Mistakes Guitarist Make Picking A Strap

[@JB_II]

I’ve had a bunch of shoulder surgeries and the only straps that I can wear for more than 10 minutes is the 3” wide Levy padded straps. I’d suggest them for anyone with the same shoulder troubles as I have. Great video on an often overlooked piece of guitar accessories.

[@lisaayers1975]

I have the same problem. I have a separated collar bone.Im right handed and the strap kills my collarbone and shoulder.Hurts very bad.Wish they could make a strap for people with shoulder.problems. 👍👍👍✌✌

[@Mr.Goldbar]

My favorite is the seatbelt straps from Dunlop and Daddario. I like the smooth feel and I'm a car guy

[@adrianrobinson12]

Phil, we need an actual strap locks video! There are so many!

[@sunn_bass]

I used Schaller strap locks since the late 80s with good luck. still have a couple basses with those. For the past few years I switched to something totally different. I use Gotoh RB30 tall bass string retainers. About $8 each so $16 for a pair. They look like Fender bass retainers but are taller and give 7mm clearance for the strap, and are 19mm in diameter. Pretty much permanently attaching the strap but they look great. I use my own screws for them as the standard ones are too short for this use.. Similar to the PRS buttons but I like using a pair of Gotoh RB30 tall retainers better.

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

I use the rubber Fender rings. They do everything I have ever needed them to do. They are also cheap enough, that I frequently buy a bunch just to giveaway all the time.

[@PaulSter]

Dunlop Strap locks. The defacto system. I've been using 'em for 30+ years. If you look closely at KZbin vids, you'll see lots of Dunlops. Best part is their two-way buttons that are excellent buttons in themselves, if say, you just got another strap and don't have a male side for it, you can simply use a regular strap and their very secure on their own without the locking part.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

There are major differences! I’ve tried about 5, the d’addario is the most like strap and guitar with no locks, it’s not the easiest to open, but only the Dunlop doesn’t take the strap further away from the strap button axis and guitar body, which tends to make the guitar wobble on the strap axis versus firmly against your body. Dunlop has a push button, so slightly easier to remove than the D ‘addario Dunlop is round & has no axis, the D’Ddario has a slot back and becomes one with your strap! But it would be an interesting video!, about 5 different designs

[@jonathanstrand2474]

@@sunn_bass the Schaller ones I tried would rotate, the guitar would fall outa the strap!😳. So much for those! The D’ Addario is a hybrid version of the Schaller, it’s a u cup slot, but it cannot rotate, it’s a better version of the Schaller

[@DavidHBurkart]

3 inch straps are aging guitarist-friendly. I resemble that remark.

[@lizdubdub]

Thanks!

[@AD1978leo]

Phil, this shows how likable you are lol. Why the hell am I watching a video about guitar straps!?

[@PrinceVinceOfficial]

I been going with the Levys 3" wide strap and I LOVE them, especially for bass. Clip-lock are my second fav.

[@Anthonydmusic.21]

Is this one the $30 strap? Seeing mixed reviews about them!

[@KevPez-IS]

Funny. I’m a USPS mail carrier. Our bag straps look just like the last strap. It Carries my heavy bag full of packages and mail. Probably works wonders with a guitar.

[@AudioAtmos]

This is wild. I was thinking KZbin was listening in to my conversations again and recommended this video because I was just yesterday on a strap quest for a Bass and a recent Standberg purchase. However I see this is a brand new video. So on the same wavelength. Thanks.

[@PaulLue]

Never thought to set my guitar strap length to match my seated playing position. Makes sense. Definitely would keep the playing/ practicing position consistent. Just prefer a guitar to hang a little lower when standing. Another great viseo

[@nellayema2455]

Great video. A strap is the kind of accessory that can be hard to choose. There are so many styles available in a plethora of different materials, and good ones aren't inexpensive, so picking a good one can be difficult. A video like this can help one narrow down the choices.

[@jasonyltan7672]

I use the Levy’s basic $8 black nylon strap together with those cheap rubber round strap locks - it really is the best out there for this sort of cheap nylon straps and doesn’t come off - good strap ends, nylon is just the right thickness doesnt crumple or wrinkle if you dump your guitar in your bag or case.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

Levy's and Get'm Get'm are the 2 that I use. I have a 2.5" Levy's MSG317HZ-PRP which is perfect for a Burgundy Mist Charvel DK24. I had a one of those D'Addario/Planet Waves clipping straps, and it failed while I was sitting. Never using those again

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

My favorite strap is from Couch, All Plain Black Vegan Strap. It feels like a seatbelt strap and has metal buckles instead of plastic.

[@bifftannen1058]

Yes! I have a Couch sea foam green racer x strap 🤘

[@GeroLubovnik]

Keys to a strap (IMO): 1) Pressure distribution. Width is important based on the guitar weight. However, too wide can cause pressure on your cartoid artery. 3" single ply leather straps can be cut around the artery area so you retain distribution without the pressure. Until guitars get heavy, no padding is really necessary. 2) Friction. The strap needs a certain amount of friction to keep the neck in place. Again, single ply straps work well for that. Some strap padding is slick, but can be mitigated by roughing it up a bit with sand paper. 3) Adjustability. Being able to get the right height is important. To fine tune height I purchased leather punches so I can put intermediate holes in the tail. I avoid any METAL on my straps to avoid scratches and dings on my instrument. Lastly, you don't need those expensive strap locks. Rubber washer locks work great and only cost $1 each or less.

[@anthonynonya]

I bought one of those Firefly ES guitars a couple years ago and it came with the most hideous strap ever, yet I love it because it's made from the same material as a seat belt. It's a lot more comfortable because it's softer than the coarse vinyl straps that came with other cheap guitars, and the same with my fancy Ernie Ball strap which is also coarse feeling. The seat belt style is by far my favorite. I also usually play wearing a collared shirt so the strap goes under the collar and not riding up my neck, which can be really uncomfortable with a vinyl strap.

[@Donald.W.Rissler-ARTS]

For most of my guitar playing life I invested in a couple of good quality leather straps and then had everything outfitted with Schaller Straplocks and buttons on all guitars. But recently I have had 4 Schaller straplocks break so bought a couple Planetwave wide 3" straps and became re-antiquated with all the reasons I stopped using nylon and any non-leather straps. I would rather deal with the broken schaller locking pins and keep a pair of pliers around than deal with having the knot of nylon strap cutting into my shoulder.

[@glenclifton4563]

I've been using the clip lock style you showed us a few years ago. Love them big time!! I'm also 6ft. Tall and a rather round guy. These straps work great. Thanks Phil,!!

[@overvieweffect9034]

I really like videos like this, even though they are nowhere near as "flashy" as guitar reviews. but even though I've seen that last kind of strap before, I've never given them a second though, so I'll probably get one for home use, and use my 3'' levis if I gig again

[@Margilio5150]

As a fellow big, 6 ft tall guitarist I agree with this 100% I got one of those 3” Levi straps (Suede one) like 5 years ago and that was the last time I bought one.

[@erik_1620]

I really like the D'addario auto lock guitar strap. Their auto lock system is the easiest to use, quick on and off and it also works with most stock strap buttons. The selection is kinda limited but they securely hold all my basses right where I like them. Great video as always, Phil! 👍

[@joemckinney489]

Awesome Knaggs in the background. Congrats on the new axe!

[@ferretwraith]

I wish that shorter straps were more common. I shop for guitar straps by searching their minimum length, and then hoping that the maximum length doesn't leave a full 30 inches of unused material over my shoulder.

[@MichaelEMJAYARE]

Tip for anyone who needs a really comfy strap: buy a neoprene bass strap. They are basically memory foam and can hold up the heaviest of guitars; they have a wide shoulder part that is super comfortable. They’re not particularly long but it should work for most players. I had a DC Les Paul special and it was SO neck heavy. The padding was thick and it worked very well.

[@convoliution]

Nice, I just ordered a bunch of straps yesterday! Time to order more.

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Thanks for the outboard 'gear' coverage, Phil! RAWK!!! 🤘🏼

[@MrAustinMusic]

I really like the D'Addario locking straps originally the Planet Waves one. I recently got one of the latching ones to replace the 3 I had that used the ratcheting mechanism. I gave the old ones away because of how quick and easy it is to put the new strap on and off all my guitars. Including an acoustic with a heal joint strap button.

[@wasteddude9387]

Hey, you're one of my two, and only two, favorite KZbin teachers/advisors. And i liked this video. So thanks, man!

[@brothersnippy1373]

Last month I went through extensive testing of several straps with different widths, materials, ect. I ended up going with Levy's M7GG3 3" garment leather strap with Schaller strap locks. I later found out that this is the exact strap that James Hetfield has been using for years. If it's good enough for James it's definitely good enough for me.

[@ericwarrington6650]

I'm a small guy..so wider straps and softer flexible materials has always been my go to..I use fender neoprene 3"strap on my strat w fender rubber lock rings securing it like a rock..the strap button rubber lock rings are very secure imo..at least on my strat..I use Ernie Ball 3" locking strap on everything else..great strap..keeps SG and es339 solid in my shoulder

[@jimwoodard64]

I've used Levy straps as long as I can remember, and I started playing in 1969. I stick to the 2" to 3" wide models. I do have a cotton sliding strap for my acoustic, and a Gibson branded leather strap for my Les Paul. I also have a couple of PRS straps for, you guessed it, my PRS's. :D I used to use the Dunlop locking system, but I switched to Schaller about 12 years ago and haven't looked back.

[@jimaronson2323]

I too enjoy videos like these. Please keep doing them. Could you do a video about strap locks?

[@briank6789]

I just bought 2 LM Products straps from Sweetwater. Used a few Levy's, but most of them seem very short, i.e., few are longer than 51 inches max. I need around 53, and that's not even with the guitar hanging low. Not sure why Levy's are so short. Plus, I like that the LM straps are made here in Indiana.

[@ranzablevins7593]

Strapping good video. What is the gorgeous white n blue single cut over your left shoulder. Hope a video is coming for it. Thanks

[@good_king_guitarman1334]

Make no bones about it Phil, your rock star vibe is strong!!

[@billyfields7722]

Thanks you for the most underrated parts of playing guitar and please make more videos of others parts, like picks, straps and turners.

[@ryanandring2688]

Thank you for this video Phil! I talk to Matt maybe once a month about how the strap should hang off the body/set the guitar and I always bring up you saying it should be how it is in the sitting position! I just move so much I always get uncomfortable trying to force the guitar to sit a certain way against me. Also that clip of you playing was really cool to see :)

[@skingfong]

I like neoprene straps. It relieves some of the weight for heavy guitars.

[@bradleyard4195]

I use the D'addario locking straps. They work well for me.

[@RogerThat902]

Levy's straps are one of those things that you're surprised don't cost more money than they do. It's just a strap but you feel like you're holding quality that will last when you buy one. My only complaint is they look a little too dad-ish on some guitars.

[@charles3200]

I bought an anthology full grain leather strap on Amazon. And WOW....! They are amazing!

[@billkallas1762]

The problem with having as many guitars as you do, is that you have to be moving straps from guitar to guitar, and they often have to be adjusted. I only have three, so I can have a dedicated strap for each. I really love the 2 inch Fender leather strap on my Tele, and a cheaper 2" leather strap on my Strat. My old Epiphone has a Nylon strap, but it sees little playing time.

[@CoffeeConversationMusicGear]

Love that clip of you playing Phil! You show more of you playing. 🎸🤘🏾

[@Jared.Graham]

This video was needed thank you

[@lowtonezf104]

Phil. This video made me change all of the strap lengths on my guitars. I fee like it instantly made playing easier and me sound better. Thank you so much for your constant contributions to the community!

[@NeuroApathy]

I use a thick leather strap cause neck dive also, gud vid my man

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

I always use Fender straps for Fender guitars, and PRS straps for PRS guitars, because of course I do. For any other guitar brand, I have been using D'Addario and Planet Waves straps for the entire 20+ years I have been playing guitar. As for strap locks, those rubber Fender rings have never done me wrong.

[@sentforth5]

Only a Levy's No.1 Buckethead strap or a Fender "Weighless" strap will do. They are elastic and I'll never go back.

[@scottradcliffguitar]

Just got one of the wide leather Levy’s straps. I like it. It really makes the guitar light, but my shoulder and back sweat like crazy.

[@TheShinyShow]

I wear mine at basically the same height, so if I sit down with it, the strap isn't falling off my shoulder but also isn't taking the weight of the guitar.

[@scorchedearthdj]

I have Levy's straps on all of my guitars with the widest one on the bass. They're great but like you said, easy to max out. I'm not as tall as you are and I don't have much room left to make it longer.

[@pierheadjump]

😎 Thanks Phill 🥸 I’m in SF… I upcycle furniture leather, old worn leather chairs & sofas are dumped on the street. I use the materials to make acoustic guitar head stock straps & the strap extenders …. Just a nice abalone or pearl button … sew it up … good to go ⚓️

[@dannyb4826]

Every guitar I have, I have to pick out a new strap that matches that guitar, make sure its comfortable and make sure it fits in the case !!!

[@BrianSGuitars]

Cool shirt! 😁 The Knaggs looks great on the wall by the way! I love the Gruv Gear SoloStrap Neo, also sold at Sweetwater. They are a thick padded strap with neoprene which holds really well, and is super comfy!

[@sentforth5]

That Knaggs is killin' me!

[@williamnichols6253]

(you won) this is my favorite video of yours in some time, besides the q&a of course. Thanks!

[@JonNewquist]

I love my Levy's jacquard sun straps. Have had them for decades, and in every color. That's the closest I will ever get to wearing a tie! I guess it IS the uniform.

[@scottreynolds5455]

Just paid $100 bucks for a Taylor guitar strap. I fell in love with at the LGS. It is sick, but still.

[@IIImobiusIII]

Not a word about Levy's Right Height Straps? Just got one of the Ergonomic ones. Levy's have always been great.

[@Robbie28]

Levy's are more than worth the money. I have 6 of them and they are all great.

[@CC-qb9sm]

Fantastic topic Phil! Videos like these are hugely helpful and important. If you can think of other topics that are helpful like this I say full speed ahead! Thanks!

[@familiarpurrson8744]

For a beautiful comfortable leather strap, check out Walker & Williams, especially if you need an extra long, padded strap for a heavy guitar or bass. I buy all my straps from them now, partially because of their very reasonable prices for excellently made gear. I use Schaller (however you spell that) locks on my straps, but as I have moved into Fender style gear, I’ve had to either buy more straps or constantly adjust what I have. I could never justify buying more straps, though, (I’m on the large size and need extra long straps) were it not for W&W’s prices..

[@mikesullivan5219]

I've been using Dunlop strap locks since 2010 thanks to Phil....also use Diadario guitar strap shoulder pads! Use these on my electric guitars on acoustic guitars I just use the leather straps.

[@doubleotwentyone]

Mother Mary straps, got them on all my guitars, wouldn't use anything else and I've used a bunch of different ones over the past 60 years or so. I like Levy's leather though the shortcomings of adjusting them are a bit of a pain. With the MM's you can fine adjust them. Comfort Strapp on the bass.

[@briank6789]

Also, once you go from 2 inches wide to 3 inches (or even 2.5 in), you'll never go back.

[@scottbaker1991]

I bought that same levy’s 3” leather strap for my guitar (7 lbs 10 oz) and it hurts my shoulder. Can someone recommend something else?

[@soupernutt9508]

It's an important topic I never thought too much about. Thanks for the tips!

[@picksalot1]

I like 3" wide straps for heavy guitars (Bass, Solid Body Electric). I've got some old 2" wide 2-sided (suede, and cotton) Levy straps for light guitars. The Cotton side feels a little rough for my liking, so I use them with the Suede side towards my body - much better. I've also got one of the "Thin Straps" with the sliding pad just like in the video. Maybe it's just mine, but I can never get that strap to feel comfortable. I strongly suggest trying before buying that type of strap.

[@judeworth938]

So you know what I did on my Levy's cloth strap, I put one of those padded car seat belt pads on it....NOT the sterling or furry ones but also cloth but just padded. Helpful.

[@metalheadblues]

Here's a tip . When your strap is around the guitar use a tie strap to hold it in place. Works 👍

[@SabreLane]

Late to the party... As a teen in a working band, I used to wear my bass like Page did with his guitar... "Balls Low" :)

[@VikingPoodle]

How I choose a guitar strap : is it a Dimarzio clip lock? Alright thats the one

[@TheSavagederek]

Thats a beautiful Stratocaster Phil. Stunning 😍

[@TheSavagederek]

I like the 4" Levis padded leather straps on my heavier basses and the red Fender strap on my Strat and Tele .

[@amalgam5107]

Ive been using the Mono Betty Sharkskin Strap. It isn't made of shark skin so I am not sure what they were going for there but I love it.

[@jimwguitar3002]

I’ve never felt like a guitar was to heavy to play standing. I’ve only had to use straps to prevent neck dive. Also, a good quality strap with locks is a must so you don’t drop your guitar.

[@doctoribanez]

I always buy one that matches the guitar then I put it in a drawer forever because I always sit down lol

[@yobanyhernandez125]

For the sg neck dive, I bought heavy guitar knobs off Etsy and it was enough to balance the guitar.

[@BrentAdams]

I need to investigate a more all purpose strap that will work for my multi-needs. THX!

[@daddio307]

Phil, I know you're 99% all about electric guitars, BUT the BIGGEST problem arises when you have to buy straps for acoustic guitars. As you are probably aware, so many acoustic/electrics guitars have that endpin jack on the end of the guitar, which is always bigger than the standard endpins. The result is straps that are hard to get on and hard to stay on without coming off. Any ideas or insights on that? Many of us would appreciate that. Thanks for the video.

[@Zoso981]

L&M make killer straps. Definitely worth checking out.

[@Sixfootdig]

I have a stretchy neoprene one from perri, and it is absolutely amazing and comfortable

[@stephenholloway3041]

When playing a 335 hollow body , it tilts forward when standing. Any fix for that?

[@kellornmap4457]

I have a Levy's leathers suede strap I got a few years ago it's great. At the time you could order directly from their website now you get directed to Sweetwater or Amazon etc. My issue is previously you could request an extra long strap from them and now you cannot. I do not find any extenders except one black leather Levy's leathers extender listed on any website anywhere. If anyone knows where you can get extenders to match different colors and materials I would love to get a link please.

[@lancomedic]

I usually match my strap to the vibe of the guitar. I have a leather strap on my 335 style guitar, an original 60s hippie style on my Strat and a "Starry Night" strap to match my Blue PRS.I wish there was a Ukraine flag strap for my mini bass.

[@paulsterner8190]

Love your show. Thank you,the best paul.

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Awesome video and right on Phil! Rockin' out with Larry Mitchell!! I have a strap for every guitar... it might not make financial sense, but I believe each guitar deserves its own strap vibe, if you know what I mean! Like my EVH Frankie, I even have a custom 1979 Live Tour Era strap... so nerdy, I know! 😆 And some guitars have a different positioning of their strap buttons so instead of having to adjust the strap when I grab the guitar off the wall to play, it's ready to go in stand up playing positive... how I normally prefer playing! Honestly, I don't like playing sitting down as much, except with my acoustics. And if we're talking hours of playing, like at some jams, I do prefer the wider, more padded type... and leather, of course. I even have a foam gel type one I bought way back in the 90s when I had a studio and would play for hours and hours... I still have it and man, it really helps! 😎🤘🎸🎶🎵

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I also subscribe to the one strap per guitar/bass method. It was born from seeing fellow musicians forget their strap on a gig because it was on their other guitar. I decided I wasn't going to let that happen to me lol. Playing mostly bass, I've come to prefer wider straps

[@ricksteelcustoms3196]

You mention "there are links for this stuff below..." But there isn't any for the straps.... I took a screen shot of that buckle strap and sent it to Sweetwater and they did not recognize it. Please insert a link so I can buy it. Thanks or reply with the item number.

[@gerongrahamgg]

What is the guitar that is second from the right? I can't find it

[@buddehaole]

The real question is what color strap did you get to match that Knaggs!

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I really like LM Eyeland straps for my basses (I've got one each for my Warwick and Kiesel), and I've got a PRS padded leather strap for my Custom 24, and a Taylor padded leather strap for my 322ce. I have a seatbelt strap for my Kiesel CS6, but am not a fan of how it slides, and it does tend to dig a bit. I actually just ordered an LM Artisan strap for the CS6

[@blakeanderson7906]

I think the Anthology gear guitar straps are pretty nice.

[@bobmcelver1484]

Love the build quality of Levy's but yeah, I've got mine maxxed out length wise too. I've used Schaller strap locks for many years, but the new design where the screw is permanently part of the button (hex head) is a bad design if you want to use your stock screws. No idea why they changed what already worked ???? I switched over to Grover's which are the same design as the old Schaller's. Just started buying all my new gear from Sweetwater btw......won't buy anywhere else again. Top notch.....

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

I cant play the guitar that high, if i do my right shoulder get tensed after a while. I play with my right hand quite high up on the bridge to be able to play the lower strings with a relaxed wrist position.

[@littlerhodyguitar2169]

I like to use Couch Guitar straps. They are in California and they make wallets and a few other things, real nice stuff. Those are the only ones I use.

[@bridgetpollock6760]

Apparently Levy makes faux leather as well. Good to know. I'm vegan and leather straps aren't my thing. Great video.

[@WendellSexson]

Couch straps are all "vegan" are top notch

[@nizodizo9549]

That is one cool looking strap.

[@SdMbL1]

Anthology straps are really high quality leather straps. Have to be my favorite.

[@ZiwaHD]

Phil is a hero and resembles the guy who plays Wilson Fisk in Dare Devil

[@randallmarks6365]

I have a Godin SD and use a 3 inch bass strap because it is so heavy (close to 9lbs). Still I can't play more than a few songs standing up.

[@ethanparr]

This video is fantastic. Thanks!