Shoulder Pad for Bass Strap

[Badwater]

Anything DIY would work. Consider it custom built.

 

[JEBassman]

I definitely considered the DIY option. It may be a good choice, if my Gruv Gear strap doesn't work for me.

 

[Hendricks97]

This isn't logical, but I tried a number of straps, mostly wide leather and the comfort strap. The most comfortable strap I've used so far is a wooden strap by Revo. I bought it for a 6 string Warwick, so you know it works if it can hold that monster up comfortably. I even bought a second one for my bongo just because I liked the first one so much.

 

[Stumbo]

This isn't logical, but I tried a number of straps, mostly wide leather and the comfort strap. The most comfortable strap I've used so far is a wooden strap by Revo. I bought it for a 6 string Warwick, so you know it works if it can hold that monster up comfortably. I even bought a second one for my bongo just because I liked the first one so much.

First time I've seen anything like this: About Revo wooden straps

Seems to me the wooden straps might work because they move with you rather than just putting pressure on your shoulder.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Three inch wooden straps like the Revo attract my attention. Narrower than three inches hasn't worked for me yet with a ten pound bass. The narrower design in wood could work, I suppose, but I'd be out some dosh to confirm it for myself for the risk of owning a "might have been" strap.

 

[bound'n'blocked]

Hi TBers,

As bass players we've all dealt with wearing heavy instruments. I've been searching for a shoulder pad that I could wrap around my bass strap for extra comfort. An old shoulder injury is causing trouble.

The shoulder pad must wrap around the beginning of the strap, close to the strap button near the neck. My straps are the Neotech or Comfort Stapp. The Comfort Strap's padding isn't close enough to that strap button. Neotech is perfectly located but not enough padding.

These wrap-around pads look good but are not wide enough.

What do you use?

I have something similar to the links you posted. I just use a regular two inch guitar strap with one of those pads slipped over it. Works great. I did get mine at a guitar store so it was designed for a guitar strap but those would all work.

BnB

 

[JEBassman]

I have something similar to the links you posted. I just use a regular two inch guitar strap with one of those pads slipped over it. Works great. I did get mine at a guitar store so it was designed for a guitar strap but those would all work.

BnB

Hi BnB,
Glad to hear you've got a good setup. I've always enjoyed having some padding on my shoulder. It's good to know that the pad you have does the job.

My new strap is huge (4 inches across) but it helps ease the weight and pressure on my sore shoulder. Injuries have caused me to use thicker and wider straps. Physical therapy has also been a huge help, with adapting my posture and easing shoulder pain. Best of all I'm playing bass.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I'm not sure how this compares to the strap pad that the OP posted, but I just got one for my Allen Woody bass and it is working great. I put a safety pin through it and the strap so it's inside and can't be seen. Keeps it from sliding at all, always right where I want it.

And, there is the added surprise bonus of it prevents the neck dive when I tried it on my Musicmasters.

D'Addario Planet Waves PW-GSP Gel Shoulder Pad for Fabric Straps

 

[JEBassman]

I'm not sure how this compares to the strap pad that the OP posted, but I just got one for my Allen Woody bass and it is working great. I put a safety pin through it and the strap so it's inside and can't be seen. Keeps it from sliding at all, always right where I want it.

And, there is the added surprise bonus of it prevents the neck dive when I tried it on my Musicmasters.

Hi @WI Short Scaler,

Thanks for the link. It looks like nice decent pad. I think I had passed it because I wanted something wider, to supplement a 3 inch strap. These add-on shoulder pads are great for instruments and luggage. It's a practical design. I'd like to see some 3-3 1/2 inch pads made.

To update my original post, I've since tried a few straps and pads. The Gruv Gear strap is really wide. It does push into my neck more than some straps, probably due to its' size. It's sidelined for now.
Currently my Danelectro Longhorn has a Mono M80 "The Betty" strap. It's padded enough for the Longhorn and feels very comfortable. The padding goes almost to the instrument's neck. That feature helps me the most!

Ultimately I decided that straps won't decrease shoulder & spinal pain very much for me. I definitely prefer padded, wide straps. The Mono is good by itself for the Danelectro, without the add on shoulder pad (if the add on pad is much wider than your strap, that pad will slide down unless it's attached somehow).

I wish you well with your pad. It sounds like you're comfortable with it. Thanks again for posting.

 

[the_home]

I use El Dorado padded straps for most of my heavier guitars, and with a few basses. They are available in different leather shades, widths and lengths, and can be plain or tooled leather depending on your budget and sense of style. Probably the best in the market for a quality leather strap with an adjustable shoulder pad.