Levy's PM32 is probably what you want.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Well the MSS2 isn't working out as well as I'd have hoped. Going to give it a rest and come back to it in a couple weeks, but my shoulder was feeling a bit sore with it. Glad I brought a couple other straps with me.
FWIW, I’ve been using both the MSS1&2 and PM31&2 straps for a while. Nice straps; but I have noticed a large variation in the stiffness of the leather from strap to strap. The very nicest one I have, no longer available, was commissioned by Fender in black leather, and has the Fender logo on the “red” circle. Softest, most comfortable strap I’ve ever used.
![IMG_0903[1].JPG](https://www.talkbass.com/data/attachments/5355/5355158-707c7e454f3661a880d07a4f12dfa304.jpg?hash=cHx-RU82Ya "IMG_0903[1].JPG")
Interesting. I've not noticed it with the two MSS2-4's I've had for years but the MSS2 I just got does seem stiffer. I don't know if it just needs to break in or what, but it would be nice if it was softer. Going to try to do something about that...hope I don't wrinkle it, though.
You might try the softener they sell with baseball gloves.
Not sure if it would stain the leather though.
They used to sell this stuff that you would heat the leather in an oven (low temp) and then apply.
It worked pretty good.
Also, if your leather backed strap is too slipery, they make a product for horse saddles that goes on like deodorant and offers grip.
Bought a leather motorcycle seat that looked beautiful but offered no grip; this stuff fixed that issue and only needs to be applied a few times a year.
Not sure if it would stain the leather though.
They used to sell this stuff that you would heat the leather in an oven (low temp) and then apply.
It worked pretty good.
Also, if your leather backed strap is too slipery, they make a product for horse saddles that goes on like deodorant and offers grip.
Bought a leather motorcycle seat that looked beautiful but offered no grip; this stuff fixed that issue and only needs to be applied a few times a year.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,079
- 46,041
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,167
- 256,925
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
A Levy's PM32 is on my bass now and I can vouch for the strap's comfortable padding. Certified orange dot free.
Last edited:
Looks like I'm back on the big orthopedic strap for a while. Did two 90 minute sets tonight, and midway through the first set, my shoulder was killing me. Got t to ease up a little with the MSS2-4. I hate the way it looks like you're some sort of invalid using it, but it's by far my most comfy strap.
I thought everyone says that if you work out, you can wear a 15 lb bass with a spaghetti strap and not feel any pain. I'm here to tell you that's nonsense. Been working out solidly for 2 months now and my shoulder is sore as all getout right now. Should have known it was nonsense because Tim Commerford uses the MSS2-4, too. On the bright side, I'm close to 25 lbs lighter and I'm finally seeing some results.
I thought everyone says that if you work out, you can wear a 15 lb bass with a spaghetti strap and not feel any pain. I'm here to tell you that's nonsense. Been working out solidly for 2 months now and my shoulder is sore as all getout right now. Should have known it was nonsense because Tim Commerford uses the MSS2-4, too. On the bright side, I'm close to 25 lbs lighter and I'm finally seeing some results.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,079
- 46,041
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Hope things improve soon Jim. When I had my Travis Bean I went through quite a few straps trying to find the magic bullet. In most cases, four inches is just a little too wide for my build. Depends a lot on which bass it is though.
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,167
- 256,925
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
And I find a 2.5 inch strap without padding to be too narrow for a 10 pound bass. I've not tried padded straps at that width, but consider 3 inches to be my minimum strap width for my bass. Not that I can take the stage now anyway, which is why I'm on sabbatical. Received my first-ever acupuncture Wednesday. My back pain since the treatment is greatly reduced.
I requested the acupuncture through my primary care doctor because of my desire to live without pain without pain prescriptions.
The most comfortable straps I own are 3 inch straps made with thick cotton webbing and leather ends. The first came new with my bass and is kinda ratty after 39 years. I recently bought a cinch strap from Franklin and it feels the same to me. It's helluba better looking and I put it away until I gig again because right now I play seated.
I requested the acupuncture through my primary care doctor because of my desire to live without pain without pain prescriptions.
The most comfortable straps I own are 3 inch straps made with thick cotton webbing and leather ends. The first came new with my bass and is kinda ratty after 39 years. I recently bought a cinch strap from Franklin and it feels the same to me. It's helluba better looking and I put it away until I gig again because right now I play seated.
On the black one – is it orange or red? Looks red in the pictures. Would a Sharpie work?
Wasnt me that dyed them so I don’t know about a sharpie. Might work. Would probably be better to use some leather dye. Mine were all reddish brown I guess. I was just agreeing with the OP that they do stick out
Here’s some pics of some of the ones I’ve had. They dont look too out of place with these dark natural finish basses but on a solid color finish lot of the time of you want a black strap you want a totally black strap. I get the branding thing but On my dingwall I have a Dimarzio cliplock lock strap. It does have a logo on it. But it’s much smaller in comparison.
Never tried it but IMHO it could look sloppy. I didn't take the chance.
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
- 6,944
- 2,083
- 51
- Disclosures
- Please see Profile for Endorsement disclosures
I've been getting more Franklin straps too. Used to be an all Levys guy. I like the Franklin's better. Softer leather and often and inch or two longer it seems.
D'Addario has a leather extra long strap that is affordable and I really like, too.
Invalid Link Removed
$25 on Amazon.
I've been using the Levy's DM1PD. I originally thought I wanted the 4+ inch models but didn't want to spend north of $60. Some people said the 4" straps were too wide, so I took a chance on the 3-1/4" DM1PD in brown. As you can see in the picture, the logo is embossed in the leather. Now, the top leather on this strap is not their garment leather, but the underside is garment leather and is soft. For around $30, a good value IMO.
