Top 5 Black Straps Selected from Sound House

What's essential when playing guitar?

Without a doubt, it's the strap. Without it, playing while standing is impossible. From beginners to professionals, a strap is a must-have accessory for any guitarist.

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a guitar strap: price, color, material, and design.

Price

If you own a favorite guitar, you might want to invest in a high-quality strap. Although a strap shouldn't outshine the guitar, a subtle touch of luxury can add a stylish flair. With a budget of a few thousand yen, your options increase significantly.

Color

Skilled guitarists often consider how well the strap matches the guitar. For example, a red strap pops on a black guitar, while a black strap on a white guitar is a classic combo. Vintage-style thin black or brown straps, often included with Fender guitars, are versatile and match any guitar color, making them a good addition to your collection.

Material

Common materials include nylon, fabric, and vinyl, which are affordable and come in various colors and designs. For durability, leather is the best choice. Though leather straps tend to be more expensive, they can last for years with proper care and offer a stable, comfortable feel.

Design

The Fender monogram strap is widely recognized and almost always in stock at music stores. It’s a classic choice favored by musicians worldwide, and recent versions come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to coordinate with outfits.

If you’re looking for something extra, a unique strap can be a great choice.

Iconic designs come to mind, such as Stevie Ray Vaughan's large musical note strap, John Sykes' handmade British metal strap, or the bullet-adorned heavy straps used by metal bands. Ritchie Blackmore’s Reunion Blues strap also perfectly complemented his white rose Stratocaster. Eric Clapton is another guitarist known for coordinating strap colors with his guitars during his performances, offering a stellar example of on-stage style.

HELLFORLEATHER / SRV2

LEVY'S / PM28-2B

ERNIE BALL / 4097 Indigo Orchid Jacquard Guitar Strap

Use these as references when choosing a strap.

Let me introduce the straps I’ve actually purchased and continue to use.

Since I started playing guitar, I began with the Fender Monogram Strap and have bought dozens of straps since then. From affordable nylon straps costing less than a thousand yen to premium leather straps priced in the tens of thousands, I’ve explored a wide range of options.

Here are the five straps I’m currently using. Except for one brown Reunion Blues strap, all the straps I use are black.

While writing this article, I was reminded of the vast variety of straps available at Sound House, and I was genuinely surprised by the range they offer.

From Sound House's extensive stock, I’d like to introduce the black straps I’ve personally purchased and continue to use. For this selection, I’ll focus exclusively on black straps.

ERNIE BALL / 4139 2" SEATBELT WEBBING STRAP BLACK

This Ernie Ball nylon strap offers the same ease of use as their other straps but with added luxury and durability. Made from actual seatbelt material, its sturdiness is unmatched. It’s highly resistant to sweat and built to withstand heavy use. With a subtle shine, it complements the outline of sunburst guitars beautifully, making it one of my favorites. Its lightweight design also makes it convenient to carry around in your guitar case, adding to its appeal.

COMFORT STRAPP / Pro Guitar Long 100-117cm

I first learned about this strap from its claim, "You won't feel the weight of your guitar." The strap features a textured material that sets it apart visually from others. When you wear it, the weight of the guitar genuinely feels "lifted," making it seem lighter—a sort of magic effect. This strap is especially useful for heavier instruments like Les Paul models or bass guitars. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing, not feeling the weight of your guitar is a significant advantage. Since it comes in various widths and lengths, I recommend checking whether it's for guitar or bass before purchasing.

HELLFORLEATHER / Real-JB

This is a custom-made strap that was ordered by the late Jeff Beck himself. It’s a sturdy leather strap with a standard width, and the fact that it’s made to the same specifications as Beck's personal strap makes it a must-have for fans. Despite its high quality, the price is within reach for amateurs willing to invest a little extra. The material has a smooth feel, and its durability is impressive. It’s made of two layers of leather, giving it thickness and a texture that justifies the cost.
Though it doesn’t have adjustable length, it naturally fits into a good playing position. Since Jeff Beck was relatively small in stature, the strap's length should suit the average Japanese height quite well.

MOODY STRAPS / Leather & Leather 2.5" Standard Black/Black

In Sound House's lineup, Moody Straps is positioned as a premium brand, favored by big-name artists and skilled studio musicians alike. The brand offers a wide variety of options, especially when it comes to the choice of materials and colors for the strap's underside, providing a fun and unique selection process. Despite its classic appearance, the strap exudes a subtle elegance.

I chose the black-on-black version. My first impression was how supple the leather felt right from the moment I purchased it. It was stage-ready immediately, with a texture that naturally blends with the guitar, creating a seamless connection that’s hard to describe.
In terms of feel, it’s all about stability. I’ve never used a strap that offers this level of comfort and security, allowing me to fully focus on playing. It’s highly adjustable, making it suitable for anyone. While the price is high, this strap will be a reliable companion for your guitar for many years to come.

MOODY STRAPS / Leather & Leather 4" Standard Black/Black

This is the wider version of the model I praised earlier. After years of playing guitar, I’ve rarely come across such a wide strap. It seems this strap was developed to accommodate heavier instruments, like multi-string basses or heavy maple-body guitars. Although I don’t own a particularly heavy guitar, I was intrigued and decided to give it a try.
As expected, it’s incredibly comfortable. While the Comfort Strapp gives a "floating" sensation, this strap offers more of a "settled" feel. The small Moody logo and the high-quality leather add a touch of luxury. This brand consistently delivers a professional level of craftsmanship, which never fails to impress me.

My Top 3 Straps from Sound House:
For practice and studio sessions, I use the Ernie Ball Seatbelt Strap because it’s lightweight. For live performances, I opt for the slimmer Moody leather strap, which, being leather, has a heavier, more substantial feel. As for the wider strap, I expect it to see even more use in the future, given its comfort and functionality

A Word on "Leather Strap Maintenance"

When I feel the leather is losing its oils, I apply a small amount of a product called "Kawa no Tatsujin"(Leather Master), which can be found at home improvement stores. This oil is highly effective, and I also use it on my Schott Riders Jacket, a favorite among rock guitarists. I've been wearing my Schott for 23 years, and the leather has softened nicely while maintaining its mint condition.
However, be cautious with light-colored leather, as it may discolor. Always test the oil on a less visible area before full application.

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