This is the season when many people start their new work and school year in spring! How are you doing? Many guitarists/bassists may be thinking about getting a new guitar strap around this time! So, I would like to introduce you to the different leather materials and the charms of the brand Levy's, whose popular leather straps can be used for a long time, regardless of the season! I hope this will help you when buying a new guitar strap!
Levy's Leather Straps, What's the Difference?
Sound House currently carries over 600 Levy's straps. About half of them are leather pick out a strap! Some of the straps also look so similar at a glance that it’s difficult to know how to choose the right one. Not only is preference for design and length important, but the material is also important! The strength of Levy's is in high quality materials, so when you are considering purchasing a Levy's strap, please take a look at the materials used as well!
Let's take a look at some of the materials used in leather while using actual products as examples!
First, I would like to introduce two materials that are often used for the backside of straps at Levy's. If you are interested in its function, please take a look at the fabric on the reverse side!
Recommended for those who want to prevent neck dive
Suede
I have heard that suede is often used in leather straps. There are generally two types of suede: genuine leather and synthetic. Suede is a raised material made from tanned leather that easily adheres to clothing. Therefore, it is especially recommended for those who are concerned about neck dive!
e.g. MS26 series
This one is made of suede on the back side. This series is very popular at Sound House! By the way, the surface is made of grain leather. I will explain more on this later!
Disadvantages:
Suede may stick to clothing a little. This is within the range of specifications, but if you are concerned about it, you may want to lightly brush it off with a horse hair brush or a similar kind of brush!
Recommended for Those Concerned about Shoulder Strain
Garment leather
This is a soft and mellow leather! It is a material that dispels the image of "leather straps = hard." It is also easy to fit to the body and has a good fit. It is also a material that is gentle on the shoulders!
The padding inside is another great feature! The comfort of garment leather and padding is something that all guitarists/bassists should experience.
These were the two main types of leather used for the reverse side! As you can see from the product images, the textures are quite different. Please choose the one that best suits your purpose.
Next, I am going to introduce materials used on the other side! There are many unfamiliar phrases, so please take a look back at the product page when you want to remember what kind of fabrics are used.
① Grain Leather
This one has a more wild texture compared to garment leather. The surface of the leather after tanning (silver surface) is processed to produce a grainy and wrinkled appearance. In the fashion world, there are more detailed classifications such as full grain, which has a natural uneven texture even without any treatment!
The American design of this guitar strap is so eye-catching! Note the wrinkled material!
② Vegetable Tanned Leather
This leather is tanned with natural tannin from plants. Since no chemicals are used, it is environmentally friendly and has a natural, rustic look! Also, the UV rays and oxygen in the air will gradually bring out the color and luster of the leather. You can enjoy the aging process with this leather.
Rockabilly lovers will surely love this design. The slim leather is also packed with Levy's attention to detail!
③ Chrome Tanned Leather
Conversely, leather tanned with scientific products is called chrome tannage leather. It changes more modestly with age than vegetable tanned leather! This leather does not require that much maintenance.
④ Florence leather
As the name suggests, Florence Leather! According to Levy's, it is a high-end leather processed by Florencian design. It is simple, but if you look closely, you can see the elegant Italian feel in the processing!
These are the leathers listed on the official Levy's website! The texture of leather changes mainly depending on the processing method. If you’re interested in leather, please check the product page as well!
Extra
We have recently started to offer the following products!
Sheep skin
Wool is used for the reverse side! This is a guitar strap that is very fluffy. I have yet to see it, so I would love to touch it and try this product!
Vegan-friendly faux leather
I couldn't help but look at this strap three times. It looks like leather but it's actually made of vinyl! Moreover, it seems to be made of natural cork and natural hemp...Technology these days is amazing!
If you are looking for a leather guitar strap in a variety of materials, I recommend Levy's, which offers a wide range of leather! They also have many other special designs and non-leather series, so I hope you will take a look through our product list!
I wish you all the best in finding your favorite strap!