The great strap shootout thread! Post your strap reviews here.

[cheechi]

I have a woven cotton strap from Levy's that I like a lot. It's very basic but there's nothing wrong with it.

I also have a Comfort Strapp. I think mine is the XL. One thing I learned you have to try on different ones because where it sits on your shoulder are going to depend on your height, er width, and where the bass sits you might not be able to put the padding where you want it with the smaller ones. Once you find the right size though it is great.

I have another Levy's too, the typical 3 or 4" with the thinner 'belt strap' bit. Don't like it as much but only because I can't find an exact measurement thats right for me for most of my basses.

Finally I have a Planet Waves that has their rotating planetary lock thing. That's great for instruments that don't have strap locks but I had to get one of those down shoulder pad things they sell for your shoulder strap in your car. The convenience of the mechanism is enough to outweigh the otherwise lack of comfort. Plain guitar straps with the leather bit tear out for me I don't trust them.

hope this helps someone.

 

[RedJag]

I've tried several strapps but my favorite strapp is 'The Comfort Strapp'. It's a thick filled, wide strapp and feels very comfortable on my shoulders. It also didn't move while I'm playing the bass. Check: Comfort Strapp™ | Comfort Strapp™ | Comfort Strapp™ Guitar Straps

Same. That's what I use. Had it for 8 years now and love it

 

[petrus61]

I use the Neo-Tech Mega mostly since experiencing shoulder injury/wear and tear. I still use a couple leather Levys (the wide ones) now and then and on my super light jazz, in black and brown. I've had the Levys for about 10 years and they feel comfy and broken in. My only gripe with the Levys is they're a bit of a pain to fit the strap locks I like (Dunlop), so I just reamed out some of the leather. Brand new, they're a bit difficult to accommodate them otherwise.

So yeah, Levys and Neotech.

 

[Ric5]

The great strap shootout thread! Post your strap reviews here.

I like the ones made out of leather

 

[Stranger Danger]

Pete Schmidt Black Velvet-Red Stitch 3 1/2" - Link Removed $49.95

I'm glad this thread started because I thought about starting an "Unsung Heroes of Gear" thread just to talk about how much I love this strap. This is an absolutely handsome and well made strap. The leather is thick, but was incredibly supple from Day 1 and has gotten even more comfortable with use -- thick, but soft like glove leather. Though I normally use Dunlop strap locks with it, I have used it without and find it easier to get over strap buttons than the stiff leather ends on the Levy's Hootenanny strap I had for my acoustic guitar (Yes, I own a guitar. Don't judge.)

The strap is not padded and is not a comfort strap with special ergonomic features, but it is the most comfortable thing with which I've hung an instrument on my body. But I prefer a minimalistic approach to comfort with things I wear, including clothing and shoes, and find extra padding, straps, buckles, etc. to be annoying.

The 3 1/2" width does a great job of distributing the load of my bass and holding it in place. I was concerned that the smooth leather back would allow the strap to slide around on my shoulder, as was my experience with nylon straps, and I was tempted to buy something with a suede back. But, the natural tanned leather on the back is not as smooth as the colored leather on the front and has enough grip to securely hold my bass in place as I move about while playing.

I'm a medium sized guy and I like to wear my Jazz bass so the pickups sit right about at my waist, so not like a low slung punk or high-riding mod, which leaves the strap adjusted right at the mid-point of its range. So, there is plenty of adjustability to accommodate other's size or preference.

I paid $69, but the strap is $20 cheaper now on PeteSchmidt.com and Amazon than when I bought it. I hope that means it's a great deal, not that quality has changed.

My verdict:
Comfort:10/10 (YMMV)
Design: 8/10 (It is a strap designed like thousands of other straps with no special features, but simply effective.)
Materials: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10 (If it's the same quality for $49.95 that I got for $69 than it is without question a great value.)

I swear by Petes straps. They are absolutely perfect. Amazing deal. I will never use anything else.

 

[ShirazBop]

Comfort Strapp all the way!

 

[Nofrets2]

Italia Leather Straps
Guitar Straps | Custom Leather Guitar Straps | Bass Straps

Please note that Italia straps will make a 3 1/2" width strap for you (instead of 4") upon request. This is not mentioned on their site yet they're glad to do it.

Outstanding quality and workmanship and wonderful people to deal with.
After I got my first Italia strap I never looked back. They continue to be the only straps I use. After I bought a couple of 4" straps from them years ago (which I loved, just wanted to love them more) we discussed the width. They said making them at 3 1/2" wouldn't be a problem. This turned out to be the magic dimension and I've had several made since at that width. It's as though they disappear on my shoulder, that is to say they are very comfortable and do not call attention to themselves.
I continue to look at other straps from time to time yet nothing has caught my attention.
I am not endorsed nor compensated by this company however I've got a great relationship with them and truly dig their straps. Enjoy the quest and hope you check them out.

 

[bdplaid]

Levy's 4-1/2" Padded Leather Bass Guitar Strap

I have one on each of my two main players, and the wide strap is very comfortable. A three-hour practice doesn't bother me at all. It can be a bit tricky to get a Dunlop Straplok on it, but it's not hard. The black leather looks nice, too.

Levy's 4-1/2" Padded Leather Bass Guitar Strap

I tried one, I thought it would be the answer to all of life's problems. Actually, it dug into my neck and was uncomfortable. Maybe not so for broader-shouldered players.

 

[Tom Bomb]

​

I recently acquired a couple of these. Got a vintage white one, turned up in the case of a recent addition - it's got '69 written all over it, so to speak I love it for so many reasons but I couldn't bring myself to use it - it's a closet classic, like the twelve-string it belongs to. So, I purloined the black ones, just for fun. Glad I did

I have no complaints with these. They're excellent straps. They work as all good straps do. They look good and the nature of these makes them pretty special, as far as leather straps go.

The shoulder section's padded - unlike the old white one - not that that matters much to me, but it's the way the belt slides through the shoulder that I like the most. Leather straps, in summer especially, get a little wet and then tend to get hung up, prone to sticking to skin and the rags you might be wearing. Not these babies. NO. They just give, sliding like whipped cream over a hotcake.

I've fitted them out with straplocks, which they take - no worries - so these old school straps, for me, are a going concern. Good as gold. Love 'em

 

[wraub]

Planet Waves, nylon, non-padded. Easily available, functionally comfortable, adjustable for many lengths, and inexpensive (15-20 bux).
Never had neck-dive issues, it stays where it's put. 3 inches wide and comfy.

I think I have 4 of them- or maybe 3. At least 3. My main has a Henry Spencer button, so I know which is which.

 

[bdplaid]

Usually I use a a NeoTech Mega 4". Very comfy. Interestingly, I found from using this strap that I prefer its sliding adjustable type of strap, rather than the loop-through kind found commonly on leather straps. It makes the strap more versatile when switching for a different bass.

When i feel like gettin jiggy, I pull out my Get'em Get'em leopard strap, a rather basic strap which I love for obvious reasons.



I also have one or two padded leather straps with suede on the back, they work well too but for different basses for different reasons.

I disliked the Comfort Strapp; too stretchy for me.

All of my straps are 3.5 - 4", which is key for me.

 

[Bassdokes]

Gruv gear duo strap. Yep, they cost more. Yes they take extra time and work to set up. But they have been a beautiful thing for me. During long gigs my left shoulder and neck get so angry. The duostrap takes all the pressure off.

Plus it's endorsed by a real live chiropractic doctor so it has to be good right!

 

[Justice Graves]

Anyone ever order something from strap graphics? I have a couple EB straps that are starting to get on their last legs as far as looks and I'd be interested in just recreating their looks in a new strap. They look like quality and have options.

Custom Guitar Straps

 

[physics]

My preference is for simple and plain unpadded wide leather straps. What I'm using is a 4" black leather Franklin ring strap. I got it at GC for about $100, a little more than I wanted to pay but I'm happy with it.

After treating the leather with neatsfoot oil, the leather is soft and supple and is very comfortable on my shoulder. What finally sold me on the strap was that it reduced the neck-dive tendency of my Tbird.

 

[crucislancer]

Levy's M4:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I have two, one is about 26 years old, the other is a few months old. The older one got damaged when I was trying to remove my straploks, but still works, and is well broken in. The new one is getting broken in. Great strap, no frills leather. I find even with a 10 lb bass that the strap is comfortable.

 

[ThePresident777]

I have a two inch wide, and half inch thick neoprene padded strap that I can find right now. cost ~$20USD, IIRC. It can old a heavy bass well. I somehow prefer a wider strap.

I probably want something like this:
Invalid Link Removed

I also have an old Earth II 3" wide woven cotton strap that is really comfortable. Better than neoprene. Neoprene feels a little too grippy.

 

[JimmyM]

I haven't tried every strap in the world out but here's what I have tried:

Comfort Strapp---hated it. The woven part is thinner than the padding and it digs into my shoulder something fierce.

Slapstrap---made by the guy who makes the Slapring, liked this one, wish I hadn't cut the tail too small to be useful, been meaning to get another tail for it.

Italia 5" strap---a hard piece of heavy leather that looks like it was slapped together in a hurry. Don't hate it as much as the Comfort Strapp, but will never get another one.

Planet Waves Bass Strap---a surprise. Was not expecting this one to be comfortable on my bum shoulder, but it is unless my shoulder is really sore.

Levy's MSS2-4---my favorite. 4 1/2" inches, light soft leather with padding, very comfy.

 

[onlyclave]

I have a Blue Note padded guitar strap
products

I've been using that same strap on my basses for 21 years. It's super comfortable, the bass doesn't dive and I can wear it for hours without my shoulders hurting

This is the best strap on the market. Period.

 

[louloomis]

I have a Blue Note padded guitar strap
products

I've been using that same strap on my basses for 21 years. It's super comfortable, the bass doesn't dive and I can wear it for hours without my shoulders hurting

This is the best strap on the market. Period.

Hi. I promised I'd add another review if I could remember anything.

Here's my #8 (I think I'm up to #8)...and #9 (sort of):

8. Planet Waves strap with simple shoulder pad (looks identical to the Blue Note strap in the previous poster's post - and that jogged my memory). So, it has a relatively thin strap and comes with the pad. I found it to be too thinly padded and felt cheap and not too solid. Plus the ends were smaller than even the typical 2 inch poly straps. Doesn't work for me. Apologies to the previous poster, no offense intended and no intent to step on your toes at all so apologies if this review in any way seems like that - it's not meant to be at all. Just my opinion.
Rating: 1/10

9. "Planet Waves Gel Guitar Strap Shoulder Pad"
I forgot I had this one. I just have the pad alone now - which looks like it's made to fit 2 inch straps, so not using it yet, but I plan to bust out the remaining (unused to now) "Woodstock" hippie strap, maybe and use it with this. Dunno yet. I've tried this with some older poly 2 inch straps I once had and I liked this gel shoulder pad a lot. It stayed where you put it, relatively speaking, was light and very comfortable. Good price and....I just liked it. It's pretty cool to supplement a 2 inch strap that has no padding. Not perfect or life-changing, just cool and a decent price...plus you can always move it to another strap if you're not digging the strap you have with it. That's cool too.
Rating: 8/10

Hope this helps....

LL

 

[Linnin]

8. Planet Waves strap with simple shoulder pad (looks identical to the Blue Note strap in the previous poster's post - and that jogged my memory). So, it has a relatively thin strap and comes with the pad. I found it to be too thinly padded and felt cheap and not too solid. Plus the ends were smaller than even the typical 2 inch poly straps. Doesn't work for me.

Agree. Wasted my money on one and then gave it away.