Post by Wild Violet on Oct 19, 2013 14:59:06 GMT
After seeing Leo's neat old guitar strap on Naomi at HB4, I re-started my quest to find the perfect leather strap, the one that will grow old with me along with my Martin. I've bought several handmade straps over the years which were nice, but weren't quite nice enough to be "the one". 
Last week I ordered a "Bear" strap, handmade by Rupert Breeden. He made it especially for me, so I was able to specify the length and also ask for just one hole on each end rather than the typical three adjustment holes. I bought the "5.5 Plain", opting for no hardware as I want to leave it on the guitar all the time, including while it's in the case.
My strap arrived two days after I ordered it. I suspect that when it gets closer to Xmas he will be very busy, but I was amazed by his speedy service.
The strap is beautiful. The quality of the leather is amazing, thick and supple. I worked in a saddle shop for years and am pretty picky about my leather... this one is in a different class from the other handmade straps I have ordered. It will take a bit of breaking in, but I would expect that from any quality leather strap. It's a lovely rich brown conker colour. All this for £29, including recorded shipping.
Rupert was very quick to respond to my emails and seems an all-around lovely chap. I'm so impressed with the strap that I've now ordered another to go on the Takamine. I will eventually get one for the Gibson, too. My strap hunt is over.
If you are looking for a great handmade leather strap at a really good price, I can highly recommend Bear Straps.
This is the one I ordered:
Plain Strap
Here is the home page:
Bear Straps
Last week I ordered a "Bear" strap, handmade by Rupert Breeden. He made it especially for me, so I was able to specify the length and also ask for just one hole on each end rather than the typical three adjustment holes. I bought the "5.5 Plain", opting for no hardware as I want to leave it on the guitar all the time, including while it's in the case.
My strap arrived two days after I ordered it. I suspect that when it gets closer to Xmas he will be very busy, but I was amazed by his speedy service.
The strap is beautiful. The quality of the leather is amazing, thick and supple. I worked in a saddle shop for years and am pretty picky about my leather... this one is in a different class from the other handmade straps I have ordered. It will take a bit of breaking in, but I would expect that from any quality leather strap. It's a lovely rich brown conker colour. All this for £29, including recorded shipping.
Rupert was very quick to respond to my emails and seems an all-around lovely chap. I'm so impressed with the strap that I've now ordered another to go on the Takamine. I will eventually get one for the Gibson, too. My strap hunt is over.
If you are looking for a great handmade leather strap at a really good price, I can highly recommend Bear Straps.
This is the one I ordered:
Plain Strap
Here is the home page:
Bear Straps
Jo whoever he is.
