Guitar strap advice please

[Gulpet]

hi bass people! 

Thinking of getting my boyfriend a new strap for his bass guitar his current just looks like a fairly basic one? (I think) Just wondering if anyone could suggest what kind of strap would be best? 
 

thank you for your help in advance  

 

 

[Lozz196]

Depending on his age and more importantly back, there are two I`d recommend.

 

The first being for a younger fitter person with no back issues, the Dunlop D3809BK, essentially just a very hardwearing nylon black strap.

 

 

The second being more practical for someone with back issues, the Mono GS1 (or Betty as it`s known), makes wearing a heavy bass much easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

My favourite is the Leathergraft comfy suede strap. I have loads of these and they live up to the name.

GuitarGuitar have them in four colours: https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/search/?Query=Leathergraft+comfy

 

 

 

Also get some strap blocks to go with it - little rubbery thingies that prevent the strap from coming off at the worst possible time

Several companies make them, but GuitarGuitar sell Ernie Ball ones in eight different colours: https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/search/?Query=strap+blocks

 

[jazzyvee]

If your bf has a heavy bass i'd go for something wide and well padded.  Personally i would not choose a strap with plastic fittings as my experience as a guitarist is that they are not particularly durable and i've had a number fail. So for a heavy bass it's probably not a good move. 

Depending on your budget i would go for a leather strap. 

I particularly like the https://www.pinegroveleather.com ones which for full disclosure i am an endorsee.

Straplocks are a good idea and you could buy your bf couple of Grolsch beers and use the rubber bungs as straplocks. 

Edited December 14, 2023 by jazzyvee

[Happy Jack]

I rate Comfort Strapp very highly:

 

https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/product/comfort-strapp-pro-bass-series-strapps/

[Supernaut]

I highly recommend the Neotech Mega. 
 

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Neotech-Mega-Bass-Guitar-Strap-Regular-Black/23VG?origin=product-ads&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3ZPs6YCPgwMVDTgGAB26uASVEAQYASABEgK_AvD_BwE

 

I've used one for over five years with no issues. Better made than the Comfort Strapp and does not slide like the Mono GS1. 

[Doctor J]

I'm very fond of the D'Addario 74T000. It's wide and padded, very comfortable.

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/planet_waves_74t000_gitarrengurt_nylon.htm

[Gulpet]

Thank you so much all! Huge help, will go and have a look at the options 😀

[LeftyJ]

The perfect strap is a matter of taste really. Some people like a rough material so their instrument doesn't slide around (especially when the instrument itself doesn't balance well and has a tendency to neckdive) and other people like a smoother strap. Some people prefer narrower straps, others like the better weight distribution of a wider strap. Some like a vintage looking leather or fabric strap, others a more modern look. It's a difficult gift if you're not sure what your boyfriend likes in a strap. 

 

The one in the pic looks like a basic (but quality) D'Addario or Dunlop one. 

 

As far as taste goes I think i would personally go with @jazzyvee's opinion. Leather is just a classic and hardwearing material and it ages nicely (when properly maintained). It also looks great with such a classic bass design IMO 

[prowla]

My main strap is one I had made for me by a leatherworker; it's a non-adjustable strip of leather made to my specified length with a Straplock at each end.

[snorkie635]

On 15/12/2023 at 00:58, Gulpet said:

Thank you so much all! Huge help, will go and have a look at the options 😀

Have a look at the Bison Boa range -Google them (also available on Amazon). I think they're excellent. Good luck.

[StingRayBoy42]

Mono Betty - comfy, well built, decent price, looks good and no animal products.

 

Also +1 for getting straplocks to go with it!

[tauzero]

If he hasn't got a problem with weight (the bass, not him) and you would just like a less plain strap, there's a load out there - Planet Waves, Stagg, and (more expensive) Levys are worth looking at. For padded straps to help with weight, Lekato also make some good padded straps.