Best strap for heavy basses?

[c0d3h4x0r]

I play an EBMM Bongo 5 in a band I gig with regularly. The instrument sounds and plays great, but it's a real beast (10 lbs) for a guy like me with a thin lanky build. We typically play 3-4 hours on a gig night and my left shoulder (I'm a right-handed player) starts aching after about an hour.

In a different thread here, I'm trying to address the fact that the instrument nose-dives to some extent. But that's only half the problem. I think the other half is that the standard instrument strap places all the weight asymmetrically across one shoulder, which is simply bad for one's body, particuarly with a heavier instrument. I already use a padded leather 4-inch wide bass strap and that doesn't solve the problem for me.

So I've looked online at other kinds of straps (Bass Brace, Slider dual-strap, etc) and the main problem with them is that they make you look like a retard. I want something that is functional and ergonomic and yet also doesn't look stupid. Does such a thing exist?

This morning I ran across something called the "YStrap" (http://pages.videotron.com/ystrap/). It looks somewhat less stupid than the other straps I mentioned, and yet it also looks like it might really do the trick to evenly distribute the weight across both shoulders.

Does anyone have any recommendations for "alternative" straps that evenly distribute the weight, but which don't look stupid? Has anyone out there used the Y-strap? Does it actually help?

 

[Butterbass]

Yeah, I have been trying to find a nice wide, padded , leather bass strap as well. Ideas anyone?

 

[shamus63]

Usually, a good 3" wide strap will do the job for you; wider weight displacement.

I've never tried one of the harness-type straps...maybe someone else will chime in on that.

 

[bassmonkeee]

I was lucky enough to find two 4" wide Moody leather straps for relatively cheap ($65 each) and they are, without doubt, the finest straps I've ever used. And, they make 3-4 hour gigs a breeze.

Of course, at the regular price of over $100 each, you have to ask yourself if it's worth it.


http://www.moodyleather.com/


Holy crap. They've raised their prices!

 

[Mobay45]

Here's a link to the strap that I use on both of my 5 sting Bongos. I really like them and I don't have any problems playing the whole night. We usually start playing about 9:00 and play until 1:30. I've tried several straps and have found these to work best for me. And the price is very reasonable. I have a black one on my DG Bongo and a brown one on my BC Bongo.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Guitar-Strap-3-...82781QQcategoryZ64421QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

 

[strummer]

Here's a link to the strap that I use on both of my 5 sting Bongos. I really like them and I don't have any problems playing the whole night. We usually start playing about 9:00 and play until 1:30. I've tried several straps and have found these to work best for me. And the price is very reasonable. I have a black one on my DG Bongo and a brown one on my BC Bongo.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Guitar-Strap-3-...82781QQcategoryZ64421QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

So you like sheep huh looks comfortable.

 

[strummer]

I got a 3" wide carving leather strap lined with 9 mm of neoprene (covered in some kind of smooth leather) made by a guy who mostly makes stuff for horses, like the reins and saddles. It's the coolest strap.
I also have a comfort strapp, which works fine.
Both were about $35.

 

[Mobay45]

I got a 3" wide carving leather strap lined with 9 mm of neoprene (covered in some kind of smooth leather) made by a guy who mostly makes stuff for horses, like the reins and saddles. It's the coolest strap.
I also have a comfort strapp, which works fine.
Both were about $35.

I remember you mentioning that custom made strap before. Sounds nice.

The comfort strap that I bought was a little too short for me and i didn't really like the feel of it.

 

[strummer]

I remember you mentioning that custom made strap before. Sounds nice.

The comfort strap that I bought was a little too short for me and i didn't really like the feel of it.

Agreed, the comfort strapp feels "wrong" somehow, but at least it makes the bass easier to wear.
The custom strap is real nice, tho

 

[Figjam]

I wear a 3.5" Stephi stretchy neo..dy,,..manium..something, strap.

 

[strummer]

I wear a 3.5" Stephi stretchy neo..dy,,..manium..something, strap.

neodymium, wow, you got a magnetic strap

Neoprene, it's the same stuff wet suits are made of and comofrt strapps, perfect strap and probably a bunch of other straps.

 

[Figjam]

Neodymium strap, so THATS why my bass sounds so good.

 

[strummer]

I guess it's you playing in your avatar, c0d3h4x0r?
You have your strap very close to your neck, can't you shift the bass 2" or so to the left? That would really take some strain off your left shoulder.

 

[strummer]

Neodymium strap, so THATS why my bass sounds so good.

No, sorry, your bass sounds good because youre an accomplished player playing a EBMM

However, the magnets are the reason you feel no pain in your shoulder

 

[Figjam]

Oh right, magnetotherapy..

 

[strummer]

Oh right, magnetotherapy..

Yeah!
I once got a pair of thongs (flip-flops) with magnets in them that were supposed to help me quit smoking, or make my back feel good, or something. Didn't happen, but they were good for picking paper clips off the flor

 

[AnthonyD]

Go Wide!

Definitely a wide-strap fan... I have a couple of 4" straps from Italia Leather Straps and I've given a few as gifts to some of my envious friends.

Basic design but high quality leather - very thick and getting softer and more comfy every day.

FWIW, they're currently running a buy one, get one free promotion.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Colonial Leather 4", or Comfort Strap (or other neoprene copies)

 

[c0d3h4x0r]

I guess it's you playing in your avatar, c0d3h4x0r?
You have your strap very close to your neck, can't you shift the bass 2" or so to the left? That would really take some strain off your left shoulder.

Yes, that's me. That's how I always wear the instrument.

I've tried what you suggest, and it just results in wearing my shoulder out faster and putting the lower frets even farther out of reach, so it's not a solution.

The pain I experience after wearing the thing for an hour or so is basically throughout the entire left shoulder... not in the neck though. I don't have my left shoulder tensed up when I play... I play very relaxed.

 

[Golem]

......The pain I experience after wearing the thing for an hour or so is basically throughout the entire left shoulder... not in the neck though. I don't have my left shoulder tensed up when I play... I play very relaxed.

Sounds like you are susceptible to pressure on a nerve. It is not related to instrument weight or your body build. Some people are just vulnerable. Padding and distribution are the answer. The more narrowly focused the pressure, the more you'll suffer. Obviously, a heavier instument is worse but even a light one will get to you.

I think I have a mild case of it myself. I've taken to the wide Levy straps with the thick sheep fleece. I also find it feels better to have the neck up at about 45 dgr to reduce the reach to the low end.