Strap question.

Ditch · #1 12-26-2016, 03:25 PM

I have a new guitar coming sometime in the next two weeks. My wife had purchased a strap with my name inscribed in it a few weeks back. I thought I'd try it on one of my other guitars. It's so stiff I can't get the button holes to open up let alone go around the strap pin. I thought about cutting the slit a little longer but she paid a lot for this and I don't want to ruin it. I looked on line and there are several remedies to soften leather. Anything from Vaseline to some other house hold item, to a professional softener. So I thought I would ask you folks on AGF. I'm sure a few of you ran into this? Thank you kindly.

TheChicagoTodd · #2 12-26-2016, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ditch

I have a new guitar coming sometime in the next two weeks. My wife had purchased a strap with my name inscribed in it a few weeks back. I thought I'd try it on one of my other guitars. It's so stiff I can't get the button holes to open up let alone go around the strap pin. I thought about cutting the slit a little longer but she paid a lot for this and I don't want to ruin it. I looked on line and there are several remedies to soften leather. Anything from Vaseline to some other house hold item, to a professional softener. So I thought I would ask you folks on AGF. I'm sure a few of you ran into this? Thank you kindly.

Ditch...

I opted for installing a strap lock on the top portion of the strap and a Tapastring on the bottom portion of the strap for the endpin jack to solve those problems. [emoji41]

Cheers..

Todd in Chicago

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

TBone-Idle · #3 12-26-2016, 06:41 PM

Cover the slotted leather with a protective cloth and hit it several times with a hammer. It should soften up the leather nicely.

GHS · #4 12-26-2016, 06:42 PM

Well first, do you have a standard end pin or built in p/u thru the end pin? I have a few Levy straps. They are great but the leather is quite stiff. Mink oil and a little ( actually a whole lot) of pounding with a hammer and a wooden dowel around the strap hole made things easier on some. Others I did have to use a dremel tool to open up the "keyhole" to fit. If it has a p/u that may need some adapter to work.

DenverSteve · #5 12-26-2016, 07:53 PM

First I WOULD cut the hole to suit your strap pins. Next stay away from petroleum products on your leather. Use Nestsfoot Oil, Saddle Soap or other "proper" leather conditioning lotion/oil/cream. It's leather (like the cow) and won't be easily damaged.

Pitar · #6 12-26-2016, 08:25 PM

http://lockitstraps.com/

These look cool and groovy.

I use a basic black nylon woven strap. Nothing heavy, wide or fancy. I got rid of those years ago just to keep it light-weight and cheap to lose. I also use D'Addario's Planet Waves Quick Release gizmos to attach/detach the strap on both ends. Two clicks and I'm playing.

big jilm · #7 12-26-2016, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitar

http://lockitstraps.com/

These look cool and groovy.

I use a basic black nylon woven strap. Nothing heavy, wide or fancy. I got rid of those years ago just to keep it light-weight and cheap to lose. I also use D'Addario's Planet Waves Quick Release gizmos to attach/detach the strap on both ends. Two clicks and I'm playing.

This doesn't help the OP - he has a strap given to him as a gift.
OP - do you have a regular end-pin, or do you have an installed pickup with the larger jack-endpin in the butt end of the guitar?

dmoss74 · #8 12-26-2016, 08:46 PM

you can get a leather chisel for like 5 bucks, and just open up the slit a little more. it won't hurt anything. if the hole itself is not wide enough, there are also leather hole punches. you can fix this yourself. or if you're scared, send it back the the person who made it, and ask them to do it.

Steadfastly · #9 12-26-2016, 09:33 PM

Cut it. You will only need to cut it ever so slightly and you you want that part of the strap as stiff as possible. If it gets to soft, it makes it too easy for the strap to slip off the button and have your guitar on the floor, perhaps getting damaged. If you do soften it up, put strap locks on.

Gasworker · #10 12-26-2016, 09:38 PM

Just work at it. Not everything is easy. 5 years from now you'll a beautifully worn strap. Ps take it in and have her name inscribed on it. That would be cool.

Ditch · #11 12-26-2016, 10:50 PM

Big Jim, I have an installed pickup with larger end pin. Thank you.

Ditch · #12 12-26-2016, 10:52 PM

Gas Worker, I like your thinking, thanks!

Ditch · #13 12-26-2016, 10:55 PM

Thank you kindly to all that took the time to reply. It's a beautiful strap so I want to get it right. I'll take it slow and try out your suggestions. Thank you kindly.

Marshall · #14 12-26-2016, 11:42 PM

Or do what I do with all my straps: I tie a piece of shoelace through the strap end and tie a knot around the end pin. if you're willing to look around, you can find some attractive shoelaces that match the guitar and/or strap quite nicely. A good hangman's noose will get the job done well on the endpin. The strap doesn't have to touch the endpin.

big jilm · #15 12-27-2016, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ditch

Big Jim, I have an installed pickup with larger end pin. Thank you.

Ok. At the neck end, just work it slowly. If you need to cut it, do it. Easy, though. At the jack end, order this:
http://www.tapastring.com/strapkeeper0605.htm
Works GREAT. No need to try to make the hole bigger - the strap keeper does all the work for you.