It can be very difficult to find a great guitar strap that is perfect for you and your guitar. Some people prefer straps that are soft, some people prefer straps that are secure, and some even prefer straps that are very fashionable. And some people are looking for a balance of all of the above!
It can be a challenging process to find one that matches all of your expectations. Lucky for you, we have done the research and we are here to help you pick one that is the best for you and your needs.
Best Guitar Straps:
Most people use their guitar strap every time they play so it is important to get a high quality guitar strap that will withstand most wear and tear. Whether you’re standing up or sitting down, you want a high quality guitar strap that will last. In this guide we will review seven of the best guitar straps on the market and help you to understand some of the pros and cons of each option.
1. Levy’s Leathers MSS3-BRN Signature Series Hand-Brushed Suede Guitar Strap
This guitar strap is made using hand-brushed suede with black decorative piping which makes it very comfortable and fashionable as well as study. The strap comes in a few different colors, but depending on the color the price may vary.
You can adjust it to be as short as 38 inches (96.5 cm) to as long as 53 inches (134.6). This guitar strap has no buckles so you do not have to worry about it scratching up your guitars.
Although marketed for a more traditional guitar, this strap is even wide enough for a bass guitar. Some reviewers expressed concern that the adjustment range may be short. The strap is 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide and weighs 8 ounces. The dimensions are 5.7 x 3.1 x 2.9 inches (14 x 7.9 x 7.4 cm). The model number is MSS3-BRN.
Pros
Pros:
- Comfortable Material
- High Quality
- No plastic buckles
Cons
Cons:
- A little pricey
- Short Adjustment Range
2. D’Addario Planet Lock Guitar Strap
This strap has a variety of cool and funky designs made of different materials including cotton, satin, nylon, and leather. It can be adjusted from 35 inches (89 cm) to 59.5 inches (9.4 cm) long, so this is a good strap for people who need their straps to be long.
The buckle is plastic, but it should hold for a while. Because it comes in different materials and designs, this is a great strap for someone looking to showcase their own unique style or personality.
This strap is safe on all finishes and will not scratch your guitar’s body. The strap has a weight of 5.8 ounces and is 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide. The dimensions are 1.18 x 2.17 x 19.69 (3 x 5.5 x 50 cm) . The model number is 50PLA12.
Pros
Pros:
- Made with comfortable materials
- Cool designs
- Safe on all finishes
Cons
Cons:
- Plastic Buckle
3. Fender 2 Vintage Tweed Strap
This guitar strap is perfect for those who like the look of a vintage tweed. It has a beautiful yellow almost green hue and a golden Fender logo on the reinforced leather ends. The classic tweed material gives off a vintage style vibe. The strap can adjust from 44 inches (111 cm) to 52.5 inches (133.4 cm).
As much as it is fashionable, this strap is also comfortable, durable and flexible.
Many reviewers appreciate the fact that this strap is safe on all finishes. There were some concerns that the adjustment range is shorter and that this strap is thinner than many competitors. The strap has a width of 2 (5 cm) inches wide.
It weighs 3.2 ounces and the dimensions are 0.3 x 2.3 x 16.9 inches (0.7 x 5.8 x 42.9 cm) . The model number is 990687000.
Pros
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Safe on all finishes
Cons
Cons:
- Short Adjustment Range
- Thinner Than Other Straps
4. Ernie Ball 3″ Wide Neoprene Locking Guitar Strap
This strap is made of neoprene material so it is more comfortable for those who have chronic back pain. The poly locks on the strap ends are more secure than most plastic buckles. If the strap is too wide a thinner version is also available.
The strap can be adjusted from 46 inches (116.8 cm) to 54 inches (137.2 cm) long.
The material of the strap is durable, flexible, and very cushiony. Some reviewers were concerned about the shorter adjustment range however this seems to vary based on the user’s preference. It’s dimensions are 3 x 0.5 x 54 inches (7.6 x 1.3 x 137.2 cm). It has a weight of 4 ounces and a width of 3 inches (7.6 cm) The model number is P04146.
Pros
Pros:
- Wide strap
- Good for chronic back pain
- Comfortable
- Good buckle
Cons
Cons:
- Short Adjustment Range
5. Fender Broken-In Leather Strap
This strap is crafted from oil leather and comes in a few different colors, however the price does vary from one color to the next. The smooth authentic leather is both sturdy and comfortable.
This strap can adjust from 46 inches (116.8 cm) to 54.5 inches (138.4 cm) long so it is ideal for guitar players of all heights.
There are no plastic buckles to scuff up your guitar and the Fender logo is stitched into the side. Some reviewers mentioned that the underside is rougher than other straps and that the hole for the strap button is on the smaller side.
It’s model number is 9906410. It weighs 5.6 ounces and its dimensions are 5.25 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches (13.3 x 8.9 x 6.3 cm).
Pros
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Beautiful leather design
- Ideal for player of all heights
Cons
Cons:
- Underside is a little bit rougher than most straps
- Small hole strap button is a little on the small side
6. KLIQ Vintage Woven Guitar Strap for Acoustic and Electric Guitars | ’60s Jacquard Weave Hootenanny Style | 2 Rubber Strap Locks Included
This strap comes in 29 different designs, which makes it favorable among guitar players who like very fashionable straps. The strap uses plastic non-scratch buckles and can adjust from 37 inches (94 cm) to 64 inches (162.5 cm).
It also comes with 2 rubber strap locks, 2 guitar picks, and 1 lace. This 2 inch (5.1 cm) wide strap is as comfortable as it is stylish. Some of these designs include:
- A Little Bit Blue (pictured right)
- Nelson Red
- Orange And Tan Paisley
- Hippie Blue and Gold
- And Much, Much, More
With a weight of 5.9 it is a bit on the heavy side, but otherwise it is very comfortable. The leather ends are made of premium leather. The strap locks holes are small, but that makes them even more secure.
Pros
Pros:
- Fun designs
- Comfortable
- Secure
- Long Adjustment Range
Cons
Cons:
- Small hole for strap lock
- A little heavy
7. Ernie Ball Guitar Strap
This guitar strap is made of stretchy elastic material that is not only super comfy, but durable and long lasting. It can adjust from 44 inches (111 cm) to 72 inches (182 cm) long, so it is a great strap with a long adjustment range for tall guitar players.
The leather ends feature machine stitching making it more durable than a lot of straps you find for the same price. It is also lightweight so it does not put too much pressure on your neck.
Some reviewers were concerned that the strap was a bit slippery and that the plastic buckle could cause issues with some finishes. The model number of the strap is P04143. It is 2(5 cm) inches wide and weighs 4 ounces.
Pros: Cons:
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide for Best Guitar Straps
Why do you need to wear a guitar strap?
Most people think that they do not need a guitar strap while they are sitting down. Actually, whether you’re sitting down or standing up, wearing a guitar strap is important for your comfort and the safety of your guitar. First of all you are much more likely to drop your guitar when you only hold it with your hands.
Also, when you play the guitar without a strap you will have a hard time playing while standing up. When you wear a strap some of the weight is distributed to you back instead of all of the weight on your arms which can help you to avoid issues like chronic neck or back pain.
Does a guitar strap make any difference?
Yes, the guitar strap you choose makes a big difference!. As mentioned before, it’s very hard to play a guitar standing up if you are not wearing a strap. The guitar strap prevents damage to the guitar from dropping or banging it. Also, some straps are made especially to help prevent issues such as chronic back or neck pain.
What should you look for in a guitar strap?
As we have successfully established a strap is important when playing while standing up. Now we are going to talk about the special features that you should look out for when trying to purchase a guitar strap. Are there certain types of straps for beginners? What material is best for a guitar strap? We’ll answer all of these questions in the next few tips below.
The Size:
While there is no particular size for straps, you want to make sure that your strap is not too long and not too short. The size strap that you need will greatly depend on your height and arm length. It is important that you find a strap that adjusts to a length that is comfortable for you.
There are some straps that are thick, thin, extra long, or super short. Here are some types:
- Extra-long Straps – Some guitar straps have an extra long option. This usually adds on from about seven to twelve inches, which for some guitar players, is a big difference.
- Wide Straps – Lot’s of guitar straps come with a wide option. This adds at least 2 inches to the width, which sometimes adds more comfort to your shoulder.
- Locking Straps – These straps are pretty much just a regular strap with a different type of strap lock than most guitars. This type of strap is a little bit harder to find.
The Material Type:
The material is one of the most important things to look for in a guitar. Guitar straps are made in a wide variety of material. Some of these materials include:
- Leather
- Suede
- Tweed
- Neoprene
- Elastic Stretch Fabric
Now the big question is which one is the best. The truth is that it’s a matter of which one is the best fit for your style, comfort, and personality. Some people are more concerned with the look of the strap and others are more concerned with comfort making this more a question of taste.
What is the best guitar strap for beginners?
There is no particular formula to determine what is the best guitar strap for a beginning player. Most people prefer to begin with one that is inexpensive so that they can get a feel for the size and the level of comfort. Once you get a feel for a strap and determine which features are most important to you, you may feel more comfortable investing in a more expensive strap.
Conclusion
Whatever your preferences, we believe that one of these straps will suit your needs. If you play guitar frequently, it might be a good idea to have a few straps at your disposal.
You can either alternate between them or save some as backups. Ideally we would like them to last forever but sometimes things happen.
Security for your guitar is the most important aspect as you want your strap to be reliable so you know your guitar will not get damaged. With the advent of creativity there are so many styles today that can match and compliment your guitar.
You’ll even notice some of your favorite guitarists have Guitar straps that are the complete opposite in color which can really make both the guitar and strap stand out.
In recent years, guitar straps made but some really talented artisans have also been on the rise showing that there are more options than just the big company names.
At the end of the day it’s important you chose the best guitar strap that you feel the most comfortable with and that is all that matters at the end of the day. Remember to have fun with this and your guitar playing as that is what this is all about. We hope this guide helped you to find a guitar strap that’s right for you!
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