Straps

[timmo]

Maybe a stupid question, but is there any difference between a guitar strap and a bass strap? Also, will any strap fit strap locks, or do you need a specific type?

[Lfalex v1.1]

Not really much difference. A strap is a strap is a strap.
You purchase one of the desired length and width.
Straplocks are optional, and have washers supplied to prevent them pulling through the holes in the strap..

[timmo]

OK thank you. I thought that might be the case, but I was looking at straps and found some were being marketed as bass straps, so I thought I better check before I dive in. Oops sorry, in put this post in the wrong section

Edited August 30, 2013 by timmo

[Roger2611]

Bass direct (amongst many other I presume) offer the comfort strap....it's not expensive when compared to the bespoke leather ones out there and it is a godsend especially if your bass / guitar is on the heavy side

[timmo]

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1377909523' post='2193618']
In my experience, not all straps will accommodate strap locks without modification.
I spent a couple of quid on a cheap set of leather punches off the bay.
Now I can buy any strap knowing I'll be able to punch the correct size holes for strap locks through it without it bunching up the leather.
[/quote]Thanks for that. I will look for straplock straps and I should be ok. The stupid thing is, I have looked at loads as I forgot about buying one when I bought the bass. You can spend 3 or 4 figures on a bass then baulk at the price of a £50 strap.

[uncle psychosis]

If you're playing even semi regularly then a good strap is an essential investment. Makes playing more comfortable and there's less chance of damaging your back. Basses come and go but a good strap can last decades.

"Bass straps" tend to be a bit wider than the guitar equivalents.

I've got a Neotech Mega Bass Strap. It's made of really thick neoprene and is really wide, so it makes my bass seem really light. Definitely recommended.

[Grand Wazoo]

Can I say with all my heart that I hate strap locks? I find them an expensive and pointless add on, they add weight to the end of the strap pins and if a strap fitted with a bulky chunk of metal slaps on your bass by error as it often happens at gigs it can seriously scratch, dent and damage you precious bass. So what is the solution?

Grolsch washers!! You fit the strap over the pins and then stick a Grolsch washer over it and you can pull, push, try to pry it apart, it'll stay there no matter what and it weighs f/all, and cost you f/all! They won't damage your bass and you can get them [b]free[/b] from your local pub, just ask the barmaid nicely!

[url="http://s144.photobucket.com/user/xt660/media/5D3_7876_zps640488bd.jpg.html"][/url]

[url="http://s144.photobucket.com/user/xt660/media/5D3_7878_zps2d3e7ec4.jpg.html"][/url]

Edited August 31, 2013 by Grand Wazoo

[rk7]

Bass straps are usually wider, and a tad more heavy-duty, cos basses are generally heavier than guitars.

I have a Mono, and a Comfort Strapp. Both are very good.

Regarding straplocks, beware of those straps where the ends double over, you will not get the straplock over two thicknesses of leather.

hope that helps

RK

[discreet]

Another fan of Grolsch washers here! Though I prefer to get mine buy buying the appropriate bottles of Grolsch and drinking them.

Also I'd say there is a definite difference between guitar and bass straps... guitar straps are too narrow (IMHO). I recommend Minotaur bass straps. They are wide (4.3") long (52"+), padded, leather, hiqh-quality and great value. Available from Minotaur or Thomann.

They also make your bass seem much lighter.

Edited August 31, 2013 by discreet

[uncle psychosis]

Grolsch washers are great, so long as you don't regularly take your strap off. Then they're a bit of a pain.

[Deep Thought]

I fully concur on the Grolsch washers (they can be found in other colours too-I have blue ones from some posh water). I used to have Schaller straplocks and got fed up with the way the strap buttons kept unscrewing, and the fact that the screws they provide with them are too thin, plus all the rattling, and yes, I'm not keen on big bits of metal swinging around near my bass either. I spent ages using various methods to keep the button screws tight (cocktail sticks, matches, drilling out the buttons so I could use thicker screws), and finally got fed up and got shot of the straplocks. Other brands may be better, but I decided I'd had enough of straplocks. I've had the rubber washers for several years and swear by them-only minor disadvantage is that you can't easily remove the strap with them on-so I don't. I use plain, wide, slotted leather two-piece straps with no padding and no buckles, which fold up flat inside the case. I had a big, heavy leather strap once, looked nice, but find the thinner and more flexible ones far more comfortable-never felt the need for padding personally. My main bass strap is a Fender, but many companies make them-I've often been tempted by the Italia ones from the US. I won't touch anything with a buckle, particularly plastic.

[discreet]

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1377942903' post='2193814']
Grolsch washers are great, so long as you don't regularly take your strap off. Then they're a bit of a pain.
[/quote]

Tip: Avoid pain by always keeping your strap-on. Fnarr.

[Coilte]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1377941850' post='2193789']
Another fan of Grolsch washers here!
[/quote]



......and another here !!

[discreet]

We should organise an event involving the consumption of many bottles of Grolsch.
Purely to provide ourselves with strap washers, of course...

[Musky]

Another long term user of Grolsch washers here. And yes, just leave the strap in place all the time.

They've actually changed the material the washers are made of - they used be more rubbery and elastic compared to the newer ones. More mojo, resonance and tone on the vintage items, obviously.

[Grand Wazoo]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1377943330' post='2193830']
We should organise an event involving the consumption of many bottles of Grolsch.
Purely to provide ourselves with strap washers, of course...
[/quote]

Sadly I can't be in that party as I don't drink any alcohol. I know I don't know what I am missing but hey ho!

[Coilte]

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1377946749' post='2193904']
Sadly I can't be in that party as I don't drink any alcohol. I know I don't know what I am missing but hey ho!
[/quote]

They are available to non drinkers too.


[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xgrolsch+washers&_nkw=grolsch+washers&_sacat=0&_from=R40"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xgrolsch+washers&_nkw=grolsch+washers&_sacat=0&_from=R40[/url]

[rk7]

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1377947717' post='2193923']
They are available to non drinkers too.


[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xgrolsch+washers&_nkw=grolsch+washers&_sacat=0&_from=R40"]http://www.ebay.co.u...cat=0&_from=R40[/url]
[/quote]

And yes, it DOES say 'for Straplocks'.

What a wonderful world this is!

RK

[jezzaboy]

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1377947717' post='2193923']
They are available to non drinkers too.


[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xgrolsch+washers&_nkw=grolsch+washers&_sacat=0&_from=R40"]http://www.ebay.co.u...cat=0&_from=R40[/url]
[/quote]


And the shop name on the first listing is BIGGER JUGS!

What more could an imature guy ask for!

Edited August 31, 2013 by jezzaboy

[discreet]

[quote name='jezzaboy' timestamp='1377951049' post='2193983']
What more could an immature guy ask for!
[/quote]

Maturity..?

[alstocko]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1377942965' post='2193818']


Tip: Avoid pain by always keeping your strap-on. Fnarr.
[/quote]
Unfortunately I have to take my strap off my bass to fit in the iGig comfortably, so Dunlop strap locks were my solution. My main bass is a beat up P so I don't mind, but still yet to hit it (or my mint Lakkie) with the locks...

Back on topic, I used to use (until recently) a comfort strapp, too bouncy for me so gone back to a leather guitar one as I don't like very wide straps. I may eventually order a Minotaur as they look pretty cool. A Brookwood Leather one would be awesome though...