Details
Currently I have two color options of this amazing "smoked" vegetable tanned leather, which creates a wonderful depth of color and smooth waxy grain side and smoother flesh side. The darker brown-red is "Cordovan", and the lighter brown is "Natural".
These straps are cut from double shoulder section of the hide, and the vegetable tanned produces depth of color and tonal pull-up, produced by traditional Tuscan tanning methods at Virgilio tannery in Italy. Dyed in a drum and greased with real tallow, giving it a vintage look that will age well into a gorgeous patina, as well as the feel and aroma are amazing, too.
Note that smoked veg tan leather comes with tallow visible on the surface as a thin layer of white. We suggest buffing the tallow in with a light brush or sponge, giving it a vibrant, luxurious look that simply can not be duplicated by other leathers. This is just noticeable on the Cordovan in some of the pictures.
The slot/adjustment strap weave design not only shows the pull-up tonal changes in this leather well, but also means the strap is only leather, and there is no metal or plastic hardware that could annoy you while you're playing, or your knock into you instrument while it's being moved or stored.
I do have a medium brown shade "Olmo" that I will get photos of and add to this listing, but please let me know if you're interested now.
I use three length options for the 2 1/2" wide version, and one 2" wide (customization is always an option, though), and all adjust by the inch:
STANDARD is total of about 47" to 58"
SHORTER is about 4" less, for total of about 43 to 54"
LONGER is about 3" longer than standard, so is about 50 - 61".
TRAVELER is 2" wide and is the shorter length, about 43"-54"
My standard sizing for the peg holes is the FRONT peg hole is punched at 5/16", and REAR peg hole is 3/8". Each end has a small slit that ends with a small hole for a "keyhole" effect to prevent tears and to make the strap easy to install & remove. The hole and can accommodate most pegs, but remains securely in place. These sizes are based on Taylor & Martin acoustic guitars, so if you have a specific peg size or strap locks you need to fit, please let me know and I can make a strap to suit the size you need, with or without the key hole.
I soften the cut edges with a small bevel tool, so there is a gentle transition from the top surface to the edge. The edges can be burnished, please message me if you're interested in adding this option.
The main strap is hand cut to 2 1/2" wide and tapers slightly at either end. And STANDARD is about 42" long and the SHORTER is about 38" long for the main strap only.
I cut the adjustment strap to about 22", with about 18" to the peg hole, so the overall length can be adjusted from about 47" to 58" between the peg holes for STANDARD, and 43" to 54" for SHORTER length with eleven 1" wide slots punched in for the adjustment strap to weave through to set your size.
But since I cut these myself, I can easily modify the length, width, or spacing to get the fit that works for you. Or you can add more peg holes in this back strap for finer adjustment as you wear it in.
This will also have my Acoustic Needle logo laser etched on the adjustment strap, and likely on the flesh side near the front peg hole, leaving the grain side to shine unadorned. (Photos taken before etching was added). Though I can leave either or both off if you prefer, just request in "note to seller" in the order.
Given the temper & thickness of this leather, I might not be able to fit the main strap into my laser etcher, but if you want custom laser etched artwork, I am happy to confirm if I can make it work.
If you have any questions about the strap or shipping, or customization requests, please message me!