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Strap question

Dirk Rockbottom

Dirk Rockbottom

Oct 30, 2012
395
156
#1
What features in a strap will make a heavy bass feel more comfortable and balanced? I tried a more expensive strap once that was supposed to do that, but my cheaper nylon one felt better. Just wondering. Thanks, Dirk
 
#3
A wider strap will put less pressure (but the same force) on your shoulder. Higher friction will make it less likely to slip on your shirt though it may twist your shirt. No strap will make your bass more "balanced". In my experience some straps are more comfortable than others, but a heavy neck diver can't really be fixed with a strap.
 
#4
Wide (4" or more) - padded - textured to limit slipping. That's about it.

I tried one of those harness-type straps, the kind that go over both shoulders. While it did distribute the weight better and cause less stress on my left shoulder, it positioned the bass wrong for me. IIRC, my right hand was too close to the bridge and I had to reach too far to get to my normal playing position. Just another great idea that didn't quite work out the way I hoped!
 
#5
wide is good, as previously mentioned.

On a bass that has neck dive, like my P bass, a suede backing helps hold it in place.
 
#6
A lot of people like neoprene straps, myself included. I tried the ComfortStrapp and it wasn't bad, but I found it kind of bouncy. Then I tried a NeoTech and I like them much better. The design is similar but they don't seem to be as stretchy/bouncy to me, which I prefer. But I've seen a lot of people here rave about the ComfortStrapps, so they're probably worth checking out.
 
#7
scottbass said:
Wide (4" or more) - padded - textured to limit slipping. That's about it.



I tried one of those harness-type straps, the kind that go over both shoulders. While it did distribute the weight better and cause less stress on my left shoulder, it positioned the bass wrong for me. IIRC, my right hand was too close to the bridge and I had to reach too far to get to my normal playing position. Just another great idea that didn't quite work out the way I hoped!
Click to expand...


Sounds good, thanks.
 
#8
My whole band has been using the Levi's brand straps for a long time. Like a pair of there jeans they are a bit uncomfortable until they are broken in. In the same way that new Leather shoes can feel a little awkward at first. They aren't super wide, maybe 3" wide maybe a tad over 1/4" thick. They help deal with all sorts of situations for me. with my warwick thumb basses they helped neck dive issues a little. With my conklin gt7 it helps with the weight. I've occasionally forgot to put my nice strap in the gig bag when going to a gig or practice. My backup is a typical nylon cheapo i keep in my rack, i believe the one i have is made by Ernie ball. It slides over my shoulder so it doesn't help balance at all, but worse is it'll often fold on itself which put more weight on a smaller area. I originally got my first Levi's strap because i wanted something nice. It was uncomfortable at first. The leather is tough and if you have a bass that's neck heavy the strap will actually grab your shirt and pull it forward over your left shoulder. But its weird after about a month, once they are broken in they are amazingly better then the cheap nylon
 
#10
I have a bad neck and a way too heavy bass. Last month I bit the bullet and spent a lot on the Gibson Fat Boy strap. It has memory foam padding and very high quality leather. I got it at GC so I could return it if it didn't make a difference.

The strap has been a godsend. I'm able to get through an entire practice without noticing the weight on my neck and back. It is a bulky strap but the comfort level is huge. It also smells great, like the interior of an Italian sportscar.
 
#11
I went to a leather-work hobby store and bought a 48" x 4" strip of "raw" leather. I cut it to exactly the length I use (P or J bass), rounded the ends, drilled holes/cut slits for strap-buttons, then treated the leather with baby oil, and a lot of bending etc. to make it more supple.

No buckle, comfortable, grippy (love that made-up word!) enough to stop slippage, good looking, and should last me forever (if it doesn't I'll just make a new one).
The width means that even my heaviest bass is comfortable for long periods. About $40, and a little elbow grease.
 

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