Guitar Strap

[Okiefisch]

I'll start by saying I'm a big guy, meaning overweight, and my nylon strap rests against my neck rather than on my shoulder. I'm looking into getting a custom made leather strap, will the stiffness of the leather cause the strap to lay on my shoulder or will it do the same as the nylon? Anyone experience this?

[Tico]

Where a guitar strap comes to rest has nothing to do with its width or its stiffness.
It's a gravity and center of mass thing.
Your tummy and forces from your two arms will push the guitar into whatever position it pushes it into.

Perhaps if your strap material had more friction it would do a better job of remaining where you place it on your shirt/shoulder.
You could sew something with more friction onto the strap where is touches your shirt.
Perhaps even sew velcro onto your strap and shirt.

The smoothness/roughness of your shirt also factors in.
For instance slippery materials, like silk or rayon, will let the strap slide over more than higher-friction fabrics like wool, corduroy, flannel, or fleece.

[The Bard Rocks]

It may be that your strap is too short. Lengthen it and see if that changes anything.

[semolinapilcher]

Something like this might help.

See the last pic.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4868073...-strap-buffalo

[Okiefisch]

Originally Posted by semolinapilcher

Something like this might help.

See the last pic.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4868073...-strap-buffalo

Appreciate it.

[vindibona1]

I hear you and think I understand the issue. As said by another member, the stiffness has no bearing on your issue. What you need to be focused on is how the strap distributes the weight/pressure and how it conforms to your anatomy. I've dealt with this issue, but with much heavier bass guitars (10 pounds +). Acoustics are 4-6 pounds on average, so it should be easier to obtain comfort.

The S curve strap mentioned above isn't a bad idea but there is a cheaper alternative. I've purchased several Perris 3.5" wide leather straps. They cost all of $11. Of course being cheap if you want them supple you have to break them in. What I've done is cut a crescent shape, 1/2" at the apex so that it sits fine on my shoulder without digging into my neck and yet has enough width to distribute the weight. And being 3.5" wide, my back and chest also carry some of the weight too. Here's a link to the strap I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/Perris-Leathe...8-1&ref=sr_1_1 I've got a picture somewhere on my other computer where I've illustrated the cutout. I'll try to find it tomorrow.

Now being a big guy you may need to buy an extension to make the strap longer, but should have no problem finding one. I think Planet Waves makes a cheap one.

I think the single ply wide strap with cutout is a good bet. If you get a fancier strap you won't be able to customize without wrecking it. A single ply leather you can just cut with a scissors and nobody can tell that you've modded. it.

Good luck.

[Okiefisch]

Originally Posted by vindibona1

I hear you and think I understand the issue. As said by another member, the stiffness has no bearing on your issue. What you need to be focused on is how the strap distributes the weight/pressure and how it conforms to your anatomy. I've dealt with this issue, but with much heavier bass guitars (10 pounds +). Acoustics are 4-6 pounds on average, so it should be easier to obtain comfort.

The S curve strap mentioned above isn't a bad idea but there is a cheaper alternative. I've purchased several Perris 3.5" wide leather straps. They cost all of $11. Of course being cheap if you want them supple you have to break them in. What I've done is cut a crescent shape, 1/2" at the apex so that it sits fine on my shoulder without digging into my neck and yet has enough width to distribute the weight. And being 3.5" wide, my back and chest also carry some of the weight too. Here's a link to the strap I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/Perris-Leathe...8-1&ref=sr_1_1 I've got a picture somewhere on my other computer where I've illustrated the cutout. I'll try to find it tomorrow.

Now being a big guy you may need to buy an extension to make the strap longer, but should have no problem finding one. I think Planet Waves makes a cheap one.

I think the single ply wide strap with cutout is a good bet. If you get a fancier strap you won't be able to customize without wrecking it. A single ply leather you can just cut with a scissors and nobody can tell that you've modded. it.

Good luck.

Another great idea. Thanks so much.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by Okiefisch

I'll start by saying I'm a big guy, meaning overweight, and my nylon strap rests against my neck rather than on my shoulder. I'm looking into getting a custom made leather strap, will the stiffness of the leather cause the strap to lay on my shoulder or will it do the same as the nylon? Anyone experience this?

Sounds like what you need is a strap with a suede backing. That will stay in place on your shoulder (within reason) rather than slide around in obedience to gravity, the way a slippery nylon strap would.

There's plenty of suede straps like that available, custom not needed unless that's what you want anyhow.

[JayBee1404]

Sully's yer man - hand-made straps, the very highest quality workmanship and materials. This one is sold, but it look like the kinda thing you need...

https://sullysstraps.com/products/guitar-banjo-1058/

[Silly Moustache]

This might help :

[archerscreek]

A nice, soft, padded leather strap will make things more comfortable wherever it lays. Also if you attach your strap to the neck block, try going old school and attach it to the headstock. That should keep it from cutting into your neck. That's how I roll, strap attached to headstock using Martin's headstock strap thingy.

[The Bard Rocks]

Originally Posted by archerscreek

A nice, soft, padded leather strap will make things more comfortable wherever it lays. Also if you attach your strap to the neck block, try going old school and attach it to the headstock. That should keep it from cutting into your neck. That's how I roll, strap attached to headstock using Martin's headstock strap thingy.

Another good idea.

[jwing]

I tried several different straps, at all possible lengths, but the strap always made my shoulder and neck ache. Plus, the guitar neck never stayed at the optimal angle.

I killed those two birds with one cost-free stone: I tied the strap to the head stock, Neil Young style. That eliminated pain and improved guitar's positioning relative to my hands, thereby improving my playing.

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by Okiefisch

I'll start by saying I'm a big guy, meaning overweight, and my nylon strap rests against my neck rather than on my shoulder. I'm looking into getting a custom made leather strap, will the stiffness of the leather cause the strap to lay on my shoulder or will it do the same as the nylon? Anyone experience this?

Some good suggestions here. Finding the right solution to these kinds of challenges can be a matter of experimenting with a few different options. Please let us know what you find that best solves your issue.

Best,
Jayne

[Sonics]

Take a look at the width of the strap. 2" - 2.5" seems to be the sweet spot for me, any wider and I start getting that 'neck' thing. I do use wider widths for my basses, because they have to be that wide.

A suede backed strap also helps, especially if you have a neck heavy instrument (...especially 12 string). Your fingering hand should not be holding the neck up while you play.