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The Strap Snob Discussion Thread.
- Thread starter el murdoque
- Start date
Best straps I own are custom… and inexpensive.
Step 1. Use a string (or an existing strap) to determine your optimal strap length.
Step 2. Purchase a leather punch.
Step 3. Purchase a tanned thick leather strap (unfinished belt strap), in a width that feels comfortable to you.
Step 4. Punch holes in each end of the strap, as per your length preference.
Step 5. Trim the ends to eliminate any angular protuberances.
The straps I did this way nearly 40 years ago for my stage Stratocasters remain with me today, and remain in great shape. I’ve since purchased adjustable pre-made straps, and none have that durability.
Step 1. Use a string (or an existing strap) to determine your optimal strap length.
Step 2. Purchase a leather punch.
Step 3. Purchase a tanned thick leather strap (unfinished belt strap), in a width that feels comfortable to you.
Step 4. Punch holes in each end of the strap, as per your length preference.
Step 5. Trim the ends to eliminate any angular protuberances.
The straps I did this way nearly 40 years ago for my stage Stratocasters remain with me today, and remain in great shape. I’ve since purchased adjustable pre-made straps, and none have that durability.
Bass Guitar Straps
The most comfortable leather and padded bass guitar straps out there. Made in USA.
lm-products.myshopify.com
I’m a recent Revo strap convert. After trying leather, neoprene of all different widths for years, i figured I’d give these wooden straps a shot. Really has a different feel from fabric straps. The bass stays in place better and feels solid on your body but it can still glide along your shoulder. It makes might slightly neck dive basses not neck dive but it doesn't pull down on shirt fabric like suede or neoprene. And Unlike some leather it isn’t too slippery either. Just a great strap that looks exquisite if you like pretty woods or you can always grab the black one. I use the Gordo model.
Quadzilla
Supporting Member
Been gigging the same 4" wide Moody every weekend for over 15+ years and it still looks and works great!
Hands down the best and most comfortable straps I have used in a long history of playing bass (46 years) are the neoprene straps from Neotech. I first started using their straps due to a very heavy Alembic bass I had at the time. The soft neoprene and that the strap has flexibility really helps with heavy instruments. I could not play a whole night on the Alembic without using that strap. Since then, I haven't looked back! They are now the only straps I use. There is NO leather strap I have tried that is anywhere as comfy as the Neotech.
neotechstraps.com
Mega Strap Series | by Neotech™
The Neotech™ Mega Strap Series is the ultimate choice for guitarists and bass players who want to rock out without hurting their shoulders. Whether you play a jazz bass at a high position or a rock-n-roll guitar at a low position, there's a strap to fit you perfectly. You'll be amazed by how...
neotechstraps.com
What exactly are you doing with your straps that this happens? I've used leather straps for years and years and never experienced any of this.
Heck in my past life I was a firefighter and I had leather suspenders on my bunker gear. I still have those suspenders in a box in the garage. That's probably a worst case scenario for hot, sweaty, and wet... never grew any mold after years in service. They weren't stinky, but sort of smelled like a BBQ grill or smoker for somewhat obvious reasons.
In regards to the original question. I've got a Levy which I mostly like, a Franklin padded leather (which I love), and one of the wide leather straps that I bought here from the TalkBass store. The TalkBass strap is my favorite. It's not padded, but it's nice and wide. Super comfortable and I can wear it for hours with no issue.
Those do look great! Do you find them slippery? or do they grip pretty well?
I avoid leather straps because I hate the way they adjust. I always find myself in between two of the available slots, either just too long or just too short. I prefer a continuous adjustment and a fabric with a little grip, seat belt straps and the common nylon ones are too slick.
I've been using a Mono Doolittle for years, and never had any issues. I'm the type that puts a strap on each instrument and never takes it off, though.
I've also been curious about the Reunion Blues Merino Wool and the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].
The best strap out there was hand-made by my brother in law who passed away a year ago. I have had it some 30 years, now. I have another one custom-made by a leather shop, surprisingly inexpensive. But I have several. Levy's is always pretty good.
So Anyway, the best bass strap comes from the leather found in the back seat of a new BMW M8. Cut out a generous section of this leather and take it to a master craftsman in Tuscan Italy for final assembly. And don't worry, you'd never let the kids in the back seat anyway. Of course you have to buy the BMW first, but you did say money is no object. 
Our you can buy a 4" Neoprene strap from SW and a Slinger Strap. They work for me.
Our you can buy a 4" Neoprene strap from SW and a Slinger Strap. They work for me.
I actually have a similar problem as OP.
Here's my situation. I had, for a long time, a teal-blue leather Levy's strap. 2 or 2.5inch, backed with brown suede. Got it for like $15 from a pawn shop. The Levy's debossed logo was so faded that for a long time I didn't realize it had a logo on it, and I had to hunt for photos online to confirm the make. It's a good strap and I still have it, but I want option(s) that are wider and in less ostentatious colors.
I elected to buy a secondhand Franklin strap. It came to me in basically new condition. But, it's backed with what I believe is termed 'garment leather', i.e. very thin and soft leather. I didn't think this would matter to me, but it does. The garment leather shreds really easily. It took less than a week before bits were falling off due to the strap button, and that has continued over the course of about a year. I don't like this, and I suppose I'd rather go back to suede.
So, I guess what I'm looking for is a leather strap in the 3.5-4 inch range that will be solid, have a good basic look with simple aesthetics, and be backed with suede (or else a material that won't shred with normal use). Not looking for bespoke or strap snob picks, and I don't really need anything unusual-- I just want to make sure I know what all my options are.
FWIW what has been on my radar so far is Italia straps. I like the way they look and they seem solid.
Here's my situation. I had, for a long time, a teal-blue leather Levy's strap. 2 or 2.5inch, backed with brown suede. Got it for like $15 from a pawn shop. The Levy's debossed logo was so faded that for a long time I didn't realize it had a logo on it, and I had to hunt for photos online to confirm the make. It's a good strap and I still have it, but I want option(s) that are wider and in less ostentatious colors.
I elected to buy a secondhand Franklin strap. It came to me in basically new condition. But, it's backed with what I believe is termed 'garment leather', i.e. very thin and soft leather. I didn't think this would matter to me, but it does. The garment leather shreds really easily. It took less than a week before bits were falling off due to the strap button, and that has continued over the course of about a year. I don't like this, and I suppose I'd rather go back to suede.
So, I guess what I'm looking for is a leather strap in the 3.5-4 inch range that will be solid, have a good basic look with simple aesthetics, and be backed with suede (or else a material that won't shred with normal use). Not looking for bespoke or strap snob picks, and I don't really need anything unusual-- I just want to make sure I know what all my options are.
FWIW what has been on my radar so far is Italia straps. I like the way they look and they seem solid.
A good piece of leather should last way longer than a decade.
My wife bought mine in 1981. Its a 3 inch Music Man branded strap. Might even qualify as a collectors item now. Over the years it has distressed until its now like an old WW2 bombers jacket. Never has failed. Probably good for another 40 years.
My wife bought mine in 1981. Its a 3 inch Music Man branded strap. Might even qualify as a collectors item now. Over the years it has distressed until its now like an old WW2 bombers jacket. Never has failed. Probably good for another 40 years.
As others have mentioned, the Italia straps are my preference. I don’t like any strap that stretches or is too narrow. I have three of the Italia straps, all 4 inch widths and have been using these for probably more than twenty years. Shoulder pain many years ago prompted me to try a ton of different straps and the Italia 4” ones with leather backing (so they slide easily) are the only ones that eliminated pain. Quality strap, nice people to communicate with and reasonable price.
I have 2 straps. My first edition black SBL leather strap gets all the use. It’s perfect. Number 2 backup is an Ergo strap from Chile. It’s rather attractive but it’s just a bit too wide. It’s rests on the lower part of my neck a little too much. It’s very nice quality though.
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