TVvoodoo's Straplab
- Thread starter TVvoodoo
- Start date
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- Tags
- guitar straps
ibmorjamn
Ambassador of Moar Jammin
That is so cool, congrats. Brad da man!!!!!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Gotta say it was a learning weekend for me, a humbling one too
Last we left, I had an undyed slab on the table. Over the weekend I dyed it yellow then then dabbed some orange around the perimeter.
I was going for something sort of in the ballpark of this flower called a Zinnia but more yellow to orange than yellow to pinky red.
Doesn't much look the same at all now, does it? LOL! Blecchh!
Yes, this is a real experiment into new territory, at this point beginning to doubt if method was going to work out.
What my plan was, was to add a TON of contrast to the coloured petals, by LIGHTLY rubbing the standy-uppy parts of the leather with black dye,
after I got colour inside the petals. Well, for various reasons, it didn't work out much that way at all LOL!
Due to the ribs, there's really not enough deep down petal surface area to show that colour.
A couple of problems.
1. to get darker black I had to rub it down four times, very lightly. Like feather touch. Stressful with a sponge full of black dye! Still didn't get it as black/black as I was hoping.
And as you can see, the striations in each of the petals stick up too much, so they all got a bunch of dark on them too, this caught me by surprise.
2. The end of my rubber glove, the tip of my middle finger, wasn't seated right down on my finger, so when I rubbed some black dye on, the wet glove smeared
far more black on than I wanted in some places kind of mucking things up. Rookie mistake. With black dye, no takesy-cksies. So you recover.
It all ended up a much darker piece than I was hoping, and way different that I imagined it would. For awhile I toyed with just dyeing the whole thing black, make the texture the star, but I'm stubborn and wanted to see what this looked like all oiled and clearcoated, so I just kept going, dying the edges and stitch channel black, burnishing the edges and then continuing with the clearcoat regimen.
It's actually not at all horrible, but still disappointing. I was hoping for much more colour to show through, as it is it mostly reads as black.
I spend some time on leatherwork forums and I can say this is a pretty unique finish, for all the good and bad of it.
I'll be padding and stitching it up and putting it in the store probably tomorrow. For the amount of errors, and variance from the original vision...
it's still unique and rather of cool.
Sometimes, the dye and the leather does what IT wants to do, now what you want it to.
Well-Hung returning warrior you-know-who has discovered a brand new use for WH straps!
View attachment 591607
Do not adapt your medical prescriptions without consulting a physician first!
Last we left, I had an undyed slab on the table. Over the weekend I dyed it yellow then then dabbed some orange around the perimeter.
I was going for something sort of in the ballpark of this flower called a Zinnia but more yellow to orange than yellow to pinky red.
Doesn't much look the same at all now, does it? LOL! Blecchh!
Yes, this is a real experiment into new territory, at this point beginning to doubt if method was going to work out.
What my plan was, was to add a TON of contrast to the coloured petals, by LIGHTLY rubbing the standy-uppy parts of the leather with black dye,
after I got colour inside the petals. Well, for various reasons, it didn't work out much that way at all LOL!
Due to the ribs, there's really not enough deep down petal surface area to show that colour.
A couple of problems.
1. to get darker black I had to rub it down four times, very lightly. Like feather touch. Stressful with a sponge full of black dye! Still didn't get it as black/black as I was hoping.
And as you can see, the striations in each of the petals stick up too much, so they all got a bunch of dark on them too, this caught me by surprise.
2. The end of my rubber glove, the tip of my middle finger, wasn't seated right down on my finger, so when I rubbed some black dye on, the wet glove smeared
far more black on than I wanted in some places kind of mucking things up. Rookie mistake. With black dye, no takesy-cksies. So you recover.
It all ended up a much darker piece than I was hoping, and way different that I imagined it would. For awhile I toyed with just dyeing the whole thing black, make the texture the star, but I'm stubborn and wanted to see what this looked like all oiled and clearcoated, so I just kept going, dying the edges and stitch channel black, burnishing the edges and then continuing with the clearcoat regimen.
It's actually not at all horrible, but still disappointing. I was hoping for much more colour to show through, as it is it mostly reads as black.
I spend some time on leatherwork forums and I can say this is a pretty unique finish, for all the good and bad of it.
I'll be padding and stitching it up and putting it in the store probably tomorrow. For the amount of errors, and variance from the original vision...
it's still unique and rather of cool.
Sometimes, the dye and the leather does what IT wants to do, now what you want it to.
Well-Hung returning warrior you-know-who has discovered a brand new use for WH straps!
View attachment 591607
Do not adapt your medical prescriptions without consulting a physician first!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
A day of strap extremes here in the straplab
First off the bench, (was started yesterday), Fat Bastard - another RARE 4" wide braided leather strap.
This would be a No Prisoners series, as it was crafted mostly from a triple wide leather belt.
No padding required at this width. Convenient back buckle system for easy adjustment.
Very vintage, got a bit of spring to it, goes 48"-60" - if you are a skinny dude, this ain't for you.
But, this next one might be! "Li'l Swagger - Metal edition" - only 2-1/4 wide, and while don't feel that's typically wide enough, lots of guitarists love those 2" wide poly straps. This is a bit wider, and it has the bit of spring to it that link leather does, so way more comfy, and black leather cool ta boot.
I'd say it's an upgrade.
I added a couple dozen nickel rivets, the will NOT touch your shoulder, as they sit up inside. This one also has a round back buckle, in brushed nickel,
and a very sturdy matching black leather nose and tail. Both straps are made of used belts, but very sturdy, and the leather deeply conditioned.
New also in the store "Bouquet." Complex pattern, complex finish, great for a Texas Tea, or how about this on a Goldtop? Oh yeah! 3" wide, heavy hand-tooled leather, padded too.
All I got for today!
First off the bench, (was started yesterday), Fat Bastard - another RARE 4" wide braided leather strap.
This would be a No Prisoners series, as it was crafted mostly from a triple wide leather belt.
No padding required at this width. Convenient back buckle system for easy adjustment.
Very vintage, got a bit of spring to it, goes 48"-60" - if you are a skinny dude, this ain't for you.
But, this next one might be! "Li'l Swagger - Metal edition" - only 2-1/4 wide, and while don't feel that's typically wide enough, lots of guitarists love those 2" wide poly straps. This is a bit wider, and it has the bit of spring to it that link leather does, so way more comfy, and black leather cool ta boot.
I'd say it's an upgrade.
I added a couple dozen nickel rivets, the will NOT touch your shoulder, as they sit up inside. This one also has a round back buckle, in brushed nickel,
and a very sturdy matching black leather nose and tail. Both straps are made of used belts, but very sturdy, and the leather deeply conditioned.
New also in the store "Bouquet." Complex pattern, complex finish, great for a Texas Tea, or how about this on a Goldtop? Oh yeah! 3" wide, heavy hand-tooled leather, padded too.
All I got for today!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Something cool and a bit different in the Well-Hung store today... a new one-off No Prisoners strap called "In Stitches'
Features a big piratey 4" wide black chrome buckle up front, super showy, plenty of room under that to accommodate any guitar with a pin on the back. Adjusts 4" up front, with more slots in the back too, allowing it to float nicely between 44"-57" - luxe padded, you've never had a strap this comfy, and a cool and different vibe with showy high-contrast swoopy stitching on black fabric making it plenty groovy!
Today I sent out the last of the first run of "Canadiana" straps, based on the virgin wool Bay Point blankets, to New Brunswick. Unprecedentedly quick sellers! Decided I'd put a few more on the bench today after completing "In Stitches" one above, about half done those. Gotta strike when the iron is hot! But, I was pleased to see word come back already on one I sent out about a week ago.
Hope your Thursday is going smoov, I worked extra hard today! (that's what I'm telling my wife).
Features a big piratey 4" wide black chrome buckle up front, super showy, plenty of room under that to accommodate any guitar with a pin on the back. Adjusts 4" up front, with more slots in the back too, allowing it to float nicely between 44"-57" - luxe padded, you've never had a strap this comfy, and a cool and different vibe with showy high-contrast swoopy stitching on black fabric making it plenty groovy!
Today I sent out the last of the first run of "Canadiana" straps, based on the virgin wool Bay Point blankets, to New Brunswick. Unprecedentedly quick sellers! Decided I'd put a few more on the bench today after completing "In Stitches" one above, about half done those. Gotta strike when the iron is hot! But, I was pleased to see word come back already on one I sent out about a week ago.
Hope your Thursday is going smoov, I worked extra hard today! (that's what I'm telling my wife).
GrooVey
Well-Known Member
Classy! Like a pinstripe suit
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Four new ones in the Reverb store, this time with darker cowhide, more rustic on the ends.
You know how they get virgin wool? Ugly sheep.
HBC Bay Point blankie, made into a wonderfully practical and striking guitar strap.
And how about this finely written heart-warmin' story which graced in my email for a Friday? Les messaged me he received his strap Well-Hung Warrior-buddy Mike purchased last week,
then gifted to him for his Birthday. Seems Les and Mike are "gettin' the band back together." Hooray!
Dearest Mad Strappier (Brad),
There are only a few rare moments in my life when I’m truly at a loss for words—and today, thanks to you (via the courier magic of Mike), is one of them. To receive such a thoughtful, beautifully crafted gift—along with your personal note—was genuinely moving. I feel like I’ve been initiated into some mysterious brotherhood of badassery. I hesitate to call it a cult (too strong), but “movement” feels too soft. So let’s settle on “band of well-hung misfits.”
The quality, the craftsmanship, the attitude—it’s all top-tier. You clearly don’t just make guitar straps; you craft artifacts. You’ve earned a customer for life, and I fully intend to evangelize the gospel of being Well-Hung to more people than are probably willing to listen. But that’s the price of knowing me.
The bass you see in the photo I sent? It’s not just a bass—it’s a legacy. And I feel it’s only right to share the story with you, since you’re now a part of it.
Back in 1975, my dad was just 30. He worked hard, supported a wife and three kids, and still found the time—and money—to buy a 1965 Fender Jazz Bass. He was primarily a rhythm guitarist playing a ‘69 Gretsch, but even then, finding a bass player was like spotting a unicorn. His rock ‘n’ roll days were short-lived (life has a way of doing that), but the story didn’t end there.
Fast forward to 1982. I came home from school and told my dad I’d joined the high school band. I had never shown a single shred of interest in music before, so he naturally asked why. With full teenage sincerity, I replied: “My friends say it’s an easy course and they take lots of field trips.”
I don’t know how close I came to death that day, but I will forever appreciate his restraint.
He took a deep breath and asked, “What instrument?”
“Bass,” I said proudly.
He squinted, “And where do you plan to get a bass?”
I reminded him of the one sitting, unused, in the house. You know—the vintage Fender.
He replied with the authority only a father of three can summon: “You’re not playing my bass.”
So I went back to the school and asked what instrument I could borrow from them.
The answer? Trombone.
That night, I was waiting eagerly when Dad came home from his 12-hour shift running his excavation company. I couldn’t wait to tell him the great news. I announced proudly,
“I’m going to play the trombone!”
He looked at my mom. Then at me. Then probably had a brief existential crisis. The look on his face was something I’ve never seen before—or since. And then he said the words that changed everything:
“You’ll play the bass.”
And so I did.
I played that bass for four years, fell in love with the instrument, and eventually commissioned a custom build from a local luthier in 1986. The Fender was packed away at my parents’ house, untouched for nearly four decades. I asked to buy it a few times, Dad always refused.
Then, this past summer, during what might be one of the last visits where he’ll truly remember who I am (dementia is a cruel thief), my dad had a moment of perfect clarity. He smiled and said, “I have something I want to give you.” He went to the basement, rummaged around, came back holding both the ’65 Fender Jazz and his old ’69 Gretsch.
With a grin, he said: “You should be playing these.”
So now, Brad, thanks to you and Mike, this bass is headed back to the stage. It’s not just an instrument anymore—it’s a time machine, a family heirloom, and a piece of my dad’s soul. And your strap? It’s the finishing touch on something sacred.
Thank you for your talent, your words, and your weird, wonderful energy. You’re now part of this journey, whether you like it or not.
Gratefully and proudly Well-Hung,
-Les
It's days like today, and customers, old and new tribal clan warriors like Les, (who didn't even purchase!)
that really helps affirm what I'm doing. One great strap at a time!
Hope your weekend is all big money, no whammies my friends.
You know how they get virgin wool? Ugly sheep.
HBC Bay Point blankie, made into a wonderfully practical and striking guitar strap.
And how about this finely written heart-warmin' story which graced in my email for a Friday? Les messaged me he received his strap Well-Hung Warrior-buddy Mike purchased last week,
then gifted to him for his Birthday. Seems Les and Mike are "gettin' the band back together." Hooray!
Dearest Mad Strappier (Brad),
There are only a few rare moments in my life when I’m truly at a loss for words—and today, thanks to you (via the courier magic of Mike), is one of them. To receive such a thoughtful, beautifully crafted gift—along with your personal note—was genuinely moving. I feel like I’ve been initiated into some mysterious brotherhood of badassery. I hesitate to call it a cult (too strong), but “movement” feels too soft. So let’s settle on “band of well-hung misfits.”
The quality, the craftsmanship, the attitude—it’s all top-tier. You clearly don’t just make guitar straps; you craft artifacts. You’ve earned a customer for life, and I fully intend to evangelize the gospel of being Well-Hung to more people than are probably willing to listen. But that’s the price of knowing me.
The bass you see in the photo I sent? It’s not just a bass—it’s a legacy. And I feel it’s only right to share the story with you, since you’re now a part of it.
Back in 1975, my dad was just 30. He worked hard, supported a wife and three kids, and still found the time—and money—to buy a 1965 Fender Jazz Bass. He was primarily a rhythm guitarist playing a ‘69 Gretsch, but even then, finding a bass player was like spotting a unicorn. His rock ‘n’ roll days were short-lived (life has a way of doing that), but the story didn’t end there.
Fast forward to 1982. I came home from school and told my dad I’d joined the high school band. I had never shown a single shred of interest in music before, so he naturally asked why. With full teenage sincerity, I replied: “My friends say it’s an easy course and they take lots of field trips.”
I don’t know how close I came to death that day, but I will forever appreciate his restraint.
He took a deep breath and asked, “What instrument?”
“Bass,” I said proudly.
He squinted, “And where do you plan to get a bass?”
I reminded him of the one sitting, unused, in the house. You know—the vintage Fender.
He replied with the authority only a father of three can summon: “You’re not playing my bass.”
So I went back to the school and asked what instrument I could borrow from them.
The answer? Trombone.
That night, I was waiting eagerly when Dad came home from his 12-hour shift running his excavation company. I couldn’t wait to tell him the great news. I announced proudly,
“I’m going to play the trombone!”
He looked at my mom. Then at me. Then probably had a brief existential crisis. The look on his face was something I’ve never seen before—or since. And then he said the words that changed everything:
“You’ll play the bass.”
And so I did.
I played that bass for four years, fell in love with the instrument, and eventually commissioned a custom build from a local luthier in 1986. The Fender was packed away at my parents’ house, untouched for nearly four decades. I asked to buy it a few times, Dad always refused.
Then, this past summer, during what might be one of the last visits where he’ll truly remember who I am (dementia is a cruel thief), my dad had a moment of perfect clarity. He smiled and said, “I have something I want to give you.” He went to the basement, rummaged around, came back holding both the ’65 Fender Jazz and his old ’69 Gretsch.
With a grin, he said: “You should be playing these.”
So now, Brad, thanks to you and Mike, this bass is headed back to the stage. It’s not just an instrument anymore—it’s a time machine, a family heirloom, and a piece of my dad’s soul. And your strap? It’s the finishing touch on something sacred.
Thank you for your talent, your words, and your weird, wonderful energy. You’re now part of this journey, whether you like it or not.
Gratefully and proudly Well-Hung,
-Les
It's days like today, and customers, old and new tribal clan warriors like Les, (who didn't even purchase!)
that really helps affirm what I'm doing. One great strap at a time!
Hope your weekend is all big money, no whammies my friends.
Last edited:
ninjaking67
Ambassador of Good Will
Brad,
I really love the Hudson’s Bay Company tribute straps! Well done and a fitting tribute to the oldest company in Canada! ( founded 1670)
I really love the Hudson’s Bay Company tribute straps! Well done and a fitting tribute to the oldest company in Canada! ( founded 1670)
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
@ninjaking67 thanks! they are quite striking, wasn't my idea. Had a fellow in Quebec order one,
see if if was feasible. I managed to find a blanket that got stained and maybe dog-chewed? moth
eaten? for up about a quarter of it but enough left for a dozen straps. Still had to shell out pretty good for even
a salvage blanket - the new ones are like over $500 now, prices probably through the roof even more lately.
The one custom I made for him basically bought the blanket and shipping to me,
and I'm just praying I can sell ten or so more. I've sold four now other than the custom, so its gravy now.
Keeping one behind for my acoustic throw it in the RV Just seems right for around the campsite.
Probably get dirtied up tho after a few years, but maybe that'll be added mojo.
They are a rather practical too, comfy, you gotta singe the worst of the fuzzies off with a bic.
ideal for a saskatchewan winter!
see if if was feasible. I managed to find a blanket that got stained and maybe dog-chewed? moth
eaten? for up about a quarter of it but enough left for a dozen straps. Still had to shell out pretty good for even
a salvage blanket - the new ones are like over $500 now, prices probably through the roof even more lately.
The one custom I made for him basically bought the blanket and shipping to me,
and I'm just praying I can sell ten or so more. I've sold four now other than the custom, so its gravy now.
Keeping one behind for my acoustic throw it in the RV Just seems right for around the campsite.
Probably get dirtied up tho after a few years, but maybe that'll be added mojo.
They are a rather practical too, comfy, you gotta singe the worst of the fuzzies off with a bic.
ideal for a saskatchewan winter!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Completed today, two more, still have to do the listings on Reverb so if you are interested put my store on watch, and it'll trigger a notice for ya.
Couple of one-off standouts. First off this one called "Beaded Beauty"
Basic nice light tan suede cowhide with oil-tanned leather ends in a darker brown with contrast stitching. 3" wide, luxury padding,
non-slip lining. But the feature is this glass beaded belt with several gray polished stone cabochons that I stitched to the top. Looks rather spiffy!
The beads are mostly a gray, but there are copper and gold mixed in - adjusts 41"-56"
also coming to the store soon is "Djentleman" - one of my best of the year so far I think.
faux leather belt on top of some patio furniture "grill" in gunmetal and all that on a beautiful 3" wide black moto leather cowhide base
Of course the spelling out of "Djentleman" on the front as well as some Maltese cross bling elements and a couple nickel rivets to fill the empty spaces around.
Has a real serious-like industrial look to it. Heavy black harness leather ends front and back.
Padded nicely, non-slip lining, this one suitably goes from 48" as long as 62".
Nice little dose of feedback came in from Ryan on Friday. It's a revelation I know some TTR members have experienced. You pick up one Well-Hung strap...
and suddenly you realize all the other strappage you have just don't feel right no more. I think after only a few months, Ryan has FIVE already.
Sorry, not sorry LOL!
I took some time off earlier this month, which always puts a damper on sales momentum it seems. I keep a fixed number in
my head, sort of a "sales quota" which allows me to keep doing this and not having to quit and go to work for "The Man."
Well, thing is, I'm running a fair bit short for March here at the end of it, and need to make up some ground.
As a result, I dug into my reverb store last night and hacked and slashed prices down on probably a dozen or more straps,
sort of a mini clearance sale in an effort to move some older stale stock off and try to hit my magic number. I rarely do this.
Go see, maybe there's something there you can use! And I offer swag on discounted items, just not real often on offers.
Happy Monday!
Couple of one-off standouts. First off this one called "Beaded Beauty"
Basic nice light tan suede cowhide with oil-tanned leather ends in a darker brown with contrast stitching. 3" wide, luxury padding,
non-slip lining. But the feature is this glass beaded belt with several gray polished stone cabochons that I stitched to the top. Looks rather spiffy!
The beads are mostly a gray, but there are copper and gold mixed in - adjusts 41"-56"
also coming to the store soon is "Djentleman" - one of my best of the year so far I think.
faux leather belt on top of some patio furniture "grill" in gunmetal and all that on a beautiful 3" wide black moto leather cowhide base
Of course the spelling out of "Djentleman" on the front as well as some Maltese cross bling elements and a couple nickel rivets to fill the empty spaces around.
Has a real serious-like industrial look to it. Heavy black harness leather ends front and back.
Padded nicely, non-slip lining, this one suitably goes from 48" as long as 62".
Nice little dose of feedback came in from Ryan on Friday. It's a revelation I know some TTR members have experienced. You pick up one Well-Hung strap...
and suddenly you realize all the other strappage you have just don't feel right no more. I think after only a few months, Ryan has FIVE already.
Sorry, not sorry LOL!
I took some time off earlier this month, which always puts a damper on sales momentum it seems. I keep a fixed number in
my head, sort of a "sales quota" which allows me to keep doing this and not having to quit and go to work for "The Man."
Well, thing is, I'm running a fair bit short for March here at the end of it, and need to make up some ground.
As a result, I dug into my reverb store last night and hacked and slashed prices down on probably a dozen or more straps,
sort of a mini clearance sale in an effort to move some older stale stock off and try to hit my magic number. I rarely do this.
Go see, maybe there's something there you can use! And I offer swag on discounted items, just not real often on offers.
Happy Monday!
ibmorjamn
Ambassador of Moar Jammin
I like the way it turned out. As you added color it became kind of two dimensional.Gotta say it was a learning weekend for me, a humbling one too
Last we left, I had an undyed slab on the table. Over the weekend I dyed it yellow then then dabbed some orange around the perimeter.
I was going for something sort of in the ballpark of this flower called a Zinnia but more yellow to orange than yellow to pinky red.
Doesn't much look the same at all now, does it? LOL! Blecchh!
Yes, this is a real experiment into new territory, at this point beginning to doubt if method was going to work out.
What my plan was, was to add a TON of contrast to the coloured petals, by LIGHTLY rubbing the standy-uppy parts of the leather with black dye,
after I got colour inside the petals. Well, for various reasons, it didn't work out much that way at all LOL!
Due to the ribs, there's really not enough deep down petal surface area to show that colour.
A couple of problems.
1. to get darker black I had to rub it down four times, very lightly. Like feather touch. Stressful with a sponge full of black dye! Still didn't get it as black/black as I was hoping.
And as you can see, the striations in each of the petals stick up too much, so they all got a bunch of dark on them too, this caught me by surprise.
2. The end of my rubber glove, the tip of my middle finger, wasn't seated right down on my finger, so when I rubbed some black dye on, the wet glove smeared
far more black on than I wanted in some places kind of mucking things up. Rookie mistake. With black dye, no takesy-cksies. So you recover.
It all ended up a much darker piece than I was hoping, and way different that I imagined it would. For awhile I toyed with just dyeing the whole thing black, make the texture the star, but I'm stubborn and wanted to see what this looked like all oiled and clearcoated, so I just kept going, dying the edges and stitch channel black, burnishing the edges and then continuing with the clearcoat regimen.
It's actually not at all horrible, but still disappointing. I was hoping for much more colour to show through, as it is it mostly reads as black.
I spend some time on leatherwork forums and I can say this is a pretty unique finish, for all the good and bad of it.
I'll be padding and stitching it up and putting it in the store probably tomorrow. For the amount of errors, and variance from the original vision...
it's still unique and rather of cool.
Sometimes, the dye and the leather does what IT wants to do, now what you want it to.
Well-Hung returning warrior you-know-who has discovered a brand new use for WH straps!
View attachment 591607
Do not adapt your medical prescriptions without consulting a physician first!
I thought that it pops to me.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Thank you @ibmorjamn Appreciate your fine eye!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
The concept here is a strap for metal guys who are maybe a bit weary of, or want to steer away from the common "biker bling" aesthetic. Something a bit more elegant. But that does beg the question, can "elegance" and "metal" live in the same space? You tell me!
Gunmetal gray leather, with a metallic sheen to it - light REALLY dances off of it. It's smaller profile means it's not going to overwhelm anyone. Matching heavy-duty gunmetal buckle. Can be worn with the buckle up front, after about 53"-58" but from 46"-53" they are better as a back buckle affair. Greatest thing about buckle adjustment? Fast 'n easy adjustment, no need to remove your guitar!
I've probably said it here before, but the skinny floating pad strap was something I never really considered making for many years because I just didn't like the ones I had tried early in my guitar journey. The just seemed sketchy in regards to security, not really comfortable, and the pads seemed to want to wander all over the place.
I figured I'd come up with version I feel adequately addresses all those issues. 3" wide padded pad, 14" long. Slightly wider skinny straps, (wide/strong enough to use alone if you want, without the pad), and tighter pass-thrus so the shoulder pad will stay in place where it can do its job.
Trusty ends, and a sliding keeper that keeps any extra adjustment strap under control.
First day I can remember hearing songbirds singing this spring on the way to the post office today so I guess that means she's finally spring up here north of the ice wall. Somebody ordered some Pro-Pins last night... Might as well stick a shot or two in of those in here... while I got your attention.
I designed these, been improving them since 2017, this is the 3rd iteration. They feature approx. twice the "hold-back" power to keep your strap on shaft of the button. Look at the screw and button comparison to a stock. I also supply real fur felt washers, not nitro-dissolving synthetic ones. I usually also remember to put a bit of lube on them before I send 'em out too. Small details.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, they work great with most brands of straps, all that I have tried anyway. Especially if you have any strap ends starting to suffer the "hot-dog in a hallway" effect.
Key is not just the larger bell and deeper spool able to handle thicker strap ends (like mine) but the shaft for the screw is longer and milled to tight tolerance. Absolutely no wibble-wobble, which is always the beginning of a button coming loose. We've all experienced this. I can affirm since I designed this button those days are past tense for me. I also believe they look way, way better on an instrument over those than clunky, noisy assemblies. Just Like customers suddenly realize how a Well-Hung strap belongs on your shoulder, once you try a pair of pro-pins, you also know they are at superior attachment solution for your guitar. Not for all applications, but ideal for a great many. No maintenance, no extra parts, of install difficulties just simple, no-brainer security.
Darcy below is an up-and-coming luthier... he knows.
Happy Tuesday!
Gunmetal gray leather, with a metallic sheen to it - light REALLY dances off of it. It's smaller profile means it's not going to overwhelm anyone. Matching heavy-duty gunmetal buckle. Can be worn with the buckle up front, after about 53"-58" but from 46"-53" they are better as a back buckle affair. Greatest thing about buckle adjustment? Fast 'n easy adjustment, no need to remove your guitar!
I've probably said it here before, but the skinny floating pad strap was something I never really considered making for many years because I just didn't like the ones I had tried early in my guitar journey. The just seemed sketchy in regards to security, not really comfortable, and the pads seemed to want to wander all over the place.
I figured I'd come up with version I feel adequately addresses all those issues. 3" wide padded pad, 14" long. Slightly wider skinny straps, (wide/strong enough to use alone if you want, without the pad), and tighter pass-thrus so the shoulder pad will stay in place where it can do its job.
Trusty ends, and a sliding keeper that keeps any extra adjustment strap under control.
First day I can remember hearing songbirds singing this spring on the way to the post office today so I guess that means she's finally spring up here north of the ice wall. Somebody ordered some Pro-Pins last night... Might as well stick a shot or two in of those in here... while I got your attention.
I designed these, been improving them since 2017, this is the 3rd iteration. They feature approx. twice the "hold-back" power to keep your strap on shaft of the button. Look at the screw and button comparison to a stock. I also supply real fur felt washers, not nitro-dissolving synthetic ones. I usually also remember to put a bit of lube on them before I send 'em out too. Small details.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, they work great with most brands of straps, all that I have tried anyway. Especially if you have any strap ends starting to suffer the "hot-dog in a hallway" effect.
Key is not just the larger bell and deeper spool able to handle thicker strap ends (like mine) but the shaft for the screw is longer and milled to tight tolerance. Absolutely no wibble-wobble, which is always the beginning of a button coming loose. We've all experienced this. I can affirm since I designed this button those days are past tense for me. I also believe they look way, way better on an instrument over those than clunky, noisy assemblies. Just Like customers suddenly realize how a Well-Hung strap belongs on your shoulder, once you try a pair of pro-pins, you also know they are at superior attachment solution for your guitar. Not for all applications, but ideal for a great many. No maintenance, no extra parts, of install difficulties just simple, no-brainer security.
Darcy below is an up-and-coming luthier... he knows.
Happy Tuesday!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Happy Thursday... the week is flying by!
Today new in the store is a pair I've been thinking about for a long time. I have one of those greenburst pauls, and thought of doing this for it years ago,
but I ended up putting a BeastMaster Flex strap on it. Besides, mine has gold hardware, this pair has nickel, so it'd be kind of wrong.
Anyway - they turned out pretty handsome, in a swampy/absinthe/voodoo zombie sort of way
I hand-bursted these strips of bright green croc embossed leather with black dye, sewed them to 3" wide Moto leather bases with creme upholstery thread.
Heavy nose and tail sections adjusting in the ladder way 43"-57" I added three conchos with black cabochons, (likely synthetic),
and some nickel rivets down the middle to bring it all home.
Once again, padded like I'm sure you've never experienced, with non-slip black velvety lining.
I'm changing people's minds about what a real good strap ought to be, one strap at a time.
Can I change yours?
I don't make green slings too often, they can tend to stay put in my reverb store for a lonnnng time.
I do have a feeling these ones may not though.
Laissez le bontemps rouler!
Today new in the store is a pair I've been thinking about for a long time. I have one of those greenburst pauls, and thought of doing this for it years ago,
but I ended up putting a BeastMaster Flex strap on it. Besides, mine has gold hardware, this pair has nickel, so it'd be kind of wrong.
Anyway - they turned out pretty handsome, in a swampy/absinthe/voodoo zombie sort of way
I hand-bursted these strips of bright green croc embossed leather with black dye, sewed them to 3" wide Moto leather bases with creme upholstery thread.
Heavy nose and tail sections adjusting in the ladder way 43"-57" I added three conchos with black cabochons, (likely synthetic),
and some nickel rivets down the middle to bring it all home.
Once again, padded like I'm sure you've never experienced, with non-slip black velvety lining.
I'm changing people's minds about what a real good strap ought to be, one strap at a time.
Can I change yours?
I don't make green slings too often, they can tend to stay put in my reverb store for a lonnnng time.
I do have a feeling these ones may not though.
Laissez le bontemps rouler!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Out of the StrapLab today, another new invention
You maybe be familiar with my work with athletic resistance training bands I call the "BeastMaster" which is the hands-down most comfortable strap I make. I say that as a maker who's made comfort practically my whole focus and personal mission for over a dozen years. While I saw my "BeastMaster" invention as a huge victory, frankly, sales have been brutal. I think mostly because the end-product looks rather menacing, too far off from how many may feel a guitar strap generally should appear. In short, just a little too damn badass!
However, I'm sold on the "booty band" conversion product, because it's working so much better than many other things I've tried.
After some work, shopping around, testing products and trying other stuff, I've found a solution and it's time to test the market.
Enter "Comfort-Flex" Basically it's the same very strong 3" wide booty band material with the ideal amount of flex for 8-11 pound instrument. But, the material itself is just basic boring black. No style, no visual anything. It just looks like a heavy thick black elastic belt. Boring!
Looking around, I've managed to find hootenanny ribbon similar to what we're all familiar with that's also elastic and incorporated it into my "Comfort-Flex" design. The standard 2" wide hootenanny "festival" ribbon on starter pack straps from hundreds of makers is totally unforgiving. NO stretch. NO give. The thin 2" wide footprint offers hardly any surface area, irritating pressure points even more. Basically they'll just hammer away on your poor shoulder all night long. I hate 'em so much!
However, securing this hootenanny stretch ribbon to the 3" wide black resistance band, makes three things happen... provides a comfy wider ride on your shoulder AND the benefit of shock-absorbing flex. Plus, it offers a vintagy guitar strap style that doesn't appear too aggressive or off-the-beaten-path. But even as normal and simple as the "Comfort-Flex" may appear. This creation is far, far from normal! It's super dang awesome!
"Comfort-Flex" Has just the right amount of pull to it, for about an 8-11 guitar range. It'll stretch about an inch under the heavier end of that range, but does NOT "wow-wow-wow" around like a circus clown strap unless you REALLY force it too. Even then, you can only get about six or seven inches extra, by pushing it, which is about the ideal amount for a lot of fun stage moves. It also hugs real nice to your body in a very low profile with no padding (though I will be experimenting with that in the future, possibly as an upgrade). "Comfort-Flex" has a significant, noticeable shock-absorber effect, unlike almost every other guitar strap.
The first Well-Hung prototype has a heavy leather ladder back adjustment length between 48"-64." Has a reinforced black leather nose, ladder and tail strap.
VERY ROBUST, absolutely suitable for stage duty. I wore this thing for an hour last night. At times it was uncanny how you almost forget you are wearing a guitar.
I have listed this strap at a high price on Reverb but... if you happen to be a busy working stage pro... message me on this before purchase.
I am seekin g for a test pilot able to give me his real and detailed thoughts, who can REALLY put this innovative guitar strap through it's paces.
I will offer this prototype at a major discount for the right person who can do so.
Have a great weekend my brothers!
You maybe be familiar with my work with athletic resistance training bands I call the "BeastMaster" which is the hands-down most comfortable strap I make. I say that as a maker who's made comfort practically my whole focus and personal mission for over a dozen years. While I saw my "BeastMaster" invention as a huge victory, frankly, sales have been brutal. I think mostly because the end-product looks rather menacing, too far off from how many may feel a guitar strap generally should appear. In short, just a little too damn badass!
However, I'm sold on the "booty band" conversion product, because it's working so much better than many other things I've tried.
After some work, shopping around, testing products and trying other stuff, I've found a solution and it's time to test the market.
Enter "Comfort-Flex" Basically it's the same very strong 3" wide booty band material with the ideal amount of flex for 8-11 pound instrument. But, the material itself is just basic boring black. No style, no visual anything. It just looks like a heavy thick black elastic belt. Boring!
Looking around, I've managed to find hootenanny ribbon similar to what we're all familiar with that's also elastic and incorporated it into my "Comfort-Flex" design. The standard 2" wide hootenanny "festival" ribbon on starter pack straps from hundreds of makers is totally unforgiving. NO stretch. NO give. The thin 2" wide footprint offers hardly any surface area, irritating pressure points even more. Basically they'll just hammer away on your poor shoulder all night long. I hate 'em so much!
However, securing this hootenanny stretch ribbon to the 3" wide black resistance band, makes three things happen... provides a comfy wider ride on your shoulder AND the benefit of shock-absorbing flex. Plus, it offers a vintagy guitar strap style that doesn't appear too aggressive or off-the-beaten-path. But even as normal and simple as the "Comfort-Flex" may appear. This creation is far, far from normal! It's super dang awesome!
"Comfort-Flex" Has just the right amount of pull to it, for about an 8-11 guitar range. It'll stretch about an inch under the heavier end of that range, but does NOT "wow-wow-wow" around like a circus clown strap unless you REALLY force it too. Even then, you can only get about six or seven inches extra, by pushing it, which is about the ideal amount for a lot of fun stage moves. It also hugs real nice to your body in a very low profile with no padding (though I will be experimenting with that in the future, possibly as an upgrade). "Comfort-Flex" has a significant, noticeable shock-absorber effect, unlike almost every other guitar strap.
The first Well-Hung prototype has a heavy leather ladder back adjustment length between 48"-64." Has a reinforced black leather nose, ladder and tail strap.
VERY ROBUST, absolutely suitable for stage duty. I wore this thing for an hour last night. At times it was uncanny how you almost forget you are wearing a guitar.
I have listed this strap at a high price on Reverb but... if you happen to be a busy working stage pro... message me on this before purchase.
I am seekin g for a test pilot able to give me his real and detailed thoughts, who can REALLY put this innovative guitar strap through it's paces.
I will offer this prototype at a major discount for the right person who can do so.
Have a great weekend my brothers!
Jethro Rocker
Ambassador of Live & Loud Action
Maybe a maple leaf strap would go over well too? Not Toronto, Canadian!Something cool and a bit different in the Well-Hung store today... a new one-off No Prisoners strap called "In Stitches'
Features a big piratey 4" wide black chrome buckle up front, super showy, plenty of room under that to accommodate any guitar with a pin on the back. Adjusts 4" up front, with more slots in the back too, allowing it to float nicely between 44"-57" - luxe padded, you've never had a strap this comfy, and a cool and different vibe with showy high-contrast swoopy stitching on black fabric making it plenty groovy!
Today I sent out the last of the first run of "Canadiana" straps, based on the virgin wool Bay Point blankets, to New Brunswick. Unprecedentedly quick sellers! Decided I'd put a few more on the bench today after completing "In Stitches" one above, about half done those. Gotta strike when the iron is hot! But, I was pleased to see word come back already on one I sent out about a week ago.
Hope your Thursday is going smoov, I worked extra hard today! (that's what I'm telling my wife).
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Well friends this one was gone within seconds of hitting the store... but it presses my case of putting my reverb store on watch if you are
waiting for something special to strike you
This one is called "Braid" and it's on the way to New Brunswick tomorrow.
But this one also went into the store this morning and so far only has one "watcher."
"Bad To The Bone" is python embossed cowhide, with a nine conchos securely attached. 3" wide, padded, long, strong and seriously badass.
The hide is really cool, very detailed scale emboss, they all kind of glitter in a cool manner.
For the rest of the afternoon today I made T-shirts. I got some more logos in, slightly newer style and heated up my press to 323 F degrees
The science behind these seems to be improving. I recall having real difficulties with these peeling off parts of your logo if you werent'
EXACTLY careful, but this new set that came in, I pressed a couple dozen without a single muck up. VERY impressed!
Unfortunately, the last of my t-shirts were all X-Large 'cause I over-ordered that size. But.. I'll tell you what... the first X-Large wearing TTR member to pick up a guitar strap at
retail (no offers) by private message here, or message me and purchase on Reverb if you prefer, I'll toss one of these babies in with your strap. FIRST ONE ONLY! I want to make a listing and try to sell a few of these babies. They are a nice shirt too... med. heavy-weight, It'll last a good while, and I've been told something about them
seems to attract a certain kind of cougary attention that you may or may not find welcome.
waiting for something special to strike you
This one is called "Braid" and it's on the way to New Brunswick tomorrow.
But this one also went into the store this morning and so far only has one "watcher."
"Bad To The Bone" is python embossed cowhide, with a nine conchos securely attached. 3" wide, padded, long, strong and seriously badass.
The hide is really cool, very detailed scale emboss, they all kind of glitter in a cool manner.
For the rest of the afternoon today I made T-shirts. I got some more logos in, slightly newer style and heated up my press to 323 F degrees
The science behind these seems to be improving. I recall having real difficulties with these peeling off parts of your logo if you werent'
EXACTLY careful, but this new set that came in, I pressed a couple dozen without a single muck up. VERY impressed!
Unfortunately, the last of my t-shirts were all X-Large 'cause I over-ordered that size. But.. I'll tell you what... the first X-Large wearing TTR member to pick up a guitar strap at
retail (no offers) by private message here, or message me and purchase on Reverb if you prefer, I'll toss one of these babies in with your strap. FIRST ONE ONLY! I want to make a listing and try to sell a few of these babies. They are a nice shirt too... med. heavy-weight, It'll last a good while, and I've been told something about them
seems to attract a certain kind of cougary attention that you may or may not find welcome.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
@JohnnyGoo I'm the the first to admit you 'Mericans spell many words funny. LOL! but the borne thing is a play on words... something that is supported or carried ... particularly on your back... "borne" get it?