Strap help

[shamus63]

You could always be like this guy and play without strap Weirdest thing i've ever seen.............

That's just pointless and wrong. Can you say 'Carpal'?

 

[Psycho Ward]

I'm not sure how to describe how padded they are, but I’ll try. The leather used on the inside of the padded part of the strap is very soft. The leather on the top, visible when playing, is thick, stiff leather with a design hammered into it, looks like some of my Dads pistol holsters, (another why I like them.) The thicker outer leather can be massaged and will soften up too. Pressing down on the padded part seems to sink in about a quarter of an inch. If you can find one, having one in your hand will tell you if you like it or not.

The reason I tried one of these straps was the story behind the company, it’s a small family owned business in Tennessee that made mule harnesses and their farm is located next to the great Bluegrass master Bill Monroe’s farm and they made all of his mule harnesses. I’m not exactly sure how the guitar strap part started, but they have grown since they started making them.

Probably not too much of a jump though, just from one group of jackasses to another…

 

[Aussie Mark]

You really hold it low bro...Don't you strain your fretting hand like that? I mean, are you able to use the 'eagle-claw' fretting hand position for an hour, or you just pump up root notes?

Never had a problem at all. I'm far more comfortable in this position than slung high. Mind you, I'm fairly active on stage (for an old fart), and having a longer strap allows me to move around easily.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I have the opposite problem. I've been looking for a nice, padded strap that can go as long as I need it. I'm 6'1" & I like my bass right on my waist.

Colonial Leather make several 4" wide padded straps in various lengths, with a large range of adjustment. I've got 4 of their straps, set to different lengths for different basses (eg. to cater for different strap pin location, ie. Gibsons, Steinberger 'ho). I've also got a stretch neoprene Comfort Strap, which is great for my 3 or 4 boat anchor basses.

 

[JB1]

I think my strap is a 3", which weirdly I found too wide at first, but am used to it now.

Didn't realise you hada padded deal, which I guess would be far less adjustable.

I like mine low like Mark's, well almost as low I don't play in the same position all the time, I'm quite animated (not looney-style, but pretty active. Sometimes I'll have the headstock up near my ears so I like a long strap that allows me to move.

 

[strummer]

Sometimes I'll have the headstock up near my ears so I like a long strap

Tuning with your teeth, huh? Nifty

On straps: I go to a place where they make saddles and stuff to lead horses by, and they make a strap for me. Since I decided a while back just exactly where my bass should be height wise, I now use non-adjustable. They're made of real thick and stiff leather 7,5 cm on the outside, and supersoft inside leather that covers a 6 mm neoprene padding. Extremely comfy

 

[Mr Light]

Comfort Strapp

I have the opposite problem. I've been looking for a nice, padded strap that can go as long as I need it. I'm 6'1" & I like my bass right on my waist.

Hey,

I got a recommendation for you, The Comfort Strapp.

http://www.comfortstrapp.com/

I had the same problem (I'm 6'3") in trying to find a strap that not only was comfortable but looked professional. All of those fun-looking designer straps aren't as comfortable as the ones built with the practical comfort aspects in mind. Comfort Straps are made very well and are made for both bass and guitar. The Bass straps have more padding, as our instruments are heavier than guitars. They come in three sizes (Short, Long and Extra Long) and are adjustable.

I use the "Pro Bass - Long" size and it is perfect for how I hold my bass. Also, what is convenient is that they are sold by the main stores like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Bass Central, for examples.

Check them out! The difference was night and day for me.

 

[JB1]

Tuning with your teeth, huh? Nifty

I hadn't thought of that!

Think it's a bit of a throwback to my 'Cello days. Those 5-fret stretches just seem more accessible that way....

 

[Bill]

Colonial Leather make several 4" wide padded straps in various lengths, with a large range of adjustment. I've got 4 of their straps, set to different lengths for different basses (eg. to cater for different strap pin location, ie. Gibsons, Steinberger 'ho). I've also got a stretch neoprene Comfort Strap, which is great for my 3 or 4 boat anchor basses.

Hey,

I got a recommendation for you, The Comfort Strapp.

http://www.comfortstrapp.com/

I had the same problem (I'm 6'3") in trying to find a strap that not only was comfortable but looked professional. All of those fun-looking designer straps aren't as comfortable as the ones built with the practical comfort aspects in mind. Comfort Straps are made very well and are made for both bass and guitar. The Bass straps have more padding, as our instruments are heavier than guitars. They come in three sizes (Short, Long and Extra Long) and are adjustable.

I use the "Pro Bass - Long" size and it is perfect for how I hold my bass. Also, what is convenient is that they are sold by the main stores like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Bass Central, for examples.

Check them out! The difference was night and day for me.

Thanks for the suggestions! I've seen those Comfort Straps before, and those Colonial Leather straps look really nice.