rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Your work looks good, and welcome! Aaron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Thanks Aaron! A compliment right out of the box, that's a nice thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted October 31, 2007 How about two compliments right out of the box? That's some fine work there... No signs of rust whatsoever! Welcome! -Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Regis Report post Posted October 31, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matara Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Good stuff brother! Keep it up and I'm sure you'll find a way to make it work for you. Best, Freddie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted October 31, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Good stuff Freddie. Well executed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beaverslayer Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Welcome rdb, your work looks real good from here. It's kinda like ridin a bicycle, you just don't need the helmet. Thanks for sharing your work, and looking forward to seeing more. Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted October 31, 2007 It's kinda like ridin a bicycle, you just don't need the helmet. I can think of at least one member here that might have benefited from wearing the helmet... :biggrin: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Thanks Ken...but Alberta is a long way to look at things. I really like your Vests. Nice work! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beaverslayer Report post Posted October 31, 2007 ROFLMAO Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Phelps Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Welcome rdb Good to see another strap maker on here. Just uploaded some images of one I've got on the bench. Was going to wait until it was finished but what the heck, I'm waiting for the finish to dry before I stitch a liner on. This one is a bit of a departure from what I usually do in several aspects. i might be going to hell in a bucket but at least i'm enjoying the ride Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 THAT'S what I'm talkin' about Mike. Great job! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don101 Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Welcome rdb to the forum nice pics of the straps, And Mike what a good idea i might just have to adopt improvise and overcome with wondering where to put my needles when i take a break from stitching good idea with the magnets, Don Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted October 31, 2007 MIKE I LIKE THE LOOKS OF THAT ADJUSTMENT. FINISH IT AND SHARE WITH US. JORDAN VINYL...????? UGH!!! REGIS CAN VOUCH TO MY COLLECTION OF 8-TRACS. ESPECIALLY SOUTHERN ROCK Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Thanks for the welcome, Don. Nice wallet you did awhile back. How's the saddle going? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Regis Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Now that is a fact, Luke has a LOT of 8 tracks (and an enviable shop I might add). Regis MIKE I LIKE THE LOOKS OF THAT ADJUSTMENT. FINISH IT ANDSHARE WITH US. JORDAN VINYL...????? UGH!!! REGIS CAN VOUCH TO MY COLLECTION OF 8-TRACS. ESPECIALLY SOUTHERN ROCK Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 I thought you might like to see these. Somewhere back in my 20's (circa 1970s?), I made these for a Band. Scuttlebutt said they were going to be on the next album cover, but two things happened. First, their trailer with all their stage clothes was broken into, and the vests disappeared. Second, the Bandmates had a breakup for awhile, so nothing ever happened with these. If you ever see them out in the wild, give me a ring.lol My buddy still has the prototype. Silk lined, ivory buttons, laced edges, calfskin (boy is that stuff hard to tool...so thin. I had some old photos I scanned in for this, so the quality will not be so good, but just for fun, here they are. A star on the forehead for the one who guesses the Band. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beaverslayer Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Awesome looking vests rdb, I really like them. Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 31, 2007 I am humbled by the praise, coming from such a talented guy as You. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beaverslayer Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Thanks for the compliment rdb. I would be interested in seeing more of your fine work. The guitar strap is very nice by the way. Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
