Sargeant Preston
Ambassador of The Ninth Chord
Voodoo has you on "speed dial" for emergencies?
TVvoodoo's Straplab
- Thread starter TVvoodoo
- Start date
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- guitar straps
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Phew! what weekend! So, just off two guitar show weekends in Edmonton and Calgary, both Sundays. A lot of miles on the ol' F-150, and today my voice is back again- it was almost completely raw yesterday. Here in the secluded fortress of solitude straplab all by myself for months at a time there's just not a lot of strap-blabbin' goin' on.
Today I unpacked four large suitcases of unsold stock, put away the guitars I'd packed for show 'n tell, counted the cash, made a bank deposit.
Then, I went through my inventory here to make sure I take what sold out of my Reverb store. Can't sell anything one-of-a-kind twice!
My li'l brother JD (on the left) helped me out at the Calgary show, as he lives there. Some of you may know him as the secretive and elusive @Randy Van Malmsteen. He's been a professional musician based out of that city since the 90's -also worked at AXE Music and HEL chain music gear stores for maybe a decade too, before focusing on other fields and eventually a fancy government job maybe 20 years ago, and other ambitious entrepreneurial things on the side too. He took cash and serenaded passers-by with his catalog of neo-classical shreddification for a time, introduced me to a number of industry locals attending too. Anyway... below, two mild 'n crazy guys! The matching leopard print shirts seemed to be quite the hit - I thought it was going to take some convincing to get him in his, he didn't complain one bit. That's a good bro, alright!
Overall I hit just short of 75% of my goal for the two shows - Calgary seemed to be a fair bit more "rockin'" than Edmonton, a couple of vendors I spoke with who also did both agreed. I felt the venue was slightly superior too... more spacious/inviting, better lighting and far more guitars on display too. Made folks feel a bit more comfortable and welcome to stay longer, maybe do an extra round or two be sure to catch everything on display. The load-in/out was a bit chaotic. A small, dimly-lit freight elevator, a one-bay loading dock and every man for himself LOL!
Again sorry for no pics of the guitars but there was some pretty cool stuff I saw on a bathroom break. As a vendor at these things, and a 30 feet of frontage to watch over for two of us, just don't allow much wanderin-around time. Gotta be there for the lookers, turn 'em into owners!
Appreciated meeting some regular Calgary customers, and members of a couple of social media groups I can now put faces too, and I added probably ten or fifteen new members to the Well-Hung Tribe, including some pretty fun younger players too, which was a real highlight!
Everything I've been doing for the past 6 weeks had been leading to Sunday. I'm going to take this week to get my head right, get some pressing yardwork done I've been pushing off, as it could snow any day up here now, and begin on a couple of customs I've been able to push forward. Regroup, reconfigure, reassess where I'm going from here.
Today I unpacked four large suitcases of unsold stock, put away the guitars I'd packed for show 'n tell, counted the cash, made a bank deposit.
Then, I went through my inventory here to make sure I take what sold out of my Reverb store. Can't sell anything one-of-a-kind twice!
My li'l brother JD (on the left) helped me out at the Calgary show, as he lives there. Some of you may know him as the secretive and elusive @Randy Van Malmsteen. He's been a professional musician based out of that city since the 90's -also worked at AXE Music and HEL chain music gear stores for maybe a decade too, before focusing on other fields and eventually a fancy government job maybe 20 years ago, and other ambitious entrepreneurial things on the side too. He took cash and serenaded passers-by with his catalog of neo-classical shreddification for a time, introduced me to a number of industry locals attending too. Anyway... below, two mild 'n crazy guys! The matching leopard print shirts seemed to be quite the hit - I thought it was going to take some convincing to get him in his, he didn't complain one bit. That's a good bro, alright!
Overall I hit just short of 75% of my goal for the two shows - Calgary seemed to be a fair bit more "rockin'" than Edmonton, a couple of vendors I spoke with who also did both agreed. I felt the venue was slightly superior too... more spacious/inviting, better lighting and far more guitars on display too. Made folks feel a bit more comfortable and welcome to stay longer, maybe do an extra round or two be sure to catch everything on display. The load-in/out was a bit chaotic. A small, dimly-lit freight elevator, a one-bay loading dock and every man for himself LOL!
Again sorry for no pics of the guitars but there was some pretty cool stuff I saw on a bathroom break. As a vendor at these things, and a 30 feet of frontage to watch over for two of us, just don't allow much wanderin-around time. Gotta be there for the lookers, turn 'em into owners!
Appreciated meeting some regular Calgary customers, and members of a couple of social media groups I can now put faces too, and I added probably ten or fifteen new members to the Well-Hung Tribe, including some pretty fun younger players too, which was a real highlight!
Everything I've been doing for the past 6 weeks had been leading to Sunday. I'm going to take this week to get my head right, get some pressing yardwork done I've been pushing off, as it could snow any day up here now, and begin on a couple of customs I've been able to push forward. Regroup, reconfigure, reassess where I'm going from here.
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Sargeant Preston
Ambassador of The Ninth Chord
Hopefully, the tareef situation will soon end.
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
I got my "break" in, tackled the yardwork, checked off all the autumn household, yard and garden autumn things on my list except for a just a few left. Not much to tell, probably much the same as any other homeowner - except maybe my added duties for wood-gathering for my stove, but I only needed to secure one more half-ton load and I'm now ready! I actually worked pretty hard in the yard, got some good physical work in. Nothing like that to blow off some steam.
In the background, I've been working on a custom for Collin. He's a regular, and has been smitten with my somewhat unique "bouquet" design. He sent me a photo of this Musicman style bass made by a company I keep seeing mentioned a bunch lately, Sire. He wasn't sure at first but the more he plays it, the more he says it's staying in his fold, new, it was in that mid-price level, he managed to snag his lightly used and says it manages to punch well above its weight class.
So last week I've been picking away at it. First off releasing the main body from the 8/9 oz hide.
It's going to be 3" wide in the back-buckle format. He initially contacted me during my rush before the guitar shows, but the mail went on strike and I asked if he didn't mind waiting a bit, and I could offer him a bit of a price break for his patience. Now the posties are back at it, at a limited level they say.
Before I cut the tail strap, I needed to know what buckle he preferred so I could cut to fit. Out of my suggestions he chose the aged nickel cowboy set lower right - a bit dressier. If I can, I typically cut the tail strap out of a different hide if I can, that is slightly thicker. For this finish it's not going to make a difference what hide, each element is from. Sometimes it does.
We got to stampin' - this pattern unique in that it only requires two stamps, but a LOT of them!
Mainly it's this very common stamp called a "Camoflage" stamp. Looks a bit like a seashell
Stamping the full body, (about 46" long") and the tail strap took me 2 hours and a bit. Turn the brain off and just GO!
Once stamped and while still damp from the stamping/moisturizing process I do the first dye stage.
This is my fourth strap in this design, my first in jet black. This strap is named "Funeral Bouquet."
Considered naming it "Collin's Funeral Bouquet," but perhaps that's just unnecessarily dark LOL!
Performed one more black dye stage an hour after this, then laid on a good amount of neatsfoot oil to help draw that black even deeper down into the hide.
This morning I burnished the edges, and gave the elements a real serious buff and polish then and began the clearcoat process before final assembly. Looks like that will happen on Thursday. Strange thing, with my recent loss of the US market, Reverb sales have been slow, but today I did get to send a couple away... one to Calgary, one to Regina now that the post office is accepting goods again. It would be such a dream come true for me to further develop the Canadian marketplace for my goods, as I consider what might be possible for the USA.
In the background, I've been working on a custom for Collin. He's a regular, and has been smitten with my somewhat unique "bouquet" design. He sent me a photo of this Musicman style bass made by a company I keep seeing mentioned a bunch lately, Sire. He wasn't sure at first but the more he plays it, the more he says it's staying in his fold, new, it was in that mid-price level, he managed to snag his lightly used and says it manages to punch well above its weight class.
So last week I've been picking away at it. First off releasing the main body from the 8/9 oz hide.
It's going to be 3" wide in the back-buckle format. He initially contacted me during my rush before the guitar shows, but the mail went on strike and I asked if he didn't mind waiting a bit, and I could offer him a bit of a price break for his patience. Now the posties are back at it, at a limited level they say.
Before I cut the tail strap, I needed to know what buckle he preferred so I could cut to fit. Out of my suggestions he chose the aged nickel cowboy set lower right - a bit dressier. If I can, I typically cut the tail strap out of a different hide if I can, that is slightly thicker. For this finish it's not going to make a difference what hide, each element is from. Sometimes it does.
We got to stampin' - this pattern unique in that it only requires two stamps, but a LOT of them!
Mainly it's this very common stamp called a "Camoflage" stamp. Looks a bit like a seashell
Stamping the full body, (about 46" long") and the tail strap took me 2 hours and a bit. Turn the brain off and just GO!
Once stamped and while still damp from the stamping/moisturizing process I do the first dye stage.
This is my fourth strap in this design, my first in jet black. This strap is named "Funeral Bouquet."
Considered naming it "Collin's Funeral Bouquet," but perhaps that's just unnecessarily dark LOL!
Performed one more black dye stage an hour after this, then laid on a good amount of neatsfoot oil to help draw that black even deeper down into the hide.
This morning I burnished the edges, and gave the elements a real serious buff and polish then and began the clearcoat process before final assembly. Looks like that will happen on Thursday. Strange thing, with my recent loss of the US market, Reverb sales have been slow, but today I did get to send a couple away... one to Calgary, one to Regina now that the post office is accepting goods again. It would be such a dream come true for me to further develop the Canadian marketplace for my goods, as I consider what might be possible for the USA.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Funeral Bouquet (#5) - is complete. Should easily arrive in time for Hallowe'en!
8/9 oz heavy vegtan, hand tooled, hand dyed, hand burnished. 3" wide, padded medium lightly, adjusts approx 51"-57" Haven't punched the holes yet, waiting to find out about straplocks.
Got the flash western buckle set on the back in my super convenient easy to adjust Class Act design with the pass-thru that protects your guitar from contact.
I'd been toying with the idea of making a black one for the store, before Collin asked, but was holding back for whatever reason. Glad he asked for it and made me make one because it's frickin' SUPA-HAWT! With all them flowers you'd think it'd be a bit girly, but in black especially, and with all that texture and elegant shine, turns out rather macho, if in a vampire/goth/emo sort of way.
Here's feedback from DJ in Elginburg, Ontario...
Hope the week is treating you well!
8/9 oz heavy vegtan, hand tooled, hand dyed, hand burnished. 3" wide, padded medium lightly, adjusts approx 51"-57" Haven't punched the holes yet, waiting to find out about straplocks.
Got the flash western buckle set on the back in my super convenient easy to adjust Class Act design with the pass-thru that protects your guitar from contact.
I'd been toying with the idea of making a black one for the store, before Collin asked, but was holding back for whatever reason. Glad he asked for it and made me make one because it's frickin' SUPA-HAWT! With all them flowers you'd think it'd be a bit girly, but in black especially, and with all that texture and elegant shine, turns out rather macho, if in a vampire/goth/emo sort of way.
Here's feedback from DJ in Elginburg, Ontario...
Hope the week is treating you well!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
New in the shop, several straps, but mostly you've seen a pic of already. I had a glut of things I made just before the shows, and didn't have time to do multiple photos and load 'em up on Reverb, so now I'm playing catch-up.
I've put a new Ace of Spades up, #10 in what I'd call a dark teaburst - Normally I only do these as a custom order, but wanted one in the store for show. So It's 100% available. Heavy Stamped and tooled vegtan leather, lined, padded, edges burnished... 3" wide, 45-57"
A couple of new (old) Devil's Leash straps with the Classic Saugerties ribbon on 3" wide black leather, and a couple of 2.5" "Dirty Honey" Pythons. Go see if you are someone I can sell to!
Also today this one... "ZAP! Hot Strawberry" Such a luscious colour! I have so many sexy words I want to use to describe this very warm, engorgy pink but I think I'll do my best to attempt to be gentlemanly instead. Don't act so surprised! LOL!
That pebble-grained black bolt just powers it up, don't it? Leather also has like a light pearlized finish to it. Very interesting.
Met Craig at the Calgary Guitar Show recently. He picked up a couple of fab deals there in-person, if I recall correct: a black gator strap, and the Dickie Betts beaded strap I made a couple months ago in black leather as well. As does happen, he found himself looking into my Reverb Store for even more and just received his 3rd Well-Hung strap in as many weeks. Now that's a Well-Hung Warrior we can definitely welcome to the tribe! Even if he probably cheers The Flames. LOL!
Tuesday's gone, with the wind.
I've put a new Ace of Spades up, #10 in what I'd call a dark teaburst - Normally I only do these as a custom order, but wanted one in the store for show. So It's 100% available. Heavy Stamped and tooled vegtan leather, lined, padded, edges burnished... 3" wide, 45-57"
A couple of new (old) Devil's Leash straps with the Classic Saugerties ribbon on 3" wide black leather, and a couple of 2.5" "Dirty Honey" Pythons. Go see if you are someone I can sell to!
Also today this one... "ZAP! Hot Strawberry" Such a luscious colour! I have so many sexy words I want to use to describe this very warm, engorgy pink but I think I'll do my best to attempt to be gentlemanly instead. Don't act so surprised! LOL!
That pebble-grained black bolt just powers it up, don't it? Leather also has like a light pearlized finish to it. Very interesting.
Met Craig at the Calgary Guitar Show recently. He picked up a couple of fab deals there in-person, if I recall correct: a black gator strap, and the Dickie Betts beaded strap I made a couple months ago in black leather as well. As does happen, he found himself looking into my Reverb Store for even more and just received his 3rd Well-Hung strap in as many weeks. Now that's a Well-Hung Warrior we can definitely welcome to the tribe! Even if he probably cheers The Flames. LOL!
Tuesday's gone, with the wind.
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OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
In the background I've been working with a fellow goes by blueshores_guy on Guitars Canada
He sent me pics of his boutique "Harrison" guitars semi, fun build with stealth controls hidden inside the F-hole, in this rather unique "blister" quilt finish. Quite the instrument. Toronto builder... funny thing, I'd never even heard of the dude. But, obviously knows the right end of a chisel, pretty plain to see. I did a search, a couple of weeks there were actually FOUR different "Harrison" guitar brands, but one was recently acquired by another company. Had no idea. Harrison is my own surname!
But what strap would be better for a "Harrison" guitar than a strap also made by a Harrison?
He said he'd tried a nice black strap on it but didn't like the visual effect, and asked my opinion. I sent back this composite, (which I do as a customer service, time permitting), to show him what I felt would be suitable leathers from my "Leather Library" with which to make him a custom strap.
Which would you choose?
My rationale was I felt wanted to play off the blister finish using texture, but also accent the browns of the back/sides and the streaky ebony, not one that would try to compete with that crazy top.
We both decided we liked the same one the best, what I called "Pecan Croc" and I today I completed his strap, sent this photo with one of my own guitars I felt had the most similar top to his. Really not much the same at all, but gives the general idea.
Still waiting for his reply, but I'm sure he's gonna dig it. Pretty much the same as any basic strap I make, perhaps a bit more detailed as I tend to do with custom orders. He had a specific length to try to hit, which I did, but also some adjustment. Medium padded, tapers down more on the frontside than I typically do to 2", but still 3" wide on the shoulder. Black leather ladder section, and nose. Punched for straplocks.
Collin in Ontario got his "Funeral Bouquet" - he sent me these quick pics, saying he's very happy with the match of the strap on his sparkle Bass. Great shots, it's not easy to capture that glitter effect. He says he's gonna play it for a bit before he has words for me on it, which I appreciate.
Hey everyone, it's hump day, don't forget to remind your spouses.
He sent me pics of his boutique "Harrison" guitars semi, fun build with stealth controls hidden inside the F-hole, in this rather unique "blister" quilt finish. Quite the instrument. Toronto builder... funny thing, I'd never even heard of the dude. But, obviously knows the right end of a chisel, pretty plain to see. I did a search, a couple of weeks there were actually FOUR different "Harrison" guitar brands, but one was recently acquired by another company. Had no idea. Harrison is my own surname!
But what strap would be better for a "Harrison" guitar than a strap also made by a Harrison?
He said he'd tried a nice black strap on it but didn't like the visual effect, and asked my opinion. I sent back this composite, (which I do as a customer service, time permitting), to show him what I felt would be suitable leathers from my "Leather Library" with which to make him a custom strap.
Which would you choose?
My rationale was I felt wanted to play off the blister finish using texture, but also accent the browns of the back/sides and the streaky ebony, not one that would try to compete with that crazy top.
We both decided we liked the same one the best, what I called "Pecan Croc" and I today I completed his strap, sent this photo with one of my own guitars I felt had the most similar top to his. Really not much the same at all, but gives the general idea.
Still waiting for his reply, but I'm sure he's gonna dig it. Pretty much the same as any basic strap I make, perhaps a bit more detailed as I tend to do with custom orders. He had a specific length to try to hit, which I did, but also some adjustment. Medium padded, tapers down more on the frontside than I typically do to 2", but still 3" wide on the shoulder. Black leather ladder section, and nose. Punched for straplocks.
Collin in Ontario got his "Funeral Bouquet" - he sent me these quick pics, saying he's very happy with the match of the strap on his sparkle Bass. Great shots, it's not easy to capture that glitter effect. He says he's gonna play it for a bit before he has words for me on it, which I appreciate.
Hey everyone, it's hump day, don't forget to remind your spouses.
Sargeant Preston
Ambassador of The Ninth Chord
You go first, Brad, and don't forget to post pics of yourself in the hospital.
GrooVey
Well-Known Member
Time to kick up your game. Not saying it’s easy. But for yourself, so adept at triple back flips and such… shouldn’t be a problem.
Amber Burst!! Whatever that is on a strap?
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Still kickin' amigos...barely! - Even headin' to the big city this weekend as my wife is dragging my ass to a singer/songwriter show, where I don't really care much for the artist, but hey, I managed drag her to Metallica once back in the day, (NO, not by the hair LOL!), so I guess it's payback time.
Ok, just above I've been on about the situation with Lyle in Ontario, - well... his custom strap arrived... he's pleased, and had nice words, which was great because he was one of those real choosy type fellows - some victories seem harder won than others if you get my drift.
"I've had my Doug Harrison custom archtop for just over a year now, and for most of that time have been keeping my eyes peeled for a strap that would go with its, um, unique top. Tried a few different ones, but ultimately rejected them on the basis of size or colour or quality. Finally found a source for custom straps right here in Canada...Well-Hung Guitar Straps. Brad is the owner, a one-man shop, and he does exemplary work. sent him pix of the Harrison and he sent me back pix of several possible strap varieties, different styles, different colours, different widths. Settled on having him build the strap you see in the photo... one of a kind, very well made, padded, comfortable, simple, and classy. And I think the colour and texture of the leather go well with the guitar. Mission accomplished. Even with snail mail shipping, it was in my hands in a week.
Brad has been suffering from the tariff situation between the US and Canada, and has seen his business fall away drastically as a result. This is not good. If you're in need of a quality strap, and wish to have one custom-made for you, by all means get in touch with him. He also has a Reverb store with hundreds of straps available if you don't need to go the custom route." - Lyle in Ontario
Again, yes I am still being tossed on the angry seas of an international trade war, it's definitely hurting. And to reiterate: sadly, I still am unable to serve my faithful US customers, but hope to be able to again in the future. The situation is such my typical $150 US strap would costs US customers over twice that price once tariff and duty costs are applied. While it's being widely reported we exporters happily pay those additional costs into US coffers, those in the know understand the reality is very different story.
However, I am still serving customers here in my own country, and even talking to a fella in Britain right now as well - fingers crossed.
Here's another custom job that went to BC a couple of days ago... Another Metis Sash strap to soon be treasured by Isaac!
Also new in the Well-Hung reverb store is "Soul Collector" in gold - made specifically to badass-up a black beauty in an elegant way.
It's gold skull-embossed leather, with a black strip and conchos/rivets. 3" wide... sooo padded!
I also just got a photo back from Kris in southern Sask of his Carneglia guitars (Florida Custom Builder) relic'd '59 replica
with his recent Well-Hung "Whippin' Post" strapquisition.
I mean, JUST LOOK AT THIS!!!! He says it's an exquisite instrument.
That's all I got for today... maybe get something else going on for tomorrow? sure hope so!
Ok, just above I've been on about the situation with Lyle in Ontario, - well... his custom strap arrived... he's pleased, and had nice words, which was great because he was one of those real choosy type fellows - some victories seem harder won than others if you get my drift.
"I've had my Doug Harrison custom archtop for just over a year now, and for most of that time have been keeping my eyes peeled for a strap that would go with its, um, unique top. Tried a few different ones, but ultimately rejected them on the basis of size or colour or quality. Finally found a source for custom straps right here in Canada...Well-Hung Guitar Straps. Brad is the owner, a one-man shop, and he does exemplary work. sent him pix of the Harrison and he sent me back pix of several possible strap varieties, different styles, different colours, different widths. Settled on having him build the strap you see in the photo... one of a kind, very well made, padded, comfortable, simple, and classy. And I think the colour and texture of the leather go well with the guitar. Mission accomplished. Even with snail mail shipping, it was in my hands in a week.
Brad has been suffering from the tariff situation between the US and Canada, and has seen his business fall away drastically as a result. This is not good. If you're in need of a quality strap, and wish to have one custom-made for you, by all means get in touch with him. He also has a Reverb store with hundreds of straps available if you don't need to go the custom route." - Lyle in Ontario
Again, yes I am still being tossed on the angry seas of an international trade war, it's definitely hurting. And to reiterate: sadly, I still am unable to serve my faithful US customers, but hope to be able to again in the future. The situation is such my typical $150 US strap would costs US customers over twice that price once tariff and duty costs are applied. While it's being widely reported we exporters happily pay those additional costs into US coffers, those in the know understand the reality is very different story.
However, I am still serving customers here in my own country, and even talking to a fella in Britain right now as well - fingers crossed.
Here's another custom job that went to BC a couple of days ago... Another Metis Sash strap to soon be treasured by Isaac!
Also new in the Well-Hung reverb store is "Soul Collector" in gold - made specifically to badass-up a black beauty in an elegant way.
It's gold skull-embossed leather, with a black strip and conchos/rivets. 3" wide... sooo padded!
I also just got a photo back from Kris in southern Sask of his Carneglia guitars (Florida Custom Builder) relic'd '59 replica
with his recent Well-Hung "Whippin' Post" strapquisition.
I mean, JUST LOOK AT THIS!!!! He says it's an exquisite instrument.
That's all I got for today... maybe get something else going on for tomorrow? sure hope so!
GrooVey
Well-Known Member
Wow. Stunning. Nice job!
Session 5
Ambassador of Strings & Wings
In the background I've been working with a fellow goes by blueshores_guy on Guitars Canada
He sent me pics of his boutique "Harrison" guitars semi, fun build with stealth controls hidden inside the F-hole, in this rather unique "blister" quilt finish. Quite the instrument. Toronto builder... funny thing, I'd never even heard of the dude. But, obviously knows the right end of a chisel, pretty plain to see. I did a search, a couple of weeks there were actually FOUR different "Harrison" guitar brands, but one was recently acquired by another company. Had no idea. Harrison is my own surname!
But what strap would be better for a "Harrison" guitar than a strap also made by a Harrison?
He said he'd tried a nice black strap on it but didn't like the visual effect, and asked my opinion. I sent back this composite, (which I do as a customer service, time permitting), to show him what I felt would be suitable leathers from my "Leather Library" with which to make him a custom strap.
Which would you choose?
My rationale was I felt wanted to play off the blister finish using texture, but also accent the browns of the back/sides and the streaky ebony, not one that would try to compete with that crazy top.
We both decided we liked the same one the best, what I called "Pecan Croc" and I today I completed his strap, sent this photo with one of my own guitars I felt had the most similar top to his. Really not much the same at all, but gives the general idea.
Still waiting for his reply, but I'm sure he's gonna dig it. Pretty much the same as any basic strap I make, perhaps a bit more detailed as I tend to do with custom orders. He had a specific length to try to hit, which I did, but also some adjustment. Medium padded, tapers down more on the frontside than I typically do to 2", but still 3" wide on the shoulder. Black leather ladder section, and nose. Punched for straplocks.
Collin in Ontario got his "Funeral Bouquet" - he sent me these quick pics, saying he's very happy with the match of the strap on his sparkle Bass. Great shots, it's not easy to capture that glitter effect. He says he's gonna play it for a bit before he has words for me on it, which I appreciate.
Hey everyone, it's hump day, don't forget to remind your spouses.
For me from the far right going left 3rd one in.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
@Session 5 that was my second choice - but we both agreed pretty immediately on the pecan coloured croc just to the right of it.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Hello you buncha handsome guitar psychos! I'm fresh off a weekend of fun!
Saw Canadian songwriter/performer Ron Sexsmith over the weekend, not my first choice of a show to attend, by my wife adores his music. Def. not Mr. Charismatic which is maybe part of his charm, but it drove me nuts for his whole first set where he had a big ol' twist in the back of his cheap white poly guitar strap (the things we notice LOL!). Even though his overall style seems rather world-weary and melancholy to me, there's no doubt he's an acclaimed songsmith and did win me over a little by the end. He was with a drummer and bassist sidemen, the drummer also filled in on keys for a couple songs, and Sexmith also tickled the ivories for about a quarter of his numbers, but mostly plucked away on a Taylor single cut semi. Dude has put out 17 albums and played swank halls worldwide over the years, some big names have recorded his songs... so he's obviously legit.
After the second half, the band bows, says goodbye, leave the stage. The audience mechanically stands and claps for about 45 seconds to earn the band's return for the inevitable 2-number encore performance. He comes out noting: "What a strange ritual that is, we didn't go far, we were just there waiting behind the curtain." Authentic quiet-part-out-loud truth LOL!
Today I'm working on a strap for Cathy, or rather Cathy's grandaughter. Met her as she was working at a handicraft store, my wife and I got to talking about arts and crafts, woth her and I mentioned I do leatherwork. She asked if I could do a guitar strap... and I said "Could I!" Anyway, Hannah is 17 and getting a genuine strat guitar upgrade for Christmas , and Grandma wants to include a custom strap.
Last week we worked out a design that's sort of a combo deal with a couple of sunflowers AND a dragonfly. Completed tooling that, and thw first dye stage today.
Her budget was a bit on the low side for this kind of work so we worked a design with less tooling coverage and I think we'll both be real happy in the end. This is ideal for the situation I'm in right now...just to keep something going on the shop table, local sales. Be real nice to have four of five of these jobs to keep me going for November and December
Other than that while we were in the city, one of my baby birds has been having a real tough go of things for the past six months so we took the truck in. Loaded everything up, tarped it over, brought it home. Suddenly my wife and I are no longer empty-nesters anymore, and we also now have a cat in the house again too. We are glad to be in a situation able to help, but it's taking a little getting used to and making room for all the incoming stuff was a bit of a challenge.
Saw Canadian songwriter/performer Ron Sexsmith over the weekend, not my first choice of a show to attend, by my wife adores his music. Def. not Mr. Charismatic which is maybe part of his charm, but it drove me nuts for his whole first set where he had a big ol' twist in the back of his cheap white poly guitar strap (the things we notice LOL!). Even though his overall style seems rather world-weary and melancholy to me, there's no doubt he's an acclaimed songsmith and did win me over a little by the end. He was with a drummer and bassist sidemen, the drummer also filled in on keys for a couple songs, and Sexmith also tickled the ivories for about a quarter of his numbers, but mostly plucked away on a Taylor single cut semi. Dude has put out 17 albums and played swank halls worldwide over the years, some big names have recorded his songs... so he's obviously legit.
After the second half, the band bows, says goodbye, leave the stage. The audience mechanically stands and claps for about 45 seconds to earn the band's return for the inevitable 2-number encore performance. He comes out noting: "What a strange ritual that is, we didn't go far, we were just there waiting behind the curtain." Authentic quiet-part-out-loud truth LOL!
Today I'm working on a strap for Cathy, or rather Cathy's grandaughter. Met her as she was working at a handicraft store, my wife and I got to talking about arts and crafts, woth her and I mentioned I do leatherwork. She asked if I could do a guitar strap... and I said "Could I!" Anyway, Hannah is 17 and getting a genuine strat guitar upgrade for Christmas , and Grandma wants to include a custom strap.
Last week we worked out a design that's sort of a combo deal with a couple of sunflowers AND a dragonfly. Completed tooling that, and thw first dye stage today.
Her budget was a bit on the low side for this kind of work so we worked a design with less tooling coverage and I think we'll both be real happy in the end. This is ideal for the situation I'm in right now...just to keep something going on the shop table, local sales. Be real nice to have four of five of these jobs to keep me going for November and December
Other than that while we were in the city, one of my baby birds has been having a real tough go of things for the past six months so we took the truck in. Loaded everything up, tarped it over, brought it home. Suddenly my wife and I are no longer empty-nesters anymore, and we also now have a cat in the house again too. We are glad to be in a situation able to help, but it's taking a little getting used to and making room for all the incoming stuff was a bit of a challenge.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Again friends, real sorry I can't send to the USA right now, but when I can... it is my hope there may be a bit of pent-up demand to compensate for weeks of awful online sales, and loss of my biggest market. Speaking of which, since I'm not getting much for sales on reverb right now, it was a rare and happy occasion last night to get a message, not a feedback, just a dude randomly feeling the W-H love so deep, he was moved to contact me out of the blue to express thoughts on my strap button design and wish me well.
I messaged him back that while I sometimes feel like I can verge on "over-hyping" my stuff, but my Pro-Pins are one offering I don't actually feel it's possible.
Yes, they are that good!
New in the store (if you can see it, USA folks won't be able to unless you VPN me I think), are one called Soul Collector in Silver Skull embossed leather.. 3" wide, padded yadda yadda...
And "Throwback" which is a repeat of a "skinny" strap I did last year, this one with a much nicer buckle set. You probably know my thoughts on skinny straps, but I figure it don't hurt to offer one in my store for those cool-cravin' strap masochists out there. Good thick 9 oz belt leather, with 1" wide retro ribbon stitched on top.
Lastly the strap for Granddaughter Hanna is coming along, after hand painting the wings, dragonfly body, and resist coating the lettering,
and the petals - they dying a dark, rustic brown.
Oiled i after I took this picture, late tonight I buff it out then start the clear top coat process, and get after the burnishing of the edges.
early tomorrow
I messaged him back that while I sometimes feel like I can verge on "over-hyping" my stuff, but my Pro-Pins are one offering I don't actually feel it's possible.
Yes, they are that good!
New in the store (if you can see it, USA folks won't be able to unless you VPN me I think), are one called Soul Collector in Silver Skull embossed leather.. 3" wide, padded yadda yadda...
And "Throwback" which is a repeat of a "skinny" strap I did last year, this one with a much nicer buckle set. You probably know my thoughts on skinny straps, but I figure it don't hurt to offer one in my store for those cool-cravin' strap masochists out there. Good thick 9 oz belt leather, with 1" wide retro ribbon stitched on top.
Lastly the strap for Granddaughter Hanna is coming along, after hand painting the wings, dragonfly body, and resist coating the lettering,
and the petals - they dying a dark, rustic brown.
Oiled i after I took this picture, late tonight I buff it out then start the clear top coat process, and get after the burnishing of the edges.
early tomorrow
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Got a message from Well-Hung faithful warrior-elder Collin in Ontario. He's always happily chirpin' off about my stuff, but stays mainly in the talkBass forum.
He recently got that "Funeral Bouquet" custom-tooled strap to add to his stable, and he's a devotee to the Pro-Pins too.
He recently sent a whole whack of pics of various custom Well-Hung straps, etc, and I know he's got a few more from years past that he didn't even show.
But I figured I'd collage most of what he sent up, and it's always nice to see a friendly face from the tribe ain't it?
He sent words too:
"Collin here, bass player with a (bad) rotator cuff and thoracic outlet syndrome - I went through strap after strap trying to find something to let me hang my guitar over my wrecked shoulder, and none would let me do it for more than like half an hour before the pain was too much, and my heaviest instrument is only 9 pounds - that’s how bad a shoulder can be.
I tried Lekato and Comfort Strapp straps. Hated the materials. They smelled like chemicals and the neoprene stuff just slides across your shoulder. Some of them are sort of bouncy with makes playing a pain unless you are they type of player who stands perfectly still. Tried a few other brands also, but found minimal in added comfort.
Then I found Well-Hung Guitar Straps about 5 years ago or so, and my shoulder has been happy as a clam ever since. Dude uses quality materials, excellent padding, and awesome inner fabric that keeps your strap from sliding around. He can do custom orders with various fabric and leather choices, as well as a new line that has a bit of stretch (Comfort-Flex). But honestly, the ones I have now I can actually play a full set, (thank goodness for breaks!), without silently crying in pain. Other straps last me 20 minutes tops, before I can take it any more.
Well-Hung guitar straps are extremely comfortable, rugged and durable and I can't say enough good things about them."
So... let it be known here, there, over the hills far away... Well-Hung guitar straps also go GREAT on bass guitars, if you had any questions on that. Don't know why anybody would, but there you go, and from day one, the very first strap horribly ugly strap I crafted back in 2010 or so? It as all about player comfort.
Fresh in the store today - a new No Prisoners strap called "Velvet Fist," 3" wide padded, with maroon leather and a velvety/suede belt loaded with nickel grommets,
over 50 of them. 47"-59".
Only other thing I managed to do today was update my CV and print out a dozen copies. Sadly, it's startin' to get a little hungry over here due to the new international trade realities. I'll be attending a local job fair with my daughter tomorrow. Don't even know if I'm actually employable by anyone else at this point, but I'm too young (and poor) to retire but what the heck - no harm in havin' a little look-see on what's going on out there!
He recently got that "Funeral Bouquet" custom-tooled strap to add to his stable, and he's a devotee to the Pro-Pins too.
He recently sent a whole whack of pics of various custom Well-Hung straps, etc, and I know he's got a few more from years past that he didn't even show.
But I figured I'd collage most of what he sent up, and it's always nice to see a friendly face from the tribe ain't it?
He sent words too:
"Collin here, bass player with a (bad) rotator cuff and thoracic outlet syndrome - I went through strap after strap trying to find something to let me hang my guitar over my wrecked shoulder, and none would let me do it for more than like half an hour before the pain was too much, and my heaviest instrument is only 9 pounds - that’s how bad a shoulder can be.
I tried Lekato and Comfort Strapp straps. Hated the materials. They smelled like chemicals and the neoprene stuff just slides across your shoulder. Some of them are sort of bouncy with makes playing a pain unless you are they type of player who stands perfectly still. Tried a few other brands also, but found minimal in added comfort.
Then I found Well-Hung Guitar Straps about 5 years ago or so, and my shoulder has been happy as a clam ever since. Dude uses quality materials, excellent padding, and awesome inner fabric that keeps your strap from sliding around. He can do custom orders with various fabric and leather choices, as well as a new line that has a bit of stretch (Comfort-Flex). But honestly, the ones I have now I can actually play a full set, (thank goodness for breaks!), without silently crying in pain. Other straps last me 20 minutes tops, before I can take it any more.
Well-Hung guitar straps are extremely comfortable, rugged and durable and I can't say enough good things about them."
So... let it be known here, there, over the hills far away... Well-Hung guitar straps also go GREAT on bass guitars, if you had any questions on that. Don't know why anybody would, but there you go, and from day one, the very first strap horribly ugly strap I crafted back in 2010 or so? It as all about player comfort.
Fresh in the store today - a new No Prisoners strap called "Velvet Fist," 3" wide padded, with maroon leather and a velvety/suede belt loaded with nickel grommets,
over 50 of them. 47"-59".
Only other thing I managed to do today was update my CV and print out a dozen copies. Sadly, it's startin' to get a little hungry over here due to the new international trade realities. I'll be attending a local job fair with my daughter tomorrow. Don't even know if I'm actually employable by anyone else at this point, but I'm too young (and poor) to retire but what the heck - no harm in havin' a little look-see on what's going on out there!
GrooVey
Well-Known Member
Dude! Hanna's gonna
that. Well done.