Click to visit Sweetwater Click to visit Gearank

The Best Acoustic Guitar Straps – Steel String & Classical

Don’t wait until your beloved instrument falls on the floor, or worse, on your toes, secure your guitar with a functional and stylish strap. Listed below are some of the best acoustic guitar straps available that we categorized based on their form and functionality.

Advertisement:

What to look for in an Acoustic Guitar Strap

If you think that your guitar is safe with old/cheap/free guitar straps, think again. I for one felt the pain of having my strat fall on my toes while performing, and I don’t ever want to find out how much damage a fall like that will do to an acoustic guitar, leading me to take my guitar strap choice seriously. If you’re looking at your guitar strap right now and you have doubts, better act on it before it’s too late.

In line with my little anecdote, reliability is of primary importance when looking for a guitar strap. You should choose one that fits your guitar properly, unless you want it to fall at the most inconvenient moment. So replace your beat up strap sooner to save yourself from unnecessary repair and medical expenses. Also important is how the strap looks, you can either have it match or supplement the colors of your guitar, or pick a neutral color that fades in the background.

Note that acoustic guitars have different strap accommodation setups. Most of the time, there are two strap buttons which can easily work with generic guitar straps, but there are some guitars that have less than two strap buttons which require adapters or specialized lace that wrap around the headstock. We have selected some of the best straps available that will work on your specific strap button setup.

Contents:

1. Generic Acoustic Guitar Straps

2. Headstock Loop Guitar Straps

3. Classical Guitar Straps

4. Acoustic Guitar Strap Adapters

1. Generic Acoustic Guitar Straps:

For guitars that have two strap buttons/pins – the most common set up

These are the commonly available straps which work with guitars that have two strap pins installed. Since these straps work for both acoustic and electric guitars, they are easy to come by and comes with a variety of style, materials and sizes. They are also cost effective because you can use them on multiple instruments.

Planet Waves Lock

Planet Lock Guitar Strap

Planet Waves knows the ever present danger of straps loosing their hold on guitars, and as such they thought of a way to better secure them. The result is Planet Waves Lock Strap, which has a special locking mechanism that latches securely on your guitar’s end pins, unlike leather that tend to loosen up with age. This locked hold on the the guitar gives you the confidence to move around as you perform, and for something that’s really affordable, it feels like a true upgrade from conventional guitar straps.Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Levy's M8

Levy’s M8 Poly Guitar Strap

Levy’s is a popular brand when it comes to guitar straps, known for their elegant style and reliability, and the Levy’s M8 is one of their top selling products. It doesn’t have any fancy locks or aesthetics, but it does its job efficiently and reliably, and it does so without having to extend your budget. Because of its neutral look, this 2” strap easily fades to the background, without compromising reliability, thanks to the lightweight woven “soft hand” polypropylene materials. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Fender Soft Tweed Strap

Fender Vintage Tweed Strap

This is a popular guitar strap because of its vintage appeal. This 2″ Soft Tweed Strap features the same look as Fender’s famous classic tweed amps, while still retaining a comfortable and straightforward configuration. To get the look and feel right, Fender employed softened versions of the same materials which they use on Fender Tweed amps and cases. It features brown leather end tabs with the famous Fender “F” logo. This strap adjusts for 35-72″ long is a perfect match for Fender branded acoustics and parlor guitars. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Levy's DM1

Levy’s DM1 Acoustic Guitar Strap

The DM1 is another popular leather guitar strap from Levy’s. This one comes with a more elegant leather material and a comfortable width of 2.5”. Giving it a more premium appeal is a decorative double stitch that makes the strap standout. Its length is adjustable from 38″ to 53″. To make the leather more pronounced, the DM1 features a neutral suede back which enhances the front colors. It has an adjustable harness like design. For taller players you can avail of the XL size which adds 12″ to overall length. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Martin Fabric Strap

C. F. Martin Fabric Strap

If not for the C. F. Martin & Co. brand, this fabric strap is just your basic acoustic strap, but it is precisely because of the brand name that this strap has become a popular choice. Each strap follows the same strict quality standards as their guitars, resulting in a truly great looking and reliable strap that will last for a long time. And since it is made from fabric, the strap is lighter weight and comes in a variety of colorful designs. This strap is 3″ wide and comes with genuine cowhide leather with a gold C.F. Martin & Co. logo. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Taylor Suede Guitar Strap

Taylor Suede Guitar Strap

This Taylor Suede Guitar Strap is nice looking strap that is designed to match the acoustic guitar strap buttons installed on Taylor guitars. The Taylor logo embroidered on the back gives you the assurance of quality. The strap works well with other guitars as well and is a favorite among acoustic guitarists because of its broken-in feel and the non-slip suede surface. This one is a bit on the premium side, but it’s reliability and premium look is well worth the price tag. You can choose between black, honey and chocolate colors. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Scarf Guitar Straps

Scarf Guitar Straps

Here’s something completely different from the usual types of straps. Capturing Couture provide a range of scarf straps with different designs in addition to more traditionally designed guitar straps with floral arrangements on them. So if you want to look very different to most other guitarists then take a look and see if you like them. Go to Capturing Couture for more information.

2. Headstock Loop Guitar Straps:

For guitars with one strap pin at the bottom and no top strap pin

These guitar straps are meant for guitars that have one strap pin installed. They are a good alternative to using shoelaces or other guitar strap adapters. These guitar straps will also let you avoid having to drill another acoustic guitar strap button into your guitar. These straps have the usual button hole on the bottom pin end, and a distinctive “loop” or “string” edge at the headstock end. You simply tie the string end on the headstock, preferrably right above the nut and below the strings.

Levy's MC8A

Levy’s MC8A

This 2″ cotton guitar strap is specifically designed for guitars with just one end pin, featuring a 3/8″ cotton webbing loop used to connect to the headstock of your guitar. The other end of the strap which attaches to the strap pins are made of suede for secure attachment. You can adjust the length up to 70″ with its tri-glide adjustment system. Nothing fancy going on the aesthetics side, which means that your audience is focused on your guitar and guitar playing rather than the strap. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Performance Plus Strap with Ties

Performance Plus Strap with Ties

This strap from a lesser known brand is a true hidden gem among the many affordable straps available in the market. It combines the versatility of a generic strap and comes with ties that you can use to tie the strap on to the headstock, right under the strings, making it ideal for acoustics with just one strap button. I for one have had a retro looking guitar strap with ties and it has served me well. The only downside to using ties is that it takes time to properly secure. This is a great affordable guitar strap that anyone can benefit from. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com

Levy's MSS6

Levy’s MSS6

This is a premium looking suede leather guitar strap from Levy’s. It is 2.5″ wide and gets wider around the shoulder which better distributes the weight of the guitar for improved comfort and balance. Additional cosmetic appointments include a decorative black piping and suede backing. You can adjust the length from 44″ to 64″ to match your stance and a longer XL version adds 12″ to the overall length should you need it. Beauty comes at a price though, so prepare to spend a bit more on this one. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

3. Classical Guitar Straps:

For guitars that have no strap button, mostly classical guitars and older acoustics

These are guitar straps built for acoustic / classical guitars with no strap buttons. It looks much like an ID lace with a plastic hook at the end. You simply guide the lace behind and under the guitar at its waist, and then wrap it around as if catching the guitar while hooking the plastic hook to the bottom of the sound hole. Word of caution, although it is convenient, this is strap is not stable, you need to have at least one hand on the guitar to ensure that it doesn’t fall.

Neotech Slimline Classical Strap

Neotech Slimline Classical Strap

The Neotech Slimline Classical Strap is a good alternative to the traditional classical guitar strap. It features a unique cross-chest design which gives added comfort and stability and for both men and women. The Slimline Classical Strap combines neoprene, a high-tech memory foam core and your choice of webbing or top-grade leather with a rich distressed oil finish. While this is not as secure as conventional guitar straps, it does offer more portability and can be used on any guitar, with or without the help of a strap button. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

D'Andrea Classical Guitar Strap Woven

D’Andrea Classical Guitar Strap Woven

This classical guitar strap features assorted woven tapestry designs with heavy padded vinyl backing. It sports a heavy duty plastic hook which you will use to secure your guitar. D’Andrea designed this strap to be lightweight and straightforward. It is a basic, affordable, practical and sturdy guitar strap, and I for one didn’t have any problems using it, even when I was moving around quite a bit. The color options might be a bit awkward for serious classical players so better pick the color that you like when buying. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Levy's M20 Nylon Classical Guitar Strap

Levy’s M20 Nylon Classical Guitar Strap

This is a simple nylon classical guitar strap with plastic sound-hole hook. It features tri-glide adjustments which you can set anywhere between 27″ to 36″. This strap follows the tried and tested traditional hook set up, focusing more on convenience and comfort with its thin 1″ width. It’s “barely there” design makes it great emphasizing the aesthetics of your instrument. The M20 also works well with Parlor guitars, Ukuleles and other small bodied string instruments, as long as they have sound holes. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

4. Acoustic Guitar Strap Adapters:

Guitar Strap adapters are designed to let you use generic guitar straps with acoustic guitars that have no top strap button. They are mostly tied on the headstock and feature a button or string that will connect to your generic guitar straps. They are convenient to use, allowing you to change guitars without having to switch your guitar strap. The cheapest but unsafe alternative is using shoelaces.

Martin Guitar Leather Strap Button

Martin Guitar Leather Strap Button

This is a good looking accessory to any acoustic guitar. You only have to strap it the headstock of your acoustic guitar and use its nylon button to connect your guitar strap. This will let you use guitar straps that would otherwise need a string to tie up to your headstock. The Martin Guitar Leather Strap Button is stylish if you leave it on and should you take it off, it does not leave scratches or marks on the headstock. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Neotech Acoustic Guitar and Banjo Adaptor Loop

Neotech Acoustic Guitar and Banjo Adaptor Loop

The Neotech Acoustic Guitar and Banjo Adaptor Loop is a multi purpose strap adapter. It works for banjos and other stringed instruments that have no top strap button. It has a soft tubular nylon ring which you simply attach to the headstock of your guitar. The sturdy leather button then connects to your favorite guitar strap. Its simple and easy to use, it’s just a string with a button at the end. Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Planet Waves Quick-Release Guitar Strap System

Planet Waves Quick-Release Guitar Strap System

The Quick-Release Guitar Strap System turns your guitar straps into hassle free and flexible guitar straps. One end attaches to your acoustic guitar’s headstock, while the other end will attach to your favorite guitar strap, easily attach the two together and quickly squeeze the clips to detach when done. It is an efficient tool that is built to be sturdy and strong while maintaining a small and lightweight profile. The best thing about it is its price, it’s so affordable that you can put one on each of your guitars for hassle free changing of instruments.Get the latest price & reviews at Amazon.com.

Related News:

Cheap Acoustic Guitars Buyer’s Guide

Acoustic Pickup Systems

acoustic guitar
If you’re looking for acoustics in the sub $1000 price range, then take a look at our further recommendations here.
 

acoustic-electric
The 5 Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $500.
 

1 thought on “The Best Acoustic Guitar Straps – Steel String & Classical”

  1. The Setti Guitar Harness
    joe

    The Setti Guitar Harness Strap is my favorite acoustic guitar strap. It is a screwless guitar strap. I didn’t want to drill holes and screws into my guitar so I searched the internet for a screw free guitar strap. I found a website http://www.settiguitarharnessstrap.com and really liked what I saw. Not only is this strap screw free, I also believe that it helps me produce better tones than regular guitar straps by cradling the guitar by the rim of the instrument.

Leave a Reply