Karl Derrick

I can answer some of this right now.

You can have white thread on black leather if you wish.
It's way too contrasty for me. The stitching seems to 'shout' against the black.

When working with lighter threads on darker leathers, I use dark cream coloured threads. Still light against the dark, but a little more gentle on the eyes

Short answer on the snaps is that they NATO spec and I order them specially in lots of a thousand at a time. I don't stock any other colour, as they go with all my main colours of leather, as they are are black/dark brown over brass.

The black can be sanded and polished off to reveal brass, but I don't carry chrome in the NATO. I can get them, but I have to order a thousand.
There are options in other fasteners.....

The lining suede will be dark chocolate brown, as on the proto.


Karl

The leather is the very best there is.
I make a point of using the best quality material, produced by small family run businesses.

The black is the very same leather, identical but for the colour, yes.

I'm always available for custom work, and to talk about custom work


Karl

Marc,

I think we're going around in circles.

The point of the exercise is to get the strap out there to people to try.
A luxury you'd bever have with another maker.

There will be tweaks and changes, for certain.

The straps are £140.00 each, posted.

If you do go back and read the thread, you'll see why


Karl

Mega-Grippy

Thanks for that.

I think I've already said a few times that the width can be adjusted in the pattern, if enough people would prefer it narrower.
It's not a deal breaker.

It was designed to be as comfortable as possible, so I started out as wide as possible.

For the record, there's now way this strap will slip.

Karl

This is why we're doing the field trials.

We'll take a look at all the input and comments and see where we are.


Karl

Just so we have a frame of reference,
The strap doesn't overhang my shoulder at all.

Be interesting to see how it fits you other guys



Karl


Karl

Absolutely!


Karl

Thanks for the pics and inupt Andy.

I made the basic strap shape to fit an average body. I'm what I consider average: I am 5' 10" tall and weigh 13 stone. I'm not huge.
I am probably a little larger than Andy.

It contacts me very well all around.

I can adjust the pattern to make the strap narrower at the shoulder, no problem. It could come down by an inch without affecting comfort.
I can also narrow the area at the lower end of the strap, no problem.

It should be said at this point, that although the straps will be made to measure for each client, they cannot be patterned entirely for an individual. That would be more work than the job is worth, to be honest.

So the shape can't 'be tweaked' for every single client, no.

I can of course make a custom strap to fit an individual, but it would be priced accordingly.

I would like to see what the other players on the list make of it.


Karl

Thanks Myke,

Black is available to order.
Best thing is to jump on the filed trials list, and try it out for yourself.


Karl

Thanks for that Myke.
A bit out of my price range, sadly.

If possible, I'd like to keep this thread on topic for the strap discussion and feedback.


Karl

Sorry!

1. Andydye
2. Walbassist
3. Ead
4. PlungerModerno
5. Xzodar
6. Edster
7. dougieb
8. Vmaxblues
9. Badass

Glad it arrived safely

yes, the leather is really nice. Tanned in oak-bark liquor by a small family tannery. It takes a 'year and a day' to tan from the raw hide to the finished leather.

It's my very best material, very supple and very strong.

The lining suede is a full 1mm thick.


Karl

'Course I can

1. Andydye
2. Walbassist
3. Ead
4. PlungerModerno
5. Xzodar
6. dougieb
7. Vmaxblues
8. Badass

I'll be looking to Badass to send the strap back home to me at the appropriate time.

Hope you guys like the strap (and order at least three each!)



Karl

Andy,

It went out today, first class signed for.
You should get it tomorrow.

Karl

Right,

The proto strap goes out to Andydye tomorrow.
We're going to need everyone to have a good play with the strap and then get it on to the next guy on the list as quick as is reasonably possible, so no one has to wait too long.

I'll be looking for Vmaxblues to get the strap back to me at the end.
Feel free to PM me for my address at the time.

If anyone has any private comments or questions, I can be reached anytime by email: [b][email protected][/b]


Karl

Bought this instrument and sent payment last Friday.

It should turn up on Thursday this week.

Very excited!




Karl

Done,done, done!

1. Andydye
2. Walbassist
3. Ead
4. PlungerModerno
5. Xzodar
6. dougieb
7. Vmaxblues

Of course, here you go.




1. Andydye
2. Walbassist
3. Ead
4. PlungerModerno
5. Xzodar
6. Edster

A few people have mentioned size.

The prototype ergonomic strap is adjustable between about 39" and 50" or so.

Of course, your actual strap, should you choose to order one, will be made to your exact measurements. But, because everyone's a different size and shape, the proto strap won't be exactly right.

However, it will give you a very good idea of whether the ergonomic strap is the thing for you.


Karl

I'll let you guys work it out.

I'll send the strap to Andydye first, then it'll be up to you guys where it goes from there.

It would be great if everyone could post here when they get it with their thoughts and pics, etc.

When it's done the rounds it can come back to me.


Karl

Of course


1. Andydye
2. Walbassist
3. Ead
4. PlungerModerno
5. Xzodar

I don't see why it couldn't visit Ireland.
It would depend on the former Basschatter being willing to spring for the postage, or ,maybe meet you halfway on cost.

I'll put you on the list, assuming something can be worked out to everyone's satisfaction.

1. Andydye
2. Walbassist
3. Ead
4. PlungerModerno

Yes, signed for is a must.
Insurance I'm less bothered about since I can make another.

The information is the valuable part.

The whole exercise is about you guys trying it, giving feedback, etc.
So pics are a great idea.

You'll need to bear in mind that this hasn't been made for your measurements, so it won't be perfect.


Karl

Or possibly send it direct?

Kind of a pay-it-forward arrangement.....

I will need to keep track of where it is, as it's the only datum for the design. One of a kind.
It must come home

I've punched a load more strap button holes along the tail, so there's more range of fitting for the proto.
The ones made to measure will only have one hole.


Karl