Comfort, adjustability, and reliability matter way more than flashy designs when you’re standing for long rehearsals or gigs.
Recently I picked up an Ernie Ball guitar strap, and it impressed me so much I immediately wished I’d just bought a second one instead of the cheaper strap I grabbed at a local store.
This post breaks down why this simple strap has become a go-to choice on my PRS SE Custom and why it might be a smart upgrade for you too.
You can grab it here on Amazon if you’re interested.
Overview / First Impressions
The Ernie Ball strap doesn’t try to reinvent anything. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense strap that just works:
- Comfortable on the shoulder
- Extremely adjustable
- Feels higher quality than many similarly priced options
- No weird quirks or design flaws
From the moment I put it on the guitar, it did exactly what a strap should do: hold the instrument securely and comfortably, without drawing attention to itself.
Build Quality & Design
Even though this is a simple strap, the build quality feels “top tier” for its price range.
Key impressions:
- Sturdy material: The webbing feels tough and durable, not flimsy or prone to stretching.
- Solid stitching: The ends and adjustment points feel well-constructed, like they’ll hold up over time.
- Clean hardware: The adjustment buckle works smoothly and doesn’t slip once you set your length.
It’s the kind of strap you put on a guitar and forget about—which is exactly what you want. You don’t feel like you’re babying it or worried it might fail mid-song.
Features & Adjustability
The standout feature of this strap is how adjustable it is.
Wide Adjustment Range
There’s still a lot of extra length available even when set to a comfortable playing position. That means:
- You can wear your guitar fairly high for precise, technical playing.
- Or fairly low if you prefer a more relaxed or rock-style position.
- There’s plenty of room to fine-tune the length to your exact preference.
Instead of being stuck with “almost right,” you can dial in the strap height exactly where you want it.
Works on Different Guitars
I’ve got one on my PRS SE Custom, and it suits the guitar perfectly. The strap feels secure on the strap buttons, and the weight distribution is comfortable whether you’re standing or sitting.
If you’re switching between different guitars—Strats, Les Pauls, PRS, etc.—this kind of flexibility and reliability is exactly what you want from a main strap.
How It Feels in Real Use
After spending time with it, here’s what stands out:
- Zero fuss: It works exactly as it should, with no annoying adjustments or slipping.
- Comfortable for long sessions: The material doesn’t dig into your shoulder or feel cheap.
- Set it and forget it: Once you find your preferred length, it stays there.
Compared to the other strap I picked up at a local store, this Ernie Ball strap feels like money better spent. In hindsight, I wish I had just bought another one of these in a different color instead of trying to save a few bucks on a lesser strap.
Limitations / Things to Know
To keep it honest, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’s a straightforward, functional strap—if you’re looking for leather, padding, or elaborate designs, this isn’t that.
- Locking strap systems are not built in, so if you’re jumping around on stage, you might still want strap locks (as you should with any non-locking strap).
- Aesthetically, it’s more about practicality than flash—great for players who value function over form.
None of these are real “cons” if what you want is a reliable, everyday strap. But it’s worth knowing what you’re getting: quality and simplicity.
Final Thoughts
This Ernie Ball guitar strap is one of those pieces of gear that just quietly does its job perfectly:
- High-quality feel for the price
- Excellent adjustability—high, low, or anywhere in between
- Comfortable and reliable for regular practice or gigging
I have no complaints about it, and I’d easily recommend it to any guitarist looking for a solid, no-drama strap. If you’re on the fence or tired of flimsy, cheap straps, this is a smart upgrade—especially if you want something you can trust on a good guitar like a PRS SE Custom.
Resources & Further Study
If you’re working on your playing and want something useful to practice while you enjoy your new strap, check out this fretboard resource:
Fretboard Memorization Cheat Sheet
All the major and minor triads in every key, laid out using octave mapping and other techniques to help you:
- Memorize the notes on the fretboard
- Understand triads (the foundation of chords and harmony)
- Improvise more confidently in different keys
Get it here:
https://travelingguitarist.com/fretboard-cheatsheet
You can also join the community and talk guitar, music, and more at:
https://forum.travelingguitarist.com