Guitar Harness Strap?

by **Jathon Delsy** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 2:30 pm

Does anyone have experience of a harness strap system that distributes the load over both shoulders? Any recommendations or cautions? Thoughts please.
Thanks, Jathon.

by **Studio Support Gnome** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:43 am

similarly curious about this...... I suffer from nerve pressure issues when playing my heavier guitars , i have largely had to move to Ibanez S Series derivatives for the lighter body weight, but i would really like to be able to play my Jem "live" again....

by **DC-Choppah** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 2:04 am

I used to get a sore shoulder and even back strain due to playing guitar with the conventional strap that fastens to the top of the body.

But then I had a revelation! I was watching how Wes Montgomery wore his strap with that big L5 guitar of his. He did it old school style where you tie the strap (using a shoe lace) to the head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmUUi6wGwRA" target="phpbbpopup" target="phpbbpopup

This is WAY more comfortable for me. So I redid all my guitars this way and never had a problem since. I used to get fatigued after an hour or so, but with the strap on the head I don't get any shoulder or back fatigue even after long sessions.

Worth a shot if you have not tried it.

I also much prefer the position that the guitar is in this way too. It is much more natural position for me either standing or sitting.

Hey and if it was good for Wes...

by **blinddrew** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 9:06 am

Jon Gomm (the body slapping, fret-tapping, mid-note-tuning chap) uses a strap that goes from the end block and then splits to go over both shoulders. I suspect he makes them himself but nowadays he may have them made, in which case just drop him a line on a social media network of your choice, he's very responsive (as well as being a generally good bloke).

by **Wonks** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 10:54 am

Designed for bass but will work with a guitar: http://www.bassgear.co.uk/product/sling ... ess-strap/

Though this one may move a guitar back a bit, bringing the headstock a bit nearer and make picking and palm muting etc. less comfortable

by **ore_terra** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:14 pm

ohw... it's not rock'n'roll at all that strap... they should make it at least in leather!

by **Wonks** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:23 pm

More difficult to make it adjustable enough in leather. Could probably be done in a soft suede, but then they'd probably charge double for it and have very few buyers.

by **Wonks** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:27 pm

Looks like Slinger also make more alternative straps. Not sure I'd want to modify an expensive instrument with a strap button on the lower horn though.

https://www.slingerstraps.com/hip-strap-guitar-strap.html

by **Wonks** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:28 pm

This one looks a bit better and takes some of the load on the hips. https://www.slingerstraps.com/sling-str ... strap.html

by **Wonks** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:33 pm

Or you could stand under a metal frame, hang the guitar from the frame, and have no stress on your back at all, even with the heaviest Les Paul or SG2000 you can find.

If you have several guitars, get a bigger frame and have them arranged like a Newton's Cradle.

by **Dave B** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:44 pm

Nice idea, but it'll cost a fair bit to put the hinges / spindles in for you to go 'waaaahhhhhhh' ...

by **blinddrew** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 6:45 pm

Wonks wrote:Designed for bass but will work with a guitar: http://www.bassgear.co.uk/product/sling ... ess-strap/

Though this one may move a guitar back a bit, bringing the headstock a bit nearer and make picking and palm muting etc. less comfortable

This would have the added bonus of holding my belly in as well!

by **Wonks** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 8:03 pm

Play an ES-335 and it's all hidden.

SOUND ON SOUND

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Guitar Harness Strap?