Introduction

[rdb]

Hey All!. Well, it's been thirty or more years since I did the Leatherwork. Now, I find myself looking for work in a Young Man's world...ain't happenin', as they say. So....I broke out my tools, and started up again. There's a local Music shop in my small town, and I started making up some gitar straps for him. If I sell one a month, I'ld say that's good...lol. I started Leatherwork in Spain, on the "hippie trail" Me and a few fellas made up some stuff, and sold it on the streets of Malaga, and Tormelinos. It made Tapas and Bar tabs, at the time. I went back home to Massachusetts, and started a smal shop there in the early 70's. I did alright for awhile, Twin Needle Machine, some Rock Musicians bought a few Vests, etc. Then Family, Time, and the Future got in the way. "What a long strange trip it's been".

Back in them days, frequent trips into Berman Leather, and Siegels was the Hub of things. Leather was King for awhile, in Boston. Now I live in a rural area of NC, so the market isn't big, but the competition is small too. I did find a local supplier in Zack White. If anyone is wondering, it's a nice store, with friendly people, and a fair stock of good material. It gives me the same feel as the old days in Boston.

My skills need to be re worked, and my hands have to remember how, but we'll give it a try.

Here's a pic of the first strap after all these years. If anyone has input or advice, or just want to make their presence known in the universe, go right ahead.

[electrathon]

Your work looks good, and welcome!

Aaron

[rdb]

Thanks Aaron! A compliment right out of the box, that's a nice thing.

[abn]

How about two compliments right out of the box? That's some fine work there... No signs of rust whatsoever!

Welcome! -Alex

[Regis]

Welcome... Looks like you may be helpin' fols pretty soon as that is a really good looking strap. I'll be making my 1st guitar strap later this week.

Once again, glad to have you join us.

[rdb]

Thanks Alex!. Trust me though, the rust is there. I pick up some of the old tools, and I can't even remember what they were for...lol. But them edges shine. You may not tell from the pic, but I always put a lot of work into the edges. Run the belt through your hands, and smooth is the operative word.

I use a combination circle slicker, edge dye, and either bees wax, or black polish wax. If the edge makes me feel good, then it's ready for the customer.

[Matara]

Good stuff brother! Keep it up and I'm sure you'll find a way to make it work for you.

Best,

Freddie

[rdb]

Welcome... Looks like you may be helpin' fols pretty soon as that is a really good looking strap. I'll be making my 1st guitar strap later this week.

Once again, glad to have you join us.

There's a lot more to making gitar straps than meets the eye. So many lengths, so many thicknesses, padiness, stamped, carved, plain, so many ways to attach. It's a minefield when you try to make for a general audience. Think long and hard over what you want as a strap. Comfort, length, ease of attachment. Be careful if you add hardware. Nowadays gitars cost a fortune. Nobody wants a scratch from their strap to bring the value down.

I'ld be very happy to see your attempt. Hope you post it.

[Jordan]

might there be a fellow deadhead here, definetly a long strange trip. Nice work for an old hippie LOL. I just heard joni on my lp "nobody asked van gough, paint a stary night again, man! Guess there are alot of us 50 somethings getting back to basics and redifining our place in a young man's world, if they only knew LOL....Jordan...my son looks at me like I'm crazy when I break out the old vinyl and rock out.

[rdb]

might there be a fellow deadhead here, definetly a long strange trip. Nice work for an old hippie LOL. I just heard joni on my lp "nobody asked van gough, paint a stary night again, man! Guess there are alot of us 50 somethings getting back to basics and redifining our place in a young man's world, if they only knew LOL....Jordan...my son looks at me like I'm crazy when I break out the old vinyl and rock out.

" If my tunes were played, on the harp unstrung, would you here my voice come through the music..."

I've got a lot to relearn, and being an ol' dog don't help, but I can still give them younguns pause for thought...lol.

Sheesh, I better make sure my next strap is better, or all this stuff going to my head will turn on me. Thanks everyone for the encouragement....it's exactly what I needed.