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| Mono Case "Betty" Strap ReviewBasses are heavy. 34" scales and solid tone requires mass, with the result subjecting our backs and shoulders to between 8 and 12+ pounds. For bassists, straps are not a fashion accessory, they are our keys to longevity. Having shopped around and tried all kinds of straps, I came to two conclusions: straps are wide and uncomfortable or narrow and painful. There are a few that meet the balance in the middle, but they are compromises at best. With the readily available hi-tech materials of today, it was time for someone to step up and provide us with something better. Mono has been around for a while and they make top flight equipment bags, but have recently stepped into the strap market. Having been impressed with their stuff in the past, I picked up a Betty strap to try. Introducing Betty. At 3" wide and in two length ranges, short (40"-46") and long (47"-59"), it falls into a the slimmer end of straps suitable for bass. But what sets her apart is how she uses that 3" width: a composite of material over neoprene with a ladder like stitch pattern. This gives it a suple feel while completely eliminating the "bungy" feel that is too prevalent in other neoprene designs. The material top also gives the designers some latitude for aesthetic, with three material types and a few different colours. I went for the Smoke Ultra-suede! Other cool features are rubber-like strap ends that fit easily and securely over strap pins. Riveted critical areas. A hidden pick pocket for after you flick your signature picks into the crowd. Acid test: comfort. After adjusting the length to suit (I went for the short length as my punk days are long gone...) and settling in for a good session, I was amazed at the total comfort. I've tried my fair share of wide, narrow and "comfort" straps and the Betty blew them all away! After getting really into it for a couple of weeks I swapped back to my old favourite (a 3.5" suede Levy) but it was short test, no comparison. One item I might add a a potential down side for some is that the strap does not slide very well on your shirt. One friend insists that all his straps are "slippery" as he moves his guitar a lot, but I like the locked-in feel of the neoprene. I now have the Betty on both my basses. The Levy is thrown in as a "bonus" with a bass I am selling. In an unsolicited second opinion, a friend dropped in to give my Rob Allen a test and was full of praise at how comfy the strap feels. Manufacturer link: http://www.monocase.com/mono-gs1-betty.asp
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Mono Case "Betty" Strap Review
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