Shoulder Pad for Bass Strap

JEBassman

JEBassman

Jun 25, 2008
487
167
4,571
Connecticut
#1
Hi TBers,

As bass players we've all dealt with wearing heavy instruments. I've been searching for a shoulder pad that I could wrap around my bass strap for extra comfort. An old shoulder injury is causing trouble.

The shoulder pad must wrap around the beginning of the strap, close to the strap button near the neck. My straps are the Neotech or Comfort Stapp. The Comfort Strap's padding isn't close enough to that strap button. Neotech is perfectly located but not enough padding.

These wrap-around pads look good but are not wide enough.

What do you use?
 
#2
I have reached old age. Played some of the heaviest made basses during my years and yeah, with the added years comes discomfort. My wife had a leather strap custom made for me thirty years ago that I wore because it was meaningful to me. I wrapped one of those seatbelt padding contraptions around it with a modicum of success. Two years ago a fellow TB'r turned me on to a Moody strap. I cannot express how wonderful the difference is. Soft and supple doesn't begin to touch it.... But I stray only to suggest that a high quality strap may be worth looking into!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alik, Later_Peter, tonequixote and 1 other person
#3
JEBassman said:
These wrap-around pads look good but are not wide enough.
What do you use?
Click to expand...

That's a wonderful link for folks whose needs aren't as specific as yours, thanks for putting that together.

I use Comfort Strapps on most of my basses; I don't have any issues with where the padding is located, and they suit my body and basses perfectly (so long as I remember to buy the correct length strap. Er, I mean, strapp).

But I have an aftermarket pad on a generic strap for one of my instruments just because A) I simply haven't gotten around to buying a Comfort Strapp for that instrument yet, and B) it's heavy as hell. I'm pretty sure that pad was made by D'Addario/Planet Waves. [Edit: Yes, it's this D'Addario PW-FSP-1. ] It is very soft and certainly wide enough for my needs, and it can be located anywhere along the strap.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JEBassman
#5
Aberdumbie said:
I have reached old age. Played some of the heaviest made basses....Two years ago a fellow TB'r turned me on to a Moody strap. I cannot express how wonderful the difference is. Soft and supple doesn't begin to touch it.... But I stray only to suggest that a high quality strap may be worth looking into!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your suggestion. I was considering trying the Moody strap; I might just do it. I'm glad it's working for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aberdumbie
#6
Bob_Ross said:
That's a wonderful link for folks whose needs aren't as specific as yours, thanks for putting that together.

I use Comfort Strapps on most of my basses....I have an aftermarket pad on a generic strap....I'm pretty sure that pad was made by D'Addario/Planet Waves. [Edit: Yes, it's this D'Addario PW-FSP-1. ] It is very soft and certainly wide enough for my needs, and it can be located anywhere along the strap.
Click to expand...

You're welcome regarding the link I sent I've spent way too much time looking at these shoulder straps online. Maybe others will benefit from these possibilities.

The Comfort Strapps are awesome. I've bought and recommended them for years. Their padding is wonderful. My only issue is that my current playing position, made necessary by various shoulder and back injuries, leaves me wanting more padding at the top end of the strap. Hopefully I can still use either the Comfort Strapp or the Neotech, if I can find a comfortable pad to add to the strap(s).

I hadn't seen the pad you recommend. I'll definitely look into it. Thank you :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bob_Ross
#7
If you check out a local upholstery shop you can Test different foam densities and lengths.

Have it custom cut and covered along with some hook/loop.

I had a custom pillow cut for me with excellent results.
 
#8
JRA said:
my shoulder issues have me playing around with one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/MBrace-MBR-1-Mbrace-Guitar-Holder/dp/B005IHLSTM

i may not get accustomed to it. not sure yet. i realize that a lot of players wouldn't even consider something along these lines...for all kinds of reasons.
Click to expand...

Ah yes the Mbrace guitar / bass holder. I have one. It solves the issue of weight on the shoulder, although it comes at the price of not allowing the bass to move much (loosening the attachment where the brace meets the mic stand allows some sideways motion, but be careful to not leave it too loose).

I used the Mbrace for a while but had some difficulty adjusting to it. I will probably use it again though. Right now I'm hoping to find a strap that lets me play seated, without the brace. I already play short scale basses, which definitely reduce weight and pressure on my shoulder. Extra padding might just give me enough comfort to play with a strap, which is my preference when possible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: el jeffe bass and JRA
#9
JEBassman said:
Ah yes the Mbrace guitar / bass holder. I have one. It solves the issue of weight on the shoulder, although it comes at the price of not allowing the bass to move much (loosening the attachment where the brace meets the mic stand allows some sideways motion, but be careful to not leave it too loose).

I used the Mbrace for a while but had some difficulty adjusting to it. I will probably use it again though. Right now I'm hoping to find a strap that lets me play seated, without the brace. I already play short scale basses, which definitely reduce weight and pressure on my shoulder. Extra padding might just give me enough comfort to play with a strap, which is my preference when possible.
Click to expand...
yep: it's an adjustment for sure. i think if i can get acclimated a bit more = it will at least be another option.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JEBassman
#10
JRA said:
yep: it's an adjustment for sure. i think if i can get acclimated a bit more = it will at least be another option.
Click to expand...

Definitely. The Mbrace is a very clever design. I contacted the designer once and ordered extra straps, allowing me to have more than one instrument ready to hook up to the stand more efficiently. I also found that adjusting my posture helped me transition to the brace. Playing in front of a mirror let me spot problems quickly.
 
#16
JimmyM said:
I'd just get a wider strap. The most comfy wide strap I've used is the Levy's MSS2-4.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion Jimmy. There are some really beautiful leather straps out there. I can see why lots of players like them, especially the wider straps.

I prefer the way nylon straps can be adjusted; they offer subtle adjustments. That works well for me. I'll either add padding to what I have now, or consider another nylon strap with different padding.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JimmyM
#20
My UPS man delivered my Gruv Gear SoloStrap Neo, which I've been waiting for eagerly.

It is the thickest bass strap I've seen, and feels really good on my shoulder. Some players have said the straps slide around too much for their liking. So far that has not been an issue for me. In fact it holds my bass in place very nicely. I definitely recommend the SoloStrap Neo to players who have shoulder issues, or who just like extra padding on their straps. This strap should also help with heavy basses. Gruv Gear also makes a dual, two shoulder version, which is another option.

As far as helping me cope with shoulder and spinal injuries, and reducing pain while I play, time will tell. My initial take is that it does help reduce pain, even more than my Neostrap or Comfort Strapps. Any reduction of pain is a good thing! Hopefully this padded strap will enable me to keep playing bass! :cool:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stumbo and JimmyM
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back