Tech: Banjo Straps

Subject: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: Rapunzel
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 11:53 AM

Has anyone ever used Neotech Super, or Aircell banjo straps? Are they as good as they claim? Is one better than the other?

I'm looking to buy a new strap because I'm finding my banjo heavy and hurting my back and neck when playing for any length of time. (I play an open-back, but it has a heavy tone-ring.)

http://www.neotechstraps.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=11&PRODUCT_SUB_ID= Neotech

http://www.zippack.com/aircell_spec_eng.htm Aircell

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 11:59 AM

Hi Rapunzel,

Before spending a gazillion dollars try a very wide strap. My Ode Longneck ways about 15 lbs. I use a 4" wide leather strap and it supports my banjo quite well and my arthritic neck and shoulders appreciate it.

Wide straps aren't cheap either. I made mine from parts purchased at Tandy leather. But it is comfortable and never too hot.

Don

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: Mzee Simba
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 01:59 PM

The Neotech does not look expensive...$32 is waaaay less than a gazillion.

The Aircell looks like its a strap for a carrying case, not an instrument, and they don't seem to give prices...so?????

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 02:17 PM

$32.00 isn't too much really. Probably worth a try.

D

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 02:33 PM

The Neotech looks reasonable functional, and it has a nice snap attachment so that the strap can be readily disconnected if needed.

I really couldn't find an image of the other brand.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: GUEST,Rapunzel
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 03:41 PM

Thanks for the advice so far...

I've seen Neotechs for about £25. I saw the Aircell for the same price here but put the other link on because it said more about the technology/design.

A wider strap might be ok, but £25/$40 is not a lot to pay if it does the job. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience of these types of thing, and which one should I go for?

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: alex s
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 06:16 AM

We got a good leather one with clips for £17 at the Music Room, Cleckheaton - very comfortable for the old bad back.

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 07:41 AM

Pat Sullivan makes some nice straps. Not big and clunky, but very stylish. His guitar and mandolin straps work very well in my experience, don't see why his banjo straps shouldn't be just as good.
http://www.sullysstraps.com/

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 02:09 PM

Hi Ms Rapunzel,

I have pondered straps and banjos a bit. I have a heavy Framus tenor. I bought a big fat bass guitar strap and it's comfortable. If i play sitting down the weight is taken on my lap but I still get some upper left arm pain.

I think this is due to some residual injury but I have also noticed that I lift my left arm up as a finger the frets and this could be the source of the problem. I feel sure posture etc. is related to my pains.

Best wishes and look forward to seeing you both sooner or later

L in C

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: foggers
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 04:30 PM

I have recently bought a Neotech strap - my banjo is kind of middling weight (sorry I don't have it to hand to slap on the scales and give you accurate poundage!) and I have back and shoulder problems. I tried a wider strap (donated off a friend's acoustic bass) but it still dug in and seemed to contribute to stillness of neck and left shoulder.

After a couple of gigs, and a whole 4 hours at a banjo workshop recently,as well as various jams I think I have road tested the new Neotech strap enough to say that it is a marked improvement on the usual run of the mill style. It seems to distribute the weight more widely around my shoulders and back, and the slightly spongey padded quality of the strap has a cushioning effect. I am glad I got it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 11:52 AM

Of course, if you want one that is beautiful as well as practical , contact Bill Sables.

RtS

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: Rapunzel
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 04:09 PM

Thanks Foggers - I think that tells me what I needed to know. I think I'll order the Neotech.

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo Straps
From: GUEST,Ken
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 05:55 PM

After going through various straps (starting back in the 1960s when choices were limited) I discovered the Neotech straps. I now use Neotech on my longneck Ode, my logneck Gold Tone and my resonator Morgan Monroe. Also got a Neotech guitar strap for one of my guitars (Martin Dreadnought). I love 'em! Also, I found them on e-Bay for about $25