Levy's Leather Straps: 4.5" TOO Wide?!?

[Shaunpski]

No issue for me. I'm 5'7" and a regular build. Works well with my 9 lb J bass.

 

[physics]

I have the Franklin Ring Strap that is 3.5" wide. It is made with supple non-padded leather, which I like and is very comfortable.
I'd like to try a good quality 4" or 4.5" non-padded leather strap.

 

[Spidey2112]

3.5" is perfect... for me.

Anything more, and I feel like I've won the Mister America pageant... actually came in second, the sting hurting worse than the sash rash from the strap...

Anything less, and it feels like I'm hosting a toga party for teens...

 

[CoarseBass]

I got one of these after breaking my collarbone, the 2" Franklin strap I had is very nice, but it also pressed right on the break...No bueno with my Warwick, a heavy, neck heavy beast.

The 4.5" padded strap was perfect at that time, wider than I really want, but let me play with no pain just a few months after dumping my motorcycle. Nowadays, 5 years later, I'm back on 2-3 inchers, just because 4.5 was wider than ideal.

 

[mngnt]

So I did a bit more research, and ended up back where I started (my new 11lb bass is an F).

I read a few reviews, and based on those this strap seems to be a slightly improved version of the stock Levy's equivalent. Looks padded, and wide.

I don't mind the "F" logo since I have one, but if you don't and don't care, this might be the perfect strap:

 

[MrBEAR]

The cutting into the neck issue had a solution that Levys discontinued a few years back. A cool design from a bassist with the last name of Greene. (sp?)

The widest part is 6", at the two ess curve pottions on the left, which rest on the shoulder blade. The other wide portions are 5". The button holes are on a one piece, adjustable length, strap that slides inside the ess shaped glove once you release the ultra sticky velcro. When new, due to thickness, the holes need massaging to accept straplocks.

 

[StatesideRambler]

I was looking for a 3-1/2" but never saw one I liked so now I use an Italia leather 4" strap for my bass (9 lbs). The width is good nearly all the time. The exception is when I wear a satin-like shirt that lets the strap saw into my neck a bit. It's too bulky/stiff to fit easily into the case I use so it travels with the cables in their bag.

 

[Raw N Low]

Love mine. I got it last Tuesday and it feels really good on the shoulder of my fretting hand. Reduces alot of fatigue.

 

[Rabidhamster]

4.5 inch wide padded straps are so bulky and they don't breathe so my teet sweats. I also hate things touching my neck so they aren't my first choice.

 

[timonvh]

European forumites might want to check the Minotaur straps (Greek) sold by Thomann. 4 inches wide, under 40 euros. Add a set of strings and shipping is free.

 

[Steve88]

I only use 4 inch straps (Italia Leather)...anything narrower feels like it's cutting into my shoulder. It seems like 4.5 wouldn't be that much different.

 

[The Eristic]

I've had two of the 4.5s for a decade. They don't bother my neck, but they come off certain basses awkwardly, which not only messes with how the instruments hang, but can cause the strap to lift up one side, effectively making it apply all the weight via a narrow band being twisted down into the edge of shoulder, which irritates the crap outta the shoulder ridge and kinda defeats the purpose of the strap being wide. I keep them around for backup, but I've gone to the Comfort Strap and similar 99% of the time.

 

[Siggy]

I'm returning mine. Too wide, rubs my neck and looks like a medical device. Reminds me of a kidney belt. I blame myself for not doing better research.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

4.5" is cool, as players will have different shoulder sizes then there will be preferences.
3'" is the narrowest i would recommend over the shoulder, but go as wide as you need, even go custom from a good letter maker...a strap is for life.
One issue is visuals, a wide strap on the bass can look clumsy if the button is on the back of the body, or neck.
I use a Gibson Vintage, a great strap, with an ergonomic shoulder pad, that the thiner part of the strap passes through, and you are free to move the bass and the bass stays in place, great for not wearing out jackets and shirts.

Wear any strap from the outside of the shoulder to the neck, never put a strap on the neck if you can, this will lead to neck ache, wear a good quality balanced wide strap when ever you can. Sure it can feel weird at first, but that soon goes as the strap wears into your shape.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[TomB]

I went through a number if straps til I found these: Invalid Link Removed

3.5" padded with a 'suede' back which helps 'grip' my shoulder. I get them from BassStringsOnline. They are not on their website- but I email Jason re: which one I want and he gets it for me. I have several of them... perfect for me. (I also had the Levy's 4.5" padded strap- it did cut into my neck).

Do you know if there is one of these sold in Brown? Maybe I should ask Jason. Thx!

 

[slareman]

I went through a number if straps til I found these: Invalid Link Removed

3.5" padded with a 'suede' back which helps 'grip' my shoulder. I get them from BassStringsOnline. They are not on their website- but I email Jason re: which one I want and he gets it for me. I have several of them... perfect for me. (I also had the Levy's 4.5" padded strap- it did cut into my neck).

Another vote for this one.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

The cutting into the neck issue had a solution that Levys discontinued a few years back. A cool design from a bassist with the last name of Greene. (sp?)

The widest part is 6", at the two ess curve pottions on the left, which rest on the shoulder blade. The other wide portions are 5". The button holes are on a one piece, adjustable length, strap that slides inside the ess shaped glove once you release the ultra sticky velcro. When new, due to thickness, the holes need massaging to accept straplocks.

View attachment 1048656

The Ergonomic, by Duane Greene of G.C. Basses.
A great strap that you can find for good prices as they never really caught on, the idea behind it is sound.

 

[JRA]

I would rather guess that people with broad shoulders have less of a problem with narrow straps.

not too sure about that: especially if you figure in the age of the shoulder!

i never cared too much about 'strap talk' until the age thing came sneaking up: i play lightweight instruments now, because of shoulder issues, but now i'm looking for a strap that will help with those lightweights! it may be a never ending downward spiral for me. but all this talk of "comfort" with a wider strap has me thinking/looking at the straps mentioned in the thread.

i did fashion a 'Y' strap which i occasionally use for a couple of heavier instruments: it really works to redistribute weight/feel, but i realize that style isn't for everyone.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hey, we're now under "Miscellaneous"! I feel like the red-haired step-child.

Lotsa great ideas....keep 'em comin! If you've had a bad experience, please share those as well.

Riis

 

[staurosjohn]

Do you know if there is one of these sold in Brown? Maybe I should ask Jason. Thx!

@TomB Here are some on eBay: Levy's M4GF Brown Garment Leather Bass Strap | eBay
This a bit more than I paid thru BSO. I had to wait for a few weeks- since Jason doesn't stock them... I'm sure Jason can still get them. Here are a few- for color comparison.

Black- Dark Brown- Brown- Tan