Strappy Music

About

Here at Strappy Music we are determined to find a new way of playing violin and viola that is more ergonomic. We are continually adjusting and evolving our designs, in search of the perfect strap that looks good, allows for freedom of movement of the neck, and makes advanced techniques easier.

Our straps hold the violin up for you, allowing you to focus fully on playing. Not only do you save on muscular effort in holding the instrument up, you are more able to activate larger muscles for playing. With new-found freedom and peace of mind that the instrument is held in place, new technical and musical paths will open up.

Strappy Model A

This strap holds the violin in standard violin position by clipping to the belt loop of your pants. This means there is no need to use your chin to clamp the violin, and no need for a chin rest! A shoulder rest is recommended for an optimal playing position.

The strap arcs around your back from your hip up to the violin, where it is clipped on to our custom clamp, that uses the same attachment method as a chin rest.

The length of the strap can be adjusted on the fly similar to the straps of a backpack, which controls the exact height of the violin on the shoulder. This strap also features a safety cord that passes around the front of the body, to prevent the violin from falling backwards.

Strappy Model B

This strap holds the violin in a more central and lower position, freeing up both neck and shoulders. Our Strappy B is designed to be quick and easy to put on and off, while also allowing for maximum relaxation of the upper body. Fantastic for folk playing, chopping and moving quickly into guitar/strumming position.

The strap attaches to our custom clamp, arcs around the neck and clips onto a small leather loop at the scroll, similar to a guitar or mandolin strap.

FAQ

How do the straps attach to my violin?

Both straps attach to a custom clamp which comes free of charge with any strap purchase. The clamp uses the same attachment method as a standard chin rest, providing a low-profile and safe connection point for the strap to attach to. You can use a small allen key or chin-rest tool to take off your old chin-rest and attach the new one. As with any chin rest replacement, careful installation of the clamp is required. Be sure to tighten it securely as it is now the main attachment point holding the violin up. If you are unsure, ask your teacher or a qualified luthier.

Why use a strap with a violin? It's not very heavy.

Although the violin is not particularly heavy, it requires an assymetrical posture to play, which in many can lead to neck, shoulder and arm tensions. The strap assists you to find a more ergonomic playing position.

Mandolins, guitars, bass guitars, clarinets, saxophones and many other instruments all use straps to increase the ergonomics of the instrument and decrease pain. So why not for violin?

Will it fit me?

The straps are made to be one size fits all. For smaller humans, you may wish to cut off excess strapping. If it's too small for you, we'll send you a new one for free.

What if I don't wear pants with belt loops?

Strappy Model B might be the strap for you, as this model doesn't require belt loops!

Will it stop all my pain?

We hope that our straps will allow players to move more freely and ergonomically, but reducing pain is also about changing old habits that cause tension. The strap allows you to play in a more ergonomic position, and thus you can start to undo past poor postural habits and eventually play more freely.

There are other violin straps on the market, how do Strappy straps differ?

While almost all violin straps on the market attach to the neck or around the shoulder, Strappy Model A uses a hip-attachment point. This is a more comfortable and ergonomic position that frees up the neck completely. We recommend giving it a go!

Strappy Model B differs from other violin straps in that it supports an innovative and more ergonomic playing position, allowing the arms to be in a lower and more relaxed position, as well as freeing up the shoulders.