Guitar Straps: Material And Width Options

For a musician, nothing is more exciting than getting a new guitar. More than likely, you will need to choose a new guitar strap as well. The selection of guitar straps can sometimes be overwhelming. The number of manufacturers and styles of straps is immense. Expert players will already have an idea about which style and brand of strap they desire. However, beginners will need to do some testing to find out what material they prefer. This article will explain various styles and materials of straps so you can choose one that's right for you. Find out more ideas about strapgraphics.

Leather, nylon, and polyester are the three materials most straps will come in today. Leather straps are known for how supportive and durable they can be, and therefore they take a little bit of time to break in. Polyester straps are comfortable as soon as you buy them, and they are also inexpensive and made of a soft material. The nylon material is close to that of polyester, but the feel of the strap will be a little bit slicker. Your strap will be able to move more freely so it can slide on your shoulder whenever you need it to.

The best choice for new players is polyester because they will first need to let their body conform to the extra weight of the guitar being placed on their shoulders. They are generally the most inexpensive choice and give you the most comfort out of the box. You'll also need to consider the width when purchasing a new strap.

The most standard width for nylon and polyester straps is 2 inches. So, your selection typically comes down to price or aesthetics. Leather straps range from 2 to 4 inches wide, which offer you more variety but can be more confusing. You can find them in 4 inch widths, which are common for heavier bass guitars. Once you have played your guitar for a few months, you'll get a better idea of whether you need a wider strap. If you need more stability than what a nylon or polyester strap offers, you'll be better off with a leather strap. In essence, it really just comes down to personal preference when selection materials and widths. Although you will encounter players who will only play with certain brands, the choice is up to you.

Depending on what you're looking for, straps can range from 5 to 600 dollars. You can even browse websites that allow you to design your own custom strap online, so you can select patterns and images fitting your personal tastes. Remember that guitar straps are typically adjustable from 45-55 inches for leather and 40-60 inches for woven straps. As long as you're at or under 6 feet tall, 45 to 55 inches should be a good length for you. But if you're taller than 6'1", you may need to look for a manufacturer that carries extra long versions of their straps.

Since you're now more aware of what materials and widths you can find straps in, where should you buy one? Many strap choices can be found at music retail stores like Guitar Center. Straps can also be bought from online retailers, such as eBay or Amazon. If you already know which brand you'd like to buy, most manufacturers sell from their websites directly.