Bruno Rock Report post Posted December 3, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BDAZ Report post Posted December 3, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruno Rock Report post Posted December 4, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BDAZ Report post Posted December 4, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted December 4, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted December 4, 2014 (edited) 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 December 4, 2014 by silverwingit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruno Rock Report post Posted December 5, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BDAZ Report post Posted December 5, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruno Rock Report post Posted December 13, 2014 (edited) 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! Edited December 13, 2014 by Bruno Rock Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
