The best bass guitar straps allow musicians to hold unusually heavy bass instruments for long periods of time without irritation or discomfort. These straps should last for many years and keep you focused on learning music rather than trying to hold your guitar comfortably. In this guide, you’ll find the top recommendation, as well as several other products to consider when looking for a bass guitar strap.
I consulted professionals with years of experience to learn which bass guitar straps they prefer. They also provided tips on how to select the best bass guitar strap as well as how to take care of a strap to make it last longer. So read on to learn about the factors that play the biggest roles, like comfort, durable materials and cost to find the right bass guitar strap for you.
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$42.99Check on AmazonOffers superior support, comfort during long wear and durability; making it the best buy for beginner and expert users with all types of guitars.
11/24/2024 10:57 pm GMT -
$49.99$41.83Check on AmazonIncludes a built-in foam padding that will support your shoulders during long wears.
11/24/2024 11:21 pm GMT -
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What Makes One Strap Better Than the Others
The fabric, features and designs of the best bass guitar straps are what set them apart from other straps. Many other factors come into play when you are buying a bass guitar strap. So, it is important that you review your needs so you can find the perfect strap for your instrument, as well as your budget.
Guitar Straps are Universal – Sometimes
There is no difference between acoustic, bass and electric guitar straps. Guitar straps are universal and interchangeable between most types of guitars. The only minor difference exists in how you attach the strap to your instrument.
How to Attach a Guitar Strap
Most electric guitar straps end with leather triangles that are a few inches in length and rounded at the tip. These leather pieces have slits where pegs from the end of the guitar can safely hold the instrument in place. However, acoustic guitars only have one peg at the base of the guitar. They require you to tie the front end of the strap to the neck of the instrument. Installing your own peg is also an option, but you could damage the instrument and alter the sound quality.
The Importance of a Guitar Strap Lock
Strap locks are small accessories that keep your straps from sliding off while you play. They make sure your instrument stays safe and comfortably in place, so you can focus on playing. Strap locks are a small investment to get a big advantage. And any player who uses a strap to play standing up should have them. Here is some information on how to put a strap on, as well as instructions for how to use strap locks.
Guitar Straps Vs. Bass Straps: Is There a Difference?
Most guitar straps are interchangeable, but some products claim to be specifically for the bass guitar. Others claim they will work best for bass acoustic guitars and electric bass guitars. This is a traditional product feature that many companies have abandoned specifying. However, many high-quality bass guitar straps are still available today.
Factoring in Weight
The difference between bass and guitar straps stems is that some bass guitars, like Les Pauls and six-string bass guitars, are much heavier than others. So, many musicians prefer extra padding and more expensive, durable material for their straps. A heavier strap offers extra comfort to handle the heavy weight of the instrument. This can make a difference when you are wearing your heavy bass guitar for hours at a time.
To get the most out of your practice, be sure your instrument is comfortable. It should not affect your posture. For a skill based on muscle memory, investing in a high-quality accessory that fits you and your instrument is well worth it. The best bass guitar straps are durable and easy to use.
Comfort Matters: Materials of the Best Bass Guitar Straps
Most of the best bass guitar straps consist of the following three types of materials:
- Leather: Leather offers the most comfort and style, as well as durability that improves with age. But leather is also the most expensive guitar strap material. Also, it can be difficult to set in exactly the right position because the fabric stretches over time. The holes for the length settings may fall between your ideal placement. So it is important to try on the strap with your instrument and make sure it will fit before buying one.
- Nylon: Nylon comes in many prints and colors, so it makes a bold fashion statement. Also, it doesn’t stretch over time, so you can find inexpensive guitar straps that will last. But nylon straps can be uncomfortable and may dig into your skin if you wear a t-shirt or thin clothing. So, while they may not wear out, they may wear you out. Again, be sure to try the strap on with what you usually wear to find a comfortable one.
- Canvas: Canvas is the compromising material between leather and nylon. It is closer to leather in thickness and comfort, too. Canvas is an affordable guitar strap, but it may come in a limited variety of colors and styles.
The Best Guitar Strap: Why Fabric Matters
The fabric on the best bass guitar strap can depict your favorite animal, pastime or region. For example, some straps have a snakeskin pattern. For extra comfort, look for a strap with an underside of sheepskin for cushioning. Some musicians don’t want animal products for a guitar strap material, so they can opt for nylon or canvas.
If you have specific preferences like this, be sure to read the product details before ordering online. You can also speak directly with a store representative. Bass guitar straps come in all types of materials craftsman make from different local areas across the globe.
Guitar Strap Design: Consider Functionality, Style and Needs
There are many styles and functions and designs on the guitar strap market. Products serve specific needs like children’s bass guitar straps. There are also guitar straps specifically for individuals with back or shoulder problems. The recommendations on this list rely primarily on design with comfort and durability in mind. Although fashion and style matters, it won’t affect your comfort while playing.
To find the best bass guitar straps, consider how the quality impacts the way you play. Many options in guitar straps reflect various styles and personalities. Some of the most colorful, exciting, themed and ageless graphics lie within the accessories for guitar straps. There are also brands that include a wide variety of patterns and colors.
Shopping for the Best Bass Guitar Straps on the Market
To find a comfortable bass guitar strap, consider the weight of the instrument the manufacturer recommends it can hold. While some of these straps are just for bass guitars, others are not. The best bass guitar straps have the following qualities:
- Exceptional reviews regarding strap comfort.
- Guitar strap recommendations for especially heavy instruments.
- Straps that are wearable for extended periods of time without irritation.
Our Top Recommendation: KLIQ AirCell Strap
Credit: KLIQ Music Gear
The KLIQ AirCell Strap is the top bass guitar strap because it offers many unique features that benefit musicians from beginners to experts. Cushion padding covering the underside of the strap protects professionals and beginners during long practices. A breathable fabric keenly adapts to temperatures and environments without compromising comfort. There will be no blisters or sweat marks across your shirt with this strap.
Offers superior support, comfort during long wear and durability; making it the best buy for beginner and expert users with all types of guitars.
It also has a shock-absorbent design to support your back ergonomically. It keeps your posture healthy and body ready to pick up your instrument anytime. With a warranty that ensures durability, this high quality, professionally-designed bass guitar strap has all the basic features as well as many advanced perks.
The KLIQ Guitar Strap: All About AirCell Technology
Most unique to this specific product is the patented AirCell technology. This fabric places a cushioned lining between your shoulder and the top of the strap. It is breathable, flexible, and most importantly, comfortable. The tiny square pillows under the strap act as shock absorbers when you move your instrument while playing. They also keep stress off your back and shoulders while keeping your instrument secure.
The patented technology they built into the fabric is not the only unique feature the KLIQ AirCell Strap promises. A three-inch wide Lycra and Neoprene pad supports your back and shoulders. It also evenly disperses any impact caused by movement. These are breathable materials that wick away sweat to keep your skin dry for hours.
This is a lasting, adjustable strap, as well. Unlike other comfort-specific designs, this high-quality material will not stretch or wear out over time. Complete with a sliding adjustable length varying from 46’ to 56 inches, it fits nearly any user snuggly and securely.
The best advantage of using this bass guitar strap is that it has a limited lifetime warranty they designed to last for years. Based on the research, this is a top-rated product that costs between $50 and $100. Shop around for special deals for lower prices at your local music store and online, too.
Runner Up: Levy’s Leathers M4GF
Credit: LEVY’S LEATHERS LTD
The Levy’s Leathers M4GF has a sleek design with shiny leather. It is extremely durable and will age to look better rather than worn. It came in second on this list of the best bass guitar straps because it lacks AirCell fabric. However, this is one of the best bass guitar straps since it features many qualities, making it an excellent choice for functionality, style and price.
Includes a built-in foam padding that will support your shoulders during long wears.
They built this strap to last with high-quality leather. This means your comfort will increase with each use as you wear this product over time. For added support across your back and to balance heavier instruments, this leather strap includes built-in foam padding.
The Levy’s Leathers strap offers a traditionally sized band that is three and a half inches wide. However, the length comes in two different settings. The first option has adjustable notches between 36 and 52 inches.
The second option Levy’s offers is the Extra-Long with an additional 12 inches in adjustment settings. With so many lengths for users of any shape and height, this advanced leather strap will offer comfortable, professional support to bass players of all levels.
Lastly, the Levy’s Leather M4GF comes in seven colors with prices ranging from $35 to $75. Between seven colors and two lengths, you can create a customized leather bass guitar strap that fits your budget. It also offers advanced support features and the best durability on the market.
The Best Bass Guitar Strap That Will Last a Lifetime
These RightOn! straps are of the highest quality, most durable, and wearable material on the market. They have excellent features on most fronts and will not wear out over time easily. Although they may cost more than any other style, material or design on the market, the extra money will go a long way when it comes to durability. You will never need to shop for another bass guitar strap if you take proper care and select one of these options:
RightOn! BASSMAN bass strap
These are the best bass guitar straps for comfort and durability that you can find today.
Other Guitar Straps to Consider
The ESO strap is one of the best bass guitar straps because it offers a feature unlike any other on the market. It comes custom fit specifically for either right or left-handed users, along with many other product features. This strap costs approximately $60 on the ESO strap site. So, the shipping time and cost may not be as low as larger manufacturers, but this could change as bigger stores pick this product up.
The Five Best Bass Guitar Straps for Under $10
Here is a list of the top five bass guitar straps available for less than $10. If you are on tour and find yourself without a guitar strap or want to start simple, these are great buys for the extra low prices:
In Summary
Have you chosen your favorite? There are guitar straps for all budgets and levels. There are even guitar straps for righties or lefties, too. Whatever your needs are, you should be able to find the right strap for your needs.
Here’s a recap of all the best bass straps:
Offers superior support, comfort during long wear and durability; making it the best buy for beginner and expert users with all types of guitars.
Includes a built-in foam padding that will support your shoulders during long wears.
Sources
- Dave Eichenberger, (December 20, 2012). Straps and Strap Height: Playing While Looking Cool, SeymourDuncan.Com, December 7, 2016. http//www.seymourduncan.com/blog/the-players-room/straps-and-strap-height-playing-while-looking-cool
- ESO Strap: Bass, December 7, 2016. http://www.esostrap.com/collections/eso-strap-bass
- PhillyTR. (July 15, 2014). Slider Strap Dual Shoulder Strap Demo, YouTube. December 7, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XPsIZ4Q5Ro
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