The leather on my straps is full grain cownhide, 1/8" thick, not bonded leather, which is used in most guitar straps. Bonded leather is leftover scrap pieces that are shredded to pulp-like consistency, then bonded using polyurethane or latex on a fiber sheet. I've never seen a retail guitar strap that matches the quality of one that you can make yourself, relatively simply. Taylor and a couple other high end guitar makers come close with their straps.
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What is your favorite bass strap?
- Thread starter Wes4string
- Start date
The leather on my straps is full grain cownhide, 1/8" thick, not bonded leather, which is used in most guitar straps. Bonded leather is leftover scrap pieces that are shredded to pulp-like consistency, then bonded using polyurethane or latex on a fiber sheet. I've never seen a retail guitar strap that matches the quality of one that you can make yourself, relatively simply. Taylor and a couple other high end guitar makers come close with their straps.
I tried one of the Revo wood straps and bought another one almost immediately. It's not logical, but it's amazingly comfortable, even on my warwick 6 string
Ohhh, like it's ok on the crazy cat ladies sitting in the pews, but we can't rock those patterns?? I think not
Which of these 2 do you think they'd prefer?
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I bought my leather from a harness maker in kentucky many years ago. Im sorry i dont recall the name. But search for harness makers and you should find a good source. Determine the length you need and add 3 or 4 inches, since you may want to add more than one straplock for different adjustments. Buy 8 or 9 ounce full grain leather. That will result in an overall average thickness of about 1/8". The width i like is 3" but wider works fine, particularly after it becomes soft. It will conform to your shoulder contours. Mark it with a small sharpie. Cut with very sharp utility knife or exacto. Lightly sand the edges. Use real leather punches to make the holes for the straplocks. From the inside of each hole, make small approx 1/4" slit on each side of hole which serves the purpose of allowing hole to stretch open for you to add the straplock parts. Once all holes are done, use a quality neatsfoot oil and soak in a generous amount. Then, begin softening it by twisting, rolling and wrenching it while you are doing something mindless like watching tv. The more you twist and turn the strap the softer it will get. Its not an immediate result...you will need to spend a decent amount of time softening it. Once soft it will stay relaxed. Occasional touch ups with neatsfoot are helpful. Dont soak to much though.
Right now, the Comfort Strap that came with my Stingray. Really helps with a heavy bass.
I have a 3 inch Vorson padded strap for my 10 pound homebuilt bass. Very confortable and I can play for a 90 minute set with no pain in my shoulder.
Uh oh - Zombie thread revival…!!!
I'm looking for a good, but less expensive strap in a classic brown (to match a tobacco-burst finish)
I have three 2.5" Perri straps that are about 20 years old. Black leather on the outside, suede on the inside; thick leather holding up great. these are on 10.5lb -11lb basses and they feel great.
I bought a Perri's recently and the quality seems to have dropped significantly. The leather is stiff, thin, and feels like cardboard. Then I tried another Perri's "Baseball Leather". This one is nice and soft, but super thin - good for up to 8lbs in my opinion.
There's one other Perri that is on my Radar:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N6SIID8/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
…but I worry about how thick it is, if it is as good as the ones I have.
I have also considered the Levi's padded 3":
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0845Q9BTT/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?smid=A3QS9LDJ9Q9FMM&psc=1
…but I wonder if it is overkill…
Then I saw these today:
Levi's tooled leather
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000QDRQZI/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?smid=A20PJCSRYO6XBE&psc=1
WerKens
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072KK7QZB/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A1UZM84LY937LG&psc=1
Thoughts?
I'm looking for a good, but less expensive strap in a classic brown (to match a tobacco-burst finish)
I have three 2.5" Perri straps that are about 20 years old. Black leather on the outside, suede on the inside; thick leather holding up great. these are on 10.5lb -11lb basses and they feel great.
I bought a Perri's recently and the quality seems to have dropped significantly. The leather is stiff, thin, and feels like cardboard. Then I tried another Perri's "Baseball Leather". This one is nice and soft, but super thin - good for up to 8lbs in my opinion.
There's one other Perri that is on my Radar:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N6SIID8/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
…but I worry about how thick it is, if it is as good as the ones I have.
I have also considered the Levi's padded 3":
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0845Q9BTT/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?smid=A3QS9LDJ9Q9FMM&psc=1
…but I wonder if it is overkill…
Then I saw these today:
Levi's tooled leather
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000QDRQZI/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?smid=A20PJCSRYO6XBE&psc=1
WerKens
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072KK7QZB/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A1UZM84LY937LG&psc=1
Thoughts?
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I use that Perri from your link on most of my basses. Great strap, but not so useful with heavy basses.
I use the Levy padded straps for my 5-strings and they work very well. I like the look of the tooled strap but it didn't work for me. To me, it was uncomfortable.
The Werken looks interesting however I have no experience with them.
I hope this helps.
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I'm a sucker for pad straps, rockabilly straps and similar. And I don't like wide straps that ride up on my neck.
These Sully straps are so comfortable. This one's century old reclaimed bridle and saddle. He has some in stock but you measure for your length before he sends it so it's a perfect fit.
These Sully straps are so comfortable. This one's century old reclaimed bridle and saddle. He has some in stock but you measure for your length before he sends it so it's a perfect fit.
As I stated before, Lakota Buffalo 3" straps are my favorite, I ordered another this week and they were still having a Black Friday sale, $60 plus tax, free shipping
I still have an Italia strap but cannot deal with wide straps any more.
This is the one I use most... made by Karma Collars at the same time I had a matching collar made for my dog and bracelet for the wife.
I was looking for a killer snakeskin strap for my Rainbow Crackle finished 'Les Paul in a Tele suit' and decided on a killer 'back scale' strap from AF Designs I was lucky enough that she messed up and sent me belly scales by mistake (and with a weird birthday wish to someone NOT me and not near my birthday!). I called to make sure I'm not looking at someone's gift (which it wasn't) she offered a significant refund or she'll make the proper one and pay shipping back for the wrong one I had. I ended up working out a deal to buy both so I have a 'guitar length' and a 'bass length' strap (and I put strap locks on everything).
This is the one I use most... made by Karma Collars at the same time I had a matching collar made for my dog and bracelet for the wife.
I was looking for a killer snakeskin strap for my Rainbow Crackle finished 'Les Paul in a Tele suit' and decided on a killer 'back scale' strap from AF Designs I was lucky enough that she messed up and sent me belly scales by mistake (and with a weird birthday wish to someone NOT me and not near my birthday!). I called to make sure I'm not looking at someone's gift (which it wasn't) she offered a significant refund or she'll make the proper one and pay shipping back for the wrong one I had. I ended up working out a deal to buy both so I have a 'guitar length' and a 'bass length' strap (and I put strap locks on everything).
I have a whole bunch of different straps. My go to strap is my Hand Made 4" Leather strap I had a horse saddle maker make for me. I have 3 now with my oldest being 30 years old now. I am trying to buy another one, but I am finding it difficult to locate a Tach shop to make it, so I have bought all the materials and tools and I am now going to make my own. We shall see how that works out. ($32 total for the leather and tools)
The Levy Leather 4.5" padded strap is luxe. The Moody soft leather strap is THE most comfortable while seated. But both are 2" too short for me to play while standing. Still seeking the perfect strap.
