Just before Christmas, I noticed these bad boys on the internet and got very excited. Excited over guitar straps? Man, I do lead a sad life!
Seriously though, the excitment came from the fact that being disabled thanks to a well knackered spine, and the fact that I play guitars that are far to heavy for a
working mule, finally I saw something that could help me continue playing in relative comfort.
So I contacted D’Addario and before I knew it, two straps arrived at my front door just in time to test them out over the Christmas and New Year gig frenzy.
So I fitted the Auto lock strap to my Strat and the normal attached strap to ‘Eddie,’ my dear Gretsch.
Construction & Design
The straps are extremely well made and attractive. The straps come in black neoprene, very nicely padded and with a leather reinforcement by the clip. It has a curved ergonomic shape to fit snug on the shoulder and a good adjusting buckle finishing off a fully comfortable experience without compromise. All in all, for design and practicality, a full 10 out of 10.
Performance
Fitting the auto lock couldn’t be easier, just lift the locking clip, slide on to the guitar button and release the clip. Done!
On the down side, the auto lock doesn’t fit all strap buttons, in particular, in the case of my EJ200, due to the jack/ strap button combo, the auto lock isn’t suitable. Saying that the other stap worked fine. Not a complaint or fault but just something to bear in mind when choosing your strap. It was also the same case for my two Gretsch’s but in fairness the Gretsch buttons are just weird. Good, but weird.
So what about comfort while playing? In short, absolutely stunning. My first night out with both straps, I actually forgot about any discomfort that I normally experience.
It wasn’t just the shoulder ache which can happen from cheap straps wearing down the bones but the curved ergonomic shape and soft neoprene padded material just about eliminated my back pain. And I’m not just saying that to suck up to D’Addario.
I’ve tried a lot of straps, some padded straps work up to a point but as the night wears on things can get a little uncomfortable for me as the strap moves about. This was just not the case with my two new friends. Again, the design is that good, the straps stay in place and simply spread and cushion the load.
These straps are perfect not only for people with weak backs like me but also ideal for Bass players or indeed any style of guitarist that plays for any amount of time. Here’s a piece of personal advice regarding looking after your back and shoulders, prevention is better than cure…
Pro’s & Cons
Pro’s
This one is easy. design is awesome. From the snazzy auto lock system, the beautiful curved ergonomic shape, the very comfy wide neoprene padding to the leather ends, you know you have a very decent strap.
Comfort wise, as I’ve reported is second to none. Seriously folks, think about looking after yourselves for the future and buy something that will protect you. In short, a soft, wide comfortable strap with little or no movement. Oh yeah, one final thing, they look bloody good too…
Cons:
So what can I say for this category? Not very much to be honest. The only thing I can mention is what I’ve already said in that the auto lock doesn’t fit all but that is not a fault as D’Addario has also designed the Comfort Neoprene strap with regular fittings. All I will say on that one is just take the time to check which one suits your guitar.
I suppose if I’m really scrapping the barrel, I haven’t seen these straps for left handed players yet but I’m sure D’Addario are miles ahead of me and if one doesn’t exist, I’m sure there soon will be.
Pricing
Well, these aren’t a giveaway as you would expect but they are not too expensive either. In fact, when you consider the benefits they give and compared to other padded wide straps, they’re bloody cheap.
The Comfort Neoprene retails at £46.50 while the Comfort Neoprene with Autolock retails at £51.50 from D’Addario’s online store. Definitely value for money.
Summary
I think it’s all been said. Thses are great straps from start to finish. Looks, pacticallity, comfort, pricing, it has it all. Regardless of what you play, when you are thinking about your next strap, think about the Comfort Neoprene range as an investment rather than an accessory. You really won’t regret the decision.
I’m looking forward to seeing how they stand up to ‘Father Time’.
For more information, check out D’Addario’s website.
https://www.daddario.com
Review by Paul George
Images Courtesy of D’Addario