Synthetic Leather Ends
Now standard on all Guitar Straps
- Cotton Guitar Straps
- 2" Poly Guitar Straps
- 3" Poly Guitar Straps
- Graphic Guitar Straps
- Tie-Dye Guitar Straps
- Tapestry Guitar Straps
- ULTRA Neoprene padded bass/heavy instrument shock absorbing strap
- Model SSX Student
- Model USX "Ultra"
- Model CKX Comfort King
- Model BSX Baritone
- Model USX2
- Model DSX "Performer"
- Model DSXST Student "Performer"
- Model ESX Economy(non padded)Saxophone Strap Accessories
- Trumpet Valve Guards
- Cable Wraps
Synthetic VS Genuine Leather
Prior to starting Legacystraps I had a leather shop that used only the finest vegetable tanned leathers which were then hand tooled, dyed, oiled and made into belts, handbags, hats, holsters and the like. These Leathers were very expensive and while some people might be willing to pay $75 for a Guitar Strap, I wanted to make products that would be available to all musicians, regardless of income. In an effort to make the best possible products we regularly test various materials for the ends of our guitar straps.
The Disadvantages of Leather
Leather tanning is not a precise process and hides generally vary in thickness. After the hide is stripped it is run through a machine that cuts off the very top of the skin, this is referred to as top grain leather. It is very thin, the most expensive part of the hide and ends up being made into clothing and items that sell for hundreds of dollars. Whats left is called a split. The split is leveled by running it through a skiver in an attempt to give it a uniform thickness(which never happens). It is then coated with a synthetic top coat that is then embossed to look like the grain in leather. So when you buy an inexpensive item that is called genuine leather in most cases what you are getting is a finished split. A split with a fake top grain.
There are some problems inherent with the graining process. If the coating is sprayed on too thick it becomes brittle so when you bend the leather it will crack. Also if the coating is too heavy it is harder to cut and sew so manufacturing is difficult. Maintaining a uniform thickness is impossible because its just not an exact process. In addition to these problems you have the nature of leather itself. Leather from the belly of a cow is stringy and weak and will tear easily. Leather from the shoulders is very dense and not at all supple, hard to work with and will crack if bent too far. The leather that is currently available does not make a great ends for a guitar strap. Its usable but difficult to work with and hard to get over a strap button due to the thickness needed to give sufficient strength to the end. If you order a strap with leather ends you will be faced with these problems.
The Advantages of Synthetic
Synthetic leather is manufactured in rolls. The thickness is exact. It contains engineered polymers that are chemically linked to give the strength of leather without the brittleness. Ends made of Synthetic leather are very easy to get on over a strap button. We tested these ends for over 2 years. We got
only positive comments from our testers. They look just like leather, are easier to work with and hold up as well if not better than leather.
Synthetic leather has all of the best elements of leather without all the bad characteristics. In addition for our vegan customers they are "cruelty free". Due to superiority of the synthetic leather ALL Legacy Guitar straps now come standard with
Synthetic ends. I have some remaining leather stock that I will continue to offer to
customers that insist on leather but if not specifically requested the strap you order will be furnished with the new hi-tech synthetic leather material.
If, after you receiver your strap, you are dissatisfied with the strap for whatever reason, you can return it for a full refund, no questions asked.
Thanks
Garry Merola
Owner, Legacystraps