What’s the big deal? A strap is just a strap, right? If it doesn’t affect your sound, why does it matter which strap you use?
While these arguments are common, guitar straps are often one of the more overlooked parts of an active musician’s setup. Choosing the right one means a healthier back and shoulders. To avoid issues, consider switching to one of these ten best guitar straps listed below. After you make the switch, you will come to realize its importance.
1. Cocobolo Revo Guitar Strap
The Cocobolo Revo guitar strap was an easy pick for the top of our list. It is one of the most interesting straps you will come across and is certainly the most luxurious strap you can find anywhere near this price.
This guitar strap is made from scratch-resistant strips of cocobolo wood, a characteristic that, by itself, guarantees this strap is unlike most you have seen before. Before you dismiss this strap, thinking wood isn’t the way to go, consider that it maximizes airflow which keeps you cooler on a hot day. Leather, on the other hand, tends to absorb heat.
The Cocobolo Revo ensures a snug yet comfortable fit, since the strap evenly distributes the weight of your guitar. Each strap has been handmade and hand-polished by the same woodworking family in Costa Rica for the last 20 years, using only wood pieces that contain both the heartwood and sapwood from rosewood. Because of natural variations of the wood, each Revo wooden strap is one-of-a-kind.
There are three design styles to choose from (Solano, Revo, and Gordo). Each strap is shipped to you in a custom wooden crate.
Given that less than 100 Cocobolo Revo Straps are made each year, $199 is practically a steal. Each strap is scratch-resistant, 2.5″ wide, and has leather ends.
2. Levy’s Leathers Guitar Straps
Levy’s Leathers is one of the most respected names in guitar straps. Levy’s Leathers’ long list of fans and endorsers includes Ozzy Osbourne’s bassist Blasko, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, and Toby Keith’s guitarist Rich Eckhardt.
Any Levy strap is probably worthy of a spot on this list, but online strap connoisseurs particularly like the Heirloom series, such as the one pictured above.
Each strap is made from premium chrome-tan leather with reinforced stitching to ensure optimal comfort and durability. The Heirloom PM31 is a 3″ wide leather guitar strap with a length of up to 50″.
3. DiMarzio ClipLock DD2200
The DiMarzio ClipLock Guitar Strap system is trusted by many professionals, including Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai. The quick-release “ClipLock” design makes it easy to switch guitars without risking the stability and reliability of the strap.
There are several top-rated ClipLock straps available, but the DD2200 has remained a favorite for years. The DD2200 is made of smooth nylon material that can support over 150 pounds of weight, making it strong enough for even the heaviest instruments. The DD2200 is 2″ wide and adjustable from 43.5″ to 63.5″.
To use a ClipLock strap, you will need to permanently replace the strap buttons on your guitar with ClipLock ends. This task can be a bit much for beginners and some guitarists may be unwilling to modify their guitar, but if you’re willing, it’s worth it.
4. Fender Broken-In Leather Strap
For a strap with an understated elegance that is built to last, look no further than the Fender Broken-In Leather strap. Musicians often toy with ways to express themselves and this strap effectively defines quiet elegance.
The Broken-In Leather strap by Fender is available in eight finishes – natural, blue, green, purple, red, tan, brown, and black – with an oiled finish that softens the leather. Each strap is 2.5″ wide and adjustable from 44.5″ to 53″.
5. Taylor Wings Distressed Leather Guitar Strap
Taylor is one of the most respected names in acoustic guitars, so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to see that the manufacturer also offers premium guitar straps.
The Taylor Wings series guitar straps were created to accompany Taylor’s 600 Series guitars with the “Wings” inlay pattern. This strap is made with multi-layer distressed, dark brown leather and features an embossed Taylor logo. The straps of the Wings have a lower bout strap button that is slightly larger to make it easier to install.
The Taylor Wings guitar strap is available in either 2.5″ or 3″ widths. The length of the strap is adjustable from 42.5″ to 58.5″.
6. Ernie Ball Polypro Guitar Strap
The Polypro guitar strap by Ernie Ball is a popular choice among musicians is looking for an inexpensive guitar strap that is still secure and reasonably comfortable. In terms of value, the Polypro is certainly one of the best straps available and its very moderate price tag make it particularly suitable for beginners.
As the name implies, it is made of polypropylene webbing, which is a long-lasting nylon-like material. You don’t have to worry about the colors bleeding or the strap stretching over time. To ensure maximum strength and longevity, the polypropylene webbing is machine stitched to black leather ends.
Each strap features the EB logo stamped in gold print. The Delrin adjustable buckle and connector enhance the strength and style. You can find the Polypro guitar strap in a variety of colors. Each strap is 2″ wide and is adjustable from 41″ to 72″. Its above-average maximum length also makes it an appropriate choice for tall musicians.
7. Vox Python Guitar Strap
The popularity of the Vox Python guitar strap can be attributed to John Lennon, after he began using the strap in the mid-60s. From that point forward, the Vox Python became a popular accessory and recognizable piece of memorabilia.
Vox has since recreated the Python strap, while hanging on to most of its iconic features. The modern reincarnation of Lennon’s strap continues to be one of the most popular, go-to choices for Beatles fans in particular.
At 2″ wide and 52″ long, the Python’s most eye-catching feature is its 25 riveted chrome plates that gives it an impression of having scales like a snake. Fans of Lennon and the Vox Python guitar strap agree that the modern recreation stayed true to the original, commending Vox for the attention to detail.
8. LM Products Odin Viking Leather Strap
The Odin is a member of LM Products’ Viking Series and the craftsmanship, it can be argued, is worthy of Gods. This practically indestructible leather guitar strap is handcrafted from thick, belt-weight leathers and metal hardware.
When it comes to style, there is nothing dramatic or particularly eye-catching about the Odin. But its simplicity is part of its appeal. This strap is strong, comfortable, and sharp-looking.
LM Products is a smaller, private, homegrown business that is known for its grassroots approach. Each product is handmade in Anderson, Indiana by leatherworkers and musicians with an eye for detail and a passion for music. LM Products guitar straps have earned a very solid reputation over the years.
This strap’s length is adjustable from 47″ to 61″, and each brown, belt-weight leather strap is 2.5″ wide.
9. Fender Monogrammed Guitar Strap
A list of the best guitar straps wouldn’t be complete without this classic. The Fender Monogrammed guitar strap has been a top choice in guitar stores around the world for decades and is still a great strap for limited budgets.
It’s made of polyester with leather ends. Each strap is 2″ wide, with an adjustable length of 44″ to 52.5″. There are six styles of the Monogrammed guitar strap to choose from, including:
- Abalone
- White, brown, and yellow
- Black, light grey, and metallic blue
- Black, yellow, and red
- Red, white, and blue
- Black, yellow, and brown
For a fraction of the cost of many popular guitar straps, you can get your hands on a stylish and durable 90s icon.
10. Souldier Custom Recycled Seatbelt Strap
You’ll find Redditors going back and forth about this popular strap, debating whether recycled seatbelts can really be used to make a high-quality, comfortable guitar strap. While there will always be those who disagree with our decision to place this strap on our list, there is no denying its popularity and unique style.
Souldier is an American brand that recycles seatbelt material, turning them into simple-looking but extremely strong straps for electric, bass, and acoustic guitars. Because of the material, this strap offers a unique look, made that much more noticeable depending on the color you choose.
The Souldier Custom Recycled Seatbelt strap is available in a wide variety of themes and patterns. Each strap features double-thick, hand-cut leather ends, and silver hardware. It is 2″ wide with an adjustable length from 30″ to 60″.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Straps
No, you don’t necessarily need a guitar strap. You can play “strap-free” while sitting down. You can also use a support stand that will hold your guitar for you while you stand.
However, a guitar strap allows you to move around while playing bass, acoustic, or electric guitar, and help you feel comfortable while maintaining a consistent position. Plus, a guitar strap is a great way to accessorize your instrument and show off a bit of your personal style.
The vast majority of guitars include strap buttons that you can find at each end of the guitar’s body. They are small, disc-shaped buttons that your strap attaches to. On your strap, there are small, key-shaped holes that you slip over the button on the end and near the neck of your guitar.
If your guitar doesn’t have a button near the neck, you will have to tie a string to the top of the neck, just behind the nut, and then pull the string through the hole in the strap. You can use just about any type of string you have on hand.
The four key things to consider when shopping for a guitar strap are:
- Length – If you are exceptionally tall, you may need an extra-long strap
- Width – Thicker doesn’t always mean better. Find what works for you.
- Locking mechanism – If you tend to move around a lot when you play, you may be better off buying a strap with strap locks or clip locks that will ensure your strap stays in place.
- Material – Determine which material is the most comfortable as well as best suited to your budget and playing style.
Straps that are kind to your back (ergonomic) and made from high-quality materials are typically more expensive than the average guitar strap.
Materials like leather, wood, and metal are pricier than plastic. And if the strap is handmade, you have to add labor costs to the price tag.
However, you can definitely find a guitar strap that is both affordable and comfortable. Mass-produced straps from the likes of Fender, Ernie Ball, or DiMarzio often offer a good compromise between comfort and a modest price.
For pro guitarists, the strap is an essential piece of workwear and the average pro will have a greater focus on long-term comfort.
Since they are often sponsored by major brands, you will frequently see professional guitarists using high-end or even custom straps from these manufacturers.
Some guitarists who move around a lot on stage, for example, may prefer a supple strap that follows their movements. But if you want your guitar to stay in place at all times, choose a non-slip material like leather or soft padding.
If you play sitting down, a strap is usually not necessary. In that case, a footstool may be preferable to find the right posture.
