Does anyone have experience of a harness strap system that distributes the load over both shoulders? Any recommendations or cautions? Thoughts please.
Thanks, Jathon.
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Guitar Harness Strap?
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- Jathon Delsy
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
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....
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Studio Support Gnome - Frequent Poster (Level2)
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Now available for consultations and audio engineering jobs . Also guitar tech work , and “rent-a-shredder” sessions . Oxfordshire based but can and will travel . Email maxtech.audio@me.com
Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
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...
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...
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DC-Choppah - Frequent Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
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).


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blinddrew - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
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
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
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Wonks - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
ohw... it's not rock'n'roll at all that strap... they should make it at least in leather! 

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ore_terra - Frequent Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
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.
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Wonks - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
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
https://www.slingerstraps.com/hip-strap-guitar-strap.html
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Wonks - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
This one looks a bit better and takes some of the load on the hips. https://www.slingerstraps.com/sling-str ... strap.html
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Wonks - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
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.
If you have several guitars, get a bigger frame and have them arranged like a Newton's Cradle.

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Wonks - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
Nice idea, but it'll cost a fair bit to put the hinges / spindles in for you to go 'waaaahhhhhhh' ...
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Dave B - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
This would have the added bonus of holding my belly in as well!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

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blinddrew - Jedi Poster
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Re: Guitar Harness Strap?
Play an ES-335 and it's all hidden. 

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Wonks - Jedi Poster
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