Details
This is a very simple strap made with a wonderful "shrunken" bison hide and the tanning process "shrinks" the overall size of the hide down about 30%, creating an amazing grain pattern that is more pronounced and random is size & orientation that other tanning methods, and also has a wonder "leather" aroma.
February 2024: found a great option for black and whiskey that is both good texture and sheen, very close to the original tannery as most photos. Alas, still haven't been able to source a good option for a true red yet :-(, so I have removed that as an active option, though it's still in photos--and I am still hunting for it!
I have an "oak" that is lighter than what is shown for whiskey in the group photos, and just received a new "mocha" that is a rich dark brown with reddish tones, which is in photo with it on the left side, and a bit of "whiskey" in upper right and the "oak" bottom right. I'll add these to the variations for standard length (message me for anything different).
Please note, comparing the Mocha to the Dark Brown, they are very similar colors, but the Dark Brown is polished, and the surface is smooth, so doesn't have the texture feel, though it can be seen, so the Mocha is more like the first image calling out Dark Brown (I will edit the images ASAP).
Or message me if any question of the exact colors/texture of what I have on hand, as it does vary a bit hide to hide, and source to source, but description as follows:
With the above two new colors, and missing red, this listing includes five color options for "standard" 2 1/2" wide and about 48-58" long with 1" adjustment, which includes the Whiskey which as shown in the photos of a strap on its own:
>Black--Feb 2024--new stock, nearly identical to image--good texture & polish/sheen, very clean flesh side! May have a bit left of the very flat and polished, or the matte and bumpy...
>Dark Brown-- Glazed (glossy), flatter (pressed) finish, burnished/smoother underside
>Whiskey--Feb 2024--still some left from hide from end of 2023 that is a little more matte than most images (different tannery), but new hides in that are polished/sheen and very clean flesh side.
>Mocha--new Nov 2023--matte and textured, similar to current Dark Brown in color!
>Oak (new Nov 2023)
Alas tanneries have closed & alternates trying to replicate the original process and colors, but of yet, newer stock does vary in tone and degree of sheen, but is still excellent quality.
Please do inquire before ordering if you need a longer length--sometimes I can accommodate that.
For shorter, please just specify the optimal length you need peg hole to peg hole, if the "standard" range doesn't work for you.
For some I have a "Traveler" size--2" wide and about 44-54" long.
The leathers are all thru dyed, which is indication of higher quality leather, and the grain top side is polished, and color has subtle variations as much as the texture. The underside is typically a bit lighter shade than the polished top grain. Please note the red has had some difference lot to lot, so newer straps the underside may vary in shade from that pictured).
This leather is also 7-8oz thick (about 1/8"), but is mellow temper, and is very supple and soft to the hand and the split sueded underside is very soft--it may ease a bit, as most leather does, but it will not stretch. It's deceptively soft & supple for its strength.
The main strap is hand cut to 2 1/2" wide and tapers slightly at either end, and is about 42" long. I have softened the cut edges with a small bevel tool, so there is a gentle transition from the top surface to the edge.
Eleven adjustment slots are cut about every 1", and the 1" wide adjustment strap loops through the chosen slot and is woven through the other slots to provide the desired length and fixes to the back pin on the guitar.
I cut the adjustment strap to about 22", with about 18" to the peg hole, so the overall length can be adjusted from about 48" to 58" between the peg holes, and *"shorter" is about 45-55". But since I cut these myself, I can easily modify the length 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.
The holes for the front peg is punched at 5/16", and rear tab 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. If you have a specific peg size you need to fit, please let me know.
This is also laser etched a few inches above the front peg hole (on flesh side) and on the grain side of the adjustment strap with my new brand, Acoustic Needle, logo.
The design 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.
Bison leather has higher tensile strength than cowhide, and is very strong and tough, yet this hides are not stiff, and are supple enough to roll up tight into your case, and will hold acoustic, electric, and even bass guitars well.