not another tuba strap post

Bill Troiano · Post by **Bill Troiano** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 4:32 pm

Yes, I'm afraid it is. I think I already asked this a while back, but I'm too lazy to check. Does anyone know of a strap, nicely padded, that I can use with my 621CC? I like where the hooks are on the 621CC, and I am currently using a strap, but after 3 or more hours of strolling dixie playing, my shoulder hurts even with the little tuba. I don't want the MW harness or the Blue Note strap. I'm looking for a quality padded strap, preferably with plastic clips so they don't make a lot noise when I'm putting it on or taking it off. Plus, with clips and hooks, it goes on easy and it's quickly removable. There has to be something out there. Thanks!

tubeast · Post by **tubeast** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 5:27 pm

Why donÂ´t you try an electric bassÂ´ strap ? these tend to be fairly wide (which is more important than padding.You want to reduce pressure on your shoulders. Pressure is the ratio of force over area, not force over softness).

MW supplied me with a nice leather strap to use with my CC-tuba. ItÂ´s just like a large leather belt. The ends are narrow, and laces of fine leather were supplied to kind of "sow" these narrow ends to the belt, closing loops around the hornÂ´s rings.
NO noise, NO scratches, and it looks neat.

No, I donÂ´t ever take the strap off (too lazy to do the tying), but itÂ´s really lightweight and doesnÂ´t bother me when itÂ´s not in use.

TubaRay · Post by **TubaRay** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 5:32 pm

If you can find an appropriate strap that isn't padded, you can always add padding. I purchased a velcro wrap-around pad to add to a strap I had. It worked very well, and was quite comfortable.

circusboy · Post by **circusboy** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 8:58 pm

The Blue Note strap that I have (purchased many years ago) is just like you describe: wide, nicely padded, plastic hook-clips . . .

Are they not like that anymore? And, if they are, what don't you like about them?

Bill Troiano · Post by **Bill Troiano** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:31 pm

I also have a Blue Note strap from many years ago. I used to use it with my 52J, which is a tuba that doesn't have the strap support rings. The Blue Note strap I have uses 1 inch straps that can be fastened anywhere on the horn. Then, the actual shoulder strap clips onto clips on the small straps. What I didn't like about that BN strap was that if you detached the shoulder strap, and you left the 1 inch straps attached to the tuba, they buzzed and vibrated at certain frequencies. They are a nuisance to remove and attach whenver you wanted to use the shoulder strap. However, I used it and found it comfortable on the 52J. Then, I came across the 621CC and found it perfect for these dixie gigs. It has strap support rings that are located properly on the instrument. So, a strap with the clips that attach directly to the rings would be ideal and easy to remove. Having plastic clips would make less noise than plastic ones. Sorry for th eramble, but that is why I'm looking for a good quality strap that attaches directly to the tuba strap support rings. The bass guitar strap sounds like it could be worth looking into. Thanks for that idea, Hans!

GC · Post by GC » Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:49 pm

A good shoe repairman could probably put clip hooks on the end of a bass strap for you.

DLThomas · Post by **DLThomas** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:33 am

I found a strap used for cameras/binoculars at a sporting goods store (if I remember correctly -- it's been awhile since I got it) with the OPTECH brand. It has plastic clips on a 2" wide strap and has a "comfort" foam pad. This is adjustable enough for me to use it with my Besson 983. You might try looking at a local camera store, or a sporting goods store for a gun sling as potential solutions. Here's the OPTECH webpage:

http://optechusa.com/

Dave

chipster55 · Post by **chipster55** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 1:38 pm

I use a camping strap I found at Academy Sports clipped to a sousaphone shoulder pad I strap onto the bow of my horn. With the strap over my left shoulder, it's kind of like holding a guitar. It works great for me with my 3/4 horn.

Bill Troiano · Post by **Bill Troiano** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:06 pm

Just a follow up. I did as Hans suggested and bought a 3 in. wide bass guitar strap for the Yammy 621. I highly recommend this idea for anyone looking for a strap for a tuba that has the support rings mounted in the proper place. I secured the strap with thick plastic twisties (temporary until I find leather laces.) I've played 3 dixie gigs using this strap and never felt any discomfort. Yesterday, I played a 5 hr. strolling dixie gig and it was great. Plus, with the twisties (or leather laces), there isn't any noise when removing the horn from the shoulder. Because there is no noise, I'm content just leaving the strap attached to the horn whether I'm using it or not! I know this is not rocket science, but I never would have thought of it myself. Thanks, Hans!

Tom Holtz · Post by **Tom Holtz** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:19 pm

I like the part about how quiet it is. My metal clasps make a ton of excess noise, not to mention mucking up the finish on my 621. If you find a way to hook/unhook a bass strap easily, I'd love to hear about it.

I don't like the part about a strolling gig that goes 5 hours. They'd better be paying you top coin.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:45 pm

I can't remember the make, but someone makes a bass guitar strap that goes over both shoulders. I never cared for it, because it shifted the body of a bass guitar too far to the left for my playing style, but one of them just might work on a medium sized tuba with rings.

Bill Troiano · Post by **Bill Troiano** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:34 pm

I got through the 5 hr. dixie gig using heavy duty plastic twisties that I had lying aorund in my garage. No noise, but I don't know what kind of life expectancy twisties have. I plan on getting leather laces and tying the strap on with them. There's really no need to detach the strap from the horn because it doesn't make any rattling noise. Besides, it looks cool! The dixie gig itself was actually a lot of fun, and the horn wasn't a pain. The fair was crowded and I constantly ran into people I knew as I played. Plus, play in the luncheonette and get a free hamburger and drink. Play in the old fashion ice cream shop and get free ice cream. Play in front of a beer booth on the street and get free beer. The weather was perfect! And, we got paid pretty good too! This is the life!!!