Custom Strap < $100?

**TheEmptyCell** · #1 12-27-2005, 07:26 PM

That's right folks. I've been using a Yamaha 3" leather strap for about 2 years, but it's just not cutting it at any height. It's not offering enough support for my small (and somewhat weak) young frame

.

So, I'm looking at getting a custom strap made. What I'd really like is something preferably 4" wide, adjustable to maybe 52" or whatever the norm is, and padded. Padding is a MUST, and the wider the better. My sixer and my Jazz weigh in quite hefty, so I need the support.

I dislocated my left shoulder about 2 years ago, and while it is healed just fine, I get terrible pains if I play too long. The doc himself prescribed something that supports my instruments better.

Does anyone have any suggestions where I could get something like this for under $100? The cheaper, the better, cuz at least if I lose it, I can have it replaced quicker.

Nadav · #2 12-27-2005, 07:31 PM

Have you looked at Moody Leather? Their straps are around $100, and are good. They're actually sold in the TB store..
http://www.moodyleather.com

BassChuck · #3 12-27-2005, 08:35 PM

Maybe I'm just weird or something, but I'm really put off by the logos and trademarks on the straps. I like the style and quality of Levi straps, but I'll be darned if I'm going have their logo out there like I'm advertising for them or something. Levi's company makes more money than I do... they don't need my help.

Moody's look really good, but then again, there's the Moody logo.

Musicians Friend catalog came today..... some OK straps in there, but none without some picture or something on it. I don't want to make a statement with the strap, I just want to hold my bass in place.

Any idea where I can get a 3.5 to 4 inch leather strap without the artwork?

ADbassman · #4 12-27-2005, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassChuck

Maybe I'm just weird or something, but I'm really put off by the logos and trademarks on the straps. I like the style and quality of Levi straps, but I'll be darned if I'm going have their logo out there like I'm advertising for them or something. Levi's company makes more money than I do... they don't need my help.

Wouldn't the same apply to any bass you play?

Cerb · #5 12-28-2005, 01:01 AM

You mentioned the Moody logo on the strap. I don't know about the usual Moody stock, but the one I ordered through Talkbass only has a small (2" * 1/2") engraving of sorts that says 'Moody'. It's not colored, and you certainly can't see it from more than 5 feet away.

pklima · #6 12-28-2005, 02:17 AM

How about adding a sheepskin sleeve or pad to an existing strap? Or possibly some very thick harness leather? That would make it wider and softer and cost way less than $100. The only question would be whether to use contact cement, rivet or sew it on.

Here is Mosby's sheepskin pad:

**Pacman** · #7 12-28-2005, 08:42 AM

Try the Comfort Strapp

godoze · #8 12-28-2005, 08:43 AM

Ken Smiths straps are very nice and very well padded.

www.kensmithbasses.com

Motorhead Mark · #9 12-28-2005, 08:50 AM

Goto your local leather worker, not a leather store, but a leather craftsman, and have one made to whatever specs your little heart desires. Engraving, colour, size, etc...I was looking at one being made here in Canada, and I was looking at around $250. It is more than you are looking to spend, but you would get a one of a kind creation WITHOUT ANY LOGO

Question...if you don't like your straps to have logos because "they (the company) makes more money than I do", do you take any/all names off your bass for the same reason?

toad · #10 12-28-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassChuck

Any idea where I can get a 3.5 to 4 inch leather strap without the artwork?

Italia Straps made a 4" strap for me and he stamped the logo on the inside as I asked. Nice strap, good price. Don't know if they can do padding as the original poster wanted.

http://www.italiastraps.com/

Dkerwood · #11 12-28-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead Mark

Question...if you don't like your straps to have logos because "they (the company) makes more money than I do", do you take any/all names off your bass for the same reason?

Hey, if the company puts a huge gaudy logo on a bass, I just won't buy it. I need to love the guitar aesthetically as well as the sound, otherwise I won't shell out the cash. Same with a strap. Don't deny that you made it, but there's no reason why a strap should have to double as a freaking billboard.

+1 on the leather worker idea.

Or check this out.

**TheEmptyCell** · #12 12-28-2005, 05:08 PM

I've scoured my small town for a leather worker, but nonesuch manufacturer exists. I've been considering the Studio series Italia, and trying to find someone to just make a cushy pad for it. Anyone here owned a Studio series (their cheaper model)?

Dkerwood · #13 12-28-2005, 05:34 PM

Planet Waves makes a shoulder pad called The Squid. You can check it out here.

I've not had it on a strap, mainly because I don't like shoulder pads, but I tried it out at the store, and it certainly seems to help out a lot...

I don't know that it will fit on a 4" strap, but who knows? Give it a shot. The idea behind it is pretty sound, IMHO.

Another link to it

**Josh Ryan** · #14 12-28-2005, 06:07 PM

I bought a plain black leather Levi's strap with the logo on the inside today for about 13.50$ at my local music store.

irjason · #15 12-28-2005, 06:59 PM

I have 2 straps from these guys on ebay They aren't 4 inches wide, but are padded, and have the length you are looking for. I was so happy with the first one I got a second when I got my GL Jazz. They might even do a custom wider one if you contact them.

The Golden Boy · #16 12-28-2005, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADbassman

Wouldn't the same apply to any bass you play?

The logos on my bass amps are removed or covered.

I did have this strap made to "resemble" Peter Green's when he was in Fleetwood Mac. It's been a few years, it either cost me $30 or $50 (I don't remember). I told the dude what I was after and he made it. In any case, I would have preferred softer leather, but it's softening up over time.

fenderx55 · #17 12-28-2005, 09:34 PM

www.italiastraps.com I ordered my brother a suede strap for christmas and it is freakin suite. And they have 4inch models.

toad · #18 12-30-2005, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheEmptyCell

I've scoured my small town for a leather worker, but nonesuch manufacturer exists. I've been considering the Studio series Italia, and trying to find someone to just make a cushy pad for it. Anyone here owned a Studio series (their cheaper model)?

If the studio series is the one that is one layer black, I have one of those. It's stiff and sturdy. It's the kinda thing that will get more comfortable as it breaks in, like new jeans.

Motorhead Mark · #19 12-30-2005, 10:14 AM

I can't think of what you call them, but someone who makes leather crap for horses...saddles, stirrups etc... the name escapes me at the moment...they should be able to make one, or point you in the right direction. Or ask a high end leather store, or ask a fetish shop (leather outfits, masks, restraints, that kinda stuff)...as stupid as it sounds they should be able to point you in the right direction as well. If you really want a quality custom one, thats the only thing I can suggest.

Also check out F bass, www.fbass.com they sell straps that are very comfortable, and from what I remember fairly priced.

Juneau · #20 12-30-2005, 10:35 AM

You might find a tackle shop and find out about their leather worker for saddles and bridles and stuff is. Those cats usually know well what they are doing, can make you whatever you want, and will charge a lot less than some of the custom leather workers in the area. At least around here