guitar strap

[Mike Phelps]

Thanks Studio-N

A gal that really makes some unique guitar straps is Chantal Corday at pccord.com.

[rdb]

Real nice job Mike! That's a lot of hand stitching! Top notch quality, and looks to be comfortable too. The basket weaved keepers look almost to be braided...hmmm, that would be a nice touch.

I would make the adjustment sizing in a small and a large...say 44-50 and 46-52...most "normal" sized people clock in those ranges. Mostly 46-48, I've found. 53" will be down around their ankles....lol

I use the button rivets once in awhile myself. Part of the new musician tastes include NO hardware. They are paying thousands for these instruments, and don't want scratches from their straps, so the buttons help with the limited use of metal in adjustments. The damage comes when they release the straps and they fall against the instrument.

As an aside, They are also using what are called, Guitar Stops. They lock the Straps onto the attachment pegs on the guitar.

The tried and true sure safe way is to use thong adjustments, but then the player has to become practically a leather lacer to make any adjustments. Thank goodness, most make the one adjustment they want, and keep it there. My one idea for possible improvement to use with the button type is a sliding keeper to actually cover the button and holes, but I haven't tried it yet.

Just ideas being thrown out. I have a long way to go to regaining any skills I had way back when, and am deeply impressed with your work. Thanks for sharing. That's what great here, you don't have to pull teeth to learn from people, they willingly share their expertise.

I'ld say that strap should sell for no less than $150, and that's a steal. But I hope you get much more. I've seen straps of far less quality into $200-350.

[Romey]

I like that alot and the stud idea is excellent! Great work my friend

[Mike Phelps]

Thanks rdb.

I've made some with rifle sling hooks for the adjusters that had a sliding cover for the hardware. Never braided just the loops but after seeing rawhide1's work I'm thinking about it.

I'm barely 5ft.10 and with strap button on the heel stock i use a 49 1/2in length. But then my arms are long. If the button was on the upper bout/horn it would be less.

I've made the main body of the strap shorter and thought of offering different lengths for the adjustment part, but found when I did that the coupling would hit a taller person in the middle of the back. Not good. So it's better to have a limited range of six inches or so and tailor the main body to the individual.

There is a whole range of possibilities in the construction of straps. There is a gal in Australia that is really pushing the envelope. I go to her site for inspiration. I can never rip off her ideas. She is just too talented.

Thanks Romey. I intend to start another one like to one you liked so well REAL soon.

Mike

[rdb]

And people think these things are just gitar straps...sheesh

You are absolutely right, there is a huge range in options. Not to mention specifically designed straps for mandolins, and banjos....

From a plain 2" strap with 2 holes and some latigo stips to exotic leathers and skins inlaid, backed, unbacked, lace, stictched, hardware, no hardware....the list goes on.

Although Designs (carving, stamping, molding), and Shapes (straight, curved, ergonomic) can be limitless, I find the methods for adjustment are limited, and that frustrates me. One of the old books I have (c1800s) had a hook and eye made from heavy leather, that got my inventive juices going

And then the customers come in with their ideas......

I look forward toward to your new pieces, they are inspirational...

[Romey]

Well the more i look at that one more i like it, and i liked it alot the first time!i think thats a wicked nice strap and really dig the idea of rifle sling hooks for the adjusters.