The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Guitar Strap

Are you choosing your guitar shoulder strap based on little more than a whim?

"I'm just using the strap that came with my beginner's set, but is this really good enough?" "My strap keeps slipping while I'm playing." "I want something with a design that reflects my personality more." If you play guitar, you've likely had thoughts like these at least once, haven't you?

A guitar shoulder strap (guitar strap) is more than just a tool for hanging your instrument. It is an essential partner that significantly influences your musical experience, from the ease of playing and the strain on your shoulders to how you look on stage.

In this article, 708works, a maker of handmade guitar straps in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, will offer advice from a craftsman’s perspective on the key points to consider so you don't make a mistake when choosing your shoulder strap.

3 Checkpoints for Choosing a Guitar Shoulder Strap

1. "Material and Width" that Determine Shoulder Strain

The cause of shoulder pain during long practice sessions or live performances is often found in the material and width of the strap. While inexpensive nylon straps are light and convenient, when they support a heavy guitar, the weight concentrates at a single point and can dig into your shoulder.

In this regard, a sturdy cowhide leather strap disperses the weight through its appropriate thickness and width. The appeal of genuine leather is that it becomes more comfortable on your shoulder the more you use it, eventually fitting like a part of your own body.

2. "Ease of Length Adjustment" Suited to Your Playing Style

"I'll make it a bit longer since I'm playing this song standing up, and shorter since I'll be sitting for the next one"—have you ever wanted to change your strap length mid-performance? With traditional straps, you have to take it off your shoulder and adjust the hole position, which is difficult to do during a live show.

The solution to such worries is the Courier | A guitar strap with one-handed length adjustment. You can shorten it by simply pulling the rear tab with one hand, or lengthen it by lifting it with your finger, allowing you to reach your ideal position without stopping your performance.

It is highly durable and stays in place even during intense movement on stage—a reliable feature. It is a model we highly recommend for guitarists who want to be freed from the stress of adjusting their strap length.

3. "Design" to Express Your Individuality

A guitarist's presence on stage can change dramatically with just a single strap. If you’re going to get one, you want to choose a unique design that stands out from the crowd, right?

The hallmark of 708works is our "Uroko (Scale) Strap," known for its beautiful, organic curves reminiscent of fish scales. The classic model, folklore | A scale-like guitar strap, features a three-dimensional form finished by hand by our craftsmen, one piece at a time.

For those who want to customize the color scheme to their own preference, we recommend the genuine leather guitar strap folklore | Custom color order page. You can design a one-of-a-kind combination while checking a real-time preview from a palette of 20 colors.

For the demanding you who wants both functionality and design

"I can't compromise on ease of adjustment while playing, nor on a one-of-a-kind design"—the duet - CW73 answers these demanding desires.

By taking the "best of both worlds" from our two popular models—the classic-feeling "Wellington" and the highly functional "Courier"—this strap allows for stepless length adjustment while maintaining an impressive scale silhouette. It is the perfect choice for those who don't want to compromise on either appearance or comfort.

Don't give up even if your guitar has only one strap pin

Many acoustic guitars and ukuleles have a strap pin only on the bottom of the body. For those of you who want to attach a strap but are short a pin, our Onstage attachment is a convenient solution that allows you to attach a strap without drilling holes in your instrument. It allows you to use your favorite shoulder strap on any instrument with peace of mind.

More freedom in your playing with your favorite strap

The key to choosing a guitar shoulder strap without regrets lies in the balance of these three elements: shoulder strain, ease of length adjustment, and design.

Because it is something you pick up every day, choose one that accompanies your musical life without compromising on either function or design. At 708works, we cheer for your playing to become more free and enjoyable through the straps our craftsmen put their hearts into making, one by one. If any model catches your eye, please feel free to pick it up and try it out.