My solution turned out to be 2.5" wide straps (no more, no less!) and LIGHTWEIGHT bass guitars...
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Does a wider strap help with back and shoulder pain while playing?
- Thread starter 51PRI
- Start date
The Precision that I'm using now if pretty light. I haven't weighed it, but it's not a heavy bass.
I'm going to find out. I just ordered a Levy's 4.5" padded strap. Hopefully it will get here before next weeks gigs and I'll know soon.
I've noticed that. I have my bass pretty high now and that has helped.
No.
So far not introduced into the discussion is moving one end of the strap to the headstock, a la hootenanny button. This will move the weight from your shoulder to your shoulder blade and your thorax. MUCH more comfortable. But it also will force you to hold the bass very horizontally. Otherwise it will down to your right.
In my experience, yes. A wider and, more specifically, a wider neoprene strap helped me tremendously with my back/bass problems. Eventually moving into a lighter bass also helped. YMMV
Always deals on the Italia leather strap website, and I’ve bought Italia straps, used from the TB classifieds. Italia has frequent flash sales if you cough up your email.
I’ve been using the 4” Italia straps since 2006. Comfortable and soft. A little warm on hot days.
I usually dial a strap in to each bass and leave it on that bass. I’ll put in new holes and trim excess for each. These straps will last forever.
I’ve been using the 4” Italia straps since 2006. Comfortable and soft. A little warm on hot days.
I usually dial a strap in to each bass and leave it on that bass. I’ll put in new holes and trim excess for each. These straps will last forever.
Depending on your situation, and if you’re like me, it’ll help distribute the weight a little better but back and neck (and everything else) pain is chronic and something to just live with and manage with whatever works.
There is a heck of an idea. But I have a Dollar General right around the corner that sell 4 oz of chocolate covered raisins and peanut clusters for a buck....Self denial has been overcome by self indulgence....LOL!!!
Yes… it helped me significantly. I used nice leather straps that were approaching 3 inches wide. Some had more padding than others. I switched to the 4.5 inch Levy’s and the 4.25 inch Gruv Gear Solo Strap Neo. Pain gone. I like both for different reasons. Solo is softer and more flexible, but also slick. The Levy’s provides just enough traction to assist with minor neck dive and has enough softness to be comfortable.
Absolutely.
My five string with a wide padded strap sometimes feels lighter than my four string basses with a standard sized nylon strap.
I'm sorry to hear that. I've suffered with back and neck pain since I was 22. I'm now 72. There are multiple causes of back pain and no clear cut and foolproof solutions for any and all causes (when one can be found, which honestly, is problematic). I'd suggest you consult medical practitioners and holistic health practitioners. For me, chiropractic keeps me going but it isn't a cure. My advice is to avoid solutions that involve pain medications.
+1 to many possible causes (and responses) for back pain
+1 consult professionals.
For me the greatest weapon against my back pain has been exercise.
Run, Squat, Deadlift. You'll still be sore but for better reasons.
+1 consult professionals.
For me the greatest weapon against my back pain has been exercise.
Run, Squat, Deadlift. You'll still be sore but for better reasons.
Wider straps have worked for me.
I imagine it depends on the individual and their condition.
Now my basses are "weight matched" with the width of the leather strap, with the 10lb + basses getting a 4".
It's made a big difference - my back problems are all behind me now.
Prior to 2017, all I ever used were the 2" canvas type straps.
Now 2" just kind of irritate my shoulder, regardless of the weight.
Times change.
I imagine it depends on the individual and their condition.
Now my basses are "weight matched" with the width of the leather strap, with the 10lb + basses getting a 4".
It's made a big difference - my back problems are all behind me now.
Prior to 2017, all I ever used were the 2" canvas type straps.
Now 2" just kind of irritate my shoulder, regardless of the weight.
Times change.
I noticed that pert of my problem was not so much while playing but, between songs when I am just standing there waiting to play. I would rest my let hand on the body of the guitar. Of course that adds downward pressure on the strap increasing the "weight" of the instrument. I stop doing that and the problem disappears. (of course).
