So I go into my local Guitar Center (known online as Musician's Friend), to check the better rock straps that don't cost too much. First, I'm visually dazzled by the LM Products Studded Strap for $12.99 (pic at left), but although it comes in 2 widths, it's both MUCH too short for my 5'10" height, and I dreadfully imagine the studs scratching my guitar.

Next is Perri's Poly Guitar Strap 2 (right), also just $12.99. This one has the bare minimum length of 54" so it goes home with me. Unfortunately, after just a couple wears the fabric beads up, becomes dingy beyond detergent-repair, and the leather holes stretch fast. (But one must install strap-locks on a bass anyway.)

So I return to nab this $15.99 treasure, the Ralph Marlin Optic Impression Strap with the Sun/Moon pattern to match my gold bass (pic of me and strap at left). Holy cow, a full 61-inches-long! Strap locks on this for sure though, as the leather ends are even thinner than the Perri's. I like how this feels, and especially, looks. I hope you agree.

Scott "The Bard" Wilcox, aka tocs100, is a musician, Mystic Fx Stompbox designer, filmmaker, and former English teacher, living in Utah.