The Fascinating History of Guitar Straps - Collectors and Buyers Guide

See Part 2 here: • The Fascinating Histor...
In this documentary video series we will delve into the complete history of guitar straps from the 19th Century til today. In this first part, we will talk about all the major developments in guitar strap technology from the jazz, swing, big band era, through the old time and folk music of the early 20th Century, to rock and roll of the 1950s-1980s. We'll talk about the major strap manufacturers of the early years, including Ace and Bobby Lee, and touch on some of their developments in both leather and jacquard woven "hootenany" or "folk web" straps. We'll also touch upon later developments in strap technology such as the wider 3" and 4" straps of Earth III, and the ClipLock straps from Dimarzio. Along the way, we'll look at some of the artists who have made these various designs famous, from Johnny Cash and Elvis to John Lennon and David Bowie.
VISIT:
*Earth III Straps: www.earththree....
*Levy's Straps: www.levysleathe...
*LM Straps: lm-products.my...
*The Guitar Strap Book / theguitarstrapbook
(Thanks to Adam whose request for photos of my strap collection prompted this documentary.)
Music Credits:
"James Dean Von Santo" by Electric Tooth Syndrome. Written by Brad Linzy.
"Swing Swing Bada Bing" by Doug Maxwell.
"Jatten drai Swing" Django Reinhart
"Play Song" by John Deley and the 41 Players.
"Red Hot Son" by JR Tundra.
"Pink Lemonade" by Silent Partner.
"Go To Town by Silent Partner.
"Swamp Stomp" by Silent Partner.
"Run" by Ethan Meixsell.
Mountain Sun by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@TheGuitologist]

Here are reissues of some of the straps seen in this video: Ace Stained Glass: amzn.to/2ybbWYB Ace Woodstock: amzn.to/2yShLHm Souldier Woodstock: amzn.to/2yUi7gI

[@Djaj2000]

You should compair the reissue to the real thing

[@TheGuitologist]

Stay tuned for Part 2!

[@utubehound69]

I just bought every old leather old 50's style in redish color on top layer & just uncolored w/the piece of leather pad section about 8" long. So I ordered the Blue one just as good there's some left maybe very thick probably wouldn't need strap lock it's so tight on the strap pins looks great on Aco & Elec. Gtr.s. I fell in love w/them my wife had a old hootenanny strap that looked like the Hendrix type strap but it was her mothers it was most likely a Ace. My 1st was Nylon w/ white Lighting Bolt I still have it but the white leather is crackled. Awesome series Love it!!!! Thx Brad

[@utubehound69]

Btw those I bought out was Perri not sure where they are from ? China most likely. Very good Q.C.

[@utubehound69]

I should say I bought everyone one big gear company had. I went back to see if they had any more blue left & they raised the price by $8.00 !!! haha

[@markaochoa2017]

The most important part to a guitars tone

[@TheGuitologist]

I like that woven strap tone.

[@horaciolopez2096]

It's AMAZING how such a "simple" subject such a guitar strap can be the objective of a documentary. That´s pure talent from The Guitarologist staff. Congrats!

[@TheGuitologist]

Horacio Lopez thanks for commenting. Glad you liked this one. It was fun to make. Part 2 coming.

[@KrentoTNT]

No lie, I went into this video expecting to get bored with it and stop watching. However you held my attention and I learned way more than I expected. Well done! Also, because of this video, I found a replica "X's and O's" Ace strap that Elvis used. You rock!

[@TheGuitologist]

Cool man. Elvis really was The King with that black getup, the Hagstrom electric guitar and Xs and Os strap.

[@davethepius]

I always called the woven straps "camera straps", because they remind me of camera straps from the 70's.

[@TheGuitologist]

I have one or two camera straps in my collection also. Bobby Lee I know for sure also made camera straps.

[@jordynchan5103]

Lol they do look like old camera straps! 📷

[@denyel_]

The Guitologist this comment made me realize i have a hell of a vintage camera strap. my mom found a canon camera working at a rich people resort in tucson decades ago that has a gorgeous strap on it been using it

[@bobsullivan5714]

Well...........It's finally come to this. It's Friday night and I'm watching a KZbin Video of The Fascinating History of Guitar Straps..................(sigh)

[@gonzalot74]

I grew up near Patton, Pa...went to elementary & high school in that town, my mom went to school with Bobby Lee...I thought my dad was lying to me that a guy who made straps for a lot of the bands I liked my parents knew and he made them in Patton!! Thanks for the history!!!!

[@Bob68z28]

I worked at the factory for about a year in the '80's.

[@jaythomas5895]

this guy really rocks I watch 90% of his videos I even got to meet him in person to sell a couple of guitars he's a really nice guy . and I respect him fully he knows his stuff I can't say enough good things about him

[@TheGuitologist]

Jay Thomas really appreciate that. Thanks for the support!

[@williamgordon8338]

As a teenager, I work with Bobby Lee Sottile at his guitar-strap factory in Patton, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 1959. Bobby Lee was always dressed in dirty blue overalls, dirty tee-shirt, chewing on an unlit cigar. His daughters was name "April Melody". Often during the day, we would take a break and sit around as Bobby Lee (a professional guitar player) taught me a few licks...using his wonderful Epiphone Emperor and Epiphone Triumph guitars. Bobby Lee always bought a brand new Cadillac every year...and traveled the U.S. and Canada, taking orders for his straps at every music store in every town he visited. WOW! What great memories. (My Father worked at the Patton Union.Press Courier newspaper at the time)

[@RealGengarTV]

I'm loving this video :) Perhaps a history series on single coil pickups and then a series on dual coil pickups and humbuckers would be a cool idea?

[@TheGuitologist]

Not a bad idea. I have a small collection of pickups and could probably do something about pickups at some point.

[@wingracer1614]

Really cool vid. I know nothing about straps but now I really want to hunt down an Ace. I love the look. Also, just got a dumpster find of my own. My mother lives in Florida. I was down there helping her clean up from the hurricane when we found a guitar case sitting in the trash pile by the street. Thought for sure it would be water damaged but the case looked fine so we opened it up. Inside was a nice Ibanez acoustic. Looks brand new and perfect except for really high action but the bridge saddle has lots of meat left so I should be able to shave her down and make her play great.

[@TheGuitologist]

Nice find! Sad someone lost their guitar to the trash pile, but good for you! Make a video and keep us posted.

[@1dabirdman68]

I have an unhealthy attraction for Levy's leather straps! I want them all!

[@TheGuitologist]

They are beautifully made straps. I review a couple of their straps in Part 2 of this series.

[@stevehogan8829]

I'm giving it a thumbs up before I even watch just because it's a great topic and it's cool..... Mostly just because it's cool.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for the thumbs up and comment, as always.

[@joemamma4324]

YOU VOTED FOR OBAMA DIDNT YOU?

[@Dubnot]

Ok...this has to be a first video on the subject. That or I need more friends. Love all your videos.

[@TheGuitologist]

I have been collecting for a while and have noted the lack of scholarship in this area. I was contacted not long ago by a guy who is compiling a book on the subject, which will hopefully fill in a lot of gaps in the knowledge base for strap collectors. Him contacting me is what sparked this video series.

[@yankeesclippers]

You should check out straps from Jodi Head made in NYC and are a great quality strap. I own a few of her hoot'n'nanny straps. Same designs from the 60's and 70's and many custom designs.

[@martinlundberg5413]

great video... best part is when I looked up the strap that I inherited from my mom with her guitar and found that it is the Ace Greenwich Yellow like the Dylan Greatest Hits Album and is worth more than the guitar. Would have never known.

[@TheGuitologist]

Great find. I know which one you're talking about. The larger picture from that Dylan image has George Harrison also wearing a cool woven strap.

[@budandbean1]

Really had a great time watching this and can’t wait until Part 2. It’s funny, I have only used two straps since 1973. One was one of the “Fender” straps that everyone has seen, and the other is one I got for my bass guitar and that’s the one I’ve used all these years. It’s a 4” wide 100% cowhide with a big bend in it where it goes over your shoulder, the other end had a 2” strip of leather that threads in and out to adjust the length. When I got it, the first hung I did was stamp in “BUDDY” into the front and painted it up inside the letters. I had to look good because I was in a country band called, get this... “Penny Starr and the Silver Flames”! I was one of the flames... Now tell me you didn’t at least chuckle when you read that.

[@TheGuitologist]

Penny Starr and the Silver Flames sounds like the kind of band I'd like to be in.

[@onpsxmember]

Great video and very helpful. Can't wait for part 2. I'd really like to know about different approaches to make them more comfortable. Hope you feature etabeta staps from Italy. They really do a great job. Saw them at Musikmesse in germany years ago.

[@frankcastle9797]

I figured you were a flamer

[@danadrian2752]

Damn, got me into another hobby now, thanks man

[@TheGuitologist]

I've actually bought guitars before just because of the strap that was attached to them. Have fun! ;)

[@johnpierson8398]

For those of us who love all things guitar, this is a unique and fascinating video! I haven't seen some of the pictures before of the famous guitar players in the beginning of the video. Really cool pics. This was really entertaining. Me being a Hendrix freak since I saw him in 68', I have a variety of Hendrix straps. I am really impressed with the variety of things you have put videos together of to show us. Keep up the great work. Love your channel man!

[@TheGuitologist]

john pierson thanks for the kind words, John. I am a guitar geek and a geek for other things too. I'm just glad I've found such a wide audience as curious and fascinated as I.

[@1961jscofield]

The L&M strap company is in the basement of what used to be the Anderson Music Center, where I bought my 1st guitar. It's a half mile from my home, great people who once gave me a tour and I've had several "custom" straps bought from them using bits from 2 or 3 straps they made to fit my very tall upper body. So glad you mentioned them!

[@TheGuitologist]

JH Scofield Great American company from the Hoosier state, my former home.

[@matthewf1979]

Really enjoyed this Brad. Thanks for sharing your collection with us, love the history too!

[@Brandon-sr8qd]

I don't get why strap manufacturers don't just stamp their logo on the leather, like all of my Levy straps. Fantastic video, never thought guitar straps would be so interesting!

[@TheGuitologist]

Frank Zappa LM does.

[@earththreeentertainment]

Thanks for making Earth III a part of your documentary. We are looking forward to seeing more :)

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for taking part! A more in depth review will be included in Part 2.

[@squareyes1981]

I reluctantly clicked play thinking this would be dull but I think it's had the desired effect!! That was surprisingly interesting and I think I have a new found appreciation for the humble guitar strap!

[@TheSpeedking79]

what a lovely video. history of straps. something you did not know that you want it before you found it. thanks for that.

[@jimbobb3915]

I used to work at Levy's Leather when it first started in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

[@TheGuitologist]

Very cool, Jim. If you have any anecdotes, photos, or anything else to share, please feel free. What years were you there?

[@jimbobb3915]

I worked there in the mid to late 80's. Guitar straps mostly leather, but some woven nylon (leather end pieces with the Levy's logo stamp) lizard skin even rhinestone but these were usually special orders only. The one that stands out the most was the black leather strap with the white lighting bolt. ( I think Stevie Ray Vaughan used this if I'm not mistaken?). Key fobs, leather belts and leather hunting accessories were the main focus. Sorry, don't have any pictures. They have since added on and are a much larger operation then when I worked there.

[@DanLeRoy]

Wow... really great video, your best work yet, you’re like ken burns with vacuum tubes in his pockets 😊

[@66THEOSU]

Very nice..

[@tikitikibamboo]

This is about the geek level every guitarist should be at :)

[@Crescent_Audio]

Just realized I was getting “into” straps and I needed a good KZbin video to guide me. Of course Brad had an entire video dedicated to just that...awesome.

[@Anson120]

I live right down the street where Buddy Holly recorded "Maybe baby". Dont be jelly.

[@TheGuitologist]

That'll be in my head all day now.

[@jimbeaux4988]

This was way more interesting than i thought or would be! It occurs to me that i cannot even remember ever buying the one strap i own. I used the blue plastic strap locks in stage ALWAYS!

[@TheGuitologist]

Seems like straps are always those things I kinda just ended up with. A friend would leave one at my house or something, or my mom would give me one as a stocking stuffer...whatever. I don't recall ever buying my own straps when I was young.

[@dalenixon5888]

I started playing guitar in the 90's and these kinds of straps were the kind your music teacher or mates Dad had on their guitars. At the time I thought they were ugly, like a christmas jumper and completely tasteless, looking like a drunk had vomited over your shoulder before the gig. However I thoroughly enjoyed this video......and now I want one! Looking forward to part 2 - Subscribed!

[@TheGuitologist]

Amazing how prevailing tastes can cloud our vision. I've been guilty too.

[@dinosmith2398]

Thank you for taking something that I never even thought about and making it interesting.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for watching, Dino. Glad you dug it.

[@rebelcat420]

Some of those straps bring back some memories!

[@TheGuitologist]

I wasn't alive yet when the woven straps first came out, but I do remember seeing a lot of them when I was younger and didn't think much of them then. I've learned to appreciate them in the last few years. It's either an age thing, or I have just entirely too much time to ruminate on minutiae.

[@eighttracklover1]

Thumbs up. The history of the strap is interesting. Something I never really thought of. Good job

[@TheGuitologist]

eighttracklover1 its interesting to me how new the idea of better straps is. Imagine Hendrix slinging a V around with a cotton cord.

[@gushutchinson8758]

Species accurate snake patterns would be an excellent range.. and educational... The different colour variations of the British adder for example are absolutely gorgeous.. Snakes of the world either woven or photographically printed would be such a cool theme for a range of guitar straps... Possibly linked to the conservation of endangered snakes in the wild as opposed to the illegal pet trade. What do you think? Has it been done before?

[@gatormouth337]

Excellent video. I really like all of your videos but this is one of the best videos I have seen in a long time on KZbin. I appreciate your work. Thank you.

[@TheGuitologist]

Very much appreciated. It's funny...I have spent more time on this project than anything else I've done, I think. And what does KZbin's algorithm promote? My shit post Friday video about Bill Kelliher and Gibson. Go figure. :D

[@gatormouth337]

The Guitologist at least you know it is appreciated anyway. Maybe the algorithm will catch up right when you have lost hope and give you an extra push

[@patzguitarz]

Hey, I've watched both videos and enjoyed them. I have an original ACE from 1970. It's unique because it's denim - red with blue and white flowers. I cannot find an identical one to it anywhere, not even a picture. Looks like you have lots of vintage straps, so have you ever seen a denim ACE?

[@TheGuitologist]

No, I have not seen one in person. I think there might be one in the catalogs I show in the video.

[@1961jscofield]

Very educational & informative. Your narration was spot-on superb as well. Thank you, sir.

[@TheGuitologist]

JH Scofield thanks a ton for watching my crazy vids. I really appreciate it.

[@ajp33green]

I only had to wait 10 minutes but I knew I would get to see that killer collection......jealous, so jealous.

[@TheGuitologist]

ajp33green that isn't half of it! More to come in Part 2!

[@gatekeeper65]

Nice original idea for content and interesting. I saw a few of my old straps in there.

[@henrys3629]

I'd collect some of these, but I'm strapped for cash.

[@kane100574]

Fantastic job!

[@allenwoody5909]

That was interesting and really well done. When Ken Burns does his Rock and Roll Doc, (you know he's got to some time), you could replace Peter Coyote as narrator. Can't wait for part two.....WooHoo.

[@TheGuitologist]

haha! You figured me out. I'm aiming to be the Ken Burns and Peter Coyote of guitar documentarians.

[@JC-11111]

Awesome job on this mini-documentary, Brad! Wasn't expecting that 👍

[@beatulfs]

Lovely video. I bought the "Bowie strap" brand new in Sweden in around 1980, so it was obviouslv produced for a number of years. Still have it, very worn.

[@TheGuitologist]

Cool. Thanks for the info!

[@jaythomas5895]

I never knew straps was collected by folks wow I learn something new

[@gushutchinson8758]

I've taken to putting the rubber rings from bottles of Grolsh beer over the buttons to stop the strap ends suddenly popping out and potentially really hitting the floor hard - - that happened twice, first I tied string over the strap hole round the little posts but those little red rubber rings work very well and look purpose built. I need to drink 16 more bottles of Grolsh.. But I quite like it!!

[@cpms45vn55]

26:20 Bottom strap, red with blue mid part. I have seen that exact strap for camera, new old stock in unopened packing. Branded Diamond. Same Buckle, but with black leather. Made by Lois Lefkowitz and brother Inc. Milltown New Jersey 08850.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

Man, I loved that presentation. I knew pretty much nothing about this topic to begin with. I'd love a similar type of video for old american/japanese/etc. brands that went out of business that nobody remembers. Amps too. Heck there are probably other topics that I don't even know about.

[@TheGuitologist]

Davis Phillips all great ideas. Thanks for the feedback.

[@projectno5]

im glad you mentioned LM straps because they used to make my favorite strap. the 2" crushed velvet. i have 6 or 7 but sadly, finding them has become tricky at the moment

[@TheGuitologist]

projectno5 Email them and see if they'll make you one!

[@glennselwitz6598]

Absolutely brilliant! Brad great voice over, video editing, writing and background music, and a Big Lebowski cameo flash!! love your stuff this is a whole new level..keep up the good work

[@M.M_Music]

I actually live close to where the L&M straps are made. The mom and pop shop has turned into more of a piano and organ shop. They still sell the straps though and I proudly use a woven strap

[@howardosugars8922]

What an excellent video. Absolutely fascinating and really well presented etc. Never knew that there was so much to learn about the humble guitar strap! Thank you.

[@BluegillGreg]

Excellent vid. My primary takeaway is that Hank Sr. was a pioneer not only in music itself, but also in strap technology adoption!

[@MrRonk55]

I've used the same strap since 1971, a 3-4 inch wide black leather with no buckles-you adjust it by slipping the bottom piece through different slots. Had a dozen guitars and basses,same strap.

[@MrRonk55]

That shot at 9:45 looks like it.

[@bostonrumble8997]

Awesome video! Those straps are sweet! I have been collecting Dog Days guitar straps.

[@TheGuitologist]

This is the first I've heard of them. Looks like they mostly do custom fabric printed straps. Cool.

[@TheGuitologist]

I just contacted them for possible inclusion in Part 2 of this series. We'll see how it goes.

[@bostonrumble8997]

Outstanding!!! They are my favorite straps! Too cool!

[@greenfieldrecords9794]

Great original video subject idea. Bravo.

[@snowdiddley4634]

Awesome job Brad.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@davemassie3726]

VERY COOL VID BRAD! TAKES ME BACK TO HIPPIE DAYS! I'LL SEND YOU A PIC OF MY COLLECTION. THANKS FOR SHARING. PEACE

[@TheGuitologist]

Dave Massie cool Dave! Would love to see.

[@milvillain9000]

I just ordered the remake of a ace guitar strap last week and I'm still waiting for it to come

[@TheGuitologist]

Did you order a D'Andrea Ace reissue or another maker?

[@milvillain9000]

I ordered the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Experiance strap I bought the hootenanny one

[@richardbinder9662]

I still have a white ACE strap with some kind of floral design ( not Paisley ) that I got from Ax in Hand guitars in Decatur Illinois. That was @ 1974. Still wish I had the guitar it was bought for. 1961 Les Paul SG Junior.

[@TehMasterofownage]

Straping video!

[@strat-xq5oy]

hello brad, nice history lesson i have one from the early seventies. i always thought the slit in the leather was a pick holder lol well it works for me. thanks again

[@Backcountryhunter]

What a neat idea for a video Mr.G. I'm heading down after I get off the crapper 🚽 to check out my old strap..... just may be that it's worth enuf coin on EBay to buy a roll of toilet paper... I'm talking bout the good multi-ply with dare I say Aztec pattern embossed on each and every delicate little square of sphincter lovin Charmin.... 🎸rock n roll

[@ilostmymind47]

Enjoyed the video

[@tdrake59]

Oddly fascinating. I enjoyed this video very much, and learned quite a bit.

[@mischef18]

An interesting video bro and looking forward to the next regarding straps. ATB

[@TheGuitologist]

Ken Allen thanks Ken. Waiting on a couple things for Part 2, but it's already mostly in the can.

[@Bunjamin27]

Ever since I had a strap fail, resulting in a FUBAR guitar which fell the floor... any time I see a guitar strap, I cringe. Great video! Thanks :)

[@TheGuitologist]

ThrobbinHood THIS is why a quality strap is important.

[@andrewsstuffy]

interesting, with just one major correction. Almost all of the 18th and 19th century guitars had strap pins. Including spanish guitars from the early 19th century. Collectors I know say almost all 19th century guitars had end pins. The 19th century Martin guitars also had end pins. www.earlymartin.com/endstrips.html. Using a strap in the 19th century, and for that matter, even barqoue guitars from the 17th century, was very common. All Lutes from the 16th century had strap buttons, even the Bachior Dias guitar from 1581 has a strap button.

[@billygoatgruff2554]

I have used Levy straps for some time now and I have to say the quality is excellent. The holes stay pretty tight and they don't fray. The leather ones are superb. My favourite strap is a black leather one that I have fixed 14 X 1949 shillings on with super glue. Been okay for a couple of years surprisingly. (I was born in 1949).... He, hee...

[@TheGuitologist]

Levy's sent me a sample strap which I will evaluate in detail in Part 2.

[@lp59pete]

Very cool video!

[@micha-elcleveland1265]

Well done

[@ieldepiel]

Nice vid brad

[@RealGengarTV]

On a nother note.. i FREAKING LOVE my Levys strap :3 It's AWESOME

[@TheGuitologist]

Levy's make some amazing high end straps. Like off the chain nice.

[@RealGengarTV]

I think i've had my basic padded leather Levys strap for over 10 years now. I like it more then i like some of my basses TBH

[@anthonywatson754]

Great video, Brad! Very informative.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks, Anthony. I appreciate that.

[@Lex10999]

very fascinating. thanks for sharing. :)

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks, Lex.

[@SteverRob]

I bought a 65 Daphne blue mustang a few years back, it had been in a closet for over 30 years. The strap that came with it appears to be an Ace clone, a "native American" pattern in earth tones. I insisted it come with the sale, and will stay with the guitar.

[@TheGuitologist]

SteverRob I can understand that. When I get straps with guitars, they separate immediately. That's part of how you build a collection.

[@Bulletbyter]

I buy a strap for every guitar and keep them together

[@semilivesixstringstrumist5595]

I have never bought a strap in my life. Acquiring them with guitars is how I got all my straps. I will make one first before I buy one. Ones I like would cost 50 to 150 to buy. I like to bee-dazzle them myself lol. Use like my wife's old belts or jewelry. Rivets and grommets and metal hoops. Just whatever I can find. I got a cheap strap for my birthday. It was a thin leather 3" wide one. I Be-Dazzled the shit out of it! Lol. I love it man! Its one of a kind for sure. My next one will have copper in it. Messing with stamping thin copper sheets. Like perforated. Then I will rivet it on a leather strap. May have to buy one for this one lol.

[@TheGuitologist]

Go to the belt section in Goodwill for strap fodder. Old purses often have good buckles and stuff too.

[@thehappysack2362]

Awesome content. Can't wait for part 2. Ever thought about this concept for amp or guitar manufacturers?

[@matmudge59]

Hey Brad, thanks for making this! I literally was wondering if there was any info on the history of straps, thought to myself if anyone has made anything, it would be you! And sure enough you thankfully did. Great job keep it up!

[@cheryllakin3077]

Thanks for the history lesson. Fascinating😎

[@bolguevara]

nice job man, looking forward to part II electric boogaloo

[@TheGuitologist]

Part 2 is waiting on response from a couple companies I'd like to include, but it's mostly complete. Should be up by the weekend.

[@twangsome2499]

Hi, thanks for a great video. At around 5:45 you mention that all the guitars now had two strap buttons You might not have noticed that Macca's strap has kind of wrap-around-the-body arrangement near the neck because his bass guitar uses only one strap button. But I'm sure his was the exception to the rule!

[@aniquinstark4347]

I run standard Fender tweed straps on everything but I may have to seek out some cool different ones

[@TheRhino2719]

I have an LM strap. Its one of their "Viking" series, the Odin model to be exact. Hands down the best modern strap you can buy. I had an Ace strap I bought when i was 14 or 15, ive never saw another one, not even the same pattern in a different color. Im about to start an Ace/Bobby Lee collection and this video helped out quite a bit. Thanks

[@TheGuitologist]

Cool. Have fun collecting!

[@TheRhino2719]

@@TheGuitologist Thanks

[@TheRhino2719]

​@@TheGuitologistHello again, I found an Ace I'm interested in. It's the Rose pattern like Hendrix used but a different color. But, I noticed something strange. The buckle isn't sliver and flat. It's a slightly larger gold/brass tone buckle with a ridge on the outside edge. I'm not sure what to make of it. Every other part looks 100% Ace, logo, rivets, stitching, but the buckle is odd. Have any thoughts?

[@TheRhino2719]

​@@TheGuitologist Just snagged a Hendrix at woodstock red Hootenanny with the reddish brown end tabs, suede back, single yellow line of thread down the center and its never been used.

[@Chris66JTM45]

Nice change of pace and a good video Brad. Got me thinking back to my first strap (a thin leather Selmer with a wider shoulder pad). You need a strapline for these vids 😆

[@TheGuitologist]

ChrisBuck66JTM45 interesting. Mid-60s?

[@Chris66JTM45]

The Guitologist ... I guess it would've been 60's ... I was a 13/14yr old kid in 1972 and switching from acoustic to electric guitar. Got this strap in a second hand bundle along with an Avon (MIJ) Blonde/RWN Tele copy. Ran it through my catalogue bought red tolex Marshall 5 watt (Mercury solid state pre amp / EL84(6BQ5) power stage) ... with tremolo ☺ ... alas all gone now as I traded up over the years.

[@dennisschell5543]

Interesting...thanks.

[@squidfisher99]

Great video! Great subject! I've used Ace straps in the past. I still have my Earth III straps. How about doing a pick video? There are a lot of brands like Herco, and Dunlop, that have done innovative things with shape and grip. Keep up the great video's! Cheers! Keith

[@TheGuitologist]

It's possible. I have a lot of picks. I never lose them because I rarely use them anymore.

[@joycecastona5327]

It's funny how we analize things like this. I keep thinking that these famous people never even thought twice about their guitar strap when they bought them. . They just bought one because it was a strap that got the job done. Ace guitar straps were sold everywhere.

[@PoJoWo]

Since having a cardiac arrest and implant in my chest in 2015 straps have been a key issue. I initially used the hip strap which is a great product but geometrically difficult for me as a taller person with broad shoulders and long arms. The range of movement of the instrument is somewhat limiting on the hip axis, though I imagine for some it could be a god send. Unfortunately three weeks ago I had another arrest and because of the rarity of my condition and complications they’ve had to replace the whole set up implant, leads and all. I've discovered the stone music gsl5 link strap (which is what Jimmy Page uses). Turns out a guy I used to do G&L demonstrations for years ago now owns the patent under the Stones Music brand and I'm hoping it won't take so long to get mobile again this time. The loading on the edges of the strap is far less than normal by virtue of its links and hence is less likely to dig into the implant site and feels better, even for the few seconds I can stand it currently. Great video idea, on a topic little studied, take care mate, Pj

[@johnpick8336]

I know that the "patina" on vintage things may add value but if you wanted to clean a strap you could soak it curled up in Woolite in cool water, rinse three times and hang up wet..do not wring out.

[@TheGuitologist]

Someone else mentioned the possibility of dry cleaning. If you do wash in water, do NOT perturb the strap much in the water, as you said, soak ONLY and hang to dry. Even then, the risk of some damage is there. Just be careful.

[@will2181]

I’m surprised John Lennon’s “Phyton” guitar strap by Vox wasn’t mentioned. It’s a pretty crazy looking guitar strap when you consider the time period and what was available then.

[@lowelguitars4422]

Well done!

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks. I appreciate you watching.

[@bluesb52]

the slit was to hold a pick at one time they came with a pick stuck in the slit

[@contrabandjoe7974]

Nice video Brad but a bit long for those of us STRAPPED for time... hardy har har.......

[@TheGuitologist]

How does a strapping young lad like you resort to such bad jokes?

[@contrabandjoe7974]

Because of my mother.. She was a toothless bearded hag and schooled me with a strap right across my back

[@ziggylayneable]

22:37...... I have that identical strap.In the '80s somebody gave me a 1974 Strat(unplayed by a rich kid).Came with the strap on it,I still have the strap,though I traded the Strat for a BC Rich warlock in mid-80s like an idiot

[@chickengnawer]

That "Slit" in the Strap Leather, I was told by a Music Store MANY Years ago, was a Place to Stow the Pick.

[@TheGuitologist]

I guess you could do that, but the purpose is to get the leather to lay down during and after riveting. Without the slit, the pressure at that point would cause the leather to bubble up between the rivets.

[@chickengnawer]

Well, maybe that's what the Store Guy, THOUGHT the Slit was About. I never Did use it. : )

[@TheGuitologist]

Hey man, if it works!

[@martinreid1740]

Thanks, I really enjoyed this.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks Martin. Part 2 coming soon.

[@georgehowell5877]

Another great video, Brad.....Superfun subject, really took me back....I'm always lookin' for old Ace Straps....Any info on the company itself? Thanks for what you do, partner.......

[@TheGuitologist]

If someone knows where the Ace factory was located, that would help in my research, but no, I have no info on Ace other than what's already out there on the net, unfortunately.