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Bruno Rock

Shoulder Pad Question

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Hi guys, I've been asked to make a Guitar strap with a shoulder pad, stuffed inside with something soft, I've immediately thought about foam rubber, it's the right thing to do, or exist something better for that purpose?

Here's a reference pic that i found,

Thanks for any friendly advice.

Cheers from Italy

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I avoid using any metal on my guitar and banjo straps. They are all custom and fitted to the instrument and musician. I don't use padding because I prefer a wider strap and the pad makes it difficult to fit in the case. Quite frankly most instruments don't require a pad, even heavy bluegrass banjos, if the strap on the shoulder is wide enough.

You might think of sewing on some lambs fleece onto a wider part of the strap.so it will look like a pad but be flexible. If you want to cover foam, then use a closed cell foam like neoprene rubber, not the typical foam rubber

Ciao!

Bob

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Thank you Bob, for the detailed answer, neoprene rubber?! that's interesting! My custumer is a guitar fixer/builder and told me that he wants a guitar strap with a soft shoulder pad.

I will not use any rivets, that was just a reference pic that I found.

Here's also a pic of the work in progress

Cheers from Italy

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Your strap looks good. Again, I see no need for an two piece adjustable strap for a custom order. I have a few inches of adjustment by having a few extra holes, which is all that's needed.

You could look for some old wet suits or visit someone that repairs wet suits or makes custom wet suits and purchase some scraps. 6mm-8mm should be perfect.

Ciao!

Bob

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I don't pad my guitar straps, but I do line with flesh-side-out deer, which is VERY soft and comfy. Flesh side out also provides a little bit of extra friction to limit how much the strap slips.

Bill

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You'd be amazed at how stiff and bulky a strap can get when you sandwich padding into it. My bet is that if you use neoprene the strap could double as a billy club.

I use a fairly thin, airy foam sheet found at any fabric store. By time you've stitched it between your primary and lining leathers it will be plenty soft and your client will still stand that chance of rolling or folding it to get it into that guitar case.

You don't wanna have to make a second one.

Good luck and tell us what you end up doing.

Michelle

Edited by silverwingit

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My customer was very specific about that shoulder pad, so I think I'll end up adding some foam rubber, I'll keep you posted for sure!

Cheers from Italy

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http://www.ebay.it/itm/FOGLIO-ADESIVO-NEOPRENE-PER-SELLA-MOTO-40-X-33-CM-ALTEZZA-10-MM-/201187725385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_101&hash=item2ed7b91049

I would use some very thin pigskin suede and wrap, glue and stitch to the strap. Do not use foam rubber! I have had to repair a number of old accordion straps where the foam has disintegrated. Neoprene will last for many years.

Cya!

Bob

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Hi guys, after a long week, I have found some time to finish off this project, and as promised, here's a few pic of the final product!

Soonish I'll add also my custumers impressions!

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Edited by Bruno Rock

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