Question about a Strap for New Eastman

[srlank]

Hi folks,

As a result of too much guitar playing, I acquired a number of joint issues. I actually had to stop playing for many years, but returned to the guitar through the back door as a music therapist playing Nirvana songs .

As a result of joint issues, it has been a struggle to find a decent jazz guitar that is comfortable to play. I used to use a 335, which I loved playing; but I am no longer able to utilize this instrument. I therefore have been playing a Strat, which to be even moderately comfortable I was utilizing a modified sitting postition with a footstool.
This Sunday I was at a guitar show in Costa Mesa, CA., and I found a 15 inch Eastman, which I promptly bought and took home. It has been about as comfortable as the Strat, but I think if I could use a strap I would be even more comfortable. The problem is that I have is a thin, cheap strap; and I feel a pull on the left-hand side of my back after a few minutes of playing. I am therefore wondering if anyone knows whether or not a thicker strap might help alleviate this problem, and if so, which brand would be best.

Thanks for any information!

Sharon

[PTChristopher]

Go wide and soft.

Many ostensibly high quality straps are relatively stiff and do not form to you well.

So 3" wide and a Franklin or Long Hollow suede.

http://www.franklinstrap.com/suede-w...-stitching.htm

In my opinion.

Best of luck with this Sharon.

Chris

[whiskey02]

Look for a 4 inch bass strap. Another possibility is a vintage style strap that ties around the headstock. I have no experience with this but have read of folks finding relief with this style. There is a myth that these straps put "tension on the neck" but I have read several renowned luthiers say that it does not. FWIW, many players used this design for many years without a problem.

[srlank]

Thanks for the input, and thx for the link Chris!

All te best to you,

Sharon

[Bushwackbob]

Check out: The Seventh String Guitar Strap. Love them.

[jazzrat]

The neoprene straps are pretty comfy

[PTChristopher]

>>> [strap that attaches to the headstock] There is a myth that these straps put "tension on the neck" but I have read several renowned luthiers say that it does not.

"Oh my." - as they say.

Of course it puts tension on the neck. You are hanging the guitar by the endpin and the headstock. There is absolutely lateral tension in the neck. Maybe not in outer space,...

But, this lateral tension really does not amount to very much.

You would have to have a very heavy guitar to really suffer any practical problems. Look at all those singing cowboy movies in which no horses were killed by exploding guitars due to death-straps attached to the headstock.

There can be a very slight tuning shift if you tune up while seated with the guitar on your leg, then stand up to play. The pull on the neck from the headstock-mounted strap can make for some slight tuning changes. But if this is a problem, then just tune in your playing position.

Chris

EDIT: I guess that was a cranky response - sorry.

[taxman]

Google Johnny Winter and check out the very small body guitar that he has to play because of posture or arthritis issues.

[srlank]

Great info/replies......thx! And that's an interesting piece of info regarding Johnny Winter too...............my first guitar hero.........wow, I didn't know he had arthritis issues. Very inspiring how he keeps going!

[Pierrot]

Maybe this can help:

Bretelles de guitare, sangles de guitare Patrick BLESES | Répartissez le poids de votre guitare sur vos 2 épaules

[Retroman1969]

I have to deal with preventing pain and fatigue all the time because of an old back injury, and I absolutely love this strap right here...


I bought them for all my guitars. Very comfortable and distributes weight very well (and they were only about 10 bucks at Guitar Center)
Something with similar specs should work for you:
3-4" wide, leather with soft kid inner layer that breaks in and softens even more as you use it.

PS: I'm not a rep. for the above company. It just happens to be the one I use because it's cheap and easy to find.

[marcwhy]

Hi Sharon,
I replied to your other post on this, but I'll repeat it: SeventhString straps or Brookwood leather are the ones to check out. Moody Leather used to be good, but since they were sold, I've only heard bad things.

Marc

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by Pierrot

Maybe this can help:

Bretelles de guitare, sangles de guitare Patrick BLESES | Répartissez le poids de votre guitare sur vos 2 épaules

This is a great idea. I work with a lot of saxophonists and almost all of them have harnesses for playing. Interestingly, they tend to use them for practice and rehearsal, but wear a normal neck-sling for gigs, because it looks better, and if you're wearing a jacket/DJ, a harness is impractical.

Oh and congrats on your nice new guitar.

And welcome back to the fold.

[srlank]

Thx for the heads-up Marc. Buyer beware!

[srlank]

Thx Mangotango!

[srlank]

Thank you Pierrot! That looks quite comfortable!!!

[srlank]

Hey Retroman. Thank you very much!! Very kind of you to share!