Don´t know how to chance tread title - or if it´s possible. So, to might get more hits and suggestions I started this New tread. Does anyone have an idea the brand of- or the manufacturer of the tan, wide leater strap Blacmore "always" have used, is? The later years it can seems that he has "repaired" the (sheepskin?) padding, using tape to fix the padding to the strap.
No response to this question, and the more I have studied pictures and videos the more my conclutions is that this is a strap that Blackmore got a leather maker to produce out of his ideas of how he wanted a strap to be. It´s not symmerical (it widens more to the right than to the left) It´s sewn only on the left side (the right side is folded approx 3/8" and glued) To make it stronger around the lockers it´s folded double and partly sewn. So, out of this I have produced a template (as good as possible) and engaged a local leather maker (a Nice girl who see this as an interesting Project) to make a "copy".
You have a good eye for detail. I would not have noticed the right side if you did not mention it! It looks like there is some extra material under the Strap Lock, which appears to be something like a Dunlop Style. I am curious how you Strap turns out. Please post some pics when you get it?
Are you sure it is lined with sheepskin? if so it must only be glued in place... not sewn.. I guess that would explains why he needs tape to hold it together. I think that strap could be made better, but if you are looking for replica-correct, it is what it is. Nubuck, looks to me. I too would be interested in what your local artisan comes up with.
@TVvoodoo In the last pic, is that little bit of leather that is sticking out just a bit because it's old and separating, or is it intentionally added as some sort of reinforcement? Just curious. I am not a Leatherman by any means, and it would " seem " like a good idea to have some reinforcement.
Yes sheppskin. I have studied hell of a lot of Pictures and videos. Blackmore started to use this strap in the late 70s - and first the padding was sheepskin, and like you - I think it must have been glued on. After this was worn out he have used different material as padding during the years, lik foam as one example. Yes - both "my" leather maker and I think it could have been made better - in several ways, but… as I have made a replica/hommage/tribute of one of his Strats, I want a strap-copy too. The strap can be seen as one of his "signature" items, as he have used this for over 40 years. How may other guitarists have done that?
Just a short update on this "Project". "My" leather maker is quite busy & occupied this time of year, so she haven´t had the time to start up yet. But we have gone through all the details as: Where to double fold and seam Where to double fold and glue ++ … and she has the right leather type in the right color available. After studying a lot of pictures and videos I made a template. One thing for sure - it´s not exactly like the "original" (which by the way is not "symmetrical" in any ways), but as close as I think it´s possible to make it out of available info. I´m exited to see how it turns out in the end
It's a Reunion Blues Strap the quit making them in the 90's . I've been talking to the shop that has the Rights these straps about making them again. I found there location to be in my home town of Minneapolis. I'll keep you posted. Thanks John.
^ Ok, quite interesting info. As there has not been possible to find any information - or Pictures of anyone else than Ritchie Blackmore With such a strap, I was pretty sure this strap was custom-made for Ritchie by some leather maker he came across at a time.
Check out Reunion Blues leather Straps on Google. There is a black strap in the 2nd row on a couch. Click on it than scroll down to see others. I own 3 not custom made.
The name of the origin manufacturer (Reunion Blues) at least resulted in google hits for a few pictures, as this one: If you compare this to the one Blackmore use, there is some minor detail differences. But I have those "covered". So, now I have enough info to get a close enough copy of it made locally
It takes time. The leathermaker is quite busy this time of year, but last night I received a Picture. At least - it´s now in progress : It´s not seamed yet and the buckle is not a correct one, so it will be changed to a more correct double buckle
At last the strap arrived today. Still a bit light in color tone, but that will change over time with wear, or I can "rush" it up by rubbing it with leather oil. Some small deviations compared to Blackmore´s strap, but I'm satisfied with the result.
Looks good to me sir! I seem to remember somewhere within Kerrang No2 (sometime in 1981 perhaps ... I think JLT had just joined Rainbow) there was mention of Ritchie previously having issues with the nerves in his left hand. After trying massage etc in the end it had been put down to the weight of the strat sitting on the shoulder just where it did. You can see him shaking off his left hand occasionally during the Munich '77 show ... Mistreated comes to mind) From memory the new strap (I think custom built as you say) helped alleviate this somewhat together with Ritchie himself having his shoulder strapped underneath his stage gear. There are certain moments during 'Straight Between The Eyes' where you can clearly see this 'bandaging'. PS. I don't suppose your saddler wants to knock up another one does he?
