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Levys Ergonomic Strap

ErikP.Bass

Supporting Member
Nov 23, 2004
2,827
2,090
Anyone ever try one of these, own one?

Levy’s Leathers Ergonomic Bass Strap - Look, man, a bass is bigger than a guitar, and it requires a larger, heavier-duty strap. Duane Greene of G.C. Basses & Design Ltd. created the new Ergonomic Strap ($60 list and street) for Levy’s Leathers with this basic understanding. It’s a 1w" premium-quality leather strap with a 5"-wide, contoured, moveable foam-lined pad. The Velcro fastener system offers fully adjustable length from 37" to 50". Levy’s Leathers, 800-565-0203, www.levysleathers.com
 
Haven't tried it yet. I want to but I have bad luck with straps that have those covers threaded through skinny strips. That's why I can't use the Comfort Strapp. It's got a nice heavy pad but the thin seatbelt strap it's attached to digs through to my shoulder. But I just bought a Levy's MSS24 strap that's 4 1/2" with a pad on it, and so far it's working out pretty well for me. I'd love one of those huge Levy's straps that Tim Commerford uses but they don't make them anymore and have no plans to.
 
I recall TimmyC saying in an interview that he has his straps custom made, to accommodate an old injury (broken collarbone). Wonder if there was any inspiration taken from that for this new commercial strap.

FWIW, I got one of those ridiculously inexpensive 5" Italia Leather straps off the 'Bay and, while a bit stiff, it really spreads the weight wonderfully. I'm gonna get a 4" suede from them next and try it.
 
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I just got one of these Levy's M29 Ergonomic straps and I'm very impressed. I broke my collar bone 25+ years ago and since then guitar straps and I have had a tenuous relationship. Normally I have to sit about 1/2 the time when at a gig because of shoulder pain. My Warwick is a 15 minute propostion at best followed by hours of shoulder pain (and that's with a 4" strap). I got one of these Levy's straps last week and it feels MUCH lighter on my shoulder. I'd recommend it to anyone that is feeling weighed down when they play their bass on a strap.
 
I'm so proud to team with Levy's to have developed a powerful accessory that can improve the bassist's comfort, and even increase left-hand dexterity. We've had great success with players who've worked with Prince & Beyonce', to legendary players from the P-Funk Bands, that have had shoulder discomfort hinder their careers. Some of these great players have almost had to abandon some high-profile gigs due to the inability to stand and support their instruments on stage. A few have had broken collar bones, and with the use of our strap, by the Grace of God, are able to stand on stage with their basses again in order to support their families with their gift of music. This strap was born out of a tragedy,as I had a severe back injury, and was in back therapy for the major part of a year. During that time I was fortunate enough to meet and be under the care of a sports medicine professional that was a musician, a physical therapist, and a member of the American Board of Hand Therapy (He was on the Editorial Staff of the Musician's Hand Injury Issue).
I had never heard of the straps that were mentioned in the other posts. My inspiration came from prayer, and the studies of physiology, & kinesiology. Working with a great sports medicine therapist who guided me through the process of the healthiest approach to supporting the glorious instrument of Electric Bass made the process much smoother in the developmental stages.
The Strap is made to provide even support to distribute the weight according to the design of the human frame. It's proper usage can help increase dexterity of the left hand functions by relieving the pressure on the nerves of the left shoulder. A few players have spoken of the numbness they used to experience in their left hand being removed entirely, or significantly diminished since using the strap.
I'm so honored that in all of the years of Bass Player Magazine since its inception that the Levy's Ergonomic Bass Strap is only the 2nd Strap ever to be reviewed. Glad to be of service to the Bass Community- the Greatest Group of Musicians in the World!