Here's a new strap for those with bad backs/necks...

[solo4652]

I have a bad back, with associated neck and arm problems. I've been looking for something that takes the weight of a bass off my neck. This is what I've come up with. It started off as a padded tool belt from Screwfix. I cut the end off an old strap I had and velcro-ed it to the waist strap. I then added an extra strap pin to the bass using one of the neck plate bolts. I still have a traditional strap on the bass, mainly as a back-up, but the waist belt takes most of the weight of the bass.

Advantages:

You can hardly see the belt from the front because the bass hides it. If you wear dark shirt, you'd be hard-pushed to see it at all.
The original tool belt is very strong, with lots of velcro adjustment.
Not only does it take weight off your neck, it virtually eliminates neck-dive.
Requires no extra holes drilled in the bass,
It does not impede access to dusty end of fretboard.
It acts as a back support.
It acts as a Christmas-belly/gut support...
Cheap to make - £9 or so.

Disadvantages:

All your basses would need the extra strap pin fitted.
I've had to add some padding to my gigbags so the extra strap pin on the bass doesn't damage the bag.

if anybody would like some measurements taken from my strap, or some more photos, just let me know.

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[chris_b]

Good thinking.

[Happy Jack]

Now you need to adapt it so that you can spin the bass like a propellor ...

[solo4652]

Yes - as soon as our guitarist saw it, he asked about ZZ Top.

[T-Bay]

Great idea, I think you could market that concept.