Y-Strap.

Some of you will no doubt remember me saying in mid-2002 that I was trying out the Slider Strap and Y-Strap, subsequent to my posture-related RSI.

Some will probably remember me saying that the Slider Strap was rubbish. It is. To remind you, the problem with it was that it pulls the guitar an inch or so in the 'head' direction, meaning a highly uncomfortable left hand position.

Anyway, I've decided that the Y-Strap is not good either. It really makes the guitar lighter and actually pulls the guitar heelwards, meaning less of a stretch on the left. Unfortunately, the shape of the strap means that it has to rest on the middle your deltoids (the muscles either side of the neck) rather than settling in the bony hollow where the weight should rest. I don't think that this is good for those muscles, or indeed your neck.

Sadly, a big semi-solid is really quite heavy.

I'm not convinced that an extra side strap is the answer either as this'll just transfer weight from the hollow onto soft tissues.

Hohum... looks time to retire my 335 copy and get a Lace Helix or a Steinberger.... (just as well the shop let me return the parts I'd bought for shop credit)

I had exactly the same trouble with a 335-pattern guitar (heavy b*gger). After walking around with one shoulder lower than the other for a while, I bought an inflatable guitar strap - kinda like a lilo on your shoulder - and it works for me. Picture available at: http://www.pcgreen.co.uk/notreallyhere/DSCF0063.JPG

I think it's a Jim Dunlop product; I can check if it's of interest.

Must be very useful safety feature for any non-swimmers who are playing on a cruise liner...

<heads for cloakroom>

Cheers

BLACKFIRE band web site: www.blackfire.co.uk

Bristol & District Campaign for Real Ale: www.camrabristol.org.uk

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