Guitar Straps

[Chief31794]

On 8/16/2016 at 9:57 AM, Sven WillIBeFamous said:

Awesome work.  I've just finished my 1st 3 guitar straps for the guys in my band (I'll post some pictures in another thread) and looking at your decorative work is making me want to up my game.

Quick question, do you treat the back of the strap with anything?  I've been putting tan kote on mine just to try and seal the back but wasn't sure if there was a need, or if there is something better to be using?

I use Fiebing's Aussie, I coat both the front and back then heat with a heat gun until it liquifies, then wipe off the excess. This provides shielding against perspiration and also conditions the leather.  Then I put 1 or 2 coats of Resolene on the front side.  The Aussie is like "Sno Seal" it acts as a moisture prevention.  Instrument straps that are used a lot get subjected to sweat.  Hope that helps.

[Chief31794]

6 hours ago, silverwingit said:

In a word, Wowza!

Chief, you would be doing all (well most all) of us a big favor if you'd make a detailed video of your different basketweave stamping methods. Your work is textbook perfect. In fact, better yet, you should write a book!

Michelle

What a nice compliment.  I have a video out on you tube concerning the arrowhead basket weaving technique, hadn't thought about the others since they are pretty standard and there's lots of folks out here that do basket weave better than I.  I will try to get in the shop and do some techniques on video and get it posted.

Chief

29 minutes ago, venator said:

Those look fantastic.  How wide do you typically make them? I'm wanting to get started but there's so many different widths that people use and I'm not really certain where to start.

Standard width for guitar straps is 2-1/2 inches but I've made them from 1-1/2 to 3-1/2" wide for different folks. Thanks,

Chief

[venator]

Is there a reason you don't dye and finish the back?

[Chief31794]

24 minutes ago, venator said:

Is there a reason you don't dye and finish the back?

I don't like taking the chance of dye bleed on shirts, and I've never liked the look of dyed flesh side of leather, I like it better when it looks like leather. If I double layer the strap then both sides are dyed, but then the backsides are glued together and don't show.  Just me, but there is an option to have the back dyed when they order and I've not had very many take that option.  I'll dye it and seal it if they want but most don't want it.

Chief

[venator]

How much do you typically sell them for?

 

[Chief31794]

 

They start at $79.95 and go up depending on whether they're hand carved or just tooled. Hand carving takes them to $99.95, double layered start at 159.95, that includes stitching if they want them laced then that adds $50.00.  Lacing is time consuming, sewing is done on a sewing machine, doesn't take nearly as long.

 

 

Edited August 17, 2016 by Chief31794

[cowboycolonel]

So what is the real difference between a guitar strap, a banjo strap, a dobro strap, etc?

[TonyRV2]

Nice looking work Chief.  Its inspirational.  I make mostly knife sheaths because I got into knife making a while back, but have been giving serious consideration into going into instrument straps as well.  Timing is not too bad for me right now since I'm personally in need of a few straps at the moment.

[Chief31794]

16 hours ago, cowboycolonel said:

So what is the real difference between a guitar strap, a banjo strap, a dobro strap, etc?

The main difference is length and attachment method. Dobro Straps are attached to the headstock and must support the instrument while it is lying flat and banjo straps are attached either with hooks or directly to the J-Hooks or cradled all the way around the drum to support the weight (13 - 15 lbs for a banjo with a tone ring). Some banjos cannot mount a cradle strap due to the way they support the J-Hooks (normally less expensive banjos have supports in the middle of the J-Hooks).  Guitar straps are normally 48-60" long, Dobro Straps 60-72" long and banjo straps depend on whether they are attachment type or cradle type.  Hope that helps, here's a couple of pictures to help (maybe).  The guy playing the dobro below is Frank Poindexter, he's been a professional recording artist for many years, worked with Tony Rice (he's actually Tony's Uncle), Frank plays regularly with the band, "Deeper Shades of Blue". The Banjo Player is Jamie Sparks another professional recording artist, Jamie currently plays and records with "The Bluegrass Brothers".  The strap is an attachment type banjo strap and the two pictures show how to mount the two different types of banjo straps

Chief

Edited October 6, 2016 by Chief31794

[Chief31794]

14 hours ago, TonyRV2 said:

Nice looking work Chief.  Its inspirational.  I make mostly knife sheaths because I got into knife making a while back, but have been giving serious consideration into going into instrument straps as well.  Timing is not too bad for me right now since I'm personally in need of a few straps at the moment.

Thanks, straps aren't terribly difficult to make.  Market isn't huge on Dobro Straps, Banjo and Mandolin straps are a medium volume market, guitar straps are a large volume market however, it's flooded with people and companies that make guitar straps.

Chief