Let's talk guitar straps

[TNblueshawk]

So I'm trying to 'learn' how to play standing up more. Never been in a band so I never bothered. That and when I'm tired as crap I'd rather sit and pick. But, I digress...

One issue I have is my left upper trap burns like a mofo. It's probably more a neck issue but whatever. With a birthday coming up I'm going to spring for very nice strap for the electric. What I'm looking for is leather with padding.

I've poked around on the webz and found some cool leather ones but they don't offer padding. Then I've found some padded ones but I'm not digging the strap much.

I'm all eyes and ears on any sites you guys might be familiar with or what you like/use as well.

[Aleph Null]

A wider strap will also distribute the weight more. I think most straps are 2" wide. If you can find a 3" or 4" strap (maybe marketed to bassists?) that's a 33% or 50% reduction in force on your shoulder! Also suede or leather is less likely to slide, which could make it easier to keep the guitar at your preferred angle.

[mauman]

Levy's Leathers has a great selection, and up to 4.5 inch widths.  +1 on a wide strap with a suede back, I don't think padding will help much. 

[jimilee]

They make seatbelt pads that wrap around the strap. As long as you don't look in a mirror, it will look awesome. If you do look in a mirror it will just be confusing. I use the how Satriani art straps. I like the skeletons the most.


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[bcalla]

I used to own a 5-string Squier Jazz bass that weighed 11.5 lbs.  I bought a D'Addario Gel Pad that wraps around your strap & attaches with velcro.  This helped a lot, but even with the pad it was quite tiring to wear .  My strap and the gel pad were both black so I had no concern about how it looked.

I also bought a Slinger strap that actually goes around your waist and puts most of the guitar's weight on your hips. The Slinger requires that you add a strap button on the lower horn.  This one made me look (accurately) like an old man.

I eventually sold the bass to a teenager who didn't care how heavy it was.

[TNblueshawk]

Thanks for the info guys. Jimi, when I look in the mirror that strap is least of my concerns 

[jimilee]

Thanks for the info guys. Jimi, when I look in the mirror that strap is least of my concerns 

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[TNblueshawk]

Levy's Leathers has a great selection, and up to 4.5 inch widths.  +1 on a wide strap with a suede back, I don't think padding will help much. 

So you are thinking the padding won't make much difference? I'm debating this and can't decide. I have more choices if I ditch the padding. I guess once I distribute the weight more with a wider strap it may accomplish what I hope.

[jwin615]

+1 on Levys
Excellent straps. You may want a strap lock washer though until it breaks in.

[TNblueshawk]

I ended buying from Red Monkey. I splurged but I did say it was for my birthday coming up.

I also bought some Rok Lok strap locks. Put them on my acoustic strap. Pretty convenient.

[madbean]

Couch guitar straps for me! I love mine but I dont know if they offer a padded version. I also have a Couch wallet and pick holder attached to my car keys. I'm a fan.

[jimilee]

Couch guitar straps for me! I love mine but I dont know if they offer a padded version. I also have a Couch wallet and pick holder attached to my car keys. I'm a fan.

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[TNblueshawk]

Couch guitar straps for me! I love mine but I dont know if they offer a padded version. I also have a Couch wallet and pick holder attached to my car keys. I'm a fan.

How about the dog leash? 

I had to Google as I was not familiar. Lots of products actually. Looks good.

[greysun]

I thought for the longest time that I would hate them, but I got a souldier strap for Xmas one year and then just bought one for each of my guitars - it's car seatbelt material that's embellished a bit - really smooth, hasn't frayed on me, and it's nice and long. Could never deal with a pad cause it would bunch up my clothes, leather straps did the same thing, and the traditional cheap and rough nylon of many other brands wasn't cutting it. It's definitely a preference, but the souldier material is great and smooth.

[jwin615]

Got inspired and bought another Levys.
3.5 inch Simply Suede.
https://levysleathers.com/collections/leather-guitar-straps/products/simply-suede-series

On sale, only $30 shipped, no tax.(Now $40)
The site reads like only the 3.5 has suede backing...? I only have 3.5 straps(now my third or 4th) so not sure if this is truth or not.

These things are bulletproof and feel great once broken in. Just like a pair of good boots, they kinda conform to the wearer over time. They also drape over the horn nicely when not playing.

I put an old honing rod in the bench vise and ran the shoulder portion over it for a while to smoothe the leather grain down a bit more and just generally exercise it.  Very light pressure as to not eat at the stitching. Seemed to add a bit of flex to the new strap.