A Few Tips for Guitar Straps

[wizard of tragacanth]

I have seen strips of Kevlar used in between layers of leather for making strong belts. I don't know where to get, but it would definitely prevent stretching. 

[JazzBass]

On 7/30/2019 at 2:20 PM, Dunluce said:

I read this with interest as i have a friend who wants me to make him a guitar strap as described above; cut to length with no adjustment. I appreciate soft leather might feel better but my concern is that it will stretch over time both in length and where he holes are punched out for attaching to the guitar.

My thought is to take two strips of softish leather about 1.5mm (4oz) thick and glue them together. I will have a strip of reinforcement tape in the middle.to help prevent stretch and a piece of stiffish leather inserted at each end to provide support where the holes are punched. Any thoughts on this or can anyone recommend a suitable leather? 

Since you are going to line it, (and, I assume, stitch it) the stitching all the way around will go a long way to minimize stretching overall. As to the holes, yes, there will be some stretching. Initially, it may be very stiff putting it on and taking it off, where a bit of stretch can be welcome. My next one will be 4-5oz with a very thin pigskin liner. I'll reinforce button holes only if necessary. I think two layers of 4-5 might be a bit thick, but that's personal preference, as a heavier, stiffer strap does distribute weight over a larger area (down the back, not just on the shoulder). A thick strap like that might work better with strap locks for convenience.

[Sheilajeanne]

I like your idea of having two slots in the end of the strap for adjusting the length! Never would have thought of that!  Great idea!

Right now, I'm mainly playing my classical guitar, which doesn't have an end button, so the strap is an embroidered fabric one with a plastic piece that slips into the sound hole.

I mostly play sitting, so rarely need the strap.

I used to have a leather strap with a pad on it, and can remember that damn pad NEVER being in the right spot!!  

[Doc Reaper]

I have to agree with everything you just covered. Plus one more thing - never dye the liner if they wear light color clothing. Darker dyes and stains will eventually rub off!

[JazzBass]

On 2/13/2020 at 8:37 PM, Doc Reaper said:

I have to agree with everything you just covered. Plus one more thing - never dye the liner if they wear light color clothing. Darker dyes and stains will eventually rub off!

Absolutely - Sometimes we sweat like we're in the gym. I personally have no problem with staining on the back side from sweat - it beats the heck out of having dye come off on clothing. The natural colored pig skin I've been using does stain, but feels great and won't bleed dye.

[Texasbootz]

Yum, much good food for thought! I am making custom straps for veterans using music to assist in re-assimilation. Really appreciate all shares! Working on this one made from two layers of suede adorned with tooled laser etched discs of art lifted from veterans first album (her request). Now that I’ve read this thread, I hope the suede does not stick and buckle’s not a problem!