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- 2,038
Wow, that is a hell of a lot of product you have there! What is that, like 200 straps? Sorry to hear it did not live up to your expectations, but at least you did not walk away empty handed ;~)) Best wishes for the Calgary show!!
Tales from.. ..The StrapLab!
- Thread starter TVvoodoo
- Start date
- Messages
- 397
I wonder if I took TOO much product. I joked with my daughter if felt like:
Brads Discount Strap Warehouse GOING OUT FOR BUSINESS SALE!
I crafted an Allman ring strap special for Edmonton, "Whippin' Post." It got some show attention, but no takers. However, a repeat Well-Hung clansman saw it on F-book and snapped it up, it's headed via Purolater to Estevan, Saskatchewan.
Since I'm doing Calgary's show this Sunday, I figured I'd best have one of these in stock to show there too, so over part of yesterday and today I whipped up another. This one with a slightly smaller bronze ring at 4" across on the outside, instead of 4" across on the inside.
I actually like this down-sized ring version a bit better. The larger, more "regulation"-sized ring tends to bump into a fella's frettin' arm a bit, that gets old real fast.
Even had a guy on Facebook ask me how hard was it to take the padding out of one of these? I mean if you want to remove all the stitching and lining etc sure.... but why? If you're going to own a holy grail type strap, own the one that allows luxury comfort to play for hours, with real adjustment, and that will last far longer, ...not the rustic one with plain-jane vintage 70's specs.
Already showed the custom-order "Ace of Spades #11" -Fella goes by "Rusty" picked it up in-person in Edmonton, what a joy to finally meet him after two custom jobs now! And after talking to him for a bit at the show, he's obviously one of those custom strap "cork sniffer" connoisseur types. After pinning Ace #11 on his Frehley paul, he sent me a whole bunch of pics and nice words.
Says Rusty in Edmonton: "I can't help it. I must walk past my guitar corner and stare at that strap at least ten times a day, if not more. World class, heirloom material to me. You're an artisan and a craftsman. Many like me who have bought your work know, understand and treasure your straps."
One longtime customer said it to me at the Edmonton show, to the effect of the difference of ducking under a guitar that's Well-Hung - He says, once the strap sits down, even before the amp warms up, a feeling washes over him that he is indeed ready to seriously rock! He claims none of his other straps do anything quite like that. Kind of cool. I think I kind of understand that too.
Brads Discount Strap Warehouse GOING OUT FOR BUSINESS SALE!
I crafted an Allman ring strap special for Edmonton, "Whippin' Post." It got some show attention, but no takers. However, a repeat Well-Hung clansman saw it on F-book and snapped it up, it's headed via Purolater to Estevan, Saskatchewan.
Since I'm doing Calgary's show this Sunday, I figured I'd best have one of these in stock to show there too, so over part of yesterday and today I whipped up another. This one with a slightly smaller bronze ring at 4" across on the outside, instead of 4" across on the inside.
I actually like this down-sized ring version a bit better. The larger, more "regulation"-sized ring tends to bump into a fella's frettin' arm a bit, that gets old real fast.
Even had a guy on Facebook ask me how hard was it to take the padding out of one of these? I mean if you want to remove all the stitching and lining etc sure.... but why? If you're going to own a holy grail type strap, own the one that allows luxury comfort to play for hours, with real adjustment, and that will last far longer, ...not the rustic one with plain-jane vintage 70's specs.
Already showed the custom-order "Ace of Spades #11" -Fella goes by "Rusty" picked it up in-person in Edmonton, what a joy to finally meet him after two custom jobs now! And after talking to him for a bit at the show, he's obviously one of those custom strap "cork sniffer" connoisseur types. After pinning Ace #11 on his Frehley paul, he sent me a whole bunch of pics and nice words.
Says Rusty in Edmonton: "I can't help it. I must walk past my guitar corner and stare at that strap at least ten times a day, if not more. World class, heirloom material to me. You're an artisan and a craftsman. Many like me who have bought your work know, understand and treasure your straps."
One longtime customer said it to me at the Edmonton show, to the effect of the difference of ducking under a guitar that's Well-Hung - He says, once the strap sits down, even before the amp warms up, a feeling washes over him that he is indeed ready to seriously rock! He claims none of his other straps do anything quite like that. Kind of cool. I think I kind of understand that too.
- Messages
- 397
Phew! what weekend! So, just off two guitar show weekends in Edmonton and Calgary, both Sundays. A lot of miles on the ol' F-150, and my voice is finally back, it was almost completely raw yesterday. Working in the shop alone here, I don't get much vox exercise!
Today I unpacked four large suitcases of unsold stock, put away the guitars I'd packed for show 'n tell, counted the cash, made a deposit. Then, went through my inventory here to make sure I take what sold out of my Reverb store. Gotta avoid selling something one-of-a-kind twice!
My li'l brother JD helped me out at the Calgary show, as he lives there. He's been a professional musician based out of that city since the 90's, knew a number of people at the show too. He'd also worked at AXE Music and HEL music stores for quite a time, in the 90's before gettin' in with a fancy government job maybe 20 years ago. Anyway... below, two mild 'n crazy guys! The matching leopard print shirts were quite the hit - I thought it was going to take some convincing to get him in his, but he didn't complain one bit. That's a good bro, alright!
Overall I hit just short of 75% of my goal for the two shows - Calgary seemed to be a bit more "rockin'" that Edmonton, a couple of other vendors I spoke with who were at both shows agreed. I felt the venue was slightly superior too... more spacious and inviting, better lighting and many more guitars on display too. Made for folks to feel a bit more comfortable and welcome to stay longer, maybe do an extra round or two to catch everything on display. The load-in/out was a bit weird. A small, dimly-lit freight elevator, a one-bay loading dock and every vendor for himself LOL! Again sorry for no pics of the guitars but there was some pretty cool stuff I saw on a bathroom break. As a vendor at these things, and a 30 feet of frontage to take care of for the two of us, just doesn't allow much wanderin' around time. You gotta be there for the lookers.
Appreciated meeting some regular Calgary customers, and members of a couple of social media groups I can now put faces too, and I added probably ten or twenty new members to the Well-Hung Tribe, and some pretty cool and fun younger players too, that was a real highlight!
Everything I've been doing for the past 6 weeks had been leading to Sunday. I'm going to take this week to get my head right, get some pressing yard-work done I've been pushing off, as it could snow any day up here now, and begin on a couple of customs I've pushed off. Regroup, reconfigure, reassess where I'm going from here.
Today I unpacked four large suitcases of unsold stock, put away the guitars I'd packed for show 'n tell, counted the cash, made a deposit. Then, went through my inventory here to make sure I take what sold out of my Reverb store. Gotta avoid selling something one-of-a-kind twice!
My li'l brother JD helped me out at the Calgary show, as he lives there. He's been a professional musician based out of that city since the 90's, knew a number of people at the show too. He'd also worked at AXE Music and HEL music stores for quite a time, in the 90's before gettin' in with a fancy government job maybe 20 years ago. Anyway... below, two mild 'n crazy guys! The matching leopard print shirts were quite the hit - I thought it was going to take some convincing to get him in his, but he didn't complain one bit. That's a good bro, alright!
Overall I hit just short of 75% of my goal for the two shows - Calgary seemed to be a bit more "rockin'" that Edmonton, a couple of other vendors I spoke with who were at both shows agreed. I felt the venue was slightly superior too... more spacious and inviting, better lighting and many more guitars on display too. Made for folks to feel a bit more comfortable and welcome to stay longer, maybe do an extra round or two to catch everything on display. The load-in/out was a bit weird. A small, dimly-lit freight elevator, a one-bay loading dock and every vendor for himself LOL! Again sorry for no pics of the guitars but there was some pretty cool stuff I saw on a bathroom break. As a vendor at these things, and a 30 feet of frontage to take care of for the two of us, just doesn't allow much wanderin' around time. You gotta be there for the lookers.
Appreciated meeting some regular Calgary customers, and members of a couple of social media groups I can now put faces too, and I added probably ten or twenty new members to the Well-Hung Tribe, and some pretty cool and fun younger players too, that was a real highlight!
Everything I've been doing for the past 6 weeks had been leading to Sunday. I'm going to take this week to get my head right, get some pressing yard-work done I've been pushing off, as it could snow any day up here now, and begin on a couple of customs I've pushed off. Regroup, reconfigure, reassess where I'm going from here.
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- Messages
- 397
I got my "break" in, tackled the yardwork, checked off all the autumn household, yard and garden autumn things on my list except for a just a few left. Not much to tell, probably much the same as any other homeowner - except maybe my added duties for wood-gathering for my stove, but I only needed to secure one more half-ton load which I managed on Saturday, and I'm now ready!
In the background, I've been working on a custom for Collin. He's a regular, and has been smitten with my somewhat unique "bouquet" design. He sent me a photo of this Musicman style bass made by a company I keep seeing mentioned a bunch lately, Sire. He wasn't sure at first but the more he plays it, the more he says it's staying in his fold, new, it was in that mid-price level, he managed to snag his lightly used and says it manages to punch well above its weight class.
So last week I've been picking away at it. First off releasing the main body from the 8/9 oz hide.
It's going to be 3" wide in the back-buckle format. He initially contacted me during my rush before the guitar shows, but the mail went on strike and I asked if he didn't mind waiting a bit, and I could offer him a bit of a price break for his patience. Now the posties are back at it, at a limited level they say.
Before I cut the tail strap, I needed to know what buckle he preferred so I could cut to fit. Out of my suggestions he chose the aged nickel cowboy set lower right - a bit dressier. If I can, I typically cut the tail strap out of a different hide if I can, that is slightly thicker. For this finish it's not going to make a difference what hide, each element is from. Sometimes it does.
We got to stampin' - this pattern unique in that it only requires two stamps, but a LOT of them!
Mainly it's this very common stamp called a "Camoflage" stamp. Looks a bit like a seashell
Stamping the full body, (about 46" long") and the tail strap took me 2 hours and a bit. Turn the brain off and just GO!
Once stamped and while still damp from the stamping/moisturizing process I do the first dye stage.
This is my fourth strap in this design, my first in jet black. This strap is named "Funeral Bouquet."
Considered naming it "Collin's Funeral Bouquet," but perhaps that's just unnecessarily dark LOL!
Performed one more black dye stage an hour after this, then laid on a good amount of neatsfoot oil to help draw that black even deeper down into the hide.
This morning I burnished the edges, and gave the elements a real serious buff and polish then and began the clearcoat process before final assembly. Looks like that will happen on Thursday. Strange thing, with my recent loss of the US market, Reverb sales have been slow, but today I did get to send a couple away... one to Calgary, one to Regina now that the post office is accepting goods again. It would be such a dream come true for me to further develop the Canadian marketplace for my goods, as I consider what might be possible for the USA.
In the background, I've been working on a custom for Collin. He's a regular, and has been smitten with my somewhat unique "bouquet" design. He sent me a photo of this Musicman style bass made by a company I keep seeing mentioned a bunch lately, Sire. He wasn't sure at first but the more he plays it, the more he says it's staying in his fold, new, it was in that mid-price level, he managed to snag his lightly used and says it manages to punch well above its weight class.
So last week I've been picking away at it. First off releasing the main body from the 8/9 oz hide.
It's going to be 3" wide in the back-buckle format. He initially contacted me during my rush before the guitar shows, but the mail went on strike and I asked if he didn't mind waiting a bit, and I could offer him a bit of a price break for his patience. Now the posties are back at it, at a limited level they say.
Before I cut the tail strap, I needed to know what buckle he preferred so I could cut to fit. Out of my suggestions he chose the aged nickel cowboy set lower right - a bit dressier. If I can, I typically cut the tail strap out of a different hide if I can, that is slightly thicker. For this finish it's not going to make a difference what hide, each element is from. Sometimes it does.
We got to stampin' - this pattern unique in that it only requires two stamps, but a LOT of them!
Mainly it's this very common stamp called a "Camoflage" stamp. Looks a bit like a seashell
Stamping the full body, (about 46" long") and the tail strap took me 2 hours and a bit. Turn the brain off and just GO!
Once stamped and while still damp from the stamping/moisturizing process I do the first dye stage.
This is my fourth strap in this design, my first in jet black. This strap is named "Funeral Bouquet."
Considered naming it "Collin's Funeral Bouquet," but perhaps that's just unnecessarily dark LOL!
Performed one more black dye stage an hour after this, then laid on a good amount of neatsfoot oil to help draw that black even deeper down into the hide.
This morning I burnished the edges, and gave the elements a real serious buff and polish then and began the clearcoat process before final assembly. Looks like that will happen on Thursday. Strange thing, with my recent loss of the US market, Reverb sales have been slow, but today I did get to send a couple away... one to Calgary, one to Regina now that the post office is accepting goods again. It would be such a dream come true for me to further develop the Canadian marketplace for my goods, as I consider what might be possible for the USA.
- Messages
- 397
Funeral Bouquet (#5) - is complete. Should easily arrive in time for Hallowe'en!
8/9 oz heavy vegtan, hand tooled, hand dyed, hand burnished. 3" wide, padded medium lightly, adjusts approx 51"-57" Haven't punched the holes yet, waiting to find out about straplocks.
Got the flash western buckle set on the back in my super convenient easy to adjust Class Act design with the pass-thru that protects your guitar from contact, and it looks pretty boss too.
I'd been toying with the idea of making a black one for the store, before Collin asked, but was holding back for whatever reason. Glad he asked for it and made me make one because it's frickin' SUPA-HAWT! With all them flowers you'd think it'd be a bit girly, but in black especially, and with all that texture and elegant shine, turns out rather macho, if in a vampire/goth/emo sort of way.
Here's feedback from DJ in Elginburg, Ontario...
Hope the week is treating you well!
8/9 oz heavy vegtan, hand tooled, hand dyed, hand burnished. 3" wide, padded medium lightly, adjusts approx 51"-57" Haven't punched the holes yet, waiting to find out about straplocks.
Got the flash western buckle set on the back in my super convenient easy to adjust Class Act design with the pass-thru that protects your guitar from contact, and it looks pretty boss too.
I'd been toying with the idea of making a black one for the store, before Collin asked, but was holding back for whatever reason. Glad he asked for it and made me make one because it's frickin' SUPA-HAWT! With all them flowers you'd think it'd be a bit girly, but in black especially, and with all that texture and elegant shine, turns out rather macho, if in a vampire/goth/emo sort of way.
Here's feedback from DJ in Elginburg, Ontario...
Hope the week is treating you well!
- Messages
- 397
New in the shop, several straps, but mostly pics you've seen a pic of already. I had a glut of things i made just before the shows, and didn't have time to do multiple photos and load up on Reverb, so now I'm playing catch-up.
I've put a new Ace of Spades up, #10 in what I'm calling a dark teaburst. Normally I only craft these as a custom order, but wanted to make sure I had one in the store for show. So, it's 100% available to markets I currently can sell to. Heavy-stamped and tooled vegtan leather, lined, padded, edges burnished... 3" wide, 45-57"
A couple of new (old) "Devil's Leash" straps with the classic Saugerties ribbon on 3" wide black leather, and a couple of 2.5" wide and padded "Dirty Honey" pythons have also newly appeared in stock. Also today this one... "ZAP! Hot Strawberry" Such a luscious colour! I have so many titillating words I want to use to describe this rather warm, engorged pink but I think I'll try to attempt to remain gentlemanly instead.
That pebble-grained black bolt just powers it up, don't it?
Met Craig at the Calgary Guitar Show recently. He picked up a couple of fab deals there in-person, if I recall correct: a black gator strap, and the Dickie Betts beaded strap I made a couple months ago in black leather as well. As does happen, he found himself looking into my Reverb Store for even more and just recieved his 3rd Well-Hung strap in as many weeks. That's a Well-Hung Warrior!
Tuesday's gone, with the wind.
I've put a new Ace of Spades up, #10 in what I'm calling a dark teaburst. Normally I only craft these as a custom order, but wanted to make sure I had one in the store for show. So, it's 100% available to markets I currently can sell to. Heavy-stamped and tooled vegtan leather, lined, padded, edges burnished... 3" wide, 45-57"
A couple of new (old) "Devil's Leash" straps with the classic Saugerties ribbon on 3" wide black leather, and a couple of 2.5" wide and padded "Dirty Honey" pythons have also newly appeared in stock. Also today this one... "ZAP! Hot Strawberry" Such a luscious colour! I have so many titillating words I want to use to describe this rather warm, engorged pink but I think I'll try to attempt to remain gentlemanly instead.
That pebble-grained black bolt just powers it up, don't it?
Met Craig at the Calgary Guitar Show recently. He picked up a couple of fab deals there in-person, if I recall correct: a black gator strap, and the Dickie Betts beaded strap I made a couple months ago in black leather as well. As does happen, he found himself looking into my Reverb Store for even more and just recieved his 3rd Well-Hung strap in as many weeks. That's a Well-Hung Warrior!
Tuesday's gone, with the wind.
- Messages
- 397
In the background I've been working with a fellow goes by blueshores_guy on Guitars Canada
He sent me pics of his boutique "Harrison" guitars semi, fun build with stealth controls hidden inside the F-hole, in this rather unique "blister" quilt finish. Quite the instrument. Toronto builder... funny thing, I'd never even heard of the dude. But, obviously knows the right end of a chisel, pretty plain to see. I did a search, a couple of weeks there were actually FOUR different "Harrison" guitar brands, but one was recently acquired by another company. Had no idea. Harrison is my own surname!
But what strap would be better for a "Harrison" guitar than a strap made by a Harrison?
He said he'd tried a nice black strap on it but didn't like the visual effect, and asked my opinion. I sent back this composite, (which I do as a customer service, time permitting), to show him what I felt would be suitable leathers from my "Leather Library" with which to make him a custom strap.
Which would you choose?
My rationale was I felt wanted to play off the blister finish using texture, but also accent the browns of the back/sides and the streaky ebony, not one that would try to compete with that crazy top. And, in my opinion, EVERYBODY needs at least one gatory strap!
We both decided we liked the same one the best, what I called "Pecan Croc" and I today I completed his strap, sent this photo with one of my own guitars I felt had the most similar top to his. Really not much the same at all, but gives a fellow the general idea.
Still waiting for his reply, but I'm sure he's gonna dig it. Pretty much the same as any basic strap I make, perhaps a bit more detailed as I tend to do with custom orders. He had a specific length to try to hit, which I did, but also some adjustment. Medium padded, tapers down more on the frontside than I typically do to 2", but still 3" wide on the shoulder. Black leather ladder section, and nose. Punched for straplocks.
Collin in Ontario got his "Funeral Bouquet" - he sent me these quick pics, saying he's very happy with the match of the strap on his sparkle Bass. Great shots, it's not easy to capture that glitter effect. He says he's gonna play it for a bit before he has words for me on it, which I appreciate.
Hey everyone, it's hump day, don't forget to remind your spouses.
He sent me pics of his boutique "Harrison" guitars semi, fun build with stealth controls hidden inside the F-hole, in this rather unique "blister" quilt finish. Quite the instrument. Toronto builder... funny thing, I'd never even heard of the dude. But, obviously knows the right end of a chisel, pretty plain to see. I did a search, a couple of weeks there were actually FOUR different "Harrison" guitar brands, but one was recently acquired by another company. Had no idea. Harrison is my own surname!
But what strap would be better for a "Harrison" guitar than a strap made by a Harrison?
He said he'd tried a nice black strap on it but didn't like the visual effect, and asked my opinion. I sent back this composite, (which I do as a customer service, time permitting), to show him what I felt would be suitable leathers from my "Leather Library" with which to make him a custom strap.
Which would you choose?
My rationale was I felt wanted to play off the blister finish using texture, but also accent the browns of the back/sides and the streaky ebony, not one that would try to compete with that crazy top. And, in my opinion, EVERYBODY needs at least one gatory strap!
We both decided we liked the same one the best, what I called "Pecan Croc" and I today I completed his strap, sent this photo with one of my own guitars I felt had the most similar top to his. Really not much the same at all, but gives a fellow the general idea.
Still waiting for his reply, but I'm sure he's gonna dig it. Pretty much the same as any basic strap I make, perhaps a bit more detailed as I tend to do with custom orders. He had a specific length to try to hit, which I did, but also some adjustment. Medium padded, tapers down more on the frontside than I typically do to 2", but still 3" wide on the shoulder. Black leather ladder section, and nose. Punched for straplocks.
Collin in Ontario got his "Funeral Bouquet" - he sent me these quick pics, saying he's very happy with the match of the strap on his sparkle Bass. Great shots, it's not easy to capture that glitter effect. He says he's gonna play it for a bit before he has words for me on it, which I appreciate.
Hey everyone, it's hump day, don't forget to remind your spouses.
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- Messages
- 397
Still kickin' amigos...barely! - Even headin' to the big city this weekend as my wife is dragging my ass to a singer/songwriter show, where I don't really care much for the artist, but hey, I managed drag her to Metallica once back in the day, (NO, not by the hair LOL!), so I guess it's payback time.
Ok, just above I've been on about the situation with Lyle in Ontario, - well... his custom strap arrived... he's pleased, and had nice words, which was great because he was one of those real choosy type fellows - some victories seem harder won than others if you get my drift.
"I've had my Doug Harrison custom archtop for just over a year now, and for most of that time have been keeping my eyes peeled for a strap that would go with its, um, unique top. Tried a few different ones, but ultimately rejected them on the basis of size or colour or quality. Finally found a source for custom straps right here in Canada...Well-Hung Guitar Straps. Brad is the owner, a one-man shop, and he does exemplary work. sent him pix of the Harrison and he sent me back pix of several possible strap varieties, different styles, different colours, different widths. Settled on having him build the strap you see in the photo... one of a kind, very well made, padded, comfortable, simple, and classy. And I think the colour and texture of the leather go well with the guitar. Mission accomplished. Even with snail mail shipping, it was in my hands in a week.
Brad has been suffering from the NO POLITICS situation between the US and Canada, and has seen his business fall away drastically as a result. This is not good. If you're in need of a quality strap, and wish to have one custom-made for you, by all means get in touch with him. He also has a Reverb store with hundreds of straps available if you don't need to go the custom route." - Lyle in Ontario
Again, yes I am still being tossed on the angry seas of an international trade war, it's definitely hurting. And to reiterate: sadly, I still am unable to serve my faithful US customers, but hope to be able to again in the future. The situation is such my typical $150 US strap would costs US customers over twice that price once NO POLITICS and duty costs are applied, and while it's being widely reported we exporters are happily paying those additional costs into US coffers, those in the know understand the reality.
However, I am still serving customers here in my own country, and even talking to a fella in Britain right now as well - fingers crossed. Here's another custom job that went to BC a couple of days ago... Another Metis Sash strap to soon be treasured by Isaac!
Also new in the Well-Hung reverb store is "Soul Collector" in gold - made specifically to badass-up a black beauty in an elegant way.
It's gold skull-embossed leather, with a black strip and conchos/rivets. 3" wide... sooo padded!
I also just got a photo back from Kris in southern sask of his Carneglia guitars (Florida Maker) relic'd '59 replica
with his recent Well-Hung "Whippin' Post" strapquisition.
I mean, JUST LOOK AT THIS!!!!
That's all I got for today... maybe get something else going on for tomorrow? sure hope so!
Ok, just above I've been on about the situation with Lyle in Ontario, - well... his custom strap arrived... he's pleased, and had nice words, which was great because he was one of those real choosy type fellows - some victories seem harder won than others if you get my drift.
"I've had my Doug Harrison custom archtop for just over a year now, and for most of that time have been keeping my eyes peeled for a strap that would go with its, um, unique top. Tried a few different ones, but ultimately rejected them on the basis of size or colour or quality. Finally found a source for custom straps right here in Canada...Well-Hung Guitar Straps. Brad is the owner, a one-man shop, and he does exemplary work. sent him pix of the Harrison and he sent me back pix of several possible strap varieties, different styles, different colours, different widths. Settled on having him build the strap you see in the photo... one of a kind, very well made, padded, comfortable, simple, and classy. And I think the colour and texture of the leather go well with the guitar. Mission accomplished. Even with snail mail shipping, it was in my hands in a week.
Brad has been suffering from the NO POLITICS situation between the US and Canada, and has seen his business fall away drastically as a result. This is not good. If you're in need of a quality strap, and wish to have one custom-made for you, by all means get in touch with him. He also has a Reverb store with hundreds of straps available if you don't need to go the custom route." - Lyle in Ontario
Again, yes I am still being tossed on the angry seas of an international trade war, it's definitely hurting. And to reiterate: sadly, I still am unable to serve my faithful US customers, but hope to be able to again in the future. The situation is such my typical $150 US strap would costs US customers over twice that price once NO POLITICS and duty costs are applied, and while it's being widely reported we exporters are happily paying those additional costs into US coffers, those in the know understand the reality.
However, I am still serving customers here in my own country, and even talking to a fella in Britain right now as well - fingers crossed. Here's another custom job that went to BC a couple of days ago... Another Metis Sash strap to soon be treasured by Isaac!
Also new in the Well-Hung reverb store is "Soul Collector" in gold - made specifically to badass-up a black beauty in an elegant way.
It's gold skull-embossed leather, with a black strip and conchos/rivets. 3" wide... sooo padded!
I also just got a photo back from Kris in southern sask of his Carneglia guitars (Florida Maker) relic'd '59 replica
with his recent Well-Hung "Whippin' Post" strapquisition.
I mean, JUST LOOK AT THIS!!!!
That's all I got for today... maybe get something else going on for tomorrow? sure hope so!
- Messages
- 397
Hello! Fresh off a weekend of fun!
Saw Canadian songwriter/performer Ron Sexsmith over the weekend, not my first choice of a show to attend, by my wife adores his music. Certainly not Mr. Charismatic which is maybe part of his charm, but it drove me nuts for his whole first set where he had a big ol' twist in the back of his cheap white poly guitar strap (the things we notice LOL!). Even though his overall style seems rather world-weary and melancholy to me, there's no doubt he's an acclaimed songsmith and did win me over a little by the end. He was with a drummer and bassist sidemen, the drummer also filled in on keys for a couple songs, and Sexmith also tickled the ivories for about a quarter of his numbers too, but mostly plucked away on a Taylor single cut semi. Dude has put out 17 albums and played swank halls all over the world over the years, some big names have recorded his songs... so obviously legit.
After the second half, they bow and say goodbye, leave the stage. The audience then mechanically stands and claps for about 45 seconds to earning the band's return for the inevitable encore performance. He comes out noting: "What a strange ritual that is, we didn't go far, we were just there waiting behind the curtain." Authentic truth LOL!
Today I'm working on a strap for Cathy, or rather Cathy's grandaughter. Met her as she was working at a retail store the weekend before last, and my wife, I and her got to talking about arts and crafts - I mentioned I do leatherwork. She asked if I could do a guitar strap... and I said "Could I!" Anyway, Hannah is 17 and getting a genuine strat guitar upgrade for Christmas , and Grandma wants to include a custom strap.
so last week we worked out a design that is sort of a combo deal with a couple of sunflowers AND a dragonfly...
and I completed this smaller tooling job today, and first yella dye stage.
Her budget was a bit on the low side for this kind of work so we worked a design with less tooling coverage and I think we'll both be real happy in the end. This is ideal for the situation I'm in right now...just to keep something going on the shop table, local sales. Be real nice to have four of five of these jobs to keep me going for November and December
Other than that while we were in the city, one of my baby birds has been having a real tough go of things for the past six months so we took the truck in. Loaded everything up, tarped it over, brought it home. Suddenly my wife and I are no longer empty-nesters, and we also have a cat in the house again too. We are glad to be in a situation to be able to help, but it's taking a little getting used to and making room for all the incoming stuff was a bit of a challenge.
Saw Canadian songwriter/performer Ron Sexsmith over the weekend, not my first choice of a show to attend, by my wife adores his music. Certainly not Mr. Charismatic which is maybe part of his charm, but it drove me nuts for his whole first set where he had a big ol' twist in the back of his cheap white poly guitar strap (the things we notice LOL!). Even though his overall style seems rather world-weary and melancholy to me, there's no doubt he's an acclaimed songsmith and did win me over a little by the end. He was with a drummer and bassist sidemen, the drummer also filled in on keys for a couple songs, and Sexmith also tickled the ivories for about a quarter of his numbers too, but mostly plucked away on a Taylor single cut semi. Dude has put out 17 albums and played swank halls all over the world over the years, some big names have recorded his songs... so obviously legit.
After the second half, they bow and say goodbye, leave the stage. The audience then mechanically stands and claps for about 45 seconds to earning the band's return for the inevitable encore performance. He comes out noting: "What a strange ritual that is, we didn't go far, we were just there waiting behind the curtain." Authentic truth LOL!
Today I'm working on a strap for Cathy, or rather Cathy's grandaughter. Met her as she was working at a retail store the weekend before last, and my wife, I and her got to talking about arts and crafts - I mentioned I do leatherwork. She asked if I could do a guitar strap... and I said "Could I!" Anyway, Hannah is 17 and getting a genuine strat guitar upgrade for Christmas , and Grandma wants to include a custom strap.
so last week we worked out a design that is sort of a combo deal with a couple of sunflowers AND a dragonfly...
and I completed this smaller tooling job today, and first yella dye stage.
Her budget was a bit on the low side for this kind of work so we worked a design with less tooling coverage and I think we'll both be real happy in the end. This is ideal for the situation I'm in right now...just to keep something going on the shop table, local sales. Be real nice to have four of five of these jobs to keep me going for November and December
Other than that while we were in the city, one of my baby birds has been having a real tough go of things for the past six months so we took the truck in. Loaded everything up, tarped it over, brought it home. Suddenly my wife and I are no longer empty-nesters, and we also have a cat in the house again too. We are glad to be in a situation to be able to help, but it's taking a little getting used to and making room for all the incoming stuff was a bit of a challenge.
- Messages
- 397
Once again, sorry I can't send to the USA right now, but when I can... it's my hope there may be a bit of pent up demand to compensate for many weeks of awful online sales, and loss of my biggest market. Speaking of which, since I'm not getting much for sales on reverb right now, it was a rare and happy thing to get a message, not a feedback, just a dude randomly feeling the W-H love so deep, he was moved to contact me out of the blue to express thoughts on strap buttons design and wish me well.
I messaged him back that while I sometimes feel like I can verge on "over-hyping" my stuff, but my Pro-Pins are one offering I don't actually feel it's possible. Yes, they are that good!
New in the store (if you can see it, USA folks won't be able to unless you VPN me I think), are one called Soul Collector in Silver Skull embossed leather.. 3" wide, padded yadda yadda...
And "Throwback" which is a repeat of a "skinny" strap I did last year, this one with a much nicer buckle set. You probably know my thoughts on skinny straps, but I figure it don't hurt to offer one in my store for those cool-cravin' strap masochists out there. Good thick 9 oz belt leather, with 1" wide retro ribbon stitched on top.
Lastly the strap for Granddaughter Hanna is coming along, after hand painting the wings, dragonfly body, and resist coating the lettering, and the petals - they dying a dark, rustic brown.
Oiled i after I took this picture, late tonight I buff it out then start the clear top coat process.
I messaged him back that while I sometimes feel like I can verge on "over-hyping" my stuff, but my Pro-Pins are one offering I don't actually feel it's possible. Yes, they are that good!
New in the store (if you can see it, USA folks won't be able to unless you VPN me I think), are one called Soul Collector in Silver Skull embossed leather.. 3" wide, padded yadda yadda...
And "Throwback" which is a repeat of a "skinny" strap I did last year, this one with a much nicer buckle set. You probably know my thoughts on skinny straps, but I figure it don't hurt to offer one in my store for those cool-cravin' strap masochists out there. Good thick 9 oz belt leather, with 1" wide retro ribbon stitched on top.
Lastly the strap for Granddaughter Hanna is coming along, after hand painting the wings, dragonfly body, and resist coating the lettering, and the petals - they dying a dark, rustic brown.
Oiled i after I took this picture, late tonight I buff it out then start the clear top coat process.
- Messages
- 397
Got a message from Well-Hung faithful warrior-elder Collin. He's always happily chirpin' off about my stuff, but stays mainly in the talkBass forum He recently got that "Funeral Bouquet" custom-tooled strap to add to his stable, and he loves the Pro-Pins too.
He recently sent a whole whack of pics of various custom Well-Hung straps, etc, and I know he's got a few more from years past that he didn't even show. But I figured I'd collage most of what he sent up, and it's always nice to see a friendly face from the tribe ain't it?
He sent words too:
"Collin here, bass player with a (bad) rotator cuff and thoracic outlet syndrome - I went through strap after strap trying to find something to let me hang my guitar over my wrecked shoulder, and none would let me do it for more than like half an hour before the pain was too much, and my heaviest instrument is only 9 pounds - that’s how bad a shoulder can be.
I tried Lekato and Comfort Strapp straps. Hated the materials. They smelled like chemicals and the neoprene stuff just slides across your shoulder. Some of them are sort of bouncy with makes playing a pain unless you are they type of player who stands perfectly still. Tried a few other brands also, but found minimal in added comfort.
Then I found Well-Hung Guitar Straps about 5 years ago or so, and my shoulder has been happy as a clam ever since. Dude uses quality materials, excellent padding, and awesome inner fabric that keeps your strap from sliding around. He can do custom orders with various fabric and leather choices, as well as a new line that has a bit of stretch (Comfort-Flex). But honestly, the ones I have now I can actually play a full set, (thank goodness for breaks!), without silently crying in pain. Other straps last me 20 minutes tops, before I can take it any more.
Well-Hung guitar straps are extremely comfortable, rugged and durable and I can't say enough good things about them."
So... let it be known here, there, over the hills far away... Well-Hung guitar straps also go GREAT on bass guitars, if you had any questions on that. Don't know why anybody would, but there you go, and from day one, the very first strap horribly ugly strap I crafted back in 2010 or so? It as all about player comfort.
Fresh in the store today - a new No Prisoners strap called "Velvet Fist," 3" wide padded, with maroon leather and a velvety/suede belt loaded with nickel grommets, over 50 of them. 47-59.
Only other thing I managed to do today was update my CV and print out a dozen copies. Sadly, it's startin' to get a little hungry over here due to the new international trade realities. I'll be attending a local job fair with my daughter tomorrow. Don't even know if I'm actually employable by anyone else at this point, but what the heck - no harm in havin' a little look-see.
He recently sent a whole whack of pics of various custom Well-Hung straps, etc, and I know he's got a few more from years past that he didn't even show. But I figured I'd collage most of what he sent up, and it's always nice to see a friendly face from the tribe ain't it?
He sent words too:
"Collin here, bass player with a (bad) rotator cuff and thoracic outlet syndrome - I went through strap after strap trying to find something to let me hang my guitar over my wrecked shoulder, and none would let me do it for more than like half an hour before the pain was too much, and my heaviest instrument is only 9 pounds - that’s how bad a shoulder can be.
I tried Lekato and Comfort Strapp straps. Hated the materials. They smelled like chemicals and the neoprene stuff just slides across your shoulder. Some of them are sort of bouncy with makes playing a pain unless you are they type of player who stands perfectly still. Tried a few other brands also, but found minimal in added comfort.
Then I found Well-Hung Guitar Straps about 5 years ago or so, and my shoulder has been happy as a clam ever since. Dude uses quality materials, excellent padding, and awesome inner fabric that keeps your strap from sliding around. He can do custom orders with various fabric and leather choices, as well as a new line that has a bit of stretch (Comfort-Flex). But honestly, the ones I have now I can actually play a full set, (thank goodness for breaks!), without silently crying in pain. Other straps last me 20 minutes tops, before I can take it any more.
Well-Hung guitar straps are extremely comfortable, rugged and durable and I can't say enough good things about them."
So... let it be known here, there, over the hills far away... Well-Hung guitar straps also go GREAT on bass guitars, if you had any questions on that. Don't know why anybody would, but there you go, and from day one, the very first strap horribly ugly strap I crafted back in 2010 or so? It as all about player comfort.
Fresh in the store today - a new No Prisoners strap called "Velvet Fist," 3" wide padded, with maroon leather and a velvety/suede belt loaded with nickel grommets, over 50 of them. 47-59.
Only other thing I managed to do today was update my CV and print out a dozen copies. Sadly, it's startin' to get a little hungry over here due to the new international trade realities. I'll be attending a local job fair with my daughter tomorrow. Don't even know if I'm actually employable by anyone else at this point, but what the heck - no harm in havin' a little look-see.
- Messages
- 397
First off, how about a final photo the custom tooling/monogram job for a local young lady, soon to be gifted? It's going on a strat very similar to my 80's Washburn knockoff shown. Frankly, it's great to have an instrument in the stable to show the full effect to customers, which is a point high up in my arguments for any NGD's I may happen to experience LOL! (haven't enjoyed one for a long while though). Thought about going mainly black, not brown, but I like this effect, looks less contrived.
New in the Reverb store, a rare Swamp Bottom Python. As I mentioned in the reverb listing, it's one of the more realistic natural snake scale patterned leather hides I've ever had here in the shop. If say I was strolling through the woods jus' minding my own business... then suddenly spied this strap lurking on the forest floor? Would likely be good cause to crap ones pantaloons.
it comes across a fair bit more olive green, than what the pictures show, but it's greys, greens, black and creme mostly. 3" wide, very nicely padded, as is my typical Snakes in the Brain Series.
New in the Reverb store, a rare Swamp Bottom Python. As I mentioned in the reverb listing, it's one of the more realistic natural snake scale patterned leather hides I've ever had here in the shop. If say I was strolling through the woods jus' minding my own business... then suddenly spied this strap lurking on the forest floor? Would likely be good cause to crap ones pantaloons.
it comes across a fair bit more olive green, than what the pictures show, but it's greys, greens, black and creme mostly. 3" wide, very nicely padded, as is my typical Snakes in the Brain Series.
- Messages
- 397
I've been busy in the background here, not so much with strap stuff, but my pop is suddenly in the hospital with blood clots. Since I live in a rather remote-ish area, this greatly complicates an already stressful situation. Means travel back and forth. He's doing ok, it seems.... now on thinners, and undergoing lots of tests. I think I'll be retrieving him tomorrow, according to what he saw on his chart.
Derek in Calgary sent me a fun photo... He operates Tsunami Guitars, specializing in highest quality Asian imports, vintage stuff... mostly the higher end Japanese... Got to know him better at the Calgary Guitar show in Oct... his booth backed my own, he brought some amazing instruments, and some lovely ladies to help him!
I made him this custom tooled strap a few years ago for a special singlecut. But, just the other day sent this photo with it now mated to a tele - pretty cool tie-in with the matching fingerboard, and pickguard blossoms, gotta say.
Tomorrow I'll be sending off this Battlefront custom for Darren, or rather Darren's son for Christmas. He's a pre-teen player, off a year of lessons now, and dad wanted to gift him something with some WOW factor. Darren called me out of the blue, he picked up a rare "Shock 'n Awe Black Ops version" numbered in the 30's at Stang Guitars in Edmonton, sometime in 2018. He and I collabed on putting together a Battlefront strap, with has replaced my Shock & Awe series.
One thing I noticed at the recent guitar shows was how many kids (and some adults) seemed entranced with the idea of some shotgun casings built into a strap. Darren's boy apparently loves the wargaming universe, so it seemed a nice fit to add a couple up front, just in case, you know LOL!
I also included an extra tail strap that'll take the strap from 35" to 52". Because the strap the li'l guy is using right now is around 31" so the tail strap will be a shorty for the next year or so. Wanted to be sure he could use this strap for many years ahead.
Speaking of gaming, if you've followed me in other places on the web, you might know I have a history of running online interactive games. Sort of experimental, heavy on the mental. I've done Rock 'n Roll Survivor, Game of Toanz, and something called RiffMasters. Basically think of them as online LARPing, with a heavy focus on music. I act loosely sort of a dungeon master/programmer. Now gearing up for another event I hope to start in December.
This year-long event will guide participants through the process of creating their very own concept album, ten tracks, over 52 weeks, and more fun along with the music. Participants can do it full home studio, OR if you wish, full-on AI music studio, or anywhere in-between. It's not a contest nor a talent show, and no prizes other than kicks. You'll enjoy a minimum of judgment and maximum of fun. It's simply just a creative "happening" using modern tools available, hopefully in the service of fighting back musical malaise for like-minded forumites.
No cost other than your good humour, time 'n energy, PM me if you're interested in learning more.
Derek in Calgary sent me a fun photo... He operates Tsunami Guitars, specializing in highest quality Asian imports, vintage stuff... mostly the higher end Japanese... Got to know him better at the Calgary Guitar show in Oct... his booth backed my own, he brought some amazing instruments, and some lovely ladies to help him!
I made him this custom tooled strap a few years ago for a special singlecut. But, just the other day sent this photo with it now mated to a tele - pretty cool tie-in with the matching fingerboard, and pickguard blossoms, gotta say.
Tomorrow I'll be sending off this Battlefront custom for Darren, or rather Darren's son for Christmas. He's a pre-teen player, off a year of lessons now, and dad wanted to gift him something with some WOW factor. Darren called me out of the blue, he picked up a rare "Shock 'n Awe Black Ops version" numbered in the 30's at Stang Guitars in Edmonton, sometime in 2018. He and I collabed on putting together a Battlefront strap, with has replaced my Shock & Awe series.
One thing I noticed at the recent guitar shows was how many kids (and some adults) seemed entranced with the idea of some shotgun casings built into a strap. Darren's boy apparently loves the wargaming universe, so it seemed a nice fit to add a couple up front, just in case, you know LOL!
I also included an extra tail strap that'll take the strap from 35" to 52". Because the strap the li'l guy is using right now is around 31" so the tail strap will be a shorty for the next year or so. Wanted to be sure he could use this strap for many years ahead.
Speaking of gaming, if you've followed me in other places on the web, you might know I have a history of running online interactive games. Sort of experimental, heavy on the mental. I've done Rock 'n Roll Survivor, Game of Toanz, and something called RiffMasters. Basically think of them as online LARPing, with a heavy focus on music. I act loosely sort of a dungeon master/programmer. Now gearing up for another event I hope to start in December.
This year-long event will guide participants through the process of creating their very own concept album, ten tracks, over 52 weeks, and more fun along with the music. Participants can do it full home studio, OR if you wish, full-on AI music studio, or anywhere in-between. It's not a contest nor a talent show, and no prizes other than kicks. You'll enjoy a minimum of judgment and maximum of fun. It's simply just a creative "happening" using modern tools available, hopefully in the service of fighting back musical malaise for like-minded forumites.
No cost other than your good humour, time 'n energy, PM me if you're interested in learning more.
Fancy seeing here @TVvoodoo!I've been busy in the background here, not so much with strap stuff, but my pop is suddenly in the hospital with blood clots. Since I live in a rather remote-ish area, this greatly complicates an already stressful situation. Means travel back and forth. He's doing ok, it seems.... now on thinners, and undergoing lots of tests. I think I'll be retrieving him tomorrow, according to what he saw on his chart.
Derek in Calgary sent me a fun photo... He operates Tsunami Guitars, specializing in highest quality Asian imports, vintage stuff... mostly the higher end Japanese... Got to know him better at the Calgary Guitar show in Oct... his booth backed my own, he brought some amazing instruments, and some lovely ladies to help him!
I made him this custom tooled strap a few years ago for a special singlecut. But, just the other day sent this photo with it now mated to a tele - pretty cool tie-in with the matching fingerboard, and pickguard blossoms, gotta say.
Tomorrow I'll be sending off this Battlefront custom for Darren, or rather Darren's son for Christmas. He's a pre-teen player, off a year of lessons now, and dad wanted to gift him something with some WOW factor. Darren called me out of the blue, he picked up a rare "Shock 'n Awe Black Ops version" numbered in the 30's at Stang Guitars in Edmonton, sometime in 2018. He and I collabed on putting together a Battlefront strap, with has replaced my Shock & Awe series.
One thing I noticed at the recent guitar shows was how many kids (and some adults) seemed entranced with the idea of some shotgun casings built into a strap. Darren's boy apparently loves the wargaming universe, so it seemed a nice fit to add a couple up front, just in case, you know LOL!
I also included an extra tail strap that'll take the strap from 35" to 52". Because the strap the li'l guy is using right now is around 31" so the tail strap will be a shorty for the next year or so. Wanted to be sure he could use this strap for many years ahead.
Speaking of gaming, if you've followed me in other places on the web, you might know I have a history of running online interactive games. Sort of experimental, heavy on the mental. I've done Rock 'n Roll Survivor, Game of Toanz, and something called RiffMasters. Basically think of them as online LARPing, with a heavy focus on music. I act loosely sort of a dungeon master/programmer. Now gearing up for another event I hope to start in December.
This year-long event will guide participants through the process of creating their very own concept album, ten tracks, over 52 weeks, and more fun along with the music. Participants can do it full home studio, OR if you wish, full-on AI music studio, or anywhere in-between. It's not a contest nor a talent show, and no prizes other than kicks. You'll enjoy a minimum of judgment and maximum of fun. It's simply just a creative "happening" using modern tools available, hopefully in the service of fighting back musical malaise for like-minded forumites.
No cost other than your good humour, time 'n energy, PM me if you're interested in learning more.
Sorry to hear about your dad, sounds like he is doing better.
- Messages
- 397
Poppa is fighting the good fight. That's about all I can say right now, thanks for your wishes @ibmorjamn and @Iron1
It's been awhile since I reported in! Along with the above mentioned project, I have completed a ten track "Landlord/Property Management" concept album, a comedic take, via AI tools which is going to be an xmas gift for someone special... it was super low effort as far as how AI CAN be used, but it turned out a very listenable 50 minutes including, if I dare post here, this one track describing me as I go into one of the units whenever we get too much rain. Basically I have to clomp down into the basement, lift up a plywood cover, and reach down into the subfloor and open a valve to drain what the weeping tile has collected into the sewer - but... I wrote out what happens, in some slightly more gruesome descriptive detail. Then I asked AI help me write even darker lyrics in a Edgar Allen Poe style. Then, I prompted Suno to go full on Yngwie neo-classical dark epic with it musically. It's pretty wild ride with a rather twisted ending.
There's a ton of song variety on my "Landlord Project" Rap, 60's doo wop, country, heavy rock, delta blues. modern pop,
Basically I used it to begin to learn and explore suno.
And I'm working on straps too! last week was kind of eaten up by this one, meant to be a gift from one band member to another
As you can see, the feather is based on a photo of a tattoo the giftee sports. I don't understand West Coast Indigenous art AT ALL, but like one girl I knew, always willing to fake it.
Then a new stamping technique I've been wanting to try as silhouettes... basically punching in the shapes however you can, then later they will get dark. light tooling on the moon with a softer modeling tool.
For the longest time my raven lookd more like a damn seagull, until I figured out it was all in the crop, and the shape of the head.
And, the final... now off the Squamish, BC
Also on the bench right now, more sunflowers
And a little something for a dudes' guitar playin' wife, painted, dyed and oiled today.
I had a conversation with a member of the W-H tribe the other day, told me I should just re-open my store to USA business, even though I'm forced pay charge them double what I typically ask, or even really need on a strap. I told him I didn't want to work for the us government. LOL! He says I should at least leave the door open for regulars to support me if they wish, and they'd understand I'm affected by trade winds I cannot control.
One of my fears is I suddenly get a swarm of reverb feedbacks saying my work isn't worth the huge cost, even though my prices wouldn't change at all. The thing is, he countered saying... your work is still worth it.
I dunno. Maybe in the New Year. Anyone watching, 100% value your opinion, either openly or via PM.
It's been awhile since I reported in! Along with the above mentioned project, I have completed a ten track "Landlord/Property Management" concept album, a comedic take, via AI tools which is going to be an xmas gift for someone special... it was super low effort as far as how AI CAN be used, but it turned out a very listenable 50 minutes including, if I dare post here, this one track describing me as I go into one of the units whenever we get too much rain. Basically I have to clomp down into the basement, lift up a plywood cover, and reach down into the subfloor and open a valve to drain what the weeping tile has collected into the sewer - but... I wrote out what happens, in some slightly more gruesome descriptive detail. Then I asked AI help me write even darker lyrics in a Edgar Allen Poe style. Then, I prompted Suno to go full on Yngwie neo-classical dark epic with it musically. It's pretty wild ride with a rather twisted ending.
There's a ton of song variety on my "Landlord Project" Rap, 60's doo wop, country, heavy rock, delta blues. modern pop,
Basically I used it to begin to learn and explore suno.
And I'm working on straps too! last week was kind of eaten up by this one, meant to be a gift from one band member to another
As you can see, the feather is based on a photo of a tattoo the giftee sports. I don't understand West Coast Indigenous art AT ALL, but like one girl I knew, always willing to fake it.
Then a new stamping technique I've been wanting to try as silhouettes... basically punching in the shapes however you can, then later they will get dark. light tooling on the moon with a softer modeling tool.
For the longest time my raven lookd more like a damn seagull, until I figured out it was all in the crop, and the shape of the head.
And, the final... now off the Squamish, BC
Also on the bench right now, more sunflowers
And a little something for a dudes' guitar playin' wife, painted, dyed and oiled today.
I had a conversation with a member of the W-H tribe the other day, told me I should just re-open my store to USA business, even though I'm forced pay charge them double what I typically ask, or even really need on a strap. I told him I didn't want to work for the us government. LOL! He says I should at least leave the door open for regulars to support me if they wish, and they'd understand I'm affected by trade winds I cannot control.
One of my fears is I suddenly get a swarm of reverb feedbacks saying my work isn't worth the huge cost, even though my prices wouldn't change at all. The thing is, he countered saying... your work is still worth it.
I dunno. Maybe in the New Year. Anyone watching, 100% value your opinion, either openly or via PM.
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- Messages
- 2,038
Glad to hear dad is fighting the fight best he can!Poppa is fighting the good fight. That's about all I can say right now, thanks for your wishes @ibmorjamn and @Iron1
It's been awhile since I reported in! Along with the above mentioned project, I have completed a ten track "Landlord/Property Management" concept album, a comedic take, via AI tools which is going to be an xmas gift for someone special... it was super low effort as far as how AI CAN be used, but it turned out a very listenable 50 minutes including, if I dare post here, this one track describing me as I go into one of the units whenever we get too much rain. Basically I have to clomp down into the basement, lift up a plywood cover, and reach down into the subfloor and open a valve to drain what the weeping tile has collected into the sewer - but... I wrote out what happens, in some slightly more gruesome descriptive detail. Then I asked AI help me write even darker lyrics in a Edgar Allen Poe style. Then, I prompted Suno to go full on Yngwie neo-classical dark epic with it musically. It's pretty wild ride with a rather twisted ending.
There's a ton of song variety on my "Landlord Project" Rap, 60's doo wop, country, heavy rock, delta blues. modern pop,
Basically I used it to begin to learn and explore suno.
And I'm working on straps too! last week was kind of eaten up by this one, meant to be a gift from one band member to another
As you can see, the feather is based on a photo of a tattoo the giftee sports. I don't understand West Coast Indigenous art AT ALL, but like one girl I knew, always willing to fake it.
Then a new stamping technique I've been wanting to try as silhouettes... basically punching in the shapes however you can, then later they will get dark. light tooling on the moon with a softer modeling tool.
For the longest time my raven lookd more like a damn seagull, until I figured out it was all in the crop, and the shape of the head.
And, the final... now off the Squamish, BC
Also on the bench right now, more sunflowers
And a little something for a dudes' guitar playin' wife, painted, dyed and oiled today.
I had a conversation with a member of the W-H tribe the other day, told me I should just re-open my store to USA business, even though I'm forced pay charge them double what I typically ask, or even really need on a strap. I told him I didn't want to work for the us government. LOL! He says I should at least leave the door open for regulars to support me if they wish, and they'd understand I'm affected by trade winds I cannot control.
One of my fears is I suddenly get a swarm of reverb feedbacks saying my work isn't worth the huge cost, even though my prices wouldn't change at all. The thing is, he countered saying... your work is still worth it.
I dunno. Maybe in the New Year. Anyone watching, 100% value your opinion, either openly or via PM.
Great straps!
As for US business, here is a thought. In the US store, only put up the most basic, simple straps. In that scenario, you may still sell a few even though you consider the user having to pay way too much for such a basic model. This way, you can keep the channels open, not pay a lot to Uncle Scam, and include in the listings, the Canadian price so that users can see the outrageousness of the taxes being imposed on you/them. It is stories like this that make me want to become a smuggler (of course, I could get blown out of the water strap smuggling) ;~))
- Messages
- 397
OMG!!! OH MY GAWWWWD-DA!
It's a Christmas EMERGENCY!! but before I get into that, I want to show something I've been working on for my dad. |
He's had four ambulance rides to hospital in the past two months. Two in the past ten days. He's got a lot of serious problems, and being frank and real, it's one of those "circle of life" type situations right now. I'm the designated hospital shuttle guy, prescription run guy, he's on palliative care at home, and we are mostly just trying to keep him comfortable. But he's in a lot of pain and mental distress and it's difficult with multiple serious things going on. Anyway, I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he told me a yearly planner, which he diligently uses to follow his stock gains, keep track of his too numerous to count prescriptions, birthdays etc.... I sincerely hope he gets to fill out several months of the planner I picked up at the local office supply joint last week.
But I wanted it to be a little bit special, so I borrowed a recent idea from a custom strap job...
It was a crazy kind of rush job, but it turned out alright! My first attempt at book-binding
The back features a Greek Orthodox cross, which carries him back to his Romanian heritage.
He has suddenly become quite infatuated with reading the good book... like he's preparing.
On the front, a simple monogram and that Raven Landing on some scrubby pines scene
So, I think he will dig this, maybe help bring him a little joy in the New Year, and coming weeks ahead. I'm also including a very nice pen.
Back to the SERIOUS CHRISTMAS EMERGENCY!!!!
Erica's son Hunter is quite a guitar player, local kid, don't know him. Says he's a lanky 15 year-old with a harem of guitars numbering in the low teens already. LOL! Starting early! A huge Dimebag fan apparently, but also can pick a George Jones tune to make his momma cry. That's MY kind of player.
Anyway, mom contacted me early this morning on F-book while I was still lying in bed. We discussed what to do for him and settled on a name strap. Now to kids these days, the vanity straps are kind of cheeze, but with a name like Hunter, I felt maybe not so bad. turns out it's also his mom's maiden name too, so extra special. so we went with that - she really wanted it. And, I added a little Cowboys from Hell thing on the back just because it's Christmas, as mom showed me a pic of his main guitar which happens a Dean explorer, in tobacco burst. So, why not?
Didn't get the explorer shape exactly right, but well... that's called "handcrafted soul" right there LOL! Dyed it all Saddle Tan
Then I figure why not try to go one further? Make it something a little extra special? Using a tiny rag scrap balled up into the size of a pencil eraser, a bit of VERY finessed burst rubbing. Kind of a stressy, heartstopping situation, one little slip with the black dye and it's ruined.... but no guts no glory right?
Looks pretty ok!
Anyway, that's what's going on over here. Big blizzard happening today. Staying in the shop, and close to the wood stove when I'm upstairs. Merry Christmas all you following this thread, if I don't come back with anything else before it all goes down. Be safe, be merry, be grateful.
It's a Christmas EMERGENCY!! but before I get into that, I want to show something I've been working on for my dad. |
He's had four ambulance rides to hospital in the past two months. Two in the past ten days. He's got a lot of serious problems, and being frank and real, it's one of those "circle of life" type situations right now. I'm the designated hospital shuttle guy, prescription run guy, he's on palliative care at home, and we are mostly just trying to keep him comfortable. But he's in a lot of pain and mental distress and it's difficult with multiple serious things going on. Anyway, I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he told me a yearly planner, which he diligently uses to follow his stock gains, keep track of his too numerous to count prescriptions, birthdays etc.... I sincerely hope he gets to fill out several months of the planner I picked up at the local office supply joint last week.
But I wanted it to be a little bit special, so I borrowed a recent idea from a custom strap job...
It was a crazy kind of rush job, but it turned out alright! My first attempt at book-binding
The back features a Greek Orthodox cross, which carries him back to his Romanian heritage.
He has suddenly become quite infatuated with reading the good book... like he's preparing.
On the front, a simple monogram and that Raven Landing on some scrubby pines scene
So, I think he will dig this, maybe help bring him a little joy in the New Year, and coming weeks ahead. I'm also including a very nice pen.
Back to the SERIOUS CHRISTMAS EMERGENCY!!!!
Erica's son Hunter is quite a guitar player, local kid, don't know him. Says he's a lanky 15 year-old with a harem of guitars numbering in the low teens already. LOL! Starting early! A huge Dimebag fan apparently, but also can pick a George Jones tune to make his momma cry. That's MY kind of player.
Anyway, mom contacted me early this morning on F-book while I was still lying in bed. We discussed what to do for him and settled on a name strap. Now to kids these days, the vanity straps are kind of cheeze, but with a name like Hunter, I felt maybe not so bad. turns out it's also his mom's maiden name too, so extra special. so we went with that - she really wanted it. And, I added a little Cowboys from Hell thing on the back just because it's Christmas, as mom showed me a pic of his main guitar which happens a Dean explorer, in tobacco burst. So, why not?
Didn't get the explorer shape exactly right, but well... that's called "handcrafted soul" right there LOL! Dyed it all Saddle Tan
Then I figure why not try to go one further? Make it something a little extra special? Using a tiny rag scrap balled up into the size of a pencil eraser, a bit of VERY finessed burst rubbing. Kind of a stressy, heartstopping situation, one little slip with the black dye and it's ruined.... but no guts no glory right?
Looks pretty ok!
Anyway, that's what's going on over here. Big blizzard happening today. Staying in the shop, and close to the wood stove when I'm upstairs. Merry Christmas all you following this thread, if I don't come back with anything else before it all goes down. Be safe, be merry, be grateful.
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I think the book binding turned out great! Props to your dad to stay on it and live his life out the way he sees fit ;~)) Happy Holidays to you and yours, I enjoy following your business in this thread!!OMG!!! OH MY GAWWWWD-DA!
It's a Christmas EMERGENCY!! but before I get into that, I want to show something I've been working on for my dad. |
He's had four ambulance rides to hospital in the past two months. Two in the past ten days. He's got a lot of serious problems, and being frank and real, it's one of those "circle of life" type situations right now. I'm the designated hospital shuttle guy, prescription run guy, he's on palliative care at home, and we are mostly just trying to keep him comfortable. But he's in a lot of pain and mental distress and it's difficult with multiple serious things going on. Anyway, I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he told me a yearly planner, which he diligently uses to follow his stock gains, keep track of his too numerous to count prescriptions, birthdays etc.... I sincerely hope he gets to fill out several months of the planner I picked up at the local office supply joint last week.
But I wanted it to be a little bit special, so I borrowed a recent idea from a custom strap job...
It was a crazy kind of rush job, but it turned out alright! My first attempt at book-binding
The back features a Greek Orthodox cross, which carries him back to his Romanian heritage.
He has suddenly become quite infatuated with reading the good book... like he's preparing.
On the front, a simple monogram and that Raven Landing on some scrubby pines scene
So, I think he will dig this, maybe help bring him a little joy in the New Year, and coming weeks ahead. I'm also including a very nice pen.
Back to the SERIOUS CHRISTMAS EMERGENCY!!!!
Erica's son Hunter is quite a guitar player, local kid, don't know him. Says he's a lanky 15 year-old with a harem of guitars numbering in the low teens already. LOL! Starting early! A huge Dimebag fan apparently, but also can pick a George Jones tune to make his momma cry. That's MY kind of player.
Anyway, mom contacted me early this morning on F-book while I was still lying in bed. We discussed what to do for him and settled on a name strap. Now to kids these days, the vanity straps are kind of cheeze, but with a name like Hunter, I felt maybe not so bad. turns out it's also his mom's maiden name too, so extra special. so we went with that - she really wanted it. And, I added a little Cowboys from Hell thing on the back just because it's Christmas, as mom showed me a pic of his main guitar which happens a Dean explorer, in tobacco burst. So, why not?
Didn't get the explorer shape exactly right, but well... that's called "handcrafted soul" right there LOL! Dyed it all Saddle Tan
Then I figure why not try to go one further? Make it something a little extra special? Using a tiny rag scrap balled up into the size of a pencil eraser, a bit of VERY finessed burst rubbing. Kind of a stressy, heartstopping situation, one little slip with the black dye and it's ruined.... but no guts no glory right?
Looks pretty ok!
Anyway, that's what's going on over here. Big blizzard happening today. Staying in the shop, and close to the wood stove when I'm upstairs. Merry Christmas all you following this thread, if I don't come back with anything else before it all goes down. Be safe, be merry, be grateful.
