Shoulder hurts - stress relieving guitar strap recommendations?

oldfoxy

This is a very timely post. Just had to have a pacemaker fitted and it's right where a strap sits, right by the collar bone. Played standing for the first time last night after having it done a couple of weeks ago and it's not comfortable at all with a conventional wide leather strap. Wondering whether a neoprene one would help? Anyone else been in the same situation?

ToneControl

how heavy is the guitar?

those straps that stretch a bit would be good, I had a laptop bag with a strap like that once, really made it feel lighter because it absorbed the pressure when you moved

gusman2x

Definitely physio. And it’s just as likely to be back pain presenting in the shoulder. 

However, the Mono Betty is a great strap for spreading the load comfortably. I’m afraid I’m a bit of a snob, and don’t think it looks that cool. But it sure does the job. 

Megii

ToneControl said:

how heavy is the guitar?

those straps that stretch a bit would be good, I had a laptop bag with a strap like that once, really made it feel lighter because it absorbed the pressure when you moved

Several guitars in fact (I have too many) but mainly they're aren't what you'd consider outrageously heavy - maybe seven to eight pounds or so I'd guess. I have one walnut body strat that's probably more like nine pounds. But when you've got that weight hanging from your shoulder for a couple of hours, several nights a week, I think it can still have an impact. I believe a lot of the neoprene straps do have the stretch you're talking about.

octatonic

Megii said:

ToneControl said:

how heavy is the guitar?

those straps that stretch a bit would be good, I had a laptop bag with a strap like that once, really made it feel lighter because it absorbed the pressure when you moved

Several guitars in fact (I have too many) but mainly they're aren't what you'd consider outrageously heavy - maybe seven to eight pounds or so I'd guess. I have one walnut body strat that's probably more like nine pounds. But when you've got that weight hanging from your shoulder for a couple of hours, several nights a week, I think it can still have an impact. I believe a lot of the neoprene straps do have the stretch you're talking about.

They do.

Also consider playing when seated.

TINMAN82

A lot of people recommending physio first line. Unfortunately you can have all the physio you like but if you don't remove the exacerbant/ cause of repeated strain the symptoms will return. Looking at a better strap or lighter guitar before seeking medical treatment is pretty valid.

Megii

Thanks again for all the advice and recommendations - still have yet to order a strap, but it will be one (or possibly two) from those recommended.

Norwegian_Blue

I tried all the big straps for bass... GruvGear Neo won for me! And with guitar it's like you're not holding anything at all...

Rocker

Is there a strap that loops over both shoulders?

MagicBus

Levy's No1 stretch strap

Grumpyrocker

I was thinking of selling my Les Paul. It was too heavy for my shoulder and causing aches and pains.

And then I bought a KLIQ AirCell strap. Absolutely amazing. Not had a twinge since. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07281SLFH/

zepp76

I don’t know if it’s already been mentioned but what about one of those straps/slings that Walter Trout uses that goes over both shoulders? It’ll spread the weight evenly and should help ease the pain.

Edit: https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Planet-Waves-Dare-Guitar-Strap-Black/DGY?origin=product-ads&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImt-cqsPu5AIV2eFRCh0u8gXwEAQYASABEgKx8fD_BwE