Currently, multiple studies have been done worldwide to make the best bass guitar straps, based on achieving true comfort to play, and also to ensure good health. In the long term playing an instrument such as guitar or bass guitar can cause severe lumbar diseases, so it's important to have the best strap to perform as a musician.
It's well known that both guitars and bass guitars are not supported by our hands alone. This would be, in addition to being uncomfortable, extremely painful for our arms, back, and even waist.
That's why you may need a strap to help support, and also to distribute the weight of the bass guitar to make it easier to perform, in addition to help maintain a good posture to avoid future back discomfort.
Do I Need a Bass Guitar Strap?
Of course, YES! Well, you don't exactly 'NEED' one, but we strongly recommend it.
In general, bass guitars are instruments with a large body, and an average weight of between 3.5 to 6kg, and in most cases bass guitars play standing up.
Remember that the function of a strap is that your arms do not have to hold the instrument, thus avoiding fatigue, and as a result, allowing the musician to play freely.
Now let's imagine a rehearsal or concert, in which you could be playing for about two hours straight. Most likely, in 30 min you'll be extremely tired and sore, without the assistance of a leash.
It is for this exact reason that we're going to explain and guide you step by step, so that you can find the best bass strap for your particular needs.
Guitar Straps vs Bass Guitar Strap
Commonly, it is often thought that a guitar and bass guitar are very similar not only physically, but also in weight and size, which is not entirely accurate.
It is because of the difference between the weight of a bass guitar and a guitar that different straps should be used. There is not really a huge difference between guitar straps and bass guitar straps. What does exist, are straps for heavy instruments and the straps for light instruments.
Having a heavier instrument, will require wide bass guitar straps with padding, while for a lighter instrument you can use straps that do not meet these two requirements.
Although it is true that there are quite heavy guitars, it's not particularly common. However, in the case of a heavy guitar, it's recommended to use the same straps that are used for a bass guitar.
If you have not yet bought your bass guitar or your guitar, a good choice would be to buy an instrument that not is too heavy. Since with a good strap and a light instrument you will hardly feel that you have something on your shoulder.
With this point clear, let's move on to the things we all need.
What Should We Look for When Buying a Strap?
The most important thing when playing is to feel really comfortable. Not only because of what we transmit, or because of the rigid appearance that most present when being uncomfortable, it's also mainly for maintaining good health.
To achieve an excellent performance, it's necessary to concentrate solely on the music. This will require:
Balance Weight
This can be achieved by using a wide, padded strap. The weight should not be in a single point of your shoulder, causing pain, but should be distributed throughout the shoulder and part of your back.
Generate Stability
An adjustable strap is ideal to achieve this. Since its name suggests, it can be perfectly adjusted to all body types and height, creating a feeling of comfort and security.
An elastic strap also works excellent, since it's not necessary to adjust it, and the elastic band keeps the instrument always adjusted and tailored.
The best bass straps will fulfil these functions.
In the case of guitars that are usually light, the two things mentioned before can be ignored. Since lighter guitars don't weigh as much they shouldn't cause major discomfort on the shoulders.
What Should I Keep in Mind when Buying a Strap for my Bass Guitar?
There are brands, designs, textures, fasteners and strap finishes as diverse as the colors.
Before looking for a bass guitar strap, first take into account the size and weight of the bass. In addition to this you should also take into account the usual climate in your place of residence. Based on these factors you will have to look for different specifications, materials, and whether or not you'll need a extra long or wide straps.
Materials
There are straps made of leather, nylon, natural fibers, and synthetic fibers.
Leather Strap
This material is one of the best, and most durable. We highly recommend a leather strap, since it will not wear out in heat and humidity, is really soft to the touch, and will last for a long time. If the strap is of high quality the fasteners can work very well without using a lock, even if they are classic. You just have to keep in mind that in permanently hot climates, leather can generate quite a bit of heat.
Nylon Strap
This option is also highly recommended, and one of the best materials next to leather. Some of the best bass guitar straps, of high quality, are made of nylon material, since it does not wear out easily in any weather, it does not generate too much heat, and it can also be found in a wide range of colors. If you want to stand out with a unique design or an exotic color, this may be the best option for you.
Natural Fibers
These materials are usually extremely pleasant to the touch, do not generate heat, and allow your skin to breathe. This material is the best and most recommended for normally hot climates, as bass guitar straps and guitar straps made from this material are very cool. The only drawback is that they do not last long, since they wear out little by little with humidity.
Synthetic Fibers
These straps are also highly recommended as they are durable and do not wear out easily. Most of the straps made of this material are extra long and you can really carry them with you for a long time. A bass strap or guitar strap made of this material can be useful for any event and weather. Its only drawback is that it can be unpleasant to the touch, due to its rough surface.
Once the strap material is decided on, it's time to focus on the different features, sizes, and options. The best bass guitar straps are designed to meet the following needs.
Adjustable and Elastic Straps
These give you incredible comfort, since the bass guitar will feel totally stable and secure. In addition to this, it will not move too much even if you do, which will give you more confidence when developing themes or alone. The best option for adjustable straps will always be a system made with quality leather.
Wide and Padded
These will allow you to be extremely relaxed, since these straps distribute the weight evenly. This will give you a better performance, since you will be able to play for longer, and you will not feel the characteristic lower back pain and fatigue. Also for this option we always recommend a leather bass guitar strap, since the comfort of the straps made of this material is the best.
Bras
Another important aspect to take into account are the bras, which are located at both ends of the strap, these must be of quality. A wide variety of straps come with classic bras.
Classic Bra without a Lock
You should know that even if the strap is of good quality, and the leather ends, little by little it will wear out...until you get to the point where you don't hold anything at all. There is a fairly high risk of your bass guitar suffering one or more falls, if you wear classic bras without a lock.
Bras With a Fastening/Locking System
On the other hand, there are brands that have designed very good straps and with a much better and well-developed fastener system. These will provide greater security and greater durability.
This type of bra works much better, since all you have to do when wearing it is to move the lever to the other side, and it automatically reduces and fits perfectly.
It's important to note that most of these types of bras are made of plastic. The leather ends are of better quality, although the hole in the classic bras will wear out.
That way your instrument won't fall or move too much. If you decide on the second type of bra (plastic with fastening systems) we think they can be great, but as mentioned before, most bras like these are plastic, and we believe there is nothing better than leather ends.
Classic Bra and Add the Locking System Yourself
It is also not a bad decision to buy a strap with classic bras, since you can use locks. This ensures you have more stability when playing.
There are many brands and models to choose from and most are very good and easy to use. All you have to do is place them on the strap fasteners, once it is on.
As you can see there are many options, whatever strap you decide to buy, you can use accessories to stabilize the bras.
If you want to always feel very safe and comfortable, we highly recommend using locks. They are not essential if you buy a strap with another type of bra, but if you go for the classic one, you should use them to avoid accidents.
The 5 Best Bass Guitar Straps
There are excellent brands that make the best bass guitar straps. We found that the most durable and the best is the leather strap, made by Gruv Gear.
Here is a list of the best bass guitar strap options.
1. Gruv Gear DuoStrap
This bass guitar strap is made of quality leather, over a layer of foam. The DuoStrap has the ideal padding, providing ultimate comfort and protection for the shoulder and neck. In addition to this, the strap is quite wide, so it distributes the weight evenly. It has an adjustable system secured by metal screws, which gives even more security. We rate these as the best leather bass guitar straps.
This bass guitar strap comes in two versions with different widths. The first version is 4” wide, while the second is 2.5” wide, keeping the padding so characteristic of these strap, being the best option for lighter guitar or bass guitar. It's made of leather, and comes with an adjustable system secured by metal screws.
A perfect bass or guitar strap. Being made with leather it has greater durability.
This strap comes with air capsules that will greatly relieve your shoulder. Being this way, the strap has greater flexibility. It's fairly lightweight, and works great as a bass strap or guitar strap. In addition to this, its adjustable system is of excellent quality.
This strap has leather fasteners, which generates greater durability. It's a really good bass or guitar strap.
They must be the bassists who don't know a jazz legend, like John Patitucci. Gruv Gear, wanted to make a special strap for him. This bass guitar strap features a leather and neoprene design, maintaining flexibility and padding. It is quite light, despite being made of leather. For those looking for cool bass guitar straps, this is the perfect choice for you. It's definitely got the cool factor and this bass strap was designed especially for bassists. We recommend it 100%.
This bass guitar strap features a minimalist design, with wide padded bars. It is ideal for distributing the weight of heavy instruments. It's quite light, and the materials allow the skin to breathe. This bass strap is not made of leather, but still works great. It is also excellent for long concerts.
Top Picks in Summary
If you play guitar, these bass guitar strap picks will also be very useful. And maybe they'll last you even longer if your guitar is light.
Now, if you play guitar or bass, you are aware of the importance of a good strap to ensure having a good performance in a rehearsal or concert, in addition to this, to take care of our health.
Each and every strap mentioned above is truly excellent. They are very well designed, feature a great construction, and they really do the job.
They manage to distribute the weight and, therefore, freeing up from tension and pain in the shoulder, waist and back.
However, the strap that works best, for all occasions, is the Gruv Gear DuoStrap.
This strap is made of leather, is not heavy, fits perfectly to the torso, and manages to stabilize the bass guitar or guitar even without locks.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. How to put on a bass guitar strap?
This is very easy.
Once you have the strap of your preference, the first thing you should do is place the strap around your torso, and adjust it to suit you.
Once this is done, you must insert the supports of your bass guitar or your guitar into the clips located at both ends of the strap.
When finished you can hang it on your shoulder, letting it cross across your back. If when you have it on, you feel that it is very tight, you loosen a little with the adjustable system. Likewise, if you feel that it is a little loose you can adjust it in the same way.
2. Are bass guitar straps universal?
There are different styles and very varied designs when it comes to a bass guitar strap. The truth is that the difference between them is due to the brands and not to where in the world we are.
If you are in America, Europe, Africa, Oceania or Asia, you will find the same Gruv Gear, Mono or KLIQ Music Gear designs in any of these places.
You can talk about bass guitar straps anywhere in the world, and you will be able to understand yourself perfectly well, because depending on the brand you are looking for, they will be the same designs all over the world.
In conclusion, and responding directly, yes. Bass guitar straps are universal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we will always recommend a bass strap or guitar strap made of leather.
Although they can generate heat in hot climates, leather straps really are the ones that have the longest durability.
That is why our favorite strap is the Gruv Gear DuoStrap. This is due to its design, weight, materials, adjustment system and even the fasteners being of very good quality. Your bass or guitar will always be safe with this strap, and you can feel comfortable at all times with the DuoStrap.
We hope this guide has been helpful in finding the best bass guitar straps and knowing what to look for when choosing.
