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Post by LeftyMeister on Dec 19, 2021 14:23:11 GMT -5
I need a couple of new straps but I've been disappointed in the last few I've purchased. The ones with the slip ring (for lack of a better term) don't seem to hold very well and allow the strap to slide, which progressively lengthens it (Exhibit A). I also have a custom strap with slots for adjustment, but the strap bunches up (ie, accordians) from the weight (Exhibit B).
I'm tall so I need a strap of at least 50". What else is out there? I don't mind paying more for quality.
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Post by Auf Kiltre on Dec 19, 2021 19:16:29 GMT -5
I haven't used a strap in several years. Whenever I play at home I'm sitting, whether I'm noodling or recording.
We have a few sasquatches here that I'm sure could weigh in.
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Post by Larry Madsen on Dec 19, 2021 21:18:49 GMT -5
Anything here that piques your interest? Some certainly qualify for the 50" requirement. A few others could easily be made to qualify. There are some folks on the forum with creations off this rack. I must point out though, most of what is on here are set for strap locks ... 3/8" holes.  DSC_2869 by Larry Madsen, on Flickr Found a couple more that make the 50" benchmark. Alligator and Dice.  DSC_2870 by Larry Madsen, on Flickr |
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Post by reverendrob on Dec 19, 2021 21:26:56 GMT -5
As a 6'8" monster, I haven't found anything better than the basic $6 or so Ernie Balls in a variety of colors.
With strap locks (or the rubber grommets, whether from a beer bottle or the purpose made ones), they do the job more than adequately.
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DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 424
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Post by DrKev on Dec 19, 2021 21:48:37 GMT -5
I like the Ernie Ball Jacquard straps. They never slip, stay exactly the length I set them, and they adjust from 41" to 70".
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Post by Highstrung56 on Dec 20, 2021 9:10:04 GMT -5
I recently purchased a Pinegrove Leather strap. www.pinegroveleather.com/pages/guitar High quality. I was looking for a high quality thin black leather strap. I like it and it smells good. |
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on Dec 20, 2021 19:33:05 GMT -5
After trying a bunch, I came back to the Levy cotton/leather thing. They look like the cheapies, but they're more stout. The bit that goes on the button is about as good as I've seen it get, and the cotton has a bit more tooth than nylon, which I like. Maybe people like straps that slide, but I like mine to stay put a bit better. They don't break the bank, either. I also discovered I don't like wide straps. I'm not sure why - I have wide shoulders, on paper it seems like they should be better. www.levysleathers.com/product/guitar-strap-mc8-nat/ |
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Post by LeftyMeister on Dec 20, 2021 20:07:32 GMT -5
Larry, I take it you make those to sell?
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Post by larryguitar54 on Dec 20, 2021 20:13:05 GMT -5
Larry--nice work there. I believe every guitar player should have at least one custom special strap and be willing to spend for quality.
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Post by Larry Madsen on Dec 20, 2021 20:56:33 GMT -5
Larry, I take it you make those to sell? No, I make them because I enjoy making them. Usually, I get to a point of fatigue with whatever I am doing and need a diversion. These two would be the result of my most recent diversion. I think I posted these as I did them.  DSC_2502 by Larry Madsen, on Flickr Sometimes I have a specific idea or theme I want to pursue and other times I just take bits and pieces I have on hand and design around what they allow. The examples above were a case of one being my intent to replace a polka-dot (brown w/black dots) strap I had made in the past (which went to an FDPer) and I decided to replace it in reverse (black w/brown dots). The other is made with residual leather I had hanging around. I've sold some, but I give many more away. Making them to sell for money would be a losing financial proposition. The base leather (cow hide and pig skin) is not terribly expensive, the lace can cost a bit. Really though it's the time which can be anything from a few hours up to ten to 15 hours (maybe even more), especially if they are laced is what would make if financially unfeasible. The lightning bolt is one I made for an Explorer I had on layaway, as it turned out I ended up not completing the purchase of the Explorer ... the strap remains on the rack. Many of them have a back story. I always have a dice strap. A local musician made a request for one many years ago, so I made him one. At this point I have the one here, Geno has a version ... Mike Bennett and Jess Cook also have a version as well. Obviously, all handmade and with flaws of one sort or another. Sometimes I make a mistake and am forced to build the mistake into the design. My buddy Mike Vaughan, a professional musician/guitar player here in town has one I made for him probably over 20 years ago. A while back I asked him if he needed a new one. He said heck no, the strap is just fine. I figured it might be in sorry shape after nightly use for so long. Here is an assortment on the rack from a few years back. Includes a rendition of the Hendrix/Gilmour strap and a rendition of the Gregg Allman "hoop" strap. Also present is the brown with black polka-dots.  strap rack a by Larry Madsen, on Flickr Another era ... A dice strap with what we call "Eight the Hard Way". Went to Mike Bennett as 2008 was when he battled a significant health issue. One on there probably requires no explanation.  GENOSTRAP complete by Larry Madsen, on Flickr Anyway, if you want to join the club just say the word. |
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Post by LeftyMeister on Dec 30, 2021 15:26:19 GMT -5
I've been remiss in tending my own thread. I finally bought a strap from Perri's Leather and it arrived today. I didn't realize when I ordered it that it's reversible. The quality and stitching are very good.
Larry, very nice work and thanks for the offer. I forgot about this thread when I ordered mine. |
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Dec 30, 2021 15:53:05 GMT -5
Nice straps, Larry. I should know; I'm the proud owner of a few! Leftymeister, that 'bunching up' problem is easily averted by not making the tail end of the strap (the extension) a slip knot. Instead, attach it to the strap using two slots adjacent to each other...rather than capturing more than two slots with it. Like this:  Here's how. 1. Poke the tail end through a slot from the back side of the strap and pull it taut. 2. Measure the strap end to end to see if it's the length you want. 3. If it's not, remove the tail and move it to the slot that gives you the desired length. 4. Poke the end of the tail through the slot immediately beneath the slot it emerges from. 5. With the end of the tail poked through front to back, stick the end through the slot in the tail. Pull it snug and press it flat against the back of the strap. 6. Now weave the end of the tail through the remaining slots. Needless to say, you'll have a slow go if you already have a straplock on the tail end  |
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Post by LeftyMeister on Dec 30, 2021 17:40:02 GMT -5
Thanks, Goo! The problem with this strap is it's too long. I need to route it up and then back to take up the slack. I suppose I could cut the strap and punch a new hole, and then I could use your method.
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Post by Larry Madsen on Dec 30, 2021 18:14:29 GMT -5
Larry, very nice work and thanks for the offer. Well, I have another hide now, so the offer stands. I'm probably going to be in need of a diversion once I get this new 383 SBC put together and back in the car. And I need to make Felix belt as well. |
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Post by LeftyMeister on Dec 30, 2021 18:25:31 GMT -5
I could always use another black strap.
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Post by Larry Madsen on Dec 30, 2021 18:29:35 GMT -5
I could always use another black strap. Do you use strap locks? I also just bought a bottle of black dye.  |
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Post by LeftyMeister on Dec 30, 2021 18:59:27 GMT -5
Yep! I use the Schallers. I'd be happy to pay you for your efforts.
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Post by jazzguy on Dec 30, 2021 19:46:42 GMT -5
Italia makes the best ones I've seen.
Twice a year they have a bogo sale (just ended a few days ago)
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Dec 31, 2021 1:07:52 GMT -5
Thanks, Goo! The problem with this strap is it's too long. I need to route it up and then back to take up the slack. I suppose I could cut the strap and punch a new hole, and then I could use your method. You can get another tail if you don't want to cut into the stitching on the original one. Looky here: www.amazon.com/Anthology-Gear-Leather-Extension-Stitching/dp/B07QPX7BK2 |
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Post by LeftyMeister on Dec 31, 2021 8:08:21 GMT -5
Thanks! I didn't know that was possible.
A friend made this strap several years ago and the leather is really soft; too soft. I think I'll just donate it to kid in need.
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Post by hushnel on Dec 31, 2021 11:52:13 GMT -5
Larry Madsen, you do great work brother.
I’ve done a couple customs straps, mostly for the Bluegrass guys. All the rest are primarily functional, for myself they are not adjustable. Basically a strap with rounded finished edges, a stitch line, no stitching and strap button holes, oil, seal and done. Oh, and occasionally my logo stamp, if I remember “o)
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Post by Vibroluxer on Dec 31, 2021 17:48:58 GMT -5
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Post by Larry Madsen on Dec 31, 2021 18:02:42 GMT -5
Larry Madsen, you do great work brother. Thank you hushnel ... yours are very kind words from a true leather artist. The work I do could be done by a diligent Boy Scout with a few of the right tools. The truly great part is the enjoyment I get while doing it. |
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Post by hushnel on Jan 1, 2022 16:13:50 GMT -5
Larry, don’t let my tooling and ornamentation distract you, it’s all about utilizing the the materials and not weakening or compromising the inerrant strength and functions of the cutting, design and stitching, and that, you do without compromise. Function is always supreme in our efforts. Your straps will outlive the owner with reasonable maintenance.
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