Reddit mentions: The best guitar straps & strap locks

1. If you're here and participating in the community, you at least have a good heart. That's great! You are concerned about more than just your own needs (you mentioned your family needs the money too) so it's very clear that you think about other people when making important decisions, and it's surprising how few people do this. You're swell :)
   
2. I've not much to offer, but I can say this - do what you love, don't love what you do. It sounds weird, but the idea here is to do things that you love doing without influence. Don't do something you have to "learn" to love. You should love it from the start. If going to school and getting your dream job is what you want to do, GO DO IT!! It's a very rewarding experience :D
   
3. I try to brighten my day with music and laughter. I have music playing all day, and just go crazy jamming out in my own head. I used to play drums, and I'm now picking up guitar, and I have found that musical expression just makes everything better. I am a HORRID artist, and music is a wonderful way for me to exercise my creativity and express my feelings in ways that words cannot. It's very relaxing. I suggest it :)
   
4. How's 2 items? This is $8 (and i need it for my guitar), and this is $7 and I need more figures for my office!
   
   Thanks for the contest. Best of luck in your journey!

My first guitar was an Epi Les Paul II and it was okay. BUT when I bought a used $225 used Ibanez guitar that was a $350 retail guitar it was so much better and easier to play. If you play golf imagine playing with the cheapest set of blade irons from Wal-Mart versus a decent set of cavity backed irons. It is night and day easier to use the better clubs. So if you have the budget consider used because for $250 to $300 you can score a nice good guitar you can play for years. Cheap guitars can be harder to play which makes it harder for beginners. BUT do not let that stop you... I played for 6 months on a Les Paul II and learned a lot and had fun too. I eventually found a used Gibson SG for $429 with a bunch of cosmetic issues like scratches but it plays great. Agree on getting the guitar set up. Also agree on getting a stand and this strap with locks is a good deal. Someone on here recommended this strap and it is great. Planet Waves 50CTPL00 Lock Cotton Electric Guitar Strap. The cotton adds friction so the guitar does not slip and the locks make sure the strap stays on. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JCUWTU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Get yourself a nice leather strap. Something 2½" or wider would be best, maybe even 4" if you're playing a six-string. I recommend Levy's, personally. They're a bit on the expensive side (expect to pay $50+ for a quality strap) but they're incredibly comfortable, and if you take care of it, they'll last forever.

If you're on a budget, this strap is great for the money and should stand up to a heavy six-string quite well.

Red Bandana Strap

Voodoo Strap

Union Jack Strap

This would look awesome with your guitar I think

Very pretty leaf design pickguard

Simple yet very nice, tortoise shell pickguard

Different shape pickguard

You could make your own picks!

Pick your own color strap and it stores picks

Happy shopping. Hope you find something you like. Yo dawg thanks for the contest.

The Fender-branded straps with the vintage logos and such are generally pretty good in quality. One of my favorite straps is a Levy's that has a yin-yang pattern; it's got leather ends but the strap itself is a seat-belt-like material.

Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathers-MP-15-Guitar-Strap/dp/B0002GL5KQ

Honestly, you can't go wrong as long as you're not buying the super-cheap nylon straps from your local store. The store in my town sells a bunch of colored nylon straps for something like $7 or so each. They're junk because the ends wear out so fast, but if you invest in locking gear--even just the big rubber washer style ones--even those will serve you well. I always keep a few of them on hand just in case. (A gig without a strap is not fun.)

Watch videos on how to check intonation and action. It might be OK to get you going. I have had a lot fun farting around learning to setup my bass and guitar, I like to tinker. Changing strings, making truss rod / bridge adjustments, raising / lowering pickups, etc...


buy a cheap stand to put it on so it doesn't fall over and break.
buy a good strap

Pickup some assorted pick packs so you can try out different thicknesses. I accidentally bought some Jazz III picks and actually love them.

Get ready to have the most fun failing you've ever had. I got into this for entertainment, not to become a musician, and love it.

The ultimate protection case would probably be the tank cases, but they're not all that easy to move. Marcus Bonna has a few, the regular tenor case, the super light case, and the compact case. I believe you can use backpack straps with all of them. Like /u/The_WhiteRhino said, the Eastman cases are also good. And of course ProTec's Contoured case is a favorite from where I'm from, and don't forget their backpack straps either! As you can see, hard cases have a somewhat hefty price tag, but it's worth it for the protection they offer.

I understand this works for some people but I like to remove my straps quite often. $10 for strap locks isn't much money. Hell, if you buy a decent guitar be it from a store or 2nd hand most of the time they either have them on it (2nd hand) or you can make the shop toss them in for free.

I just buy these: http://www.amazon.com/Fender-099-0690-000-Straplock-W-Button/dp/B002AQNGIU and make sure they are tight at every string change.

I want to try something new. I've played piano for almost two decades, but recently my friend gave me his old bass guitar, and I have plans to learn how to play it better than picking out reeeeally slow Ramones songs. A guitar strap would help immensely with that.

I have these "no installation" strap locks on my strat and love them.

And welcome to the Ditto Club. You will have lots of fun. I have an X2 and I really enjoy using the reverse feature on it. I also play with a digitech trio, so I use the ditto to be my "2nd guitarist"

Sounds like you definitely need strap locks. If price is a factor, you can always buy Guitar Savers Premium Strap Locks. I bought these the other day and feel they work great so far.

I also bought a Neotech strap off of Amazon with this order and I love it so far.

Hey, SupernovaEyes! I don't know if you have Gold or not, but I summoned you today in a comment! I shared with an adrenaline junkie your videos of slacklining and canyon swinging! =D!

Yo dawg, you should get

• This strap (UK) (I'm Irish. ;])
  
  and
  
  
• This pick set (U.S.) because it's hella sorted. What size pick do you use?
  
  Or, if you're feeling a little simpler, this plain black strap has a pic pocket, which is neat!
  
  I once caught the pic (or rather it fell into my curly hair) at a 3OH3 and Cobra Starship concert. I'm not even sure which band threw it. The concert was free. I wasn't a really big fan. I also found $20 on the floor that night, which actually made me happier than the pic.

I'm not in mosh pits, but I use a Levis Holster and it works great. I think the cable would come out of my guitar long before that thing would come off. It's got two nice options. You can either thread it through a belt loop, or through a strap lengthwise. You can thread thin straps, or velcro it around thicker ones. In your case, I'd go with the strap as you'll be able to keep the cable short and more out of the way.

​

Mine was very well built. I'm on my 3rd transmitter, but only my 1st holster.

For general purpose bass straps the Comfort strapp and Neotech Mega/Super straps fare well. I have a pretty swanky Mono strap that has memory foam in it, though it doesn't get short enough for me but it is very nice quality (about $50 though).

One thing I find frustrating though, is that there are no really well padded, good gripping wide bass straps that have built in locks, like this locking Planet Waves, that I've seen anyway. I don't like those plastic ring things that Dunlop makes and one of my basses I'd really like to avoid modifying as it's rather expensive... but I guess I may have to since I find going without straplocks too risky.

I bought this one (planet waves 3 inch padded bass strap) when I got my Ray 34 which is a pretty heavy bass. Feels great. Love it.

I love these things. Cheap, easy, and they work perfectly.

1. find a sturdy flat rubber washer that’s inner diameter is JUST enough to stretch over your strap button. The red ones from a Grolsch swing type bottle can work. Or, really any washer whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer button flange that you can install on top of the strap, unscrewing the button if needed. Even a plastic bread clip can work in a pinch, but a sturdy plastic clip like the Dunlop Ergo Lok or StewMac Lokstrap is a more sturdy no-mod solution.
   
   
2. You could get a reverb pedal like the TC Electronics Hall of Fame, but you need to be aware of the mic/line level difference, phantom power, and adapting to/from XLR to 1/4”. Edit:links.

Thank you! Several have recommended it and it's cheap so I think it's worth trying. Is this the version you're referring to? It looks like they also have something called a super harness.

Yes - just like the rubber rings. Here is an example of what I’m talking about. I’ve had the various locking systems and this is what I’ve ended up liking the best.

I would avoid strings, different strings have different tensions and that affects the set-up/neck relief on basses. A strap would be nice, I use a comfort strap, not super interesting to look at but its neoprene and supremely comfortable.





https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Strapp-Pro-Guitar-Strap/dp/B000V1S2X0

Two words: bari harness

I play and have marched clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, and bari and this harness makes bari a lot easier and comfortable.

I trust this strap with my life. It has never broken and has worked just fine for the entire year I’ve been using it. It still shows no signs of letting me down.

Why can't you use a harness? Use a harness for practice but then use a regular neckstrap for parades and completions. I recommend this harness and this neckstrap. Both are amazing and I only use the harness at rehearsals but use the neckstrap at shows/comps/parades

Personally I'm a fan of Planet Waves. Not expensive, work well, and some of them, like the one linked, look pretty sweet. Also, if you ever consider going live, you may want to pick up a soundhole cover.

This strap from KLIQ. Looks good and is really comfortable. Also feels sturdy enough to trust.

I've looked around but can't get an answer, which leads me to think the answer may be no. Can you put iron on patches on a guitar strap? Will the strap melt when ironing and will I need a special strap. I would like to use this strap (because its thick enough to fit patches) https://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathers-M8P3-BLK-Polypropylene-Guitar/dp/B000XPSI10/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1523484086&sr=1-1&keywords=levy%27s+leather+3+inch+guitar+strap+black

and particularly want to put this Alvvays patch on it. https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/product/alvvays_embroidered_patc

If ironing on wouldn't work could they be sewn on?

I have a lot of guitars so I tend to shop for cheaper straps. I hate skinny straps so I also look for 3 inch models. I've found that the Levy's 3 inch "bass" strap works well.

Here's an Amazon link but they generally have them in stock at Sam Ash if you are near one.

The used to be 8 bucks but it looks like they are $10 now.

They are woven synthetic so they don't grip the way suede would but they are soft. The ends are also woven, maybe nylon, but the stitching is good and I've never had one break.

Highly recommended if you are looking to try a 3" strap to see if it works for you.

I bought this to use with my bass: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P4FBQO/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1

It has some give to it which is really nice. My shoulder definitely feels better after a gig.

You WILL need a backpack style. Having a load across your back instead of straight up will screw with your balance and is unsafe. Also, you want something light.

You could get THIS and THIS for $160 total. I found the backpack strap quite uncomfortable though.

If you have a case you're happy with, you could just get a case cover from THESE GUYS or THESE GUYS. Expensive for what it is though.

You could get Glenn Cronkhite to make you a custom bag for a lot of $$.

You could get a BAM Cabin case and IMO it would be your best option. It's a light case that's very sturdy, with backpack straps. Not very affordable either though.

little rubber grommet things I found on amazon. Used to use schaller but so far these little rubber things work great.

http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Savers-Premium-Strap-Locks/dp/B019WTLVKW?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

edit bass is a Thumb b/o 4

Not leather, but the best instrument strap I've ever used. Actually makes them feel lighter. Neotech Mega Strap

I've had success with rubber strap blocks like these as a quick and cheap solution to straps unhooking themselves.

Attach the transmitter to your strap. Best solution I've found.

i like these. they're nice cause you can use them as strap locks as well.

similarly, you could use the washers from grolsch bottles, plus that comes with a refreshing drink.

This is my favorite strap by far. It is comfortable and padded so great for heavy guitars.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GR9MOI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I0BGYM8?psc=1
This is what I have and its phenomenal. Gel cushions throughout, and REALLY tough leather for the ends so your bass won't slip. If you are shorter and like your bass up high this might not be the one for you as the strap is long. I am 6' 3" and at its highest point its still about one inch too low for me, but overall I love it and will have it forever.

This is the strap in question. I don't even like Bhead all that much, don't get me wrong I respect anyone who can play Chet Atkins and turn around and play the other shit he does. But after I saw him I was intrigued and got one for myself. If you have a heavy guitar I really must recommend it because it makes a 12 pound Les Paul feel a lot lighter.

This guitar strap! I almost dropped my guitar the other day trying to play for tinychat! This gift would be totally mathematical.

I bought these a few years ago for like $2 and they work surprisingly well.
http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Strap-Blocks-2-Pair/dp/B00B5LDMH6

I use Planet Wave locking straps. They're totally reliable, easy to adjust, and don't damage your guitar at all. The lock is plastic, but backed with a soft rubber so it doesn't scratch. If you're using it on a bulkier guitar, it might scuff a little (this happened on my acoustic. Read this guy's review). I use the cheaper polypropylene strap, but they have leather, satin, and some kind of soft fabric (comes in different designs!), which I haven't tried. Some of them can be kind of pricey. Also somebody wrote a review that the locking mechanism can break, but I haven't seen anything like that happen with mine, and I've had it for ~3 years, so it's probably fine if you're not too rough with it.

I think my friend has one like [this.] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Levys-2-inch-Polyester-Guitar-Strap/dp/B0002GL5KQ/ref=sr_1_107?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1376522058&sr=1-107&keywords=guitar+strap)

Yo dawg

Yo dawg

I think the white hummingbird pick guard would look nice with the dark mahogany of your guitar.

This strap or this one are both cool.

I've had a Holton H602 (single horn) for more than 10 years but I never had to take it anywhere until recently. Even though I'm old I don't own a car so its bicycle and/or mass transit to get to my duet practices and performances. The Holton case does not have any provisions for attaching straps so I bought this and figured out a way to attach the lower straps. I recommend you do the same. Even if you eventually get your bell cut this is an affordable, relatively easy fix you can employ right now. Unless that horn is really nice and ... you might want to wait until you have seen more of the horn world to make that decision ... what I'm saying in so many words is: I'd wait until I can buy a horn with the bell already cut.

Ditto on the Dunlop strap locks. For a strap, I like this Planet Waves 3" strap with internal padding. For bass straps, in general wider and softer is better to distribute the weight. This meets both those criteria.

having played around with some strap locks little rings are maybe the best way to go. No messing around with the bass itself:

http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Savers-Premium-Strap-Locks/dp/B019WTLVKW

I would recommend a harness type strap for bari, they're kinda weird at first but it distributes the weight better.

Here's one on amazon.

This isn't too out there but I think it'd look nice (if you're into Celtic)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0049O5G2U/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?qid=1376525255&sr=8-16&pi=AC_SX110_SY190

Yo dawg I'll update with other things since I'm on my ipod and this is a slow process of copy and paste

Edit; just notice some one else posted that strap. How about this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0013NFRGA/ref=mp_s_a_1_99?qid=1376525699&sr=8-99&pi=AC_SX110_SY190


This NSFW pick http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004YJ1516/ref=mp_s_a_1_53?qid=1376526122&sr=1-53&pi=AC_SX110_SY190#

The Best 5.50 I've ever spent

Had something similar happen at my desk, headstock almost went into the screen of my laptop. Bought those and never had an issue since.

What kind of neckstrap are you using? I would suggest using a bari sax harness. It takes the weight off your neck.
This is a great one I use.
Neotech 2501162 Soft Harness, Black, Swivel Hook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1NS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mAUKzb8C8Z69D

Schallers shouldn't be too expensive. Get the Fender branded ones for roughly 10 bucks: http://www.amazon.com/Fender-099-0690-000-Straplock-W-Button/dp/B002AQNGIU

Buttons cost like a buck or two each. I wouldn't resort to 4 USD so-so solution when a durable one doesn't cost that much.

Im surprised no one has mentioned the No.1 Stretch Strap. Hands down most comfortable strap ive ever used, and probably the only one ill ever buy again unless i can find another one that tops it. Levy's Leathers MNO1-BLK 2.5" Polyester Guitar Strap, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GY776M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_W.fZCb4N1EWCX

Comfort Strapp. Hands down. I had some serious neck dive on my Warwick. Got this strap to fix it. Now, I’m never going back to anything else.

Comfort Strapp Bass Guitar Strap - Long https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V1S2X0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7ofLAbXNN3N4Q

Buy this. I have a very heavy bass and this strap is wonderful

It's not padded, but I really like this Planet Waves 3" wide strap.

https://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathers-MNO1-BLK-Acoustic-Guitar/dp/B003GY776M/

Levy's stretch strap is amazing. Makes even the heaviest basses feel feather light. I can't recommend it enough.

That's not the same one. He's using a Comfort Strapp for bass. Not sure why he's using the bass model but that's definitely the strap.

My 4" wide neoprene strap. It makes my 35" scale 5 stringer feel just as light as my little basswood RG shred-machine.

Felt picks. They get this thumpy tone I can't get with my fingers, but without the "click" of a regular pick. It's like in the middle of the two.

I've used this on my Ibanez BTB for years. Very good at reducing strain on the shoulders and back.

I think this leather guitar strap would look cool or This one

Yo dawg!

Guitar, Amp, Instrument Cable, Headphones, Auto-Tuner, Metronome, Capo, Picks, Strings, Stand, Strap, Bag, String Winder, Polish & Cloth

Don't make them spend more than ~$200 on this. Consider pitching on for some of the accessories at least (though be aware that some of them are quite necessary right off the bat, such as a tuner).

You won't be able to appreciate the difference between a $100 guitar and a $5000 guitar by sound for at least a year and just to get started you need a bunch of supplies (see list above) and the cost adds up quick.

The guitar won't break unless you abuse it. Squier instruments are decent. In fact, you could even get something like a First Act at Walmart for under $100 and still not be able to appreciate the difference for quite a while.

If weight is the issue, have you considered a wider strap? It makes a huge difference! link

Neotech Soft Harness, Swivel Hook Saxophone Strap (2501162) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1NS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SMYNDbVQ32KNX

'Tis the one I have. Ran me about 30 bucks. There are sizing options, for if you happen to be a 6'2" 250 lb. giant like I am.

I like this one...
KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap for Bass & Electric Guitar with 3" Wide Neoprene Pad and Adjustable Length from 46" to 56" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I0BGYM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_P4OPCbEZKF5TD

I would recommend you make him a harness. [Like this] (http://www.amazon.com/Neotech-2501162-Harness-Black-Swivel/dp/B0002E1NS2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369341192&sr=8-1&keywords=bari+sax+harness)

I like Planet Waves locking straps...

I bought two of these:

[KLIQ Aircell padded strap] (https://www.amazon.com/KLIQ-AirCell-Electric-Neoprene-Adjustable/dp/B01I0BGYM8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519674658&sr=8-1&keywords=aircell+padded+strap)

My only disappointment is that I waited so damn long to try it. It's wide, the padding is ultra comfortable, and I rarely ever even notice it while I'm playing.

Here's a couple options from Amazon.

Neotech 2501162 Soft Harness, Black, Swivel Hook -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1NS2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_b901xbDRT8AP5

Pro Tec A306M Large Universal Saxophone Harness -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AF40QAU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_k-01xb1G5TKJA

Looks like the end of a straplock for a guitar strap. Missing the nut though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002AQNGIU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_2hH4CbM6P8JB6

If you're not worried about the design and more worried about the peg hole tearing up I'd suggest Planet Waves Locking Strap

I've got them on two of my guitars. My 335 won't take it because it has a diamond shape strap button.

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Strap-Blocks-2-Pair/dp/B00B5LDMH6/

After having my strap pop off, I purchased those rubber washers. My strap has never popped off since

I personally use these very basic rubber washers from Amazon and I've never dropped my guitar

Amazon has the long ones in stock.

I use these straps that have a locking mechanism, rather than installing the lock on my guitar.

I've got the Levy's Yin-Yang strap

http://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathers-MP-15-Guitar-Strap/dp/B0002GL5KQ

Seriously, my disks in my lower back shifted because I was a 5 foot tall little high school girl who was guilted into marching with a sax that was almost as tall as I was. With certain activities I still get moderate back aches as an adult. Our first chair had this brilliant harness that might help.

Well that sucks. This is a cheap investment:

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Strap-Blocks-2-Pair/dp/B00B5LDMH6

Any opinions on these? My bass is heavy, and the guitar strap I've been using hurts my shoulder if I play standing for too long.

I have this padded one. My only complaint is that the internal pad prevents it from being more adjustable. But I'm only 5'6" so you might not care.

Fender has something similar I use. Before the 'pros' on here complain about not using 'proper' straplocks (I've played for over 20 years) ...I don't like replacing original hardware on my guitars. Also with conventional straplocks, the flat nuts eventually screw loose with use and fall off, mine were always black and disappear forever.

These are great, I use them on all my guitars now.

http://www.amazon.com/Fender-099-0819-000-Strap-Blocks-Pair/dp/B00B5LDMH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427402862&sr=8-1&keywords=fender+guitar+strap+lock

Have no fear! I've ordered/used these.