• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Looking for a pro strap

#41
Brad Johnson said:
I explained how to install them for people like you who couldn't figure it out on their own. It's not really complicated at all.
Click to expand...
Yeah, right, AFTER I'd explained that I'd installed those Dunlops many times before messing them up. And on Levy's straps (which I should have mentioned).

So just to clarify: Dunlops are very difficult to install on thick straps. Sometimes it can be done, sometimes it can't, and sometimes the C clip breaks trying.

Thin straps are easy - never bent a clip on those, not once.
 
#42
Flintc said:
Yeah, right, AFTER I'd explained that I'd installed those Dunlops many times before messing them up. And on Levy's straps (which I should have mentioned).

So just to clarify: Dunlops are very difficult to install on thick straps. Sometimes it can be done, sometimes it can't, and sometimes the C clip breaks trying.

Thin straps are easy - never bent a clip on those, not once.
Click to expand...

And I still don't understand how someone can break a c-clip on those. They slide sideways into a slot, on top of a big washer, so there's either room for them to go in or there's not. That is, if you install them the way I described.

How did you manage to break them?
 
#47
#48
LevysStrap.gif



This is my current favorite & they are on sale right now at MF for $44.99. 2 1/2" wide face & 3" wide back.
 
#49
Spiritfield said:
The hands down best (imho) leather strap (and I've owned MANY different types) is the Tango Leather Guitar and Bass Straps made by TB member Templar. They come in different widths, different color leathers, different stitching, etc. Very soft and supple leather used. Jack hand makes these and I've not found a better strap. Matter of fact, it's all I use now. My Levy's and the others sit in a cardboard box in my closet.

Here's a link to his forum on BABP:

Link Removed


I'm not affiliated in any way; just a very happy customer who likes to support other TB supporting members when possible.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much. I've been considering buying a new strap (after using the same freebie for 17 years) and you've just pointed me in the direction I'd like to go. I prefer to support the smaller guys when possible (Butch over there is great for cables) and I was completely unaware Templar made straps. Much appreciated.

Mike
 
#50
I like my straps to be 4 inches wide and leather. I have the Levy's 4 1/2 inch strap for my Nash and it looks pretty comfortable and cost me all of $35 (its $50 on MF for some reason)

When I get around to finally playing my Nash, I'll let you know.

EDIT: All of my straps, with the exception of the Levy I've made myself. Its not rocket science. :p Oh yeah, I forgot, my fretless P has a cheapie $20 strap. I like the design though.
 
#51
I have one of those levy's suede straps but I found it wasn't wide enough. I was considering that 4 1/2" one but then I found these which come in 3 1/2":

Invalid Link Removed

these are now my new favorites. The colors in the picture are wrong though (way too light), they are typical leather black/brown colors as you'd expect.
 
#53
I have a hard time finding a leather strap because I really and truly hate the thin separate tailpiece that you weave through the slits. I like straps that are essentially one piece and have the sliding adjust. If anyone knows of a 3 or 4" wide one in leather let me know!

Most of my straps are Comfort Strapps or their now-defunct cousin made by Brooklyn Gear. Comfy and they stay in place.
 
#55
The Golden Boy said:
There are straps that cost $5 and straps that will cost more than $500.

A "pro" strap is one that will fit your needs, made of the the best materials and workmanship you can afford.

In other words- go for the more than $5 strap (although for many, the $5 strap is perfectly serviceable.)

I've had a strap custom made for me for under $50.

normal_strap1.jpg



Check the Ebay for leather workers- I don't remember who did mine- but I'm plenty happy with it!
Click to expand...

mine is pretty similar, a bit darker only. I payed U$S 15
for it and it worths every penny, is a freaking good robust strap.
But I have to admit that leather stuff may be cheaper here in Argentina if they aren't from a high priced brand.
 
#59
iamoldschool said:
My strap is a Franklin and I love it. 3" wide soft leather on the outside, suede on the inside to help it stay put. Mucho comfy. Bought mine @ GC for $40-something bucks, but I wouldn't sell it for that.
http://www.franklinstrap.com/
Click to expand...

+1

I needed a wide comfy strap to tame the shoulder ache from my T-40 and I got to hunting around the net for the "perfect" strap... I wound up buying one of the padded Levy's straps sight unseen. Needless to say it was completely wrong for my application... not as long as I need (the length wasn't posted, I just assumed it was standard), and just didn't feel right. No big deal, I kept it for my guitar.

So the next step was to hit GC and try out every single strap, in every price range. At the end of the day it came down between one of the most expensive Levy's straps (in the $60 range, i believe) and a $45 Franklin strap. Ultimately the Franklin was more comfortable. The suede lining is great for a bass with neck-dive as its pretty grippy on shirts, though it makes it harder to slide around, which I sometimes like to do. The only thing I've noticed with the Franklin is that the soft leather has a tendency to stretch under extreme weight (such as my Peavey T-40). I doubt it'll last forever, but for now I love the Franklin strap.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back