Meet Randy Kertz, D.C.
Something that I have been working on lately is designing the perfect
bass guitar strap. This isn't easy there are a variety of materials
available, both for the outside and inside of the straps and many
things to consider. What is most comfortable for the inside? Does the
outside slip on the shoulder? Does it not move enough? Does it look
cool?
Here are some things to think about when considering straps:
A shoulder strap will cut into the shoulder it is lying on, especially
if the strap isn't padded. Because some of the muscles of the shoulder
attach to the neck and back of the head they will pull down on those
areas causing discomfort. They can also cause a pinched nerve, a
condition in which a nerve is compromised so that you feel sharp pain
or numbness and tingling going down the arm from the neck, sometimes up
to your elbow, sometimes into your fingers. This happens because the
nerves that go down your arm all gather in a place called a plexus,
which just happens to be the area of the shoulder that the bass strap
lies on and where it tightens up the muscles that overlie this plexus,
which can cause the above symptoms.
When choosing a strap, it is important to pick one that is comfortable.
Generally a wide padded strap at the top of the shoulder area will take
direct pressure off of the collarbone that most regular width straps
will apply. With the wider strap it will rest on the whole shoulder
rather than on one specific area, i.e. the plexus. Once set, the strap
should be holding the bass at the same level all the time, and should
be used whether standing, sitting, or while performing and practicing
so that the bass will always be at the proper height for the player.
Strap height is one of the most common problems facing electric bass
players. Playing too low can hyperextend your fretting hand and wrist,
while playing too high puts pressure on the plucking hand and wrist
putting them in a state of hyperflexion. Ideally, one should try to
keep the wrists in a neutral position so that they aren't bent forward
or backward in such a way as to cause discomfort.
A poorly designed gig bag can produce the same symptoms caused by the
strap cutting into the shoulder. A good gig bag will have two straps on
the back so that you can wear it in the center, backpack style, which
will reduce the pressure that would be put on one side or the other by
the standard over the shoulder gig bag. When you use one side of the
body more than the other, whether playing or carrying, this can cause
muscles in the back to tighten and develop asymmetrically. This can
cause problems most commonly in the mid back between the shoulder
blades. If you do use a gig bag with one strap on for one shoulder,
break it up by wearing it on one shoulder one day and the other the
next to give yourself a break.
In my quest to design the perfect bass strap, I am always open to
comments, suggestions, or any experience anybody can bring to the
table. Please feel free to
contact me through the magazine or my web site,
www.drkertz.com with any insight or commentary you might have.
Thanks and peace,
Randy
