My accordion shoulder straps are becoming worn and I want to get some new ones. Would appreciate any and all advice regarding quality, cost, size, material, brands, etc. I live in the US and always play at home seated.
Accordion straps
- Thread starter GeorgeH76
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I lost it in a sale but have used a Neotech accordion harness (made in US and available from several online sellers) and found more comfortable than leather straps. Less prone to slipping off my shoulders and the back strap distributes weight better so I can play longer.
Anderson's Accordion Service in Burlington Ontario Canada has stock of lots of straps and he is getting more in the next few weeks too. I've ordered a set of all leather 10cm (4") wide ones for myself from him (probably the most expensive set he has). You can call or text to reach out to see if he has something that you like at (905) 335-6631.
Also if you google accordion straps, you will find several places in the USA and Europe too.
Also if you google accordion straps, you will find several places in the USA and Europe too.
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These should suit you just fine----
And these --
And these --
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Valski
Well-known member
The second link shows shoulder straps with the straps linking them, back straps work well because they give more support and securely hold them to prevent slipping off the shoulder. This version however looks a little suspect because the back strap is located far too high on the back and the connector for the halves is offset to one side making them harder to connect. The price looks attractive but you might want to get straps that sit comfortably and are easy to use.
Actually, if you scroll over to the 4th picture, you will note that the neotech has a unique connection at the lower right side that allows you to connect it while the backstrap is together. A convenient feature, but some people report the neotechs are a little narrow and small for a large, heavy accordion. I have a pair on my Crucianelli now, they are nice on a smaller accordion.
I have the 3" version. I like them on the smaller accordions. On my heavier accordions I prefer the original wide, padded leather straps with a wide backstrap towards the bottom. Personal choice, I suppose. Some people probably prefer the neotech.
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I have the 'deluxe' version, even for my full-sized accordions (24 - 25 lbs) because I want the back straps.
You can get the 'mega' version and add the back straps yourself. I did that to the straps that came with Roland accordions (also add the bottom buckles similar to the Neotech).
I use pretty generic Italian straps, the kind with wide leather + soft velvet-covered foam padding. I just spent over an hour putting an order together at Carini (the shop in Castelfidardo). There are just so many types and sizes of straps that it's a nightmare trying to order the right ones...
I ordered straps with a fixed back strap. I prefer the fixed back straps over separate ones as they stay where they are and they are also cheaper when you get them with the shoulder straps.
But for people in the US (or Canada) it probably makes more sense to buy something from that side of the pond.
I ordered straps with a fixed back strap. I prefer the fixed back straps over separate ones as they stay where they are and they are also cheaper when you get them with the shoulder straps.
But for people in the US (or Canada) it probably makes more sense to buy something from that side of the pond.
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Just realized that I had both 'original' and 'deluxe' versions. On the 'original' (left), the default location of the back straps is too low for me. I moved them up.
The 'original' is wider (3" vs 2.2") but thinner (0.3" vs 0.5").
The 'original' is wider (3" vs 2.2") but thinner (0.3" vs 0.5").
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Mike K
Active member
I guess in general people are happy with these harnesses. Looking over the sizes and the length of my straps presently (45" and 36"), it appears the Deluxe would be the right size for me (5'9" about 175 lbs) have it sitting in my cart but have not placed order yet. La Tosca accordion I just picked up has straps in good condition but they have VERY little padding and after playing it for an hour my right shoulder could deffinitely feel the strap digging into it. I replaced the straps on my other accordion with leather ones when the old straps broke. Took a while to break those in and had to get a new back strap. Thought maybe I would try these instead. Bought those from a dealer...see lots on line for $20 but cannot imagine they are very good. Any recommendations on brands and sources for leather straps for comparison purposes to the harness?
My Beltuna came with 3" velvet straps, I've since changed them to 4" all leather straps. I had the Deluxe/mega/whatever Neotech and found them horrible... I gave them to my uncle on his smaller accordion. I don't think that the Neotech straps are good for bigger accordions, which is what my most played accordions are. I just love that firmness and control of wide leather and how it spreads the weight over a larger area. Downsides are that they are much more expensive, and take longer to settle in... but after a couple months... nothing touches it. 
Mike K
Active member
where are good sources for leather straps? And back straps? See a lot on Amazon but really worried about quality of themMy Beltuna came with 3" velvet straps, I've since changed them to 4" all leather straps. I had the Deluxe/mega/whatever Neotech and found them horrible... I gave them to my uncle on his smaller accordion. I don't think that the Neotech straps are good for bigger accordions, which is what my most played accordions are. I just love that firmness and control of wide leather and how it spreads the weight over a larger area. Downsides are that they are much more expensive, and take longer to settle in... but after a couple months... nothing touches it.
Agree with the breaking in...took quite a while to be comfortable with my new straps. leather is still fine but the material around the foam already has holes in it, been about 2 years I guess.
I used to get my straps from Castiglione, but they are gone. My last 2 straps came from Keith Anderson in Burlington. Seeing that there is a 25+ percent advantage of the US dollar over the CA dollar, you should be able to pick them up from him at a very fair price.
He has others there that can meet most people's needs. andersonsacc@gmail.com
Don't forget that our own JimD here can also help you out!
Zevy
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If those
don’t work out you could try Petosa. They are very helpful and they have excellent accessories.
McSqueeze
Member
I use Neotech straps on all my accordions, large and small, and am totally satisfied.
Javthedog
Active member
Bought these:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09QM78T45?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details - under £20, easy to fit, don't slip off my shoulders and I don't need the backstrap. Well pleased!
