Collection: Guitar Straps
Enhance your playing experience with the best guitar and bass straps available at Chicago Music Exchange. Our collection includes a variety of comfortable and durable straps for acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. Additionally, we carry straps for ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, and synths. With options that cater to every style and preference, you can buy online and find the perfect strap to match your instrument and playing needs. Choose from top brands known for quality and comfort, ensuring you play with confidence and ease.
Guitar Straps
A great guitar strap isn’t just an accessory—it’s comfort, security, and stage presence in one piece of gear. At Chicago Music Exchange, we stock one of the deepest selections of guitar and bass straps in the country, with options for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and synths in every style, color, and material you can imagine.
From premium leather straps to vintage-style woven designs, padded ergonomic straps, vegan/nylon options, CME Exclusive collaborations, and boutique models, CME is built to be the answer when players search for “best guitar straps”, “comfortable guitar strap,” or “vintage guitar straps for sale.”
The CME Guitar Strap Collection
Our Guitar Straps collection is curated for real working players: comfortable, durable straps designed to keep your favorite electric or acoustic safe onstage and in the studio. CME’s strap wall includes:
- Leather guitar straps – classic, professional, and built to last
- Padded & wide straps for heavy guitars and basses
- Woven and printed fabric straps for vintage and indie aesthetics
- Vegan/nylon straps for lighter weight and modern comfort
- CME Exclusive designs and limited collaborations
We also carry strap options sized and styled for ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and synth / keytar, so everything that hangs from a strap can hang comfortably.
The Best Strap Brands & Models You’ll find at CME
Lakota Leathers – Luxurious Bison Leather
Lakota Leathers straps are crafted from American bison hide, one of the softest yet most durable leathers available. They’re fantastic choices for both electric and acoustic players, with 2" straps for guitar and 3" straps ideal for bass and heavy electrics, spreading the weight across a wider surface.
Heritage Premium Leather – Padded & Refined
Heritage Premium Leather Guitar Straps use garment-grade leather and built-in foam padding that conforms to your shoulder, offering a buttery-soft feel with a classic, understated look. Adjustable length and premium construction make them perfect for gigging pros who need all-day comfort.
Richter – High-End Leather & Vegan Comfort
Richter straps cover both genuine Nappa leather, padded premium models and vegan-friendly nylon straps like the Stronghold series. Their designs focus on wide widths, soft materials, and long adjustability, ideal for bassists and players with heavy guitars or back/shoulder sensitivity.
Mother Mary – Vintage-Inspired, Patterned Straps
Mother Mary straps bring bold, vintage-style woven fabrics, custom patterns, and hand-dyed leather ends, all made in Missouri. Each strap is slightly unique within each pattern, giving players that “one-of-a-kind” boutique vibe.
Original Fuzz – CME Exclusives & Artist-Vibe Straps
Original Fuzz designs Peruvian and vintage-style guitar straps, including CME Exclusive models you can only get from Chicago Music Exchange. These straps are known for their artist-inspired patterns (e.g., Kurt Vile–style designs) and comfortable woven construction.
More Options for Every Player
Alongside those, CME’s strap selection includes:
- Simple black and brown leather straps for classic stage looks
- Colorful woven straps for indie and alt players
- Extra-long and highly adjustable straps for low-slung rock or tall players
- Slim, minimalist straps for lighter guitars and ukuleles
- All in stock, with live inventory and detailed product descriptions.
Materials, Widths & Comfort
When guitarists search “most comfortable guitar strap” or “best strap for heavy guitar,” they’re really asking about material, width, and padding:
- Leather – classic look, breaks in over time, and can be heavily padded (Heritage, Lakota, Richter).
- Woven fabric / cotton / Peruvian textiles – breathable, flexible, with bold patterns (Mother Mary, Original Fuzz).
- Nylon / vegan straps – light, durable, often highly adjustable (Richter Stronghold).
- Widths from ~2" to 3"+ – wider straps spread weight, ideal for bass and long gigs.
CME’s product pages call out length ranges, width, padding, and material so players can filter for exactly what they need.
Why Buy Your Strap from Chicago Music Exchange?
- Huge variety of guitar and bass straps in one place, for electric, acoustic, bass, uke, mandolin, banjo, and synth.
- Top strap brands like Lakota Leathers, Heritage, Richter, Mother Mary, Original Fuzz, Souldier, Strandberg ACME, and more, including CME Exclusive runs.
- Pro shop mentality: same high standard as the vintage guitars—clear photos, real specs, accurate descriptions.
- Backed by one of the most respected guitar stores in the world.
If someone types “best guitar straps,” “leather guitar strap for Les Paul,” “vintage style guitar strap,” or “padded bass strap,” our goal is for Chicago Music Exchange to be the most helpful, complete answer.
GUITAR STRAPS FAQ
Q: What size guitar strap do I need?
A: Most players are comfortable with a strap adjustable from about 40"–60". Taller players or low-slung styles may want longer ranges, while smaller players or ukulele/mandolin players can use shorter lengths. CME product pages list exact length ranges for each strap.
Q: What’s the most comfortable guitar strap material?
A: For many, padded leather (Heritage, Lakota, Richter) is the most comfortable for long gigs and heavy guitars. Woven and nylon straps can also be very comfortable if they’re wide enough and adjusted correctly.
Q: What strap is best for a heavy Les Paul or bass?
A: Look for wide (2.5"–3"+) padded straps that spread weight across your shoulder, like Lakota Leathers 3" bison leather straps or Richter padded Nappa leather and Stronghold series.
Q: Are there vegan or non-leather straps available?
A: Yes. CME carries nylon and synthetic “vegan” straps, including models like the Richter Stronghold II nylon guitar strap and various woven fabric options from Mother Mary and Original Fuzz.
Q: What’s a good strap for vintage or indie aesthetic?
A: For a vintage or indie look, check out Mother Mary and Original Fuzz straps—woven fabrics, Peruvian textiles, and unique patterns with custom leather ends are perfect for players chasing that ‘60s/’70s, retro or boutique vibe.
Q: Do I need strap locks?
A: If you gig regularly or move a lot on stage, strap locks or locking ends are highly recommended to prevent accidental drops. Some strap brands integrate secure attachment designs; for others, dedicated strap-lock hardware pairs with your strap.
Q: Can I use the same strap on electric and acoustic guitars?
A: Absolutely. Most straps work for both; just make sure your acoustic has proper strap buttons or a soundhole/neck solution. Many players choose one premium strap and move it between instruments.
Q: Does CME offer exclusive guitar straps?
A: Yes. Original Fuzz designs CME Exclusive straps, and we regularly collaborate with strap makers to offer patterns and colorways you can only get through Chicago Music Exchange.
Q: Do guitar straps fit ukulele, mandolin, banjo, or synth?
A: Yes, many straps are universal. CME also stocks options specifically sized and marketed for ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and synths, all within the broader straps collection
Q: Why buy guitar straps from Chicago Music Exchange?
A: Because you get a curated mix of comfort, quality, and style, from boutique leather straps to vintage-style woven designs, all backed by CME’s customer service, hassle-free returns, and expert support.
Guitar Accessories
Sure, your guitar can sing on its own—but the right accessories turn it from “just an instrument” into your instrument. This is where the magic lives: the small but mighty gear that makes playing smoother, louder, cooler, and sometimes even easier.
Start simple: picks. Whether you’re into paper-thin strummers or heavy, tone-shaping thumpers, the right pick feels like an extension of your hand. Next up, tuners—because let’s face it, nobody wants to hear your solo if you’re a half-step flat.
Feeling adventurous? A capo is the secret handshake of songwriters, instantly unlocking new voicings and keys without melting your brain with theory. And for those who like to wear their heart (and guitar) on their sleeve, a good strap isn’t just about comfort—it’s a statement.
Then there are slides, perfect for when you want your guitar to weep, howl, or channel your inner blues legend. Pair that with a solid pedalboard and the endless world of pedals—from reverb and delay to fuzz and beyond—and suddenly your rig is a laboratory of sound.
But don’t forget the essentials. Strings are the lifeblood of your tone, and swapping them out regularly is like giving your guitar a fresh cup of coffee. And when it comes to long-term care, maintenance kits keep your instrument looking sharp, feeling smooth, and performing at its best.
So whether you’re chasing tone perfection, collecting gadgets, or just trying to keep your guitar alive through late-night jams and questionable gig venues, this collection of accessories has you covered. Think of it as the toolbox, wardrobe, and magic potion cabinet your guitar has always deserved.
Cases & Gig bags
You’ve got the guitar—now let’s keep it in one piece. Whether slinging an acoustic to a backyard session or hauling your electric across the country, our collection of guitar cases and gig bags is built to save your six-string from dents, dings, and disasters.
First things first: how much does a guitar case cost? Well, that depends. We’ve got everything from cheap and cheerful gig bags for the casual player to high-end hard cases that could probably survive a fall down a flight of stairs (though we don’t recommend testing that).
Then there’s the age-old debate: hard case or soft case? Hard cases give you fortress-level protection—perfect for tours, airports, or that one friend who stacks amps on top of everything. Gig bags, on the other hand, are lightweight, waterproof, and way easier to carry around town. Think of it as “armor vs. athleisure.”
How do you know what size guitar case to buy? Easy—measure your instrument, check the specs, or ask us. We’ve got cases tailored for acoustics, electrics, basses, and more, so your guitar fits snug, safe, and sound.
And if you’re wondering, who makes cases for Fender? We’ve got the classics covered—from Fender’s own lineup to trusted brands making custom-fit hard cases and versatile gig bags for just about every model.
So whether you need waterproof security, a lightweight travel buddy, or just a cheap but reliable cover, this collection has you—and your guitar—covered. Literally.
Acoustic Guitars
There’s a reason the acoustic guitar is the instrument of choice for campfires, coffee shops, and sold-out arenas alike—it’s simple, it’s timeless, and it’s endlessly versatile. Whether you’re strumming your very first chords or fine-tuning your lifelong sound, our collection of acoustic guitars brings together the best brands and the most inspiring instruments to suit every player.
For beginners, we offer models that balance playability and affordability without cutting corners, making sure you can focus on the joy of learning songs instead of fighting your setup. Looking for something more refined? Our acoustic electrics bridge the gap between unplugged intimacy and stage-ready amplification, giving you the freedom to play anywhere, anytime.
We also carry all essential accessories to keep your sound clear and your strings ringing true. From capos and tuners to picks and straps, the right tools make every practice session smoother and every performance more confident.
The beauty of acoustic guitars lies in their ability to tell stories without wires or pedals, to turn bare wood and steel into melody and emotion. Whether you’re searching for a cheap starter, a high-end handmade piece, or simply some guidance on setup and lessons, you’ll find it here. Our collection isn’t just about selling guitars—it’s about connecting players to the right instrument so the music never stops.