Guitar Strap For a Big Guy- Advice Needed

[Firewalker]

Hello all, 

I am going to make a guitar strap (which I haven't done before..... surprise surprise) for a friend of ours and I could use some direction from the seasoned guitar strap makers if possible.   Based on my research I am seeing the length of most straps to go out to 59"  (36-59 I believe)  I am sure any off the rack strap would work for me because I am not very tall and I don't play with the guitar very low.  Let me preface with the fact that I am pretty sure I am much better at collecting guitars than I am at playing them.  You would never think "hmmmmmm, he reminds me of Jimmy Page if you watched me play.

Back to the question the subject.   Our friend is 6'4" tall and I would estimate weighs around 275-300.  He is a gigging musician and his career is taking off.  He doesn't have a strap with his name on it or any personalized strap at all.  He does play with the guitar quite low as many of the younger musicians do these days.  With all of this long winded explanation would you extend the strap length to 66" or is there enough travel in a 59" to accommodate what I am describing. 

I plan on doing quite a lot of carving and painting on this strap and it is important that it is going to work out.  I haven't decided if I will do the adjustment in the strap that loops into itself or one that adjusts with a block and Chicago screws.  (Block is perhaps the wrong word, it's just what it looks like to me)  

2nd Dilemma:   I have seen many straps that have some sort of suede or pigskin or even the flesh side of veg tan backing to give some friction to the strap to keep it from slipping around.  Is this a hard and fast rule?  I would like to personalize the inside of the strap with some more personal items that aren't really public info.  A hidden message of sorts and I wonder if it is reasonable to use the same leather as a backer as you use for the front.   The reason is I am wanting to tool and paint it inside and out. 

3rd:  Padding the strap:  As I mentioned this young man is a working musician and he will likely wear this for several hours a night.  Is padding a must if this is the case?  He plays electric guitar but mainly acoustic.  I am not sure if the weight of the guitar or the duration of wear would be more of a determining factor.  Is the padding looked at as "some old man stuff"  I don't need any padding. 

I know this turned out to be a novel so I apologize for that.  It's an important piece to me and I anticipate it will mean a lot to him so I want it as perfect as possible.  Unfortunately I can't ask him a lot of questions or I will give it away.  

Thanks in advance for any assistance you might offer. 

All the best!

Scott  

[Halitech]

for the length, best option would be to get a measurement of the one he's using now

For the backing, depends on what types of music he plays. If he is constantly moving it around, you probably want it smooth. If he's the stand still type, either way will be fine.

Padding probably wouldn't be a bad idea but if you go with a 2.5" strap, may not be needed. If you want to put customized info on the inside, then you will need to line it with thin veg tan so might as well pad it.

[Firewalker]

Would a 3" strap be too dang wide to be comfortable?  I just wonder about it digging into your neck. 

He plays Texas country and Southern Rock.  Even when playing acoustic he is playing aggressively.  He usually has to put on 3 strings a night if that means anything.  I have a very nice side of an Italian tanned leather that I need to see how well it tools.  I think it is around 3-4 ounce so that might work.  Any recommendations on padding inside the strap?  I definitely won't put a big piece of sheep skin on it because I don't care for how it looks.  

I wish I had the luxury of getting a measurement on the strap he uses.  He is too far away and he would be onto me.  His dad is a pro musician as well.  Maybe he would know?

Thanks for the reply.  I appreciate it..  

[mikesc]

I don't play guitar, but I have slapped a bass* quite a bit, and I'm that "size" ( maybe just a little lighter, 240 ) ,haven't got a strap to hand to measure, but measuring with a tape where I'd have a strap worn, I'd say go with the 66..there are going to be attachment holes at either end anyway ( IIWY , I'd make say 3 holes at each end, just far enough apart that you could cut some off without it looking like you had, if the strap is too long ) so if it is a tad long he'll just not be using the very last holes...and..it is way easier to cut some off at each end , and neaten up the "new ends" if it is really way too long, that it is to add leather back on.

*Bass is a longer neck and a different shape, but..
ps..I'm curious how anyone plays an acoustic guitar "low slung", unless they have really long arms.

pps..if he has more than one guitar , then multiple attachment holes may not be a bad idea anyway, necks and bodies are not the same length from one guitar to another, yes straps are adjustable, but that would give you a little extra "wiggle room"..and again, you can "cut a little off" far easier than "stitch a little back on".

Edited January 15, 2018 by mikesc

[Firewalker]

1 hour ago, mikesc said:

I don't play guitar, but I have slapped a bass* quite a bit, and I'm that "size" ( maybe just a little lighter, 240 ) ,haven't got a strap to hand to measure, but measuring with a tape where I'd have a strap worn, I'd say go with the 66..there are going to be attachment holes at either end anyway ( IIWY , I'd make say 3 holes at each end, just far enough apart that you could cut some off without it looking like you had, if the strap is too long ) so if it is a tad long he'll just not be using the very last holes...and..it is way easier to cut some off at each end , and neaten up the "new ends" if it is really way too long, that it is to add leather back on.

*Bass is a longer neck and a different shape, but..
ps..I'm curious how anyone plays an acoustic guitar "low slung", unless they have really long arms.

pps..if he has more than one guitar , then multiple attachment holes may not be a bad idea anyway, necks and bodies are not the same length from one guitar to another, yes straps are adjustable, but that would give you a little extra "wiggle room"..and again, you can "cut a little off" far easier than "stitch a little back on".

Sounds like good advice.  He does have pretty long arms and plays both quite a bit lower than I would consider normal.  I like the idea of giving some extra length that could be cut off.  When I give it to him it will be on a cruise ship but I could just take a burnisher and a small vial of dye and fix it then and there if I needed to cut it off.  Thanks for the idea.

 

[Basically Bob]

Speaking from a past gigging bass player's perspective.

Lining: I dislike suede, I find it is too sticky - especially with shirts made of corduroy.  I also dislike linings (like the grain side of veg tanned) that slide around a lot.  My favorite lining is a chrome tanned, soft and supple garment style leather ... it's just right. 

Width: My straps are 3 - wide. Works for me.

Padding:  Lots of players like it but lots don't like it at all.  Personally, I don't like it. 

For inspiration, check out the straps from Brookwood Leather: http://brookwoodleather.com/

and Ethos  Custom Brands: https://www.ethoscustombrands.com/collections/guitar-straps

Good Luck!

 

 

[Firewalker]

On 1/15/2018 at 8:00 AM, Basically Bob said:

Speaking from a past gigging bass player's perspective.

Lining: I dislike suede, I find it is too sticky - especially with shirts made of corduroy.  I also dislike linings (like the grain side of veg tanned) that slide around a lot.  My favorite lining is a chrome tanned, soft and supple garment style leather ... it's just right. 

Width: My straps are 3 - wide. Works for me.

Padding:  Lots of players like it but lots don't like it at all.  Personally, I don't like it. 

For inspiration, check out the straps from Brookwood Leather: http://brookwoodleather.com/

and Ethos  Custom Brands: https://www.ethoscustombrands.com/collections/guitar-straps

Good Luck!

 

 

I read that the day you posted it and didn't reply like I thought I did.  Very good insight on the suede liner.  I think I am going to do a veg tan outer and a thinner piece inside.  I think it will mean so much the guy will use it even if it doesn't feel perfect.  

I think I am going to add 6" to the adjustment strap and call it a day.  If it's too long I will just make another and mail it to him. 

Would you suggest strap locks or just go with the keyhole slot?  

Thanks for the interest!

Scott

[Bodean]

I always ask the customer to lay out the strap they use and give me the measurement from hole to hole. I use that as the center of the adjustment slots. I make the body of my straps as long as I can, I dislike a long tail piece.

My backs are usually left natural, as the veg tan i use has pretty smooth backs. If I need to line I use garment leather. Some every once in a while will request suede, but I try to talk them out of it. 

I don't do padding because I mainly do 3 inch and 4 inch wide straps, using mostly 8 to 10 ounce leather. My thought is heavier and wider supports the guitar better than skinnier and lighter.

I always ask if the customer will use strap locks, if they do I only punch one hole. If there is uncertainty just make the keyhole slot and locks will still work. Make sure the hole is punched for locks, it usually takes a slightly larger hole for ease of installation. Most off the shelf are too small and end up having to be altered by the customer for locks to fit.

I play guitar and make custom straps for other musicians for almost 2 years now with no complaints. 

[Firewalker]

On 1/27/2018 at 7:39 AM, Bodean said:

I always ask the customer to lay out the strap they use and give me the measurement from hole to hole. I use that as the center of the adjustment slots. I make the body of my straps as long as I can, I dislike a long tail piece.

My backs are usually left natural, as the veg tan i use has pretty smooth backs. If I need to line I use garment leather. Some every once in a while will request suede, but I try to talk them out of it. 

I don't do padding because I mainly do 3 inch and 4 inch wide straps, using mostly 8 to 10 ounce leather. My thought is heavier and wider supports the guitar better than skinnier and lighter.

I always ask if the customer will use strap locks, if they do I only punch one hole. If there is uncertainty just make the keyhole slot and locks will still work. Make sure the hole is punched for locks, it usually takes a slightly larger hole for ease of installation. Most off the shelf are too small and end up having to be altered by the customer for locks to fit.

I play guitar and make custom straps for other musicians for almost 2 years now with no complaints. 

That is extremely helpful information.  I spoke to the guy's Dad today who is also a professional musician and they are the same height.  He told me they can get by with regular length straps off the shelf.  He doesn't play with the guitar low slung by his hip though his son does when playing electric.  I have decided to make it 3" wide, no padding.  I have the ability to make the main body pretty long and a shorter tail piece.  I will extend the tail piece by about 6 inches just in case.  

Have you ever made one or considered making one that had two key holes in the tail piece?  The idea I have is to make it adjustable between two guitars without feeding that whole length back and forth through the main body slits.  It would seem that getting that set initially and leaving it would be nice but also having the option to drop it a hole or two if need be.  It may be a silly idea but I thought it might work.  The downside is if you were in the top hole of three you would have 4-6" hanging past the button.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Scott

[Bodean]

5 hours ago, Firewalker said:

That is extremely helpful information.  I spoke to the guy's Dad today who is also a professional musician and they are the same height.  He told me they can get by with regular length straps off the shelf.  He doesn't play with the guitar low slung by his hip though his son does when playing electric.  I have decided to make it 3" wide, no padding.  I have the ability to make the main body pretty long and a shorter tail piece.  I will extend the tail piece by about 6 inches just in case.  

Have you ever made one or considered making one that had two key holes in the tail piece?  The idea I have is to make it adjustable between two guitars without feeding that whole length back and forth through the main body slits.  It would seem that getting that set initially and leaving it would be nice but also having the option to drop it a hole or two if need be.  It may be a silly idea but I thought it might work.  The downside is if you were in the top hole of three you would have 4-6" hanging past the button.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Scott

If the holes are too far apart, like you say, there would be too much excess leather flopping about. Here is what I know. Playing musicians do not have time to fidget with adjustments on stage. So they will more than likely use more than one strap if they have another guitar that requires a different length strap.I have made more slots for one guy who wanted the strap to be more versatile. For the majority though I set the given measurement to the middle and put 3 or 4 slots on either side. 

To answer your dilemma I may would just make two tail pieces and that may be the easiest route,

[Basically Bob]

Re padded straps ... one of the reasons many players do not like padded straps, especially if they sweat a lot, is that the strap will really start to stink after while from the sweat.

 

[Firewalker]

6 hours ago, Bodean said:

If the holes are too far apart, like you say, there would be too much excess leather flopping about. Here is what I know. Playing musicians do not have time to fidget with adjustments on stage. So they will more than likely use more than one strap if they have another guitar that requires a different length strap.I have made more slots for one guy who wanted the strap to be more versatile. For the majority though I set the given measurement to the middle and put 3 or 4 slots on either side. 

To answer your dilemma I may would just make two tail pieces and that may be the easiest route,

Thank you very much.  It makes a lot of sense.

[Firewalker]

I wanted to follow up on this and tell you how it went.  I ended up making the strap main body standard length and extended the tail piece by 4 inches.  I gave the strap to the guy and he absolutely loved it.  Unfortunately it is still shorter than what he needs and I will make another tail piece that is 10 inches longer.  

We watched him perform and he really plays low even on an acoustic.  I will try to attach some images of how it turned out. Thanks for the input!  

[Firewalker]

Here are a few more images of the strap while in various stages of progress.

[Bodean]

That turned out really awesome.

[Firewalker]

6 hours ago, Bodean said:

That turned out really awesome.

Thank you.  I appreciate it. 

[suzelle]

Nice job! I would like to make a guitar strap too. Loved seeing the result. Thank you!

[Firewalker]

6 hours ago, suzelle said:

Nice job! I would like to make a guitar strap too. Loved seeing the result. Thank you!

Thank you very much!