Before asking, I've searched a bit on strap recommendations. The threads I've found tend to recommend really nice straps from custom builders. But, I have a $189 guitar and don't want spend > $100 to have a talented leathersmith make me a strap.
I did see advice that you want a better strap than your typical guitar strap for horizontal but can anyone recommend a reasonably priced off-the-rack strap?
-l2t
I used a strap I already had and added this D'addario strap extension from Amazon. It works pretty well and it might work for you as well.
amazon.com/dp/B0002GWFEQ?psc=1...t_details
Being a member here since the beginning, I have posted about straps on many occasions. Below is a recent one (in yet another strap thread) from July 11.
I realize that you're not going to fork out serious dough on a strap for a cheap reso, but it doesn't change the concept of what to look for in a strap. When I acquired my first Bobby Poff strap in 2007 it was a total game changer for standup playing. If you can find a thicker, less flexible guitar strap that isn't floppy, you can add something like the D'Addario strap extension as mentioned Robin. Skinny, floppy straps can be annoying, constantly trying to keep the guitar steady. I fought with them for many years. A little like a guy wearing the wrong kind of underwear and constantly having to make adjustments. 
Here is what I wrote earlier this month on July 11:
"Something to keep in mind: Correctly designed straps IMO are more important to this instrument than they are to a flattop guitar. The dobro itself usually weighs considerably more than the typical flattop, and where a flattop guitar rests against one's body, the dobro is sort of "cantilevered" out in front of you and there is a bit of a learning curve to play while standing.
I have two Poff straps - the leather is more beefy and stiffer - not as flexible as a typical leather acoustic guitar strap. This really helps with keeping the dobro steady and not having it shift around while playing standing.
Soft, flexy leather seems like a good idea at first - feels good to the touch - but it's not so great for playing a dobro while standing."
I'm sure a read that and it makes perfect sense. I'll consider all those points when shopping.
quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonomaBeing a member here since the beginning, I have posted about straps on many occasions. Below is a recent one (in yet another strap thread) from July 11.
I realize that you're not going to fork out serious dough on a strap for a cheap reso, but it doesn't change the concept of what to look for in a strap. When I acquired my first Bobby Poff strap in 2007 it was a total game changer for standup playing. If you can find a thicker, less flexible guitar strap that isn't floppy, you can add something like the D'Addario strap extension as mentioned Robin. Skinny, floppy straps can be annoying, constantly trying to keep the guitar steady. I fought with them for many years. A little like a guy wearing the wrong kind of underwear and constantly having to make adjustments.
Here is what I wrote earlier this month on July 11:
"Something to keep in mind: Correctly designed straps IMO are more important to this instrument than they are to a flattop guitar. The dobro itself usually weighs considerably more than the typical flattop, and where a flattop guitar rests against one's body, the dobro is sort of "cantilevered" out in front of you and there is a bit of a learning curve to play while standing.
I have two Poff straps - the leather is more beefy and stiffer - not as flexible as a typical leather acoustic guitar strap. This really helps with keeping the dobro steady and not having it shift around while playing standing.
Soft, flexy leather seems like a good idea at first - feels good to the touch - but it's not so great for playing a dobro while standing."
Like Mark, I suggest Poff straps all the way. I understand your position though. As far as off-the-rack straps go, I’d have to say that the Franklin reso straps are some of the best I have tried and are reasonably priced. The old 3” wide Webb straps from Beard were my favorite for years. I still have one that I use for my lap steel. I believe the only Webb straps you can get new these days are leather and they’re creeping up towards the $100 mark.
A quick release at the headstock is important. If I needed an inexpensive strap I would probably try the
franklinstrap.com/product/reso...-release/
Many people favor the Lakota Leathers bison hide straps.
Franklin straps are also available on Amazon, just do a search.
I use "regular" guitar straps on my horizontal instruments. For reso, I use a plain leather unpadded 2.5" Levy's strap -- it's somewhat stiff but thin, so it still feels comfortable.
For lap steel, which is heavier, I either use a 3" Levy's padded strap or a NeoTech SuperStrap. With D'addario headstock fittings (like NCNewbie linked to) on each instrument and strap, I can mix and match.
The Franklins look like a good all-in-one solution, too. I absolutely agree with what's been said here -- a strap on the stiffer side is better.
I use one of these and it works fine.
https://neotechstraps.com/products/slimline-dobro-strap
I also have a premium wide saddle leather strap similar to a Poff made by a local leather guy and it's great. But I don't really find any difference in support or control of the dobro when using either strap. For me, it's all about spending a lot of time standing and getting used to playing with a strap. Now that I feel comfortable, I don't think the actual strap makes a lot of difference.
I have a Poff strap and it does indeed provide a very stable platform. Stiff leather, wide strap. Solid.
But to be honest, I mostly play with a softer strap that I bought from Rob Ickes. It is more comfortable, and works great also
robickes.com/product/reso-stra...-leather/
Webb. Affordable, nice leather, quick connect at headstock, and a cute little safety loop thing that grabs the strap button under the strap. A bit hard to locate, but I just got another one here, and I bid less than asking price. Note that it says $21 shipping, but if you click on it you can select $9 USPS instead.
ebay.com/itm/225405947990
Edited by - gzerninplatz on 08/06/2024 20:49:51
I recently bought this one from Sweetwater- great price and so far I find it works quite well. YMMV.
sweetwater.com/store/detail/MC...rap-brown
