The Comfy Horn Strap

Hello, I'm Valerie, and YES, it's 5/14/24, I'm still making Comfy Horn & Euph Straps and have no plans to quit! Welcome to my Comfy Horn Strap blog. I originally designed my horn strap to meet my personal needs as a horn player with small hands. I wanted something with the following features:

relieves left pinky of weight bearing to reduce hand fatigue & cramping

non-bulky

strong & secure, yet soft & non-abrasive

soft, absorbent, machine washable (100% cotton with soft fleece lining)

fully adjustable to fit different horns

fits inside case w/o needing to be removed for storage

no need for professional installation, no damage to my horn, no need to remove the "pinky hook" from my horn

Since I first designed the Comfy Horn strap for my own needs, I have learned that many kids and men like using it, too.

I've enjoyed adding a "designer" line of Comfy Horn straps. If you would like a special custom strap design, let me know, I'd love to make it for you. I can do school colors, embroidered initials, monograms on black or different backgrounds. I can do a few cartoon characters and sports team logos depending upon availability. For more pictures & design ideas scroll down and also see this.

ALL Comfy Horn/Euph Straps are made with fine quality apparel fabrics with a strong, but flexible polyester core and lined with soft black fleece. The strap fastens to the instrument with genuine American made Velcro.

NEW: Comfy Euphonium Straps are based upon a design Dave Werden & I colluded on. Euphonium straps take more time & materials to construct, so I charge $4 more for each Comfy Euphonium Strap! Pictures here.

$31.95 ($35.95 for Euph)

Basic Comfy Horn/Euph Strap colors (other colors available on request):

Black, Charcoal, Dove Grey

Basic Black
Basic Charcoal (dark grey)
Basic Dove Gray (light grey blends with silver plated instruments)

$34.95 Comfy Horn Straps ($38.95 for Euph):

Lavender suede cloth, Red suede cloth, Blue Leopard, Paws, Ladybug, Camo, Sheet Music, Sheet Music w/ borders, Just Kitties, Fire, Sugar Skulls, Silver sparkly, Denim, Lighthouse, Pokemon, School Colors (2 colors w/ borders), GALAXY

$39.95 Embroidered Comfy Horn Straps ($42.95 for Euph):

Text (name or initials, etc. on basic black, charcoal, dove grey or various other background fabrics), Scandinavian (choice of colors), Buds on Vines (pink, gold or purple), Twin Horns (in gold), Never Give up (twin horns in blue), Butterflies, Garden butterfly, Sunflower, Pretty Kitty (embroidered), Tiny Kitty, Rainbow Retro, STAR WARS (embroidered), Flowers on the Vine (choice of colors), TPWK, Daisies on Denim, Euphonium (choice of colors), Rainbow Initials

$40.95 to $65.95 Comfy Horn or Comfy EUPH Straps:
Custom embroidered images and/or text on various backgrounds. Price will vary depending on complexity. All sales of custom straps are final.

3 or more straps in the same order will be discounted 10%.
I can make straps with custom images. The price will depend upon how complex it is, how many colors, etc. Email me a description of what you want or an image and I'll give you a free estimate.

If you have a specific fabric you want on your Comfy Horn Strap, you can ship me a piece 13" (30 cm) long and 4.5" (11 cm) wide. Prints with small details or overall designs (such as paisley, floral, ladybug, etc.) work best. I charge $3 to sew a fabric on your strap that you have shipped to me. If you buy fabric online, you may have it shipped directly to me to save time & shipping costs. Almost any fabric type is appropriate: cotton prints & solids, faux fur, silky fabrics, metallic, etc.

Black fleece lined

To order:

Step 1. Email me how many of what style Comfy Horn/Euph Straps you want, which country/state you live in & what instrument you play. ValerieW78"at"Gmail"dot"com
(For a proper email address replace "at" with @ and "dot" with a period)

Step 2. I send you an invoice.

Step 3. You pay the invoice. (credit card, PayPal, check or money order US banks, etc.)

Step 4. I ship your Comfy Horn/EUPH Strap. (I ship from South Carolina.)

I know this page is confusing with all the choices and options. If you have any questions, please don't be afraid to ask. If you have something in mind that you don't see here, describe it to me. The best designs on this page came from customers' ideas. ValerieW78 "at" gmail "dot" com.

A WORD ABOUT FITTING: I've made & sold over 2,500 Comfy Straps for Horn and Euph. Only 4 or 5 have needed modification for unusual instrument wraps. I've also modified 2 horn straps for extremely small hands and 2 horn straps for unusually large hands. I can not promise that a basic Comfy Strap will fit every instrument. I'm happy to accept returns of basic Comfy Straps for modification or refund. Custom straps can also be returned for modification, but not a refund.

EUPH PLAYERS: For more information about the Werden design Comfy Euph Strap, here's a link to Dave Werden's forum that includes discussion and even a video showing the advantage of the double cross strap: http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthread.php/25523-New-Innovation-for-Comfy-Euph-Strap#.ZFUfNHbMLIU

Dave Werden design in dove grey

Happy horn playing!
Valerie Wells
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FEEDBACK:

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Hello there.

I actually received this about a week ago now, but I decided a good test drive is necessary for a proper review, and this strap is amazing. The construction is nice and sturdy, especially the velcro, who knew a good velcro could be so strong? But the biggest plus is how it distributes the pressure on your hand. Makes holding an euphonium in the proper posture so much easier, holding up 5 kilograms or so of brass is not easy. Makes for an amazing gift too, since it's nothing too personal like a Sax neckstrap or a mouthpiece. If you ever hear back from me again, it'll be to order a few for my bandmates, I doubt anyone will complain about a hand strap.

Great job!

-Kansapat, Bangkok, Thailand

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"I played French Horn in high school and then stopped until about 8 years ago.  Soon after I started playing the French Horn again, I developed tennis elbow.  My occupational therapist thought it was from holding the horn with my left pinky and recommended that I find some kind of strap to help hold the horn.  He had something like a saxophone strap in mind.  I started searching the web and came across your comfy strap so I ordered one.  I have been using your comfy strap for about 7 years now  without  any pain.  Thank you!"

-Susan Ruppel

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I finally had a chance to switch out my old hand strap for the one you sent...with your horn strap..

Right away I loved it! It fits perfectly with my Besson Prestige 2052. I appreciate that it’s sturdy, but not stiff. You can instantly tell that it’s well made from all angles. I also love the liner on the inside as it’s very comfortable & soft on the hand, eliminating any distraction while playing. I would absolutely recommend these to all euphonium players! It really is that great!

Thanks so much!!

Patrick Geren

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Valerie, I received the strap in the mail yesterday, I love it! Very comfortable and the color looks great! Thank you so much!
Thanks,
Will Munro

Lavender Suede

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Hi Valerie,

Just wanted to let you know that the comfy strap is working out great for my daughter. No more pinky strain!

Thank you again,

David Chalick

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It’s a great invention, very comfortable. I had a...strap on my old horn but when I was researching online to find where I could buy another one I came across yours, with all the glowing reviews. This way I don’t need to get someone to take off the finger hook so it’s a much better option all round.

Many thanks - impressed!

Helen

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Thank you so much Valerie for the beautiful work and craftsmanship you did for my Horn Strap! I’m absolutely in love with it, including, the twin horns logo attached to it. It fits quit well on my Vintage GDR Hans Hoyer Geyer Horn and your were right the black fleece works very well and is super comfy! I will make sure to recommend your legendary horn straps to my colleagues and friends that play the Horn/Euphonium. Thanks again Valerie, I’m proud to be a supporter of your small business during these tough times.

--Robert Whitfield

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I love the one I got from you several years ago (8?) My little finger seemed near broken before then. That strap is still functioning perfectly. I really appreciate that it is adjustable with velcro, but is totally smooth over all my hand. ...I now have 2 silver horns and appreciate having the grey color available.

I am so glad you are still making these, none out there that compare! Kollene Dunn

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Today my Comfy Euph Strap arrived, it’s already on my horn and I am LOVING IT!

Beautiful job thank you so much!!
Spencer
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Just tried it out and it’s great! So much more comfortable than my past strap, I love it! Thank you so much!!! -Jana Jirgens

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Hi Valery.

I purchased one of your “Comfy Horn Straps” on the 26^th January 2019.

Up until then I had been using my little finger hook on my (quite heavy) Double Horn and suffering terribly from arthritis in my little finger of my left hand. I had reached the time in my life where I had seriously thought of giving up playing and performing and maybe concentrate on playing my other instruments more seriously. (I have been playing Horn professionally since around 1977!)

Then I found your device! Wow! I can play without pain again.

I just found your receipt as I was cleaning up around my computer desk and thought I should write to thank you. You have given me the ability to continue playing and to actually enjoy it again!!!

Thank you – most sincerely!

Yours,

Kees Dogger. B.Ed. B.Arts (Hons in music Composition)

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Hello Valerie, on Friday the 15th my comfy strap arrived. I attached it to my horn and

Ulrich's Comfy Horn Strap

played a concert on sunday with it. It was amazing! Thank you very much. Attached a photo :-)

Regards, Ulrich

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Valerie, Thank you for your product [Comfy Euph Strap]. The strap is awesome and very comfortable! I've attached pictures in case you wanted to use them for your website.

Ben's Comfy Euph Strap

Benjamin Dawley

Music Director

Calvary Baptist Church & Schools

Midland, MI

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I just want to stay thank you so much! My daughter is delighted and declared, "It's so pretty!" Thanks. I'm sure she will have many hours of appreciating this helper!
Nancy

(See "Amanda" strap in pics.)

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Thanks a million!
Pam
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Kacee wrote on FaceBook: "I am so excited! I love how it came out!"   (Kacee designed her horn strap by selecting a beautiful print at a fabric store & mailing it to me to incorporate into a Comfy Horn Strap. She chose dove gray fleece lining. Kacee strap no longer available.)
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Your products are perfect in every way – affordable, easy to install, no tech needed, washable, easily adjustable, and look good. I love the foam padding, makes it much more comfortable. You might call this one the arthritis model, ha! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this hand strap and your work.
Thanks again….SO much    -- Pamela Simpson
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  I finally got my horn strap! [unexpected shipping delay] Yesterday ( and this morning) I have used it with my practice. I DO like it. It was not working for me to try and use it with no pinky behind the pinky rest. But the design does lend itself to giving me comfortable support when just the tip of my pinky is behind the pinky rest. ....a huge improvement over the other grips I have tried to use!!! So, I am pleased with the strap and as I knew it would be .... it's well made! ~Denise
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Lindsay's adaptation

Valerie, Your custom strap arrived today, mere minutes ago. I have been giddily moving the standard one that arrived yesterday to my daughter's Conn and putting the perfect blue trimmed on on my Holton.

You'll see that I have a huge Clebsch strap mount poking through the Comfy Strap on my horn. In my quest for better left hand support, I had a Clebsch strap installed before I realized that the straight line design meant that it aligned with the former pinky support, canted off the valve side of the horn rather than straight up top. Oops! That put the strap across all my left knuckles and made for impossible fingerings. Happily, two quick small holes in the Comfy strap and no visits to the instrument shop are needed. I think it all looks as fine as it feels.

Thank you again for the fast customization, Valerie. I am immensely happy and look forward to practice and rehearsal today more than usual.

Happy Strappy

I first put the band of your strap around the horn tubing just lower than the mounting boss, as if the boss were a pinky ring. That was a bit too far down for my hand to play the keys well, so I did try securing it over the top of the boss next. The Clebsch boss is around 2 cm high, I found, and the strap did not feel secure.

I ended up using a leather punch to put a small round hole in both ends of the band, where they overlapped the mounting boss. I hated to do that on my new strap, but as it happens it works out perfectly.

I think just one small hole in the first part of the band lying nearest the horn tube (the hooks side of the hook and loop fabric) might have worked, but it looks cleaner with both parts of the band together.

I know this way goes against the huge advantage of not having to modify the horn with your strap, but it also shows the versatility of your design even on modified horns.
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Text

Hi Mrs. Wells, Maia loves the strap and it works wonderfully... Maia could tell as soon as she played with it that her sound was more open and her embouchure was better. It relieved the tension immediately. It really has made a huge difference in her playing. Her fingers are long and now she has correct placement on the keys and no hindrance for fingerings. Thank you for an amazing strap!

I also want to let you know that we are band directors at a high school. We are buying the next 3 straps for the rest of the horn section since they tried Maia's and noticed a great difference for them too.
--Carie Olsen

Old Sheet Music,Joseph Scott's horn

I’ve been playing with the Sherpa strap for a couple of weeks now. It’s great, gives wonderful soft support to those sore knuckles. I’m so happy to have this strap, makes playing so much more comfortable. Thanks, Val.
Pam
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Hi Valerie,
Played a church gig w strap, like it very much, secure and "comfy" to play off leg. Will recommend to others in my horn section.
Peace,
Mark ------------
Hi Valerie, my comfy strap has arrived and I'm in love with it! Ultra soft, comfy and fits my older vintage horn well with your design, as I hoped, pic included

Thanks ever so much! I'm a very happy, relaxed hornplayer now.

Joseph Scott

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From: "Donald Krause"
Date: Mar 1, 2016 7:00 AM
Sold two more last night --- they are getting to be the hottest thing since sliced bread-- every one trying one will not give it back . And the guy that had an issue with the other one (spent $40 for the other one that never did work) put yours on and said this is great. Senior in high doing Morceau de Concert in contest this Saturday .. said the chart plays even easier now.. how about that !!Don
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"Need to get two more already !! Same as the other three.. Hate it when we have success--- put it on a 7th grade horn student yesterday at her lesson -- now get this -- with it on she had one sound-- when we took it off , she had another sound-- proof is in the pudding-- she had much more relaxed open sound with it on instead of the pinched sound with it off and I really looked very close to her embouchure to try to figure out the difference and I could not see anything but could hear the difference -- thought you might get a kick out of hearing that .

Don Krause
Horns a Plenty Christmas
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It did arrive, and I love it! It's name speaks truthfully. Thank you so much!

Mary Wadell
BM Instrumental Music Education
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Valerie,

I want to let you know we received the strap in the mail yesterday (local USPS is fast, isn’t it!). It’s lovely, and my son is very happy with it. The strap makes a positive difference, especially while standing. Thank you, again. :)

-Kate Lowney (11/4/15)
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2 great big thumbs up! Thanks so much!

Linda Weiler
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Silver Sparkly

Hello Again Valerie! Just wanted to send a quick thank you from my daughter Elizabeth. She is loving the pink zebra comfy strap more each day and says it is helping a great deal especially with hand fatigue when practicing for longer periods than she usually does. Thanks for brightening the musical future of one more child!

Take Care,
Matt Walter
Johnny Paul's Music Shop
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Hello Valerie;
I hope everything is going fine for you. I am very happy with your horn strap. It really relieved my little finger. I would like to order another one. It's for my teacher.
Thank you. James Phan
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Love the Comfy Strap! Thanks a bunch!
Sam Marks
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Thank you for the prompt service! Love the straps!
~April Strong
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Hi, Valerie. Piper says thank you so much. She said the inside

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Ladybug

Hello Valerie, I purchased a Comfy Horn Strap from you last summer for my son. He finally started using it this fall, and he LOVES it. He puts it on over top of the leather horn wrap.

I purchased an old (1953) Conn 6D off of Craig's list... to use as a back-up horn. I need to purchase another Comfy Horn Strap so that each horn will have its own. Thank you again.

Regards, Joyce Rolls

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One of my students bought a horn strap this month. Works like a charm! ~Jennifer Cogburn Seago

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Hello Valerie, Just to let you know that the horn strap arrived last Wednesday 15th October. Aliah has tried it out and really likes it. It does take the strain off her hand and pinky (even when she does use the finger hook). It removes any weight pressure from her individual fingers.

Best wishes ~Jane Hussain

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Dear Ms. Wells, So I absolutely love my horn strap! It is perfect and working wonderfully for all of my playing! Sincerely, Jessica Henkle

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Jill Brown posted on Yahoo Horn May 24, 2011:

I've been meaning to let everyone know how great Valerie's horn strap really is:

I was having some intense left hand/wrist pain in December and wrote the list to ask for help. I ended guying a Comfy Horn Strap from Valerie and it has solved my left-hand-pain problem. I also purchased a commercially available strap from another website, and when it came I was really disappointed by how scratchy the material was- it was commercial grade plastic strapping. Valerie's strap is soft, completely adjustable, and had enabled me to successfully transition to off-leg playing with a new horn after 30+ years of playing on the leg.

I don't know Valerie or have any professional relationship with her, so no disclaimers are necessary. ~Jill

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Hi Valerie, I've had my Comfy Horn Strap for a year now and it is holding up very well to the demands of orchestral life, no stretching or loose stitches. It does the job it's supposed to do, and as a bonus protects the horn without cutting vibrations as some hand guards do. Simple, to the point, and comfy! Thanks again.

~Rebecca Holsinger

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Valerie - I have used your strap for a couple of years (I think), and LOVE it. It has reduced a lot of tension in my left hand, arm, and shoulder. I've also recommended it to several of my students who have since purchased and used the strap with great success and happiness. I'd like to order 2 more straps from you... Thanks so much!

~Melissa Morey, Horn Teacher & Performer

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I love the Comfy Strap you made just for my Paxman!! ~ Mary Phllips

Eva's Design

Camo

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Just wanted you to know that your horn straps has helped relieve my shoulder tightness. Instead of my shoulder muscles tightening up, the strap puts more pressure on my hand. And this saves me having to pay to have a duck foot attached to my horn. Thank you!

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Hi Valerie, just a quick message to say the Comfy Strap arrived in good time and has been in constant use - I love it! My friend is interested in buying one.

~Rachel Emerson Ampleforth, North Yorkshire

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The Comfy EUPH Strap arrived today and it works great. Thanks! JA
------------------------ We have tried "other" straps as our 10 year old has smaller hands. Not having an adjustable finger hook, in addition to being a double horn—having my son hold all the weight of the horn with his pinky finger (while trying to finger the three keys and depress the fourth valve)—let's just say, it's a chore no matter how good any little horn player is. The last strap we had, right out of the box failed and it was fairly stiff for a kid's hand. The double Velcro strap let loose and down went my son's horn that he just received for his birthday. Comfy Horn Strap TO THE RESCUE!!! We ordered up a standard black strap with black fleece. It's awesome.
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Valerie makes a product out of need and it does exactly what she said it will do, all while using real Velcro. The energy and effort just trying to properly hold the horn can now be used to learn how to play the horn for aspiring little players! And she writes back quickly with detailed replies. Customer service is alive and well, and her name is Valerie! My son now actually lifts his horn while he plays, rather than hunch over so the bell can lightly rest on his leg to take some of the load off. THANKS AGAIN to Valerie and Comfy Horn Straps! Awesome. Stu
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I received the shipment today with the three horn straps. They are all beautiful and I am trying one out as we speak- love it. I have a few students who constantly complain of “slippage” while they are playing and I really think this is going to be a good solution for them.

Kind regards,
Natalie Clements
Clements Horn Studio

Hi Valerie! I'm not sure how to leave a review for your comfy horn strap, so I decided I should message you. I've been using it for about a year and absolutely love it! I couldn't believe how easy and great it feels to play with this! Thank you sooo much! These pics V feat
Twin horns
ure a camo horn strap!
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Hi Valerie – so Piper says thank you so much. The yellow was a total surprise and she loves it. Then she said the inside lining is AWESOME!!! It is so soft and she is so happy.Thanks again for everything and the quick turn-around. I really appreciate it.
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Text on Sheet Music & Fire

Never Give Up!

Strong & secure enough to hang a double horn on a door knob! HAH! My Comfy Straps are made with genuine American made VELCRO fasteners.

The Comfy Horn Strap

Monday, February 28, 2022

The Comfy Horn Strap & Comfy Euph Strap, 2022