Recommended Best Straps for Bass Guitar (updated 2022) –> Your choice of a bass guitar strap will ultimately depend on your personal preferences. Each person has his or her unique physical attributes, and techniques when playing the bass. The types of sounds, and styles of music played will vary among individual bassists. The type of strap that is perfect for one person, may not work for someone else. The main factor when choosing a strap for your bass should be getting one that is personally the best for you.
With that said, there are things to consider when choosing a bass guitar strap. There are definitely differences among straps – and these differences can have a big impact on your performance and comfort levels. There are a lot of variables that shape the differences among bass guitar straps. When choosing the strap that’s right for you, consider each of these 3 main factors:
- Width
- Length
- Material
Bass Guitar Strap Width
Wider straps are better for bass players. The recommended width of a bass strap is at least 3 inches or more. In fact many bass players find the preferred width of their strap to be 3.5 or 4 inches. Bass guitars are usually much heavier than electric or acoustic guitars. A wider strap allows the weight of your bass to be distributed more evenly across your shoulder. A wider strap will also help keep your bass balanced while playing in your preferred position. Wider straps will ultimately contribute to higher comfort levels and playability that will allow you to perform your best throughout very long gigs or practice sessions.
Bass Guitar Strap Length
Bass guitar straps come in various lengths. In general they are categorized in lengths that are:
- Short – adjustable from 30 inches to 40 inches
- Standard/Long – adjustable from 37 inches to 47 inches
- Extra Long – adjustable from 45 inches to 55 inches
You can find some bass straps that are as long as 70 inches.
The bass strap you choose should have a length that can accommodate your unique physical attributes and playing style. Bassists that are taller and/or have longer arm lengths may need a longer strap. Where you position your bass will also be a factor in determining strap length. Those that position their bass so that it hangs lower may need a strap that is longer – versus those who position their bass higher up.
Be sure to choose a strap that is secure yet easily adjustable. There may be times when you want to quickly adjust your bass position in between songs to accommodate different playing styles or techniques. All of the straps that we recommend are easily adjustable.
Bass Guitar Strap Material
These days bass guitar straps are manufactured from all types of materials. Below are the most commonly used and popular types of material used to make bass straps:
Leather
Leather bass guitar straps have long been the preferred choice of straps for bass players. High quality leather straps are known for being durable that will last for many years. With proper care, leather straps can last a lifetime. Made of natural material, these straps are comfortable and also breathable. Some leather straps also include padding to provide more support and comfort. They are distinguished looking straps that come in a variety of styles and colors – from simple plain leather, to those embossed with intricate designs and details.
Benefits of Leather Bass Straps
- Durable and long-lasting
- Breathable material minimizes sweating
- Comfortable, natural feel
- Distinguished looking straps
Disadvantages of Leather Bass Straps
- Are generally more expensive
- Lower quality leather straps are not as durable
- Less variety of styles and colors
Neoprene
Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is used to manufacture all sorts of products such as mouse pads, gloves, and can coolers (koozies). It’s a flexible material that is used by itself, or placed between other fabrics such as polyester or spandex. Neoprene is often combined with natural materials such as cotton to adjust levels of flexibility and strength.
Neoprene bass and guitar straps are a newer type of strap that have quickly become the preferred choice of many bass players. They are extremely comfortable and provide a level of flexibility that you won’t find in straps made of other materials. Popular bass straps made of neoprene also include padding to provide an extra level of comfort. Neoprene straps are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
Benefits of Neoprene Bass Straps
- Provide a high level of comfort
- Flexible straps
- Durable straps that are easy to maintain (neoprene is water, oil, and heat resistant)
Disadvantages of Neoprene Bass Straps
- Some neoprene straps are not as breathable and can get hot and sweaty
- Fewer types of variety and styles – most are black in color with minimal style
Synthetic Material
Bass and guitar straps are made using a variety of synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. These types of straps come in a multitude of designs and colors, making them the choice of bassists who are concerned about the look and style of their strap. Many prefer these straps because they are environmentally friendly. Some straps are made from recycled material such as recycled nylon seat belts. You’ll find these bass straps made exclusively of synthetic material, and those that are combined with other material such as cotton, leather, and neoprene. Some synthetic material straps include end pieces (tabs) made of leather, while others are made entirely of “vegan” material.
Benefits of Synthetic Bass Straps
- Can be less expensive
- Come in a multitude of colors and styles
- Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages of Synthetic Bass Straps
- Material with rougher edges can sometimes be uncomfortable
- Some synthetic materials may not be as durable or long-lasting
Natural Fabric Bass Guitar Straps
Bass guitar straps are also made of natural fabrics such as cotton, hemp, or wool. These are durable straps that provide a softer feel. Bassists like the gentle edges of these fabrics that don’t cut into your neck or shoulder. These natural materials are also less likely to cause skin irritation. The surface textures on these straps are naturally more coarse – which helps prevent slipping. Fabrics such as cotton and hemp are made of renewable resources that are more environmentally friendly.
Benefits of Natural Fabric Bass Straps
- Softer feeling strap that is gentler on the neck, shoulder, and skin
- Minimal slippage
- Lighter weight
- Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages of Natural Fabric Bass Straps
- Less availability to purchase
- Can collect moisture (perspiration)
COMMON QUESTION –> Can I Use a Guitar Strap on My Bass?
Yes! Guitar straps can be used for bass guitars. In fact, straps specified as “bass guitar straps” are simply those with dimensions that are most often preferred by bass players – longer, wider straps, with padding to support heavier instruments. But again it boils down to what you prefer. A strap that has the dimensions and material that is best for you is the kind of strap you should purchase – regardless of whether or not it is specified as a “bass guitar strap”. Furthermore, most strap manufacturing companies are no longer labeling their straps as a “guitar strap” or “bass strap”. Straps are now labeled as “universal” – meaning they will work for any instrument that requires the use of a strap.
IMPORTANT –> Get A Strap Locking System for your Bass
We highly recommend that you have a locking system for your strap. Over time strap holes tend to loosen and widen. As a result your strap could slip out of the pegs and your bass could fall off (it happens)! An easy, effective, and cost efficient way to secure a strap to your bass is by using Strap Blocks…
Strap blocks are basically a disk of rubber material that is placed through the strap pegs on your bass, and over the top of your strap. It’s a simple concept, but very effective at keeping your bass secured to your strap. They’re also universal and portable – you can easily move them from one bass or guitar to another using the same strap and blocks. Strap blocks are also inexpensive. Fender sells a 4-pack of Strap Blocks for around $3.
Your other option would be to use a strap lock system. These involve screwing new strap pegs into your bass and clamping matching buttons to your strap. The buttons then slide into (or on top of) the pegs. However, you can’t move the strap pegs from bass to bass (unless you want to unscrew them, and screw them in again to another bass). And the strap buttons are not universal – to use the same strap on different basses, the buttons have to match the strap pegs. For less money, more convenience, and the same of amount security – strap blocks are a much better option.
~ Recommended Best Straps for Bass Guitar ~
Which Straps Are the Best for Bass Guitar?
By now you’ve probably picked up on our suggestion that the best straps for bass guitar are those that meet your needs and that are personally the best fit for you. To figure that out, you may need to try several before settling on those that you like the most.
Below is a collection of straps that we recommend as the best for bass players. To determine which straps are the best, our focus centered on those that are the most widely-used and recommended by actual bass players. They’ve proven to be straps that provide the level of comfort, support, and playability needed by bassists. Some of these straps are well-known and have been used for many years. Others are newer straps that have quickly become a popular choice among bass players. All of the straps we recommend are high quality. They are all manufactured and sold by reputable companies and are known for being durable and built to last. Simply put, all of the straps we recommend are high-quality, popular straps, that are the best at meeting the needs of bass guitar players.
The Recommended Best Straps for Bass Guitar
Levy’s MSS2-4 Signature Series – Garment Leather Bass Guitar Strap
- 4 1/2” wide with padding for extra support and superior comfort
- Adjustable from 37 inches to 51 inches – ladder style feed-thru adjustment
- Hand-crafted from genuine premium leather for uncompromising comfort and durability
- Reinforced stitching around the outside edges to prevent stretching and extend the life of the strap
- Back of the strap is finished with smooth garment leather which provides freedom of motion
Neotech Mega – Bass Guitar Strap
- 4 inches wide
- Available in 4 lengths:
- Short: adjustable from 32 inches to 37 inches
- Regular: adjustable from 36 inches to 45 inches
- Midsize: adjustable from 40 inches to 50 inches
- Long: adjustable from 44 inches to 56 inches
- Constructed of soft, durable, patented “control-stretch” neoprene
- Two layers of memory foam add extra cushion and help wick away moisture
- Materials are expertly bonded together and then sewn with Lycra binding around the edge to create a sleek, comfortable pad
- Tailored design appeals to users of all playing abilities
D’Addario 74T– Padded Woven Bass Guitar Strap
- 3 inches wide
- Adjustable from 43 inches to 48 inches
- Made of woven nylon material with padding for extra comfort
- Designed for use with heavy bass guitars
- Strong and secure leather ends
- Highly durable construction
- Affordably priced
Walker & Williams C-34 – Super Premium – Leather Padded Strap
- 3 1/4″ wide, and adjustable from 44 inches to 54 inches
- 100% handmade from premium leather
- Double thick padding (almost 1/2″ of padding)
- Black, soft, top grain leather with red leather insert
- Ultra soft, glove leather back
- Contrasting, single needle, top stitching
- High quality, ultra comfortable strap well suited for bass players
Comfort Strapp – Pro Series – Bass Guitar Strap
- 3 1/2 inches wide
- Available in three lengths:
- Short: adjustable from 33 inches to 37 inches
- Long: adjustable from 38 inches to 45 inches
- Extra Long: adjustable from 42 inches to 54 inches
- Constructed of neoprene material
- Patented design provides the soft cushion of neoprene, without a bouncy “bungee” effect
- Designed to provide extra support while being gentle on the neck and shoulder
- One of the all time best-selling and popular straps used by bass players
~ Recommended Best Straps for Bass Guitar ~
Thanks for checking out our “Recommended Best Straps for Bass Guitar” article. Hopefully we’ve given you some insight and guidance to help you understand and choose the strap that is best for you. We have a lot of other articles, gear recommendations, lessons, and music published for bass players – be sure to check those out. And as always, thanks for visiting Bass Player Center!
Recommended Best Straps for Bass Guitar (updated 2022)