This. Living in a humid climate, leather straps are the worst. Basically, OP can copy the MONO Betty and have a damn near perfect strap.
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What Do You Want From a Strap?
- Thread starter DannyBlueOrigin
- Start date
This. Living in a humid climate, leather straps are the worst. Basically, OP can copy the MONO Betty and have a damn near perfect strap.
Comfortable
Doesn't break
Doesn't look idiotic
The Reunion Blues Merino wool strap is my favorite in the affordable range, but it's still $40, and I wouldn't mind if it was another 1/2" wide (it's 2.5). It feels great, but my heaviest basses (G & L and T40) could definitely use a little more width. The over 3" wide padded leather straps are very nice but very expensive and, as mentioned above, not so good in hot/humid areas. I haven't found any synthetic materials that are as comfortable as leather or the Merino wool. Certainly no nylon web strap can compare to the wool.
I've adjusted to putting straplocks on all my instruments, so that is not an issue for me.
Doesn't break
Doesn't look idiotic
The Reunion Blues Merino wool strap is my favorite in the affordable range, but it's still $40, and I wouldn't mind if it was another 1/2" wide (it's 2.5). It feels great, but my heaviest basses (G & L and T40) could definitely use a little more width. The over 3" wide padded leather straps are very nice but very expensive and, as mentioned above, not so good in hot/humid areas. I haven't found any synthetic materials that are as comfortable as leather or the Merino wool. Certainly no nylon web strap can compare to the wool.
I've adjusted to putting straplocks on all my instruments, so that is not an issue for me.
I got a strap from some guy in Oregon who does custom celtic designs.
Basic heavy leather, stained to whatever color is preferred.
It was only about $30 USD if I recall.
I have 2 from the same guy, had them both several years now. They don't get twisted, they remain pretty stuff and hold up well.
I'll buy them from him as long he keeps making them!
Basic heavy leather, stained to whatever color is preferred.
It was only about $30 USD if I recall.
I have 2 from the same guy, had them both several years now. They don't get twisted, they remain pretty stuff and hold up well.
I'll buy them from him as long he keeps making them!
I've had the planet waves planet lock straps for about 8 months now. I keep hearing the plastic breaks etc etc. But They have shown 0 signs of wear or cracking. So I'm Inclined to believe that early models of the planet lock straps were not as sturdy. Mine have held up just fine and I love that they lock.
What do YOU do that wears out a strap in a year? Holy smokes.
Even in my hardcore gigging days I never would have questioned my leather strap's integrity. While I've never actually done an "around the world" maneuver, my bass was constantly on the move while putting on a friggin hot show. So to you, sir, I say dayyyyyum! You must've been hanging midgets off yer bass to wear out a strap in a years time.
Next up...how to improve the screws that hold your tuning pegs in place. Begin suggestions now...
Joe, you really should try these neoprene washers. They're cheap (about a buck per set of two); easy to find at any hardware store; and do a great job. Go on and off easily if you need to change straps or something, but won't come off unless you intentionally stretch them to get them off. They immediately retain their original shape.
Once I started using them, I sold all my straplocks. I have these on all my basses and guitars. Even the guitar players in our band have started using them. Just make sure the hole in the center of the washer is smaller than the head of the strap button.
EDIT: I know these look too wide, but they come in different sizes. These are old pics. Most of mine now are smaller in diameter, but you can get them however wide you like.
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
I've had the same strap for 17 years (when I started playing). I don't even know what brand it is. Something cheap. I've done everything with it. It has reliably held my bass over my shoulders for what i estimate to be 6000+ hours at least. What do you DO to wear out your strap in a year...
The things I'd like are:
a) A simple strap pad that I can slide up and down the neck depending on the length. I hate straps with pads that are part of the strap because then I have to keep adjusting both sides to keep it in the correct location. Plus, with a separate pad you could sell different thicknesses that are interchangeable. One strap, but different pads for basses and lighter guitars.
b) A clip of some sort to hold my cable, although putting it in the loop of strap works just fine.
c) Some way of adding weight to the back end for guitars that dive. (Maybe a attachable pouch that I can put my own weights, coins, rocks, etc...)
You could have velcro or clip-on strap attachments: pick sleeve, weight pouch, cable clip, cell phone (I dunno, couldn't think of anything else.)
a) A simple strap pad that I can slide up and down the neck depending on the length. I hate straps with pads that are part of the strap because then I have to keep adjusting both sides to keep it in the correct location. Plus, with a separate pad you could sell different thicknesses that are interchangeable. One strap, but different pads for basses and lighter guitars.
b) A clip of some sort to hold my cable, although putting it in the loop of strap works just fine.
c) Some way of adding weight to the back end for guitars that dive. (Maybe a attachable pouch that I can put my own weights, coins, rocks, etc...)
You could have velcro or clip-on strap attachments: pick sleeve, weight pouch, cable clip, cell phone (I dunno, couldn't think of anything else.)
I'm using a couple of the 4" italia straps.
Have to use straplocks because several of my basses won't fit in their case
without removing the strap.
Neoprene washer trick seems cool, I'll look out in my shop and see what I got.
What I'd like to see?
a laser attachment so I can burn the headstocks off of guitards who piss me off.
Have to use straplocks because several of my basses won't fit in their case
without removing the strap.
Neoprene washer trick seems cool, I'll look out in my shop and see what I got.
What I'd like to see?
a laser attachment so I can burn the headstocks off of guitards who piss me off.
