*This post may contain Amazon affiliate links or affiliate links from other companies, which means The Musically Sound earns a percentage of sales from any qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the buyer. Learn more on our Private Policy page.
There’s just something about the Southwestern United States when it comes to the land, the culture, and the art. If you are an admirer of all things Southwestern, you may be inspired to seek out instrument accessories that showcase a Southwestern design such as guitar straps. From desert colors to arrowhead patterns to fringe, Southwestern guitar straps are attractive, eye-catching, and downright cool. Read on for 9 different suggestions on Southwestern guitar straps (along with a mandolin and banjo option thrown in) that are not only well-made, comfortable, and durable, but will make you stand out amongst other musicians because of their striking Southwest designs.
Our List of 9 Stunning Southwestern Guitar Straps
| Product Image | Product Name / Primary Rating / Price | Primary Button |
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Best Overall |
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Best Design |
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Best Leather |
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Best Budget |
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Best Adjustable Length |
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Best Native American Design |
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Best for Mandolin or Uke |
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Best for Banjo |
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What To Look For in Good Southwestern Guitar Straps
Not all guitar straps are created equal. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a hip-looking strap, only to have it crumble, fray, or tear on you in just a few years time. Skeptical? It happened to me. I bought a guitar strap with a shiny red veneer to enhance my red Ibanez Artcore semi-hollow body electric guitar. I didn’t perform much with the guitar–mainly used it for teaching purposes. In the course of a few years, pieces of the strap began to literally chip away. To the left is a pic of the current state of said strap, which is destined for the garbage can.
So what are some things to look for in a quality guitar strap? Check out the following checklist of considerations:
Durability
What kind of materials make a guitar strap better able to withstand the test of time?
- Genuine leather is a time-tested material that makes for excellent Southwestern guitar straps and can actually become more comfortable as time passes. Be aware that genuine leather straps will cost more, but they will last the long haul of your music journey.
- Another quality material in guitar straps is suede, which is the underside of a calf, lamb, goat, or deer skin. While suede is softer and more pliable, it is not as durable as leather and can be damaged by liquids.
- Polyester is a common material found in guitar straps. This material is very durable. In fact, car seat belts are made of 100% polyester webbing, sturdy enough to save lives. Some guitar strap brands even model their straps after seat belts.
- Polypropylene (PP) is a sturdy synthetic material that makes for a quality guitar strap backing material as it is lightweight, rigid, and moisture-resistant.
- Basketweave cotton is another type of material you’ll find in guitar straps. Some are sturdier than others, so it’s important to inspect the strap for thickness. If the basketweave cotton design is backed by polyester, leather or PP, all the better.
Design
- Colors in Southwestern guitar straps are worth considering. What color is your instrument? Do you want a strap that complements the colors in your guitar, mandolin, or other stringed instrument, or do you want the colors to blend with a favorite jacket or tee you wear when gigging? Think about you color palette before investing in the strap so that you’ll be happy with the result.
- Design patterns should also be analyzed. I’ve seen some pretty crazy patterns out there that cross that line, straying into the tacky zone. Make sure that the pattern in the strap suits your personality. When in doubt, less is more, so you may want to avoid flamboyant designs unless you are sure that’s the look you are going for.
- Many straps feature cool attachments like appliques, insignias, etc. A solid-colored strap with a stand-out applique can be a welcome attention grabber.
Practical Features
- One practical feature of Southwestern guitar straps includes buttonholes at either end of the strap for instruments that have dual strap knobs. If your guitar doesn’t have dual knobs, you can opt to have one installed on the upper side of the body, or use a shoestring or leather chord to loop through the buttonhole and fasten just above the bridge. The attachment design can vary based on the instrument. For example, a banjo fastens differently at its base due to its drum design, so a hook fastening attachment is likely necessary. When in doubt, talk to a musician friend or salesperson at a music shop for advice.
- Size adjustment is a common feature in guitar straps so that people of all sizes can wear it. It’s important to note that if you are buying a strap for a child, it can be adjusted small enough to fit them. On the flip side, some straps will not adjust long enough to fit comfortably if you are a person with a large build. Make sure that you read the measurements of the strap and select the correct size (if there’s more than one to choose from).
- The width of the strap is important. The standard width is around 2″, while some straps are 3″ wide. You may not want a very wide strap lying across your shoulder unless you have broad shoulders and desire that extra support. Some straps, such as those for mandolin or ukelele, are more thin, ranging from 1-1.5 inches wide.
Our Picks of the Best 9 Southwestern Guitar Straps
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 9 stunning Southwestern guitar straps that will be excellent complements to your guitar. The last two items on our list are options if you own a mandolin, ukulele, or banjo.
#1 Best Overall Southwestern Guitar Strap — Franklin Saddle Blanket Guitar Strap
Nothing says “Southwestern” like the image of a colorful saddle blanket draped across the back of a gorgeous Mustang horse. Your guitar can look just as cool with the Franklin Saddle Blanket Guitar Strap attached to it. This strap is our overall best pick for several reasons. Firstly, its horizontal striped design is not pretentious, rather, classy in design. It has a variety of widths in the color blocking with a Southwestern pattern thrown in here and there, with four different patterns available: Black, Alt Black, Caramel, and Chocolate. Each of the 4 patterns comes in 2 varying widths — 2″ and 3″, with the first ranging in length from 38″ to 54″, while the latter measures 38″ to 56″.
The eye-catching cotton saddle blanket weave is backed by soft suede with durable leather ends, making this strap a durable and comfortable choice. Additionally, it’s priced reasonably, ranging from $45-$50 depending on the width/length you select.
Franklin has been on the musical map since 1999, specializing in a large range of quality instrument straps that range from economy to premium.
The only caution I would give is that the suede backing is not as tough as full-on leather, so this strap may not be the best choice if you play a heavy guitar.
- Made of saddle blanket fabric
- Thick suede backing and glove leather ends
- 3" width and adjustable length between 38" and 56"
- 4 different designs: Black, Alt Black, Chocolate, and Caramel
- Handmade in the USA
#2 Best Premium Guitar Strap — Anthology Southwest Full Grain Leather Guitar Strap
Anthology Gear is a company that specializes in all kinds of high-quality leather goods. They’ve dedicated an entire line to musicians, and we think that the Anthology Southwest Full Grain Leather Guitar Strap is top-notch in the premium category. This full-grain leather Southwestern guitar strap frames a gorgeous horizontal block design in vibrant southwest colors like turquoise, yellow, violet, flaming peach, and red. With expert stitching and padding, this strap supports the heaviest of guitars, making hours of play an experience that won’t leave your shoulder aching.
This premium guitar strap is reasonably priced for what you get out of the deal, however, its average $150 price tag will be discouraging to bargain shoppers. If you are just starting out as a beginner, this strap may be an expense better put off until you’ve fully committed to learning your craft or performing out.
Ranging from 2″ to 3″ in width, the strap adjusts from 39″ to 54″ in length, with a jumbo tongue sold separately that can extend its length an additional 9″. Available in either aged steel, whiskey brown, or tobacco-colored leather, the available patterns are Baja, Java, Saddle, or Turquoise fabrics.
- Handmade straps with high-quality full-grain leather
- Premium built-in padding for extended comfort
- 2" or 3" width and adjustable length between 39" and 54"
- Jumbo tongue sold separately to extend length 9" more
- Comes in steel or tobacco-colored leather in multiple designs
- Industrial grade thread for superior durability
#3 Best Design — Levy’s Leathers Sundance Arrowhead Turquoise
Established in 1973, Levy’s has proven itself as a time-tested, trusted designer of premium guitar straps. Levy’s Leathers Sundance Arrowhead Turquoise is our choice for the best Southwestern guitar strap design. Firstly, turquoise is a classic color you can’t go wrong with when conjuring that Southwestern feel. Add to that the gorgeous embossed arrowhead pattern in rustic brown and you have a truly attractive winner. This strap, from Levy’s Sundance Line, utilizes their softest leather available, paired with veg-tanned quality leather ends.
The strap’s width makes it comfortable and supportive, while the ornate stitching is high-quality and finely finished, adding to the overall design. It’s also worth mentioning that the strap is made in Nova Scotia, Canada, adding to its allure as we love to promote North American-made items. And coming from a company that specializes in leather goods, including belts, you can be assured that this strap will weather the test of time.
- Made of embossed brown leather with garment leather backing
- Gorgeous turquoise arrowhead design
- Western end tabs featuring floret stitched detail
- Adjustable length up to 56"
- 2-ply design with 3" width
- Handcrafted in Nova Scotia, Canada
#4 Best Leather — Franklin Rolled Padded Glove Leather Guitar Strap
The Franklin Rolled Padded Glove Leather Guitar Strap offers a strap whose combined elements give it an attractive low-key Southwest vibe. This strap is constructed of a suede back, a layer of wafer foam in the middle, which is then wrapped in warm brown glove leather. It’s decorated with an ornate hitch weave pattern and features a round nickel ornament at the front end. The rear slims into an adjustable tailpiece to allow for a length ranging from 39″ to 56″.
This U.S.A.-made strap may be a bit stiff at first but softens with wear. Also, while it’s advertised as a 2″ width, be aware that it measures more like 2.5″. If you’re looking for a classic, non-fussy leather look, this strap will make an excellent choice.
- Caramel colored rolled leather strap
- Features Southwest hitch weave overlay and chrome conch attachment
- Franklin signature end design
- 2.5" width and adjustable length between 39" to 56"
- Handmade in America
#5 Best Budget Choice — Fender Sonoran Guitar Strap
We just can’t get enough of the Fender Sonoran Guitar Strap, whose design echoes back to our overall top pick strap, but at a more affordable price (about $15 less). With numerous designs to choose from–Saguaro, Sedona, Oasis, Dusk, and Dawn–you may just want to splurge and buy 2 or more! The horizontal basket weave color blocks range in desert shades of rose, turquoise, caramel, orange, peach, purple, red, taupe, white, and black.
With a 2″ width and an adjustable length that ranges from 35″ to 58.5″, this Southwestern guitar strap is fortified with polypro backing for sturdy durability. This Southwest-inspired strap would be an excellent choice for a student or young player, or someone needing a back-up strap or to outfit multiple instruments. Top it off with the Fender name, a leader in guitar products since 1946, and you’ve got an ultra-cool guitar accessory that will turn heads.
- Made of basket weave cotton with suede detailing
- Polypro backing and leather ends
- Adjustable length between 35" and 58.5"
- 5 different designs: Saguaro, Dawn, Dusk, Oasis, or Sedona
- Made in Canada
#6 Best Adjustable Length — Ernie Ball Redbird Rising Guitar Strap
While our #5 choice was dubbed the best on a budget, the Ernie Ball Redbird Rising Jacquard Guitar Strap rings in at roughly $20, definitely making it a bargain. But this strap made our best of the best guitar strap list for a couple of other reasons. Firstly, its creative design features Hispanic-style redbirds alternating with an ornate desert-looking plant making it a striking choice to pair with a red, black or beige guitar. Even better, this strap adjusts to the longest of any of the straps on our list, ranging from 41″ to 72″.
While Ernie Ball (since 1962) is best known for quality electric guitar and bass guitar strings, their variety of straps with striking designs are on par with their competitors. The straps feature polypropylene webbing for enhanced durability and machine-stitched leather ends. If the Redbird Rising pattern is not quite your cup of tea, try the Candy Sun design, which features a starred pattern playing off of more pastel shades of blue, pink, gold, and lime green.
- Made of polypro webbing for durability and comfort
- Redbird Rising design
- Adjustable length from 41 to 72 inches; 2 inches wide
- Machine-stitched leather ends
#7 Best Native American Design — Levy’s Leathers Feather & Fringe Guitar Strap
Among an assortment of fine-crafted guitar straps created by Levy’s features fringed suede, hinting at the earthy mystique of Native American design. The Levy’s Leathers Feather & Fringe Guitar Strap is simply gorgeous–a 2/5″ wide honey brown suede strap lined with fringe along both sides, and adorned with an embroidered black and white feather. Attached to the end of the feather are two more fringe straps, each featuring ornate turquoise-colored beads, giving the applique a 3D dimension.
This high-end Southwestern guitar strap is the priciest on our list, averaging around $160. It also ranks among the shorter ones in length, ranging from 41″ to 54″ long, so you should take that into account before buying. It utilizes the ladder-style feed-thru adjustment, also in suede. If you are happy with frills, this attention-getting strap will have music lovers paying you attention for more than just your stellar guitar playing!
- Honey suede guitar strap with Native American-inspired design
- Features suede fringe and feather design with suede fringe
- 2.5" width and adjustable length between 41" and 54"
- Adjusts with ladder style feed thru
- Suede backing
#8 Best For Mandolin or Uke — Legacystraps A & F Mandolin and Ukelele Strap
As mandolins and ukeleles are lightweight instruments, players often opt for a thinner strap in width. With that in mind, we recommend the Legacystraps A & F Mandolin and Ukelele Strap, a 1″ wide strap that will not only support your smaller instrument adequately but will also give a tip of the cowboy hat to the ol’ Southwest. This attractive brown strap, constructed of tough polypro webbing, features alternating diamond-shaped designs. The strap comes in with either 1 or 2 end tabs, designed to support two different weights. The standard accommodates standard smaller instruments, while the heavy-weight end tabs support mandolins or other smaller body instruments outfitted with other hardware.
The strap adjusts between the lengths of 28″ and 50″, and comes with a nylon tie string if needed. This strap will also work with guitars and banjos but the 1″ wide strap is not typically used for those as it may not support them properly.
- Constructed of durable tough polypropylene webbing
- Features synthetic leather end tabs
- Available with 1 or 2 end tabs (standard or heavyweight)
- Adjustable length between 28” and 50”
- Nylon Tie String included
- Made in the USA
#9 Best For Banjo — MUSIC FIRST Southwestern Banjo Strap w/Leather Strap Locker
Rounding up our Southwestern strap options is the perfect choice for banjo players–the MUSIC FIRST Southwestern Banjo Strap w/Leather Strap Locker. In appearance, this strap resembles the design of the Franklin Saddle Blanket and Fender Sonoran, featuring horizontal color blocking in colors like blue, yellow, brown, black, and peach, with some blocks carrying stitched Southwestern designs. Measuring 2″ in width and adjusting between 33.6″ and 62.2″, its handy strap locker piece allows you to fasten it to the steel rungs of the banjo, making it easy to attach and remove.
The strap is constructed of cotton shell fabric with leather ends. Given that the better the banjo, the more heavy it will weigh (due to the tone ring), we’d recommend this strap for more lightweight instruments, as in, a banjo that ranges from $200-$500. As you get into the fairly heavy instruments, a cotton strap without other reinforcing material backing it may not hold up well enough.
- Made of yarn-dyed cotton fabric
- Attractive Southwestern striped design
- Leather strap lockers at each end to easily affix to banjo
- Adjustable length between 33.6" and 62.2"
- 2" width
*This post may contain Amazon affiliate links or affiliate links from other companies, which means The Musically Sound earns a percentage of sales from any qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the buyer. Learn more on our Private Policy page.
