Bought a Levy’s strap...

[CallMeAl]

Thanks! I know leather will break in, but I wasn’t sure if there was some sort of core to this strap making it stiffer.

I’ve also got a Comfort Strapp on the way, I’ll see how that does. I can imagine what it might feel like broken in, and I may end up using one of the break-in accelerator techniques (like conditioner or oil) to get it a little more playable quickly.

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks! I know leather will break in, but I wasn’t sure if there was some sort of core to this strap making it stiffer.

I’ve also got a Comfort Strapp on the way, I’ll see how that does. I can imagine what it might feel like broken in, and I may end up using one of the break-in accelerator techniques (like conditioner or oil) to get it a little more playable quickly.

Any updates?

 

[CallMeAl]

Any updates?

Been coiling up the strap overnight, and giving it gentle massages and twists in all logical directions; and it’s just now starting to feel good. Definitely softening up. I notice the Levy’s holds the bass more stable vs neoprene; at first it felt constricting, but as I get used to it I’m preferring that.

However, I’m still struggling with the overall feel of the new bass. Just the way it sits on a strap, I’m getting knots in my shoulders and I’m wondering how long I’ll stick it out. It sucks, old bass feels better, new bass sounds better. I was hoping for a breakthrough cure with the right strap. But the Levy’s so far has made the biggest difference, so it’s been the winner in this experiment.

Comfort Strapp was a total bust. The plastic buckle sits right on a bone and digs in. neotech is a much better design, where the neoprene goes all the way to the upper horn strap end.

 

[JimmyM]

Been coiling up the strap overnight, and giving it gentle massages and twists in all logical directions; and it’s just now starting to feel good. Definitely softening up. I notice the Levy’s holds the bass more stable vs neoprene; at first it felt constricting, but as I get used to it I’m preferring that.

However, I’m still struggling with the overall feel of the new bass. Just the way it sits on a strap, I’m getting knots in my shoulders and I’m wondering how long I’ll stick it out. It sucks, old bass feels better, new bass sounds better. I was hoping for a breakthrough cure with the right strap. But the Levy’s so far has made the biggest difference, so it’s been the winner in this experiment.

Comfort Strapp was a total bust. The plastic buckle sits right on a bone and digs in. neotech is a much better design, where the neoprene goes all the way to the upper horn strap end.

Ya, my Comfort Strapp has sat in a box for almost 20 years for that reason, plus the seatbelt material that holds it together digs in right through that padding. Surprisingly, though, the padding hasn't crumbled at all that I can see. About the only good thing about it IMHO.

But I'll tell you, no matter how good the strap, a heavy bass is a heavy bass, and the only thing that's truly worked for me is lightening up. But that Levy's strap does expand my comfort zone a bit. Man, I remember the days I could wear my 9.5 lb. 5-string all night with a 2 inch seatbelt strap and never felt a thing. Never even thought to weigh it or any bass I bought. I turn 40 and it all goes to hell.

You'd think I'd learn, too. I just bought another 5-string that weighs 9.5 lbs, and I don't even like playing 5-string

 

[CallMeAl]

Ya, my Comfort Strapp has sat in a box for almost 20 years for that reason, plus the seatbelt material that holds it together digs in right through that padding. Surprisingly, though, the padding hasn't crumbled at all that I can see. About the only good thing about it IMHO.

But I'll tell you, no matter how good the strap, a heavy bass is a heavy bass, and the only thing that's truly worked for me is lightening up. But that Levy's strap does expand my comfort zone a bit. Man, I remember the days I could wear my 9.5 lb. 5-string all night with a 2 inch seatbelt strap and never felt a thing. Never even thought to weigh it or any bass I bought. I turn 40 and it all goes to hell.

You'd think I'd learn, too. I just bought another 5-string that weighs 9.5 lbs, and I don't even like playing 5-string

So, I’ve addressed the balance issues at the source. Added strap locks (slightly changing the center of gravity) And lightweight tuning machines (shaved of 3 oz.) Could be placebo effect, but I feel these measures made a difference.

Now I find the Neotech strap more comfortable with this bass. I’m still keeping the Levy’s strap for this bass in particular. It’s growing on me as it breaks in and I find it adds more stability than the Neotech.

Oh, and I did apply leather conditioner (Bick 4). Softened the surface but didn’t really address my concerns. I think what I’m feeling is the multiple layers of leather at the seams. But like I said it is improving, so I think all I can do is play the snot out of it!