Strap for a Heavy Bass

[Paul in Colorado]

I woke up this morning and Music Voyager was on TV in Memphis. And they talked to a band who play old school soul. The band leader plays a P-Bass. It made me want to get out my bass and I remembered why I don't play it more. It's heavy.

While watching the show I pulled out an old MF catalog and looked up the Mega-Bass Strap which is designed for heavy basses. "It's 4" width coupled with a weight-reduction system and extra foam padding makes those long gigs bearable." So, after breakfast I turned on the computer and looked to see if there were any deals and today the strap is only $20.00 + shipping. I ordered one. The MSRP is $37.50 and they sell for $29.99.

So if you need a strap for a heavy bass. Today is your day.

I have no affiliation with Musician's Friend other then I like getting gear catalogs and I shop there once in a while.

[ludashoeless]

would it work for guitar too?

[JimmyJam]

This is what I use and have found it to be very effective.
http://www.theleatherhead.com/prostrap2.htm

[jefrs]

Have you ever tried using two straps? - one over each shoulder.

[Paul in Colorado]

Originally Posted by ludashoeless

would it work for guitar too?

There's a guitar model, too.

No, I never tried two straps. I don't know how it would work with Strap-Loks.

[w3stie]

There's this system;


or this;

[Anchoret]

I'm dying to hear of the Physics breakthroughs involved in this "weight-reduction system" feature.

Unfortunately, this strap is far, far, far too short to be of the slightest use to me.

Maximum length 51"? Get outta town!

[Paul in Colorado]

^^ Maybe helium is involved.

[jefrs]

Originally Posted by Paul in Colorado

There's a guitar model, too.

No, I never tried two straps. I don't know how it would work with Strap-Loks.

You put the suplemental one on over the right shoulder using conventional buttons, and the main one on the Straploks as normal, which locks the other strap on. You do need adjustable sliding buckle straps.

My heavy unbalanced PV T-40 has one heel button, one normal upper bout button and one extra fitted to a neck bolt.

My little Yamaha RBX170 don't need no extra straps. Light, perfectly balanced and no stretching to reach the tuners.

[robert spencer]

I have used a double strap (harness) like the one above but made for a banjo when carrying heavy digital SLR cameras with telephoto lenses attached. Really helped because of the weight distribution.

Another method I have employed in heavy binoculars & large caliber rifles with high powered scopes attached was to use a stretchy strap ( or sling ) which cushioned the impact caused by movment but would not be a factor for a flat footed bass player. Now if you tend to dance & jump around a lot that might be a different story. Take care. Bob

[Paul in Colorado]

I got the strap today. I put on the Strap-Loks and played for about an hour. While it doesn't change the laws of physics, it is much more comfortable then the regular guitar strap I used before. The neoprene and foam do a great job of absorbing the weight of the bass. It doesn't help with the neck dive other then to provide a bit more friction, but that's the nature of the beast, or the bass in this case. Now I just need to find a band who need a simple pocket bass player.