse weight, but depending on its materials etc. it can end up simply moving all the weight to the two outer edges. This can result is a less-uncomfortable strap more than a comfortable strap.

Hope this helps. I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Another option is to attach a 5mm layer of neoprene under the expensive ultra-wide and hard-edged leather strap you bought for an extremely heavy bass, so you don't have to let that strap go to waste when you eventually start to notice how painful a leather strap can be. Huge improvement for just a couple of dollars.

 

[Mktrat]

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Tamed the heavy beast!!

 

[ferdinandstrat]

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This actually looks very useful for heavy bass guitars. It may make you look like a tool but it looks like a products that may genuinely do the trick!

 

[tuBass]

here's my review I submitted to the Slinger website. Let's see if they publish it, it seems they only publish 5 star reviews. This is a 2 star

Review: I was excited to buy this strap (excited enough to drill a hole in my vintage bass to accommodate the extra strap) but when I tried it on I was disappointed. The top of the bass falls forward, forcing me to use my right arm to hold it against my body, not exactly conducive to long term comfort or proper technique. Since I was already in it for the cost of the strap (plus shipping) the extra set of strap locks I bought, and had already drilled a hole in my bass, I decided to attach an extra strap to add the one that goes over the shoulder to control the flopping. It works fine, but I wish I had just purchased that model to begin with. Also, when wearing my bass, I can't bend at the waist at all, even to the point of not being able to pick up a cable off the ground without taking off the bass (more complicated than it sounds, especially if you have to put it right back on) or getting help from someone else

 

[GregT]

Levy's MSS2-4. I've tried 5 or 6 expensive straps, and the MSS2-4 is the only one that works for me on heavy basses. Ultimately, though, you'll find that a heavy bass is a heavy bass, and you might consider lightening your load for the ultimate solution.

Ordered one of these in white today to match my Olympic White Precision from Jason at BassStringsOnline.

 

[adivin]

Mono GS1 Betty strap is pretty comfortable.

I like the Mono Betty too, but I must disclose that the black dye bled and has stained at least three expensive white dress shirts on the collar. Customer service would do nothing for me after sending pics, etc.

 

[Jake Castle]

The One Strap from scotts bass lessons is the best strap I've ever used. I have two.

SBL One Strap - Handmade Leather Bass Guitar Strap

It's up for sale now, but it won't be for long. They only offer it every couple of months. Well worth the wait and cost.

 

[Ironbar]

Can anyone recommend a wide strap that distrubutes the weight of a bass accross the shoulder evenly? I play with my bass a little higher up than some...between the top of my chest and my stomach. I need a strap that will make 4 hour sets 5 nights a week a little easier on my body! Thanks for the recomendations!

Personally, I found that the Levy's padded 4" wide strap was TOO wide. The damned thing cut into my neck. I found that a plain 3" wide Levy's suede strap does the best for me.