Many professional banjo players know the importance of having banjo straps. If one looks in the professional videos or the experts performing, they all are seen wearing the best banjo straps, and there is a reason for that.
The problem lies in the newbies when they are excited about the banjo and buy it without giving a thought about the straps.
The banjo straps are crucial because they help one to balance the banjo properly in their hands when one isn’t sitting on the floor.
The best banjo straps are known to provide comfort to people who play banjos for long hours and help to maintain their posture.
Straps are also good for people who have back, or neck problems as the best banjo straps help one hold the banjo and provide support on their back or neck.
It is also good for people who have less core strength, as some banjos might be heavy, so the best banjo straps might help one to hold the Banjo in the air and provide support to the player.
But the problem arises when people are not able to find the straps as per their requirements. There are no best Banjo straps, but people have different requirements making different banjo straps best for them.
Although there are a few types and categories, one can choose the straps from many options. Given below are the most popular categories, and the best banjo straps as per many people.
Best banjo straps Reviews
Factors to look for before one buying a banjo strap
Before one gets into the best banjo strap and their reviews, it is better to know how to choose a banjo strap and what factors one has to follow while buying it.
Although, one knows that, they fully can’t tell if the banjo strap one has decided to buy or not is good for one. Only after buying it, one can understand the true quality of the banjo strap.
Therefore, if one already has a banjo strap in mind and want to buy it, they must make sure to read the comments of others to find out how that particular strap is and if it has a high rating in these factors:
- The comfort:
The most crucial aspect and factor one must look for in a banjo strap is comfort. One has to tie the banjo strap around the neck: therefore, ensure to see if the banjo strap is comfortable on one’s neck.
Many people have neck problems: they tie it a bit lower on their neck. Therefore there shouldn’t be any rash marks made or any type of strain caused by the strap.
- The quality:
Another thing one should look for in the banjo strap is the quality. Make sure that the banjo strap has a warranty and lasts for long days.
It shouldn’t get weakened by the weight of the banjo and stay right where it is around the shoulder. One shouldn’t feel any raw material on the outer surface of the strap.
- The material:
There are many materials one can choose from to get a banjo strap. There is leather, suede, nylon, and polyester.
Most musical experts and artists use leather banjo straps. These artists always go for live sessions and stand on the stage for a long time. Leather is a strong material if one wants to perform for long periods.
Just like this, each material has its own merit. And depending on how one wants to play the banjo, one has to select the material.
- The size:
Another thing one needs to check is the size of the banjo strap. Although, many straps come with a resizable belt these days.
Although, the main aspect of the size is the width of the strap, don’t go for straps that are tiny in width, as they have high chance of breaking quite easily.
After one is clear about all the factors that should be considered while buying banjo straps, it’s time to look at some best banjo straps out there.
Best banjo straps – Buying Guide
1. The best banjo cradle strap: Neotech Super Banjo Strap, Black
Description:
- The neotech super banjo strap has internal control and stretch system.
- It weighs around 5.6 ounces.
- It is designed to absorb shocks created from playing the banjo.
- It has solid buckles and new loops.
Performance:
The Neotech super banjo strap uses strong buckles to the sides to join the loops so that the weight is evenly distributed.
It helps the player to securely hold the banjo and play it with more comfort while not giving it much weight.
Comparison:
The Neotech company is popular for making banjo straps. This strap is more solid and strongly built when compared to other cradle straps.
The built is solid, and the strap is flexible enough for all the weight creating a secured buckle grip on the banjo.
Usage:
All the banjo players use this banjo strap. People who especially have lower gripping strength or have problems with the weight of their banjo, can use this strap.
Pros:
- The strap is light weighted.
- It is easy to use and handles banjo easily.
- It is strong and can hold heavy weights.
- Easy for using the buckles.
Cons:
- Keeping it straight can be difficult.
- May confuse people who are using it the first time.
What’s new?
The straps have been fixed with minor changes such as the width has been increased, and now people will have more durability, and the banjo strap will go on for more days and months.
Why should you buy it?
People who have problems with their shoulders or people who have a heavy banjo should buy this strap. It is meant for heavy banjos and can make one feel comfortable while playing it.
2. The best open back banjo strap: Lakota Leathers Banjo Strap Non-Cradle 2
Description:
- The Lakota leather banjo strap is a non-cradle strap made for people who don’t like cradle straps.
- These straps are made of soft leather.
- The strap has two tails at the end.
Performance:
As it is stated, the strap has two tails at the end. These tails loop around the banjo and help one to hold it up. Therefore most of the weight of the banjo is on the strap.
Comparison:
If one compares this strap with others, the quality of this strap stands out. It is made of soft leather, and one won’t even feel that a banjo strap has been wrapped around them.
Usage:
One can use this strap if one has a heavy banjo or want a banjo strap that isn’t rough on the skin. People use it for long performance because of its smoothness.
Pros:
- The strap is easy to use.
- It doesn’t require much effort to wrap.
- Good for heavy banjos.
- Better for long performances.
Con:
- Isn’t much of a use for cradle lovers.
- What’s new?
The banjo strap has increased production and made the material and quality softer. One can expect a soft-quality banjo strap.
Why should you buy it?
People who need a strap that holds banjos for a longer period of time should get this one. Since the banjo strap is soft, one won’t feel anything, and the banjo will be held by the strap making it good for long performances.
3. The best nato strap band: BARTON Watch Bands – Ballistic Nylon Military Style
Description:
- The strap is available in various sizes.
- It is made of Nylon.
- The built is strong and tight.
Performance:
One can expect this strap to live for a long time and for many years because it is made of nylon.
Comparison:
One thing this strap can be compared to is the toughness. This strap won’t lose to any other straps in toughness if compared.
Usage:
People who want to usually play for short duration should use this strap. It is because although it’s tough, it can be rash on the skin.
Pros:
- Tough material.
- No difficult process to tie it.
Cons:
- Not good for longer usage.
- Can be rough on the skin.
What’s new?
The manufacturers are constantly trying to keep the material tight and upgraded it to a new level.
Why should you buy it?
People who want a strap to use for a short duration of time can buy it. One can even buy it just for the reason of toughness and as it doesn’t break easily.
4. The best clawhammer banjo strap: Gretsch G Brand Banjo Strap, Blue
Description:
- The Gretsch H brand banjo strap has two inches long straps.
- The material used is weave cotton and leather at the back.
- The strap weighs around 4 ounces.
Performance:
The strap is light weighted, therefore, should be used for light banjos or for performances that won’t go long.
Comparison:
The two things about this strap that stand out when compared with other straps are the light weightiness, and other is the soft material.
Usage:
People who plan to play banjo for a short duration of time can use this strap. The material is soft, one can use it if one wants a softer strap on their skin.
Pros:
- It is soft.
- It is light weighted.
- Good for short sessions.
Cons:
- Can’t handle long performances.
- The strap isn’t much wide.
What’s new?
The strap has been redesigned, and one can see patterns on it. The material is made as strong as possible to hold a banjo.
Why should you buy it?
People who play banjo as a hobby can buy it, as the strap isn’t suitable for a long session and won’t help any experts.
5. The best leather banjo strap: Perri’s Leathers Ltd. – Banjo Strap – Leather – Foil Embossed- Red Rose – Brown- Adjustable
Description:
- The Perri leather banjo strap is five inches long.
- The strap is around four ounces in weight.
- The strap is made of two different types of leather for the best performance.
Performance:
It is a leather strap: therefore, one can use this banjo strap for long periods to play the banjo. The banjo strap has all the average qualities of a banjo strap, excluding the design, which is extraordinary.
Comparison:
If one compares this strap to other straps, the design of this strap stands out, and one can see it has a unique design and style.
Usage:
This strap can be used by all people. One can use it for short performances or for long periods of banjo sessions.
Pros:
- Elegant design.
- Hard leather made.
- Can be used by all people.
Con:
- It is a bit expensive for a strap.
What’s new?
The strap has come up with a different design. It has a dark theme with a rose in the center.
Why should you buy it?
People who are stage performers and love glamour can get this strap because of its design and coating.
FAQs
1. Should one use banjo straps?
Yes! If one has any neck problems or waist problems, one can use the straps to ease the pain. One can also use straps if the banjo is held up in the arm and not on the floor.
2. Why do people use banjo straps?
The majority of people use the best banjo straps to play the banjo more comfortably. The other reasons include to ease the heaviness of a banjo, to help one support the banjo in the air, and to carry it through the whole performance.
I own a music instruments shop. My go to instrument is a banjo. My business makes it easier for me to access the instruments from various brands and of various types. I will give my honest opinion here to help out others in choosing the right instrument for them.