Guitar Straps! What’s up?

Hello, I'm Tetsuro BANANA Mieno, bass guitarist of the Hammond organ instrumental band BANANA NEEDLE.
Guitar straps.
Yes, they’re an important item that connects us to our instruments.

While cleaning up my equipment the other day, I realized that I have tried a crazy amount of straps, so I thought I would write about them.

Changing the straps may solve the problems of imbalance when holding the instrument, heavy weight, and unmotivated body.
Basically, most straps are made of nylon, leather, or cloth material on the surface that touches the body.
I use them for different purposes.

First,there’s Nylon.

PLAYTECH / Nylon Strap Black

Nylon is relatively inexpensive, so it is easy to change depending on your mood.
I mean, 680 yen is a steal!
The colorful designs that’s unique to the material and the fact that it doesn’t hold the body and the instrument too much are good points.

DIMARZIO / 2 INCH NYLON CLIPLOCK DD2200 Y

Recommended for those who want to go all out with a single color!
I use a nylon strap when I hold my instrument low and use a pick mainly.
Sometimes it's more comfortable to play when it slides around.
I don't recommend this material for those who are worried about the head falling down.

Next is Fabric.

FENDER / Fender 2” Monogrammed Strap, Black/Yellow/Brown

There are a variety of cloth straps, from relatively inexpensive ones to expensive ones made of high quality cloth.
The hold feeling varies depending on whether the cloth is sewn into nylon or leather-like material.
The image of black lining is often nylon.
The patterns of the cloth on the front are often nostalgic, so you can buy many of your favorite patterns for your representative strap (laugh).

Epivo / Indra Retro Guitar Strap 50mm

This one is 50mm wide, has a nice pattern, and is perfect for basses.

D'Andrea / ACE-6 Blue (Peace Dove)

There are also leather-like ones that attach to the body like this.
If you attach it with the leather-like lining facing your shoulder, it will give you a better sense of hold.

GET'M GET'M STRAPS / Crushed Velvet Burgundy

Luxurious fabrics give a luxurious feel!
Rock your T-shirt with a strap made of luxurious material!
Also, there are straps that are completely made of fabric!

BOSS / BSC-20-NAT

The surface that touches the body is also cloth, so it feels more like clothing.
I like it a lot, and it feels like it fits my body better than nylon or leather.
Cloth is gentle.

Last is leather remaining.

I have been mainly using leather straps for the past few years.
The reason is... I've grown up (haha).
When I was in my twenties, I was somewhat uncomfortable with leather straps, but after using this one, they became my go-to straps.

KEN SMITH / SMITH STRAP BLACK EXTRA LONG

This strap is made of leather, but the length can be easily adjusted like the shoulder strap of a bag!
And, these shoulder straps are excellent for keeping good balance when you hold them!
It's easy to use for fine-tuning depending on the outfit you wear, or for determining the length when you buy a new instrument!
Recently, I have been using MOODY STRAPS mainly because of its appearance.

MOODY STRAPS / 2.5” 6 STAR LEATHER BACKED STRAP - BK/BK & 6 WH STARS

I think this is a different color.
MOODY STRAPS is a strap that is easy to use, looks good, and feels good to the touch.
They seem to be handmade by female craftsmen.
Recently, there are many straps in stock or on order for several months, so if you see one, try to get it!
It is a bit expensive, but you can't go wrong with this one!

There are also products that use special materials to reduce the burden on the shoulders.

AIR CELL / ASG70N

This type has an air cushion on the shoulder.
This was really easy to use!
I accidentally left it somewhere and lost it....(tear)

Straps from case makers are also available!

MONO / Betty Long Black 47"-59”

This strap is also made of a special material.
It looks like a mono strap and is recommended for those who want to reduce the burden on their shoulders.

I think I'm going to get back into the habit of collecting straps again after writing this article.

GET'M GET'M STRAPS / Chrome Sky

I love these flashy straps!
I hope everyone will try out different straps and enjoy coordinating them.

Stay tuned!

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