Make leather strap underside smooth

[scottcald]

Hi all,

I bought this great leather guitar strap from Perri's Leathers. The color and look are great. However, the suede underside holds it in place, but if I need to shift the guitar, it's a problem. Is there a way to smooth out the underside where it would sit on my shoulder? You know, without destroying or ruining the strap.

Thanks.

[G Man]

Can't say for sure, but I would probably try to cut a fresh piece of smooth leather to fit and adhere it with Barge Cement. Just a thought.

[murkat]

I have used sandpaper to remove suede fluff....

make sure you tape off any stitching prior.

results may vary

[django49]

Trade to someone that needs a "grippier" strap for a neck heavy guitar?

[scottcald]

Hmmm. All sound reasonable. I got this specifically for my LesPaul. Sometimes I need to shift its position.

[Jakeboy]

Italia straps offer smooth glove leather as an option on the underside of their straps. Works great.

Fairly inexpensive straps if you catch the nearly constant sales they have seemingly nonstop....

[scottcald]

Thanks, I hate to have to buy another. I'd been using the nylon straps for so long, it never occurred to me. I just love this strap, but I'll look at the Italia ones. I also have a couch strap which is great but for a Les Paul, I need a wider strap for that weight.

[scottcald]

The Italia stuff looks good. I'll try murkat's idea first with the sandpaper. Here's the strap for those who are curious:

[specialk]

I would take the strap to a reputable shoe repair shop and explain what you want to do, and see if they can do it for a reasonble fee.

If not, Italia all the way.

[scottcald]

That's another good option, thanks. Murkat, what grit sandpaper did you use? I tried a piece of 150 and that seemed to do nothing.

[murkat]

try a 220 tacked, spray glue, on a flat board....

experiment. you'll get it.

[scottcald]

Thanks, I'll give it a go.

[veatch]

Not that you asked, but if you do go for a new strap, Long Hollow Leather is the shizzle. Hard to find, but i like them *much* better than the Italias. (but i've been called a stoopid morain before for less... )

Good luck!

[cynic]

Call me crazy, but why not just flip it over

[murkat]

Not that you asked, but if you do go for a new strap, Long Hollow Leather is the shizzle. Hard to find, but i like them *much* better than the Italias. (but i've been called a stoopid morain before for less... )

Good luck!

Long Hollow Straps? I go down there about once a year, time to go again?

[scottcald]

Call me crazy, but why not just flip it over

Oh sure, be all pragmatic and what not. The suede side doesn't look as cool.