/ Register

Quickly adjusting strap height?

Discussion in 'Technique [BG]' started by mambo4, Jun 26, 2008.

  1. Jun 26, 2008 #1
    mambo4

    mambo4

    Jun 9, 2006
    Dallas
    I keep my bass strapped about waist-high, not the "pro" chest height I see Wooten et al use. I generally favor the lower frets, this makes it more relaxing to reach them. Plus I get the cool low hang look...cosmetic and inefficient, I know, but thats how I like it.

    Now I have to play a few new tunes that require playing up near the octave, and I would be nice to have the strap height raised for just those tunes. However the adjustable part of my strap takes a few minutes of fuss to get it set.

    Has anybody come up with a clever way to quickly shorten the strap , like with a clip or pin of some kind, that can then be removed to return to the the low hang?
     
  2. Jun 26, 2008 #2
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    Some straps, mostly the leather kind, have multiple buttonholes.
     
  3. Jun 26, 2008 #3
    Wootsticks

    Wootsticks

    Jul 26, 2007
    Houston, TX
    Reach around your head and yank on the part of the strap in the "buckle", then pull on the strap.
     
  4. Jun 26, 2008 #4
    snyderz

    snyderz

    Aug 20, 2000
    AZ mountains
    Just have a second strap, set at the length you need. Shouldn't take but 15 seconds to switch.
     
  5. Jun 26, 2008 #5
    ()smoke()

    ()smoke()

    Feb 25, 2006
    California
    yeah, the older styled leather straps have the multiple holes...or you could always go the automobile seat belt strap route and just yank the strap to cinch it up tight:D

    if it isn't for a whole song, you could even put a foot up on the monitor and rest your bass on your thigh like some guitar players when they play a solo
     
  6. Jun 26, 2008 #6
    fretlessman71

    fretlessman71 Still beats havin' a job Supporting Member

    Aug 8, 2005
    FoCo, NoCo
    Here's an idea:

    Jim Dunlop (I think I have the right brand in my head) uses a Strap-lok system where you could use either a normal strap with no locks on it OR a locking strap complete with their particular clip-on to the strap. Here's the one I'm talking about.

    So, you could install this strap button on the bottom of the bass, and adjust your strap how you like it.... and then, cut a hole in the same strap several inches higher than the end of your strap, and install the strap lock. All you'd have to do then is reach around and grab the strap lock and insert it into the strap button for the higher position, and then remove it and release, and whammo, you're back where you were.
     
  7. Jun 26, 2008 #7
    mambo4

    mambo4

    Jun 9, 2006
    Dallas
    Thanks for the replies, guys...

    I am hoping to avoid having to change straps or adjust the buckles...maybe I'm just being lazy. Do any of you guys adjust your straps to get various lengths in mid-gig?

    fretlessman71, thats the exact strap lock I use. I'll have to check my comfort strap to see If I can live with an extra hole in it...

    I as hoping for some one who has experience with like mountain climbing gear or other "strap-heavy" gear , that may have encountered some kind of quick release cinching device...
     
  8. Jun 26, 2008 #8
    Just J

    Just J Guest

    Jul 27, 2007
    I have a nice leather strap with two holes. Tossed a strap lock in each.