Are the wider guitar straps easier on the shoulder?

[gunslinger]

Are three or four inch wide guitar straps more comfortable than two inch ones?

 

[candid_x]

Imo, it depends on your build and the strap material. I have a smallish frame, and a wide strap that is on the thick and stiff side digs into me more than a 2" or 2 1/2" does. Even 2 1/2" thick leather takes a awhile to break in before it feels comfortable on me. Wider doesn't always equal greater comfort. It's the balance of elements that matters, including your particular body structure. Also, some want them to slide, others want them to stay put on the shoulder. That dictates the choices of materials. I guess it's all sort of a compromise.

 

[NativH]

To me, the wider staps are for my heavier guitars, something in the 9.5 pound range and above. Especially if I am playing them for an extended period of time like a full set. My LP is slightly more than 9 pounds so it gets a normal 2.5 inch strap and my 10.2 pound ES 355 also has a 2.5 inch strap. While I would normally use a 3.0 to 3.5 inch padded strap on the ES, I just don't use it on enough songs to where my shoulder, and neck, start hurting with the 2.5 incher.

When I had an almost 12 pound Norlin LP and was many years younger, I still had a 3.5 inch padded strap and would have used larger if they were available. But whatever feels better to you, especially after having it on your shoulder for a 50 minute set, is what I'd stick with. But the short answer, is, yes they "can" be easier on the shoulder if you need that.

 

[explorer76]

In my experience, wider straps definitely helped out. I mostly play Explorers. I had a small strap for awhile on one of them. It caused my left arm to go numb now and again. Switched to a larger/wider strap and eliminated the problem. Now I try to get wide straps for all of my guitars. Even my light Jackson DK1

 

[Charlie_Pace]

They (wider straps) are way easier on your shoulder.

On the other hand, they usually look kinda goofy on though. IMHO...

 

[CRAIG4FSU]

Try them.It might not be for you.Its all personal preference.I have bigger shoulders and a wider strap seems to get pushed into my neck more irritating the @### out of me.I prefer the 2" and 2 1/2"levy leather straps.Maybe its the way i stand?Who knows?

 

[RL in Fla]

Ditto candid x and CRAIG4 .

 

[jimification]

Yes: pressure = force / area

ie: the greater the area the pressure is dissipated over, the less weight you will feel. This is why a cushion is more comfortable to sit on than a wooden bench.

whether they look goofy is a different question...

 

[mdog114]

Yes

 

[phantasm]

I recently got a wide/padded strap and love it. I don't even play heavy guitars any more-it makes my lightweights seem even lighter and i love that!

 

[ABKB]

Yes: pressure = force / area

ie: the greater the area the pressure is dissipated over, the less weight you will feel. This is why a cushion is more comfortable to sit on than a wooden bench.

whether they look goofy is a different question...

This. It wont solve the problem if you have a bad shoulder or a boat anchor guitar, but it helps to be sure.

 

[pennylink]

A nice compromise are the 'vintage' style straps like El Dorado and some other manufacturers make: 1" or 1 1/2" strap with a 3" padded shoulder pad. Very comfortable with heavier guitars, but without looking cumbersome.

 

[DanielCoupet]

Wide straps really help out a lot, especially during long gigs. My shoulder would hurt like hell before.

 

[Polynitro]

yes. I used to swear by Fender vintage deluxe straps but now my favorite strap is a Fender Tweed. And for $10 it cant be beat.
And all my Teles are under 8lbs so even with light guitars a wide strap just feels better.

 

[Jon Silberman]

Yes.