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Les Paul Strap Advice wide or narrow size?

Asyntek

New member
Joined
Jun 10, 2020
Messages
7
I had the idea that a Les Paul needed a wider guitar strap. But Slash and Joe Perry use straps less than 1” wide, without shoulder pad. Have your tried those? How comfortable they are? Please share your experience.
 

Ed Driscoll

Les Paul Forum Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
4,691
A lot depends on the weight of the guitar. My old boat-anchor Norlin Les Paul Custom sure feels a lot better with a wide strap to distribute the weight a bit. For a lighter Les Paul, a thinner strap might do the job fine.
 

Señor Verde

Active member
Joined
Jan 13, 2005
Messages
621
I'm a relatively big guy and narrower straps seem to cut into my shoulder a bit. I use 3" straps for everything but my lightest guitars. Santana and Dickey Betts use very wide straps. Whatever is comfortable for you is cool, although it would be nice if I weren't so picky myself...
 

jrgtr42

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
2,308
There's no one answer for everyone. As others mentioned, the weight of the guitar is a big factor, but also your shoulder / back etc.
Just experiment with different ones to find out what you like.
Personally I have a few of the 1" with shoulder pad on different guitars, (LP Std, SG and Strat) I also have 2.5 or 3" straps on other ones, depending.
For me, the wider ones distribute the weight, but too wide cuts into and chafes my neck.
 

garywright

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 17, 2002
Messages
15,583
most of my straps are 3” with the exception of a couple narrower Ace repros
 

Texas Blues

Active member
Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
4,641
A fat strap will always be more comfortable than a thin one.

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metropolis

Active member
Joined
Sep 14, 2018
Messages
390
I use wider and specifically leather or suede rather than the car seat belt material most basic straps come with because it digs into my shoulder less. I also use suede straps on any unbalanced guitars (e.g. headstock heavy) as it stops it moving.
 

johnreardon

Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2006
Messages
544
Surely the size of a strap is down to personal choice. There's no 'advice' needed, you just buy those that are comfortable on your shoulders.
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
I like 'em skinny, but most of my skinny ones have a shoulder thingy on them.
 

57Strat777

Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2015
Messages
347
The width of my guitar straps are directly proportionate to the weight of the guitar. Any guitar over 8.5 lbs gets a 3 inch strap. Under 8.5 lbs it gets a 2 inch strap.
 

Midnight Blues

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 20, 2011
Messages
1,703
It really depends on what's comfortable for you, but I've always used 2" - 2.5" straps like these (no affiliation):

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If using one like the Italia strap, I always have the thin end on the top screw.
 
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