Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications
If you want to play the guitar standing up, you’re not going to get very far without a strap. Not only can a strap aid your comfort while playing, but it’s another way for a musician to express themselves, which is why it's so important to find the right one.
Whether you play acoustic or electric, in this article we're here to show you how to find a strap to fit your guitar. With plenty of scope ranging from vintage leather straps to ones from the likes of Jim Dunlop, Levy's and Fender, we've ranked the top 10 best straps in the UK for guitar and bass, and where you can buy them on Gear4music and Amazon!
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
Before we jump straight to the ranking, let’s take a look at some of the features and characteristics worth considering when choosing a guitar strap. We’ll look at what straps best suit which instruments, plus all the key measurements and materials you need to know!
Before jumping into this section, it's worth mentioning all straps will generally work for any acoustic, electric or bass. However, that's not to say there aren't straps that work better with certain types of instruments. For example, when it comes to strapping up an electric, you’ll find that they have two strap buttons on the body so that a strap can easily attach.
When it comes to acoustic guitars, they usually only have one strap button on the body. Therefore, you’ll need the strap to have some string that can be tied around the headstock. As bass guitars are generally heavier, you’ll typically find that bulkier and more padded straps work better to support the larger instrument.
In our ranking, we’ve advised what instrument we think each strap will work best with. That said, it’s worth reiterating that if you like the look of a particular strap, but it doesn’t match the instrument we've recommended, it will still work!
Generally speaking, guitar straps come in around 40 – 60 inches in length, which is suitable for pretty much anyone. So you’ll be able to have your axe hanging low like Billie Joe Armstrong, or up under the armpits like Albert Hammond Jr, depending on the style you want.
However, if you’re exceptionally tall, play a longer instrument like a bass, or prefer your guitar to hang super low, then there are lengthier options. Typically, these add another ten inches or so .
The other measurement you need to consider when buying a guitar strap is how wide it is. Typically, strap widths range from 2 – 4 inches. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the strap the better it will support heavier instruments because it distributes the weight more evenly. They’re also comfier when playing for extended periods of time.
That said, thicker straps aren’t always better. Many players find that they can be unnecessarily bulky, which in turn makes them less comfortable. It’s all about finding what works best concerning you and your instrument.
Finally, you have the material which the strap is made from. Here, there are generally three options. Firstly, you have fabrics such as nylon and polyester. These are often the most economical, but not the most comfortable.
The next most popular material is leather as these straps are durable, long-lasting, and have the option of additional shoulder pads for comfort. As you’d expect, these tend to be pricier too.
Finally, there are neoprene or memory foam straps. This material is still not as common, but the few that utilise it are well-revered, so we predict that they’ll become more popular in coming years. That said, they can be a little clunky.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap | £39.99 High Mid | The Ultimate Strap When It Comes to Comfort | ||
2 | Ernie Ball Stretch Comfort Strap | £22.99 Mid | A Great Starter or Backup Option | ||
3 | Gretsch Vintage Leather Guitar Strap | £38.99 High Mid | Ideal for Vintage or Retro Guitars | ||
4 | DiMarzio ClipLock Quick Release Guitar Strap | £21.99 Mid | Clip-Lock Design With Generous Length | ||
5 | Fender Broken-In | £29.79 Mid | Leathery Softness From Fender | ||
6 | Jim Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Woodstock Guitar Strap | £27.73 Mid | A Recreation of a Classic Hendrix Strap | ||
7 | Gear4music Guitar Quick-Clip Strap | £6.99 Low | For Those Who Like to Change Their Instruments Live | ||
8 | Levy's Extra Long Poly Strap|M8P3-XL | £17.00 Mid | Function Over Style | ||
9 | Rayzm Cool Skull Strap | £8.98 Low Mid | Pick Holders That Can Help You in a Bind | ||
10 | Levy's Native American Inspired Suede Guitar Strap|MS17AIF | £97.79 High | A Big and Bold Styling Choice |
KLIQ have gone to extra lengths when researching how to make a strap supremely comfortable, and we have to say it looks like it has seriously paid off! The neoprene pads on the underside of the strap add some much-needed squishiness, which in turn, banishes those aches and pains completely out of the equation.
Not only do you have the air pockets, but the additional width of the strap will help redistribute the weight, providing even more comfort. We also like that it comes in three different sizes, short, medium and long. Although we don't know the exact measurements, we're confident there'll be a length for everyone as each strap is fully adjustable too.
It's hard to go wrong with these Ernie Ball straps. While the company may be better known for producing strings, their basic and affordable range of harnesses, are perfect for beginners who are looking for their first strap, or for those who are looking to have a backup just in case.
The company produce a wide range of plain and patterned straps, with many cool retro-inspired options too. We've opted for the classic black, as it's hard to go wrong with a simple design. For extra style points, you could adorn this strap with pin badges or patches to make it truly unique.
Gretsch are known for their unique take on instruments, and it seems like they have the same ethos when it comes to their accessories too. This vintage-inspired offering has a width more comparable to a camera harness than a guitar strap. Thankfully, the skinny strap is bolstered by an adjustable shoulder pad, providing you with something that's both stylish and practical.
The leather material is long-lasting and durable, ensuring that you'll easily make it through plenty of demanding performances. So if you own a retro or vintage style guitar, this is undoubtably the best way to strap it up!
This is another quick, clip-lock style design, this time from the well respected DiMarzio. Made from nylon, the strap is comfortable, breathable and durable, all of which are characteristics anyone would want from their purchase, not to mention the generous length making it suitable for all electric instruments and musicians.
We've opted for the camo pattern, although, as you'd expect from a company like DiMarzio, there are plenty of different patterns and colours available. Therefore, it shouldn't be too difficult to find one to suit your style.
This elegant looking strap from Fender comes in four different, colourways. Alongside the classic black are tan, brown and olive green variants. Best of all, the leather has an oiled finish which gives it an additional softness that many others are lacking.
Additionally, there's a generous adjustable length to ensure comfort while you're playing. Plus, the inclusion of some string will see you get up and running, no matter the instrument you're buying it for!
Not only was Mr Jimi Hendrix a wizard with the guitar at his hands, but he also had the look to go with it. Dunlop has re-created one of the legend's iconic straps, which he famously wore when playing Woodstock in 1969.
If you're not too keen on this one, there are plenty of other Hendrix-inspired straps to choose from, all with a 2.5" width. The only problem is that, once again, we're unable to identify the length, which can be a deal breaker for some people.
Here is the first of our quick-change style guitar straps. This style of harnesses utilises ABS clips that helps musicians to release one strap and re-connect effortlessly to another. While many people won't require this feature, if you change instruments regularly throughout your live set, they can be a live saver!
Moreover, the strap is wider, making it that little bit more comfortable. Our only concern is that we're not quite sure how long it is, as the company hasn't provided that information, so it could be a risk for some taller performers.
Levy's have been in the business since the early 70s, so they know a thing or two about producing top quality guitar straps and instrument carry bags! Here, they're catering for the taller folk with an extra-long strap that can be lengthened to a whopping 66".
In addition to the longer length, this strap an inch wider than average. This makes us think that it was created with larger instruments, such as basses, in mind. It might not be the most stylish of straps, but it sure is functional.
With its cool skull design, this strap is perfect for a full array of instruments. That's because it comes with a string to attach it to an acoustic guitar. It also has a nifty pick holder, which can get you out of a pickle if you were ever to drop yours while playing.
The strap uses a plastic buckle to adjust the length, and has an average 2" width. Our only concern is the material, which is a little less robust and not as comfortable as others. Still, if you don't plan on having mammoth sessions, it should be more than okay.
Getting the ball rolling is this Native American-inspired strap from Levy's. The harness is made from suede with authentic style tassels, a feather appliqué and embroidery design, all of which is hand made in Nova Scotia, Canada. Furthermore, it also uses reinforced stitching to prevent stretching or breaking.
The company uses a classic ladder style and measures 41” to 54” in length. It's certainly an out-there choice, and is by far one of the most expensive straps we've ever seen, so you need to be committed to the look.
No. 1: KLIQ|AirCell Guitar Strap
No. 2: Ernie Ball|Stretch Comfort Strap
No. 3: Gretsch|Vintage Leather Guitar Strap
No. 4: DiMarzio |ClipLock Quick Release Guitar Strap
No. 5: Fender |Broken-In
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications