A good bullwhip is a work of art. You know, like in Indiana Jones or Zoro. The prices can really get up there.
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Get off my LAWN! "Grumpy Old Farts"
- Thread starter B-string
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- Oct 22, 2015
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And because I had to know just how much those top end bullwhips go for ... now that I see the obvious question is how is it these high-faluting leather workers aren't offering straps? Bass straps, 3 inches or better, jeeze guys get with it. Unless you're going to ask bullwhip prices for a strap ....
I have eight 2” leather straps @ $20 apiece.
...local shoe shop...
They know me by name.
...local shoe shop...
They know me by name.
Buffalo hide is usually thicker. I’ve seen some nice but expensive tooled buffalo leather straps. A plain buffalo leather strap is affordable.
The beaded deer and buffalo straps from Lakota sure are nice. I imagine that the custom ones must be expensive: Guitar Straps from Lakota Leathers
Nice straps here: Link Removed
I do some leatherwork. Nothing fancy. I buy some of the supplies here: https://www.tandyleather.com/
I recall seeing some nice buffalo leather straps that were make in the UK.
The beaded deer and buffalo straps from Lakota sure are nice. I imagine that the custom ones must be expensive: Guitar Straps from Lakota Leathers
Nice straps here: Link Removed
I do some leatherwork. Nothing fancy. I buy some of the supplies here: https://www.tandyleather.com/
I recall seeing some nice buffalo leather straps that were make in the UK.
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I dislike the commercial straps with adjustments...even the higher end ones. I make my own. Buy a 3" wide piece of 5-6 oz. leather, 60 or 70 inches long, color and finish of your choice. Cut to desired length, curve the ends, punch holes. .38" for upper, .45 for lower. Very simple, very plain, totally non-intrusive. Can be ornamented or tooled to taste. I leave mine plain.
Having said that.. Levy's Leathers makes some really nice bass straps...wide, padded, nice colors.
- Oct 22, 2015
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Funny that, my 3 inch padded Levy's is the last strap in the stable I choose. Held high hopes for it. As for cutting my own strap, heh, ain't gonna happen LOL
I have a couple of Neotech straps. They are wider over the shoulder area. This helps the back better deal with heavier instruments such as a PBass or Les Paul, by spreading the weight out over a larger surface area. It’s held up over many years, no stretching.
Mega Strap for guitar, bass and banjo | Neotech
The person that tuned me on to these used one with an old Gibson Mastertone banjo. I couldn’t believe how heavy that instrument was. Other banjos that I’ve tried were like a feather in comparison.
For lighter instruments, regular straps work fine for me.
Mega Strap for guitar, bass and banjo | Neotech
The person that tuned me on to these used one with an old Gibson Mastertone banjo. I couldn’t believe how heavy that instrument was. Other banjos that I’ve tried were like a feather in comparison.
For lighter instruments, regular straps work fine for me.
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- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,164
- 256,802
- Disclosures
- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
The Mega Strap looks to me like the orthopaedic shoes of straps.
Having called this body home for more than six decades it should have been no surprise to learn the left shoulder was moaning about my 10 pound Stingray. Except that it wasn't the Ray. It was a combination of minor arthritis and calcium deposits that bring tendonitis. Four sessions in physical therapy later and the doctor says: nothing for me to do, no surgery indicated. And (by chance, it might seem) ran into one of my physical therapists Monday on my way to coffee. Have this prescription for four more physical therapy sessions, I remark. "Call us," and it's a done deal, she replies.
That ultrasonic wand the PTs use works.
and all the while collected more than a couple new straps in my mistaken quest for a strap that doesn't increase shoulder pain.
The Stingray came new with a 3 inch black woven cotton strap with leather ends. At 40 years rather worse for wear, but seen yeoman's service. Retirement, I say, and acquire a tan 3 inch padded Levy's. (All before my shoulder is properly diagnosed and treated). To me the padding feels too stiff to contour over my clavicle properly. Just kind of sits on top of the bone, and the Goldilocks tour begins.
And find the original Music Man strap is the "just right" formula. The fabric breathes, stays where I put it, cushions my clavicle, and distributes the weight as it should. The ancient strap is too grody now, the MM logo in gold is hardly visible. The "Monk" pin is too small to be made out by anyone but there's a spot of colour on boring black. And retired.
From one to many ...
(missing is a Franklin saddle blanket strap that is very comfortable)
Having called this body home for more than six decades it should have been no surprise to learn the left shoulder was moaning about my 10 pound Stingray. Except that it wasn't the Ray. It was a combination of minor arthritis and calcium deposits that bring tendonitis. Four sessions in physical therapy later and the doctor says: nothing for me to do, no surgery indicated. And (by chance, it might seem) ran into one of my physical therapists Monday on my way to coffee. Have this prescription for four more physical therapy sessions, I remark. "Call us," and it's a done deal, she replies.
That ultrasonic wand the PTs use works.
and all the while collected more than a couple new straps in my mistaken quest for a strap that doesn't increase shoulder pain.
The Stingray came new with a 3 inch black woven cotton strap with leather ends. At 40 years rather worse for wear, but seen yeoman's service. Retirement, I say, and acquire a tan 3 inch padded Levy's. (All before my shoulder is properly diagnosed and treated). To me the padding feels too stiff to contour over my clavicle properly. Just kind of sits on top of the bone, and the Goldilocks tour begins.
And find the original Music Man strap is the "just right" formula. The fabric breathes, stays where I put it, cushions my clavicle, and distributes the weight as it should. The ancient strap is too grody now, the MM logo in gold is hardly visible. The "Monk" pin is too small to be made out by anyone but there's a spot of colour on boring black. And retired.
From one to many ...
(missing is a Franklin saddle blanket strap that is very comfortable)
Th
They are beautifully crafted! But I have a policy to never buy a bass strap that costs more than my bass. Another policy....never buy a truck that costs more than my house.
- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,164
- 256,802
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- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
The Lakota straps have been high on my GAS list for quite a while and are still high on my GAS list. Except for the other things in front of them now that I am an owner of multiple (!) straps. I mean, what's next, lots of ....
Yes the Lakota straps look to be very comfortable, and practical too. It's all part of building a coherent presence ... Fun, innint?
I hear what you are saying. I don’t have a fancy strap either. I do appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into them and the artistic work.
Hank Snow had a fancy handtooled leather cover on his guitar. He apparently inspired Elvis to have a cover made for his Martin D28 and Gibson J200 guitars. Buddy Holly toured with him and tooled a similar personalized cover for his acoustic. Despite damping the instruments with these covers, they were all showmen that wanted some bling.
Bling wasn’t lost on a lot of other country performers since then. Inlays of all sort became popular.
In Paul Revere and the Raiders, Phil Volk used to flip his bass over to reveal his nickname Fang taped on. This was a play on what Ernest Tubb used to do. When the audience applauded, he would flips his guitar around, it would say THANKS.
Hank Snow
Elvis with his 1955 Martin
Buddy Holly’s 1943 Gibson J45
Ernest Tubb with fancy inlay.
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- Oct 22, 2015
- 21,164
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Cool stuff but not my thing. I've always been the brown shoes at a tuxedo party..
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I've had to for some well-paying, steady gigs. Also 4 years in a 'silly sailor suit' that the Navy issued me. Otherwise, no.
I don’t think that a uniform or a performance costume should count. I’ve worn a santa suit.
I’ve avoided working anywhere that required an atmosphere of compliance. Been fortunate in that respect.
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Uh, I believe that is the very definition of a "business suit".
I've also worn a 'sports' jacket to a coupla funerals, etc., outta respect to the not dead.
- Oct 22, 2015
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- I am an affiliate for Ari Cap.
As a boarding school survivor, can assert we learned very well how to dress according to the rules and to simultaneously thumb our noses at the rules. All without risk of suspension. A good life skill in every way.
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