Karl Derrick

I wondered what everyone's opinions were on the Swedish Hagstrom Basses. I had a couple of vintage Hagstrom guitars in my life, but never a bass. The guitars' build quality was excellent and I found them very good value. Are their basses any good? Karl

Update: The proto strap is on its way to one last player. I'll set about the design tweaks when it gets back. Few days. Karl

Let me know if you'd like to try out the prototype of my ergonomic strap. I'll post it, you can post it back when you've had a play. Only cost to you is postage one way email: [email protected] Karl

I wanted to go over the proposed tweaks to the strap design, so we're all on the same page. 1. A bit narrower at the shoulder. Say 4" rather than 5"... 2. To narrow faster as it heads down the back to eliminate the 'fluting' some players had. 3. Adjust the strap curve to make it shallower. 4. Adjust contour at the neck side to stop digging in. Is there anything else? Karl

So, the prodigal child returns! The wayward strap has returned from its Grand Tour safe and well. Many thanks again to all those who took care of it and sent it safely on to the next person. As soon as I get a minute, I'll tot up the comments and make the changes to the pattern for the next prototype, which will be for my Kubicki Karl

Got the notes, thank you. Glad you liked it. I'm really glad we had the opportunity for everyone who wanted to try this strap out. I appreciate the time you guys took to test it and report your findings. Thank you. If anyone else wants to try it, drop me a PM. If not, then I'll get the proto back and start on the 2nd prototype as my work schedule permits. Then we should be ready to take orders Karl

I know Chandlers of old Thanks for the reply, though. Cheers, Karl

Can anyone suggest a good luthier for bass setup in the borough of Ealing? Many thanks in advance, Karl

That's great to hear! Thanks very much for the input. Cheers, Karl Edited for spelling, as it seems I'm an idiot.

Got the PM, thank you. Here's the list: 1. Andydye 2. Walbassist 3. Ead 4. PlungerModerno 5. Xzodar 6. dougieb 7. Vmaxblues 8. Badass 9. sei24bass It should be on its way to Badass at the moment. When he's done with it perhaps he would be kind enough to send it to you. From there it will come back to me for pattern tweaking. After tweaks are done, orders will be taken! Karl

Thanks Edster, I appreciate the time and effort. The leather is the very best. I searched long and hard for a reliable supplier for this very supple oak-tanned hide. The black is the same quality, just... well, black I want to get all the input from all of the testers, get the test strap on its way back home, then we'll evaluate the results and then I'll tweak the design, produce another proto and we should be ready to accept orders. Karl

Thanks very much for taking the time for the review. A clear picture of what needs tweaking and where is emerging I think we have several interested parties who have back and shoulder issues, so I think your input will be especially valuable. Glad you liked it. Karl

Thanks Dougieb, Look forward to it. Karl

Thanks very much, glad you liked it. Karl

It shouldn't be leeching dye. If it's a genuine, real suede strap I would consider washing it. If it's genuine suede, without a load of padding stitched inside, then run a sinkful of warm water and add a good capful of some decent fabric detergent to it. Let the strap soak for an hour, topping up with hot water to keep it warm. Then put your Marigolds on and give it a good massaging in the warm water. Add more soap as required. When colour eventually stops coming out of it, rinse it in clean cold water until no colour at all comes out, not even a trace. Remove from the cold water and squeeze out as much water as you can. Give it a good squeeze in an old towel until you can't get it any dryer, then hang it somewhere to dry naturally. Don't force dry it with a hair dryer or in an airing cupboard or in the sun. Just let it dry naturally. Visit it frequently to rub the fuzz back up with your hand. Be advised it may take many days to be completely dry. Possibly longer. Hope this helps. Karl

Hi Pete, Thanks very much for your input, much appreciated. The strap would fit you better if it were made for you, for certain. I have none of the fluting of the back part when I wear it. Again confirming what others have noted: Narrower overall, Narrower sooner as it heads down the back. All good. Thank you very much! Karl

I have a great sense of humour. I'm just trying to keep this thread on track, so that we can make the necessary adjustments to the design to make a good bass strap. It's been a lot of work, and I don't want to lose momentum. Karl

Cold shower? Nice derail Karl

Yeah, weird. I only remember making one! Karl

Huh? So Exzodar and Edster both have the strap?

Glad the strap made it back from its Hols Look forward to your input. Cheers, Karl

Thanks very much for that. One of the crucial measurements when the straps are made for each client, is the distance from the strap button to the top of the shoulder. This will ensure your strap fits properly. Karl

Any sign of the wayward strap yet? Karl