Heavy basses and straps..

[Lawkeeper]

Hi all,

Could you give me any pointers to increase the serviceable lifespan of my strap? One of my basses weighs a ton, and despite the improvised 'straplocks' it puts strain on the ends of my strap.

Is there anything I can put on the strap knobs, or should I just buy a sturdier strap?

 

[LouieV2]

IMO, get a really good strap. I use a warwick Corvette 5 as my main bass and I've literally never found a heavier bass than this one..

I use a planet 3" padded strap for that one and its holding up real well. I also use reunion blues wool straps which are extremely sturdy.

Hope this helps!

PS: I use Schaller straplocks

 

[superdick2112]

Sounds like you need a real strap...

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[Lawkeeper]

i'm currently using a Dunlop Americana strap, by the way. And getting a big leather strap does seem like a good idea. Time to save up some money!

 

[gary m]

I use a 4" Neotech strap on my heavier instruments. Has a neoprene core with lots of padding and actually stretches a bit to act as a kind of shock absorber. They're about $30 USD online from various dealers.

 

[SlingBass4]

Mono

 

[Lee H]

I think the key word may have been the "Improvised" strap lock
Get rid of the hokey little clips and get a real strap lock if you are worried about the strap ends
I use schaller strap locks on my Hamer 12 string bass, and have absolutely no problems. I doubt your bass weighs the same as that thing does

 

[Thomas Kievit]

Buy a Gaucho Vintage strap It'll expand over both your shoulders and hold your bass in place, no matter the weight

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[Lawkeeper]

With 'improvised' straplocks I meant that I use the red rubber thingies off beer bottles to make sure my strap stays in place. Everyone does it around here, works like a charm. But the straps ends are wearing down, that's my problem.

 

[carl h.]

With 'improvised' straplocks I meant that I use the red rubber thingies off beer bottles to make sure my strap stays in place. Everyone does it around here, works like a charm. But the straps ends are wearing down, that's my problem.

Put on a Schaller straplock. It will clamp on to the strap and keep the holes from elongating any further.

 

[Lee H]

Buy a Gaucho Vintage strap It'll expand over both your shoulders and hold your bass in place, no matter the weight

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I may buy one of their biker series straps... I do a lot of biker rallies (that ws why I originally bought a traben phooenix)

With 'improvised' straplocks I meant that I use the red rubber thingies off beer bottles to make sure my strap stays in place. Everyone does it around here, works like a charm. But the straps ends are wearing down, that's my problem.

yeah, there is your whole problem... You saved a few dollars by not getting real strap locks, but you are wasting your straps

 

[Thomas Kievit]

I may buy one of their biker series straps... I do a lot of biker rallies (that was why I originally bought a traben phoenix)

Sounds awesome! I don't have any problems with my ''normal'' strap, but if I ever get an bass guitar that's unbalanced, I'd definetly buy the Vintage strap

 

[66Atlas]

I've had the same strap for 20 years and love the thing. I'd probably be more upset if someone stole my strap than some of my basses! (well, certain ones anyway) I've always used schaller strap locks, as mentioned, the way they clamp down on the strap means you'll never have the problem you're describing.

 

[Not yet]

Been using Moody since I started giggin heavy few years ago....expensive but one of my better purchases. Most comfortable found

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[jtrjammer]

Italia

 

[Engine207]

Levy's. 4½" garment leather bass strap with foam padding and garment leather backing. Adjustable from 36" to 52". Eight colors from which to choose.

Super expensive, but I love mine to death.

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[lowfreq33]

A good leather strap should last for years.

 

[jlepre]

Levy's. 4½" garment leather bass strap with foam padding and garment leather backing. Adjustable from 36" to 52". Eight colors from which to choose.

Super expensive, but I love mine to death.

+1 wider straps increase surface area, thus better weight ditribution.

 

[jlepre]

Levy's. 4½" garment leather bass strap with foam padding and garment leather backing. Adjustable from 36" to 52". Eight colors from which to choose.

Super expensive, but I love mine to death.

+1 Wider strap increases surface area