(Don't Fear) TVvoodoo's Insanitarium

[fullonshred]

For those "new" to AGF In my past I have completed a couple of guitar "builds" from parts, and also a number of guitar "renovations", or refinishes. The hobby of creating cool and unique looking instruments mashed my "gotta be me" buttons hard, and was a serious life distraction for me for a number of years. In fact it was what led to me beginning to craft my own custom straps to match these guitars - and was a large part of the previous AGF Insanitarium content. Haven't done up a guitar for a couple of years, dropping back for the going strap concern and because I felt I was doing quite a bit too much spraying with quite a bit too little protective equipment. I was starting to see a number of older fellows on the forums with serious health issues partly because of unsafe spraying practices.

But I saw a project that was going very well last night, and I couldn't stop thinking starting another of my own. No shortage of ideas floating around in my head for my next, just been a little to busy trying to keep the strap game on the rails. Then I got one of those creative idea bugs crawling around in my head, and laid awake for must have been an hour trying to figure out how to do it, and thankfully it will have a minimum of spraying chems involved. I believe I have mostly enough parts in the parts bin to complete it... probably should get some nice locking tuners for it maybe.



This morning I pulled out this sealed tele body been sitting patiently way behind a bunch of other stuff in my shop, and set to getting it ready for this project. It has a few strange green stains on it, so firmly a painter. Traded it for something years ago, it's been sitting wrapped in foam in a box. Also grabbed up this a beefy orange lacquered SX neck, fits this pocket like it was meant to be. Hand sanded the front of the body with 200 grit to give it some tooth.



The top is going to be the showpiece of this project, but it needs to get readyfied. I'll probably just use a tinted clear on the back, keep it mostly natural-looking. Pretty sure I have a hardtail bridge somewhere in the parts stash.


Outside, the leaves are coming down like crazy today, so it was quite the challenge. But we got the top sprayed safely, with two mist coats, three light coats, and one not so light coat. Went pretty smooth, maybe too smooth.





Sprayed it with something called "Krylon Crafters' Silver" - can which was probably about ten years old, sitting in my spray bomb cupboard.
Shook the hell out of it, laid it in some hot water for fifteen minutes, sprayed perfect. I fact where I'm going , some orange peel would have been preferable, but it is what it is.



Pleased as punch with myself, I'm jauntily carrying my freshly sprayed body down the stairs to my workshop, paint stick in one hand, camera in the other. Missed that last step kinda funny and dammit if I didn't fall down onto a desk, but still somehow managed to keep the guitar safe. But crap if I didn't turn my ankle real bad. Had to get the frozen corn out.

Such is life.



Anyway, limped the body over to hang it safe in my shop rafters. I need to order some art materials for it, so don't expect any updates until there is maybe snow on the ground up here. This project is going to maybe my most ambitious reno of all, something fresh and fun. Could be months in the making, but I think will bring nice variety to this straplab thread along the way.

In the meantime I have to make some templates as per the nutty ideas I had swimming all around in my head all last night.

Artist, Madman, Country Doctor, and graceful to boot!

[TVvoodoo]

Fresh off the bench for today... A No Prisoners theme strap incorporating a ladies belt I found that had a glittery gold chain embedded in it.



The great thing about how it is laced in is that it offers a glinty bling factor, but it is wound so deep embedded in the lacing it could never actually come in contact with a guitar. So, I picked up a couple of years ago... finally it was time.



Have to mention I was inspired by a photo a forum brother sent my way. But this stap is not a custom order.
Fully available in the Well-Hung Reverb store once I think of a name for it LOL!

Yesterday delivered an interesting custom in the Shakey series, with a denim colour I called "Bruised"

[Chocol8]

So, I just saw the new American Professional II Strats in person. [looks around cautiously to make sure no wives are lurking] Let’s just say there is a distinct possibility that I might need a new strap after Christmas or my Birthday due to a very generous anonymous gift showing up by surprise.

I am not sure on finish yet, but I am thinking that the Dark Night paired with a blue/black dragon strap raised exclusively on fresh Saskatchewan virgins would be a one heck of a combo!

[BrianSkeezer]

So, I just saw the new American Professional II Strats in person. [looks around cautiously to make sure no wives are lurking] Let’s just say there is a distinct possibility that I might need a new strap after Christmas or my Birthday due to a very generous anonymous gift showing up by surprise.

I am not sure on finish yet, but I am thinking that the Dark Night paired with a blue/black dragon strap raised exclusively on fresh Saskatchewan virgins would be a one heck of a combo!

DD625CA2-4338-4A04-85AC-0E2576FB8840.jpeg

Great choices on both the guitar and strap!

Just a small side note.....My new strap is supposedly held up in customs (according to my local USPS branch). According to tracking though, it made it through Vancouver on the 6th, was processed through customs in San Francisco on the 7th, and made it to USPS on the 8th, but hasn't moved since. [mention]TVvoodoo[/mention], this is most certainly not a reflection on you, buddy. I just can't wait to see it in person!

[mickey]

Just a small side note.....My new strap is supposedly held up in customs (according to my local USPS branch). According to tracking though, it made it through Vancouver on the 6th, was processed through customs in San Francisco on the 7th, and made it to USPS on the 8th, but hasn't moved since. @TVvoodoo, this is most certainly not a reflection on you, buddy. I just can't wait to see it in person!

Don't feel too bad. A few years ago (on the old AGF) I sold a guitar to a guy in Vancouver, Canada.
He was in a hurry, so we agreed to ship it via Express Mail for next day delivery (he was paying so it didn't matter to me)
16 hours after I shipped it, the guitar hit Canadian Customs at Vancouver & there it sat for 30 DAYS!
It would probably still be there had he not been local & offered to kick butt & take names.
In case you are wondering why, nobody at Canadian Customs ever gave him a reason.

[TVvoodoo]

@BrianSkeezer About one in three packages have been held for 2 weeks quarantine by US customs for much of the summer ... no rhyme or reason to who or when... I actually thought this had ended in september... so sorry this is happening to you .... the wait make the arrival even happier!

[mention]Chocol8[/mention] hell to the yeah... I'd love to carve you a blue/black dragon!

[stevebway]

Well,

I found this post.

lol

I'm such a potato

[BrianSkeezer]

@BrianSkeezer About one in three packages have been held for 2 weeks quarantine by US customs for much of the summer ... no rhyme or reason to who or when... I actually thought this had ended in september... so sorry this is happening to you .... the wait make the arrival even happier!

@Chocol8 hell to the yeah... I'd love to carve you a blue/black dragon!

No worries, Brad! I know it's worth the wait!

[TVvoodoo]

I am not sure on finish yet, but I am thinking that the Dark Night paired with a blue/black dragon strap raised exclusively on fresh Saskatchewan virgins would be a one heck of a combo!

DD625CA2-4338-4A04-85AC-0E2576FB8840.jpeg

Ok choco, been working hard up here, traipsing through the snow and bush hither and yon. FINALLY scouted out the lair of a rare blue/black dragon. Unfortunately, due to the kind of town I live in, still having trouble sourcing any virgins. I'll let you know...

[Chocol8]

Don’t go crazy yet. Mystic surf green has also caught my eye, and for that one we would need to make a strap out of a virgin mermaid tail.

[TVvoodoo]

It's long, it's skinny (for a Well-Hung strap) it's "Trope as Punk." Featuring dozens upon dozens of big angry (and rather pointy) safety pins. If you are into musically shouting down nazi fascist xenophobes and imperialistic capitalists at coffee and skate shops near you, this one would be a fine (and dangerous) addition to your non-materialistic strap stable.



Seventy-ish big fat 2" nickel safety pins have been jabbed into this strap, they shine in the light, and feel super cool laying all down the front, not that being "cool" matters.

Plus, if you happen to bust a pants button during all that angry shouting and power-chording, no problem, amiright?! About 2.5" wide on the shoulder, amply padded with memory foam, this strap offers far more comfort than any punk would seek out or even dare to enjoy. If you are a fellow- Well-Hung strap owner, just a knowing wink and a nod, (or headbutt) about his/her choice will suffice.



Note that if this strap is found to be too comfortable, there are plenty of sharp objects readily available with which to pierce into oneself, wherever you enjoy it the very least, (and that looks the most "punk"). Buyer should be aware there are most likely a number of small pinholes in the leather of this strap, other than where your strap buttons go.

Also, I want to admit right now I am personally about as punk as a AWD SUV with steel-belted winter radials.

[nomadh]

Glad I got it out of my system. Felt I had to do it for some reason.



But honest? I feel kind of weird about it, you know? Saw some Chinese outfit trying to sell Frankystyle water bottles and other mass-produced EVH themed :poo: on F-book even the day after he passed. The comments were brutal... but I agreed with all of them. "No respect" "Cashing in" etc. So I don't even know if I'll put this strap up for sale or ever make another. It's something I have actually thought about making for years, just never got off my ass to move on it. This week it felt like the time was right, maybe I'm wrong. I guess it could be called a tribute of sorts. Played old VH the whole time while it was coming together. There's nearly a hundred bits on this thing. The red and black are all leather, I didn't have any white leather, so those bits are a tough vinyl. Probably outlast the leather bits anyway LOL!

For the time I ended up putting into it, probably best I just keep it out of the store, I don't think I could wear it. Maybe I'll put it in my year-end customer appreciation "Endorserment" draw or something - it is sort of special.

Can't say I am the biggest VH fan ever, never could play one full VH song, terrible bad eruption, a little bit of Panama... the fourth record I bought with my own money was Diver Down when it came out. I did eventually own the whole pre-sammy catalog on vinyl - never bought one Sam Halen. Been more a fan of Diamond Dave than I ever of Ed, but there's no getting around his massive impact on modern rock, and electric guitar in general. So, a Franky strap.

I dont see a problem. Maybe someone needs to buy this just like you needed to make it.

[TVvoodoo]

Texas gentleman contacted me a few weeks ago about a special project. He's been opening his front closet week in, week out, to see a set of unused motorcycle chaps hanging within. He still rides regular, but they belonged to his longtime riding partner and son, Tim. Heartbreaking story, terrible accident, those fine black leather chaps now but a sad memento.


He asked me if I could use them, all he asked was for me to make him a guitar strap out of them as a memory of his son, and that I incorporate the adjusting front buckle in my design. I have done this a few times before, high school jacket, military uniform etc.


The chaps arrived in the mail last Thursday. A very nice pair. Heavy duty hardware, Great leather, obviously used a LOT, in need of some conditioning still highly useable. Took me quite a bit of time to figure out what I was going to do. Buckles, heavy zippers, heavy snaps, grommets, braiding... a lot of useable elements.


Then I took a deep breath and started chopping them up.



Trouble was, this leather was an in-between weight for me. a bit too thick for some ways I use leather, a bit too thin for the other ways. So, it took some thinking, and I had to figure out a couple of approaches.

What I did spy on one chap leg was the grainy leather was worn absolutely butter smooth where it obviously been gently rubbing against a housing, clutch or whatever, while on the road. I decided this would really represent many miles and memories, figured such an authentic feature was enough to deserve to appear right on the front chest, sitting over the heart.

Nothing else required on the front, to me this is story enough.



I utilized the buckle and belt on the tail end for the tail strap and adjustment. As I understand it, it's going on a black flame LP with P-90s.



Decided to call Scot up yesterday to ask his son's name - I wanted to use the leather braid in a semi-subtle way, high on the back. It was a bit of an emotional conversation. Three years is some time and distance, but the feels are still strong and real, that was obvious. He agreed I could make a first initial "T" to further represent his son, and affix it to the high back of the strap. I formed it in cursive, handwriting style.



Still had plenty of leather left. Decided I'd try one more strap.... he could choose between, or maybe gift the other to another family member. Or keep them both. Used one of the heavy zippers all along the top and front, Johnny Ramone style.



Zips open on the front to reveal my emblem, and a handy pick pocket.



Both straps approx 3" wide, padded, heirloom (I hope) pieces. Tomorrow they begin a long journey back to Texas to begin a new job in smile creation rather than being tucked away in a dark closet. I was honoured to be chosen to undertake this one. These two heavy leather straps should be up to any task asked of them, including I hope, some good memory generation.

Might you have a project for me? I would love to take it on.

[Chocol8]

Dayem!

[rrobbone]

Now that's how you take on a commissioned piece. Good on ya, that'll go a long way towards helping that fam cope.

[TVvoodoo]

Changing it up a bit here today in the straplab, something different. This particular build is going to be unique. Kind of like most of my guitars. For some reason I have a burning need to own guitars that are singular, me-only guitars. A typical blonde blackguard is not the way I roll. For this build, have to do some things out of regular order due to my somewhat ambitiously fabulous finish plans. So, I have to set it up a little bit before I can move on. First thing today, had to chop off some perfectly good hinge screws. Crazy.



Take those little nubbies, stick em in these holes, and screw 'em wrong side in, deep enough down so they just peep out a teeny little bit.



Whoa! I betcha you never seen neck screws looking like that, hey? Insert neck into pocket, give a few good taps with the beating thinger. It's a snug one. Had to lay in a bit of coconut oil down to jimmy it in there.



Voila! Now I know where to drill baby, drill.



Just found out in my parts box I have six or eight humbuckers, a few sets of single coils, a few old sets of tuners, but one single lonely neck screw LOL! ow does that even happen?



Ok, neck somewhat affixed. How you like that newspaper masking tape finish? Chopped ashtray was in the parts box, didn't use it on another project from before. but I did have to buy the brass compensateds. Got some threads going up to two tuning machines to help me line 'er all up, measure for scale and mark some holes. The railbucker was also in the parts box too. I thought I had a single coil in there, couldn't find it. So, we make due with what we got. This one? I have no idea actually where it come from. Not even sure if it works.



About that pick guard. We have a situation. If there's one thing I have learned in life, few are problems a good hacksaw blade can't solve. Something satisfying about chopping a brand new guard. And a little nerve wracking. At first I was going to get a little stylie with it... then I just said "no!" Sometimes simple is best.



Mark somewheresabouts the plate indent has to be. It's good to be careful here, consider angles and such.

Drillin' chiselin' and grindin'





Filed a bevel on the end bits. She's starting to take shape a little bit. Kind of handsome the way it is, but I'm only getting closer to being able to really start to finish it. OMG that silver paint really picks up prints easy. Not to worry, won't look much like this when I'm done.

[TVvoodoo]

The operation unto where we verily open up a telecaster neck pickup as if it were but a tin of baked beans to fully release the hidden, rare (and mostly mythical) GodlyTone which can then be more easily and fully transferred from my fumbly fingers, through the strings and in turn six shockingly-nekkid polepieces, etc.

File photos under the heading "We Know Not Why We Do the Things We Do"

Pics are pretty self-explanatory. There is a way easier and far more reliable method to get this look, but this is how I do it because I am a little bit miserly and exceedingly stubborn.











Did this before maybe 8 or nine years ago, this was not quite as good as the SX pup I did back then, steadier hands maybe?
I think the metal was quite a bit better on this one... it was an AJL pup, the harpmaster/tonerider thing.

[Chocol8]

That’s going to be the perfect Tele for a madman!!! Nice work!

[TVvoodoo]

That’s going to be the perfect Tele for a madman!!! Nice work!

I've hardly begun! The real work is going to make it paisleyfried

[TVvoodoo]

Something a little different.... just about to pack 'er up and fire it off. Custom order "alternate universe" Well-Hung Hendrix/Gilmour, in deep black suede with tobacco suede lacing. Features a ladder adjustment on the back end, far less futzy than the lacing adjustment of the original style. There are quite a few folks making versions of this strap, I don't think anyone is bothering with the way the original was.

On my version, ultra padded and lined, with rolled edges, not cut-off on the sides. Big difference. The lacing does not show through on the backside, nor will it be constantly rubbing against your shoulder, back and chest. In fact you cannot feel it at all.

[TVvoodoo]

Finished what will be the final strap out of the dead man's moto chaps I was given. No Prisoners theme... "Road Warrior" Beautiful leather. Heavy duty tour-ready strap. Added a bit of metallic gunmetal fabric to subtly show through the grommets just because. Who says you can't be badass AND fabulous at the same time?



Also, for the holiday shopping season I've had a mind to offer up my take on the floating pad style again, sold out pretty fast the last time I offered up a couple of them.



Made out of Dirty Honey Python embossed cowhide, these are my re-think of the classic. Because they are Well-Hung, expect few differences from what you'll find in your typical guitar store.

1. Wider pad, at just a hair under 3" wide X 12" long. Straps are about 1-3/8" wide.
2. Memory foam padding, the whole assembly lined and reinforced with a dark camel microsuede that is mold, mildew and fire resistant. Even Narshs' hottest riffs won't light these on fire.
3. They go Lonnnnnnnng... about 45"- 60"
4. The pad won't slip all over the place and drive you around the bend.
5. Hand-burnished black harness leather ends you will think are total overkill at first, but will soon grow to love & appreciate.

Not much else to say, but that I'm kind of proud of these. Great for a goldtop, black beauty, vintage white anything.... etc. They have a bit more of a goldy brown effect than the photos show, and the "scales" glint a just a little bit in the light when a fellow moves.

Also... this:

[UrenragK]

Amazing work as always Brad! WOWSERS!!!

[Chocol8]

The Honey python also provides a nice contrast with a blue guitar (opposite side of that color wheel thing from elementary school art class) and I currently have mine on a Lake Placid Blue Strat.

[TVvoodoo]

More pythons nearly ready, in a gray/black/white scheme, but have put those aside for a custom order of two Well-Hung No Prisoners style straps incorporating flashy belts.



These are at about the halfway point before I call it a day today. Should be done maybe noon tomorrow. Need to assemble, pad and then sew it all together. Colours look strange in this photo, must be the fluorescent lights - but two unique straps on the way for a serious stage rockin' fella

Also new in the shop... a few more full width dirty honeys



A Genocide strap i found and realized it wasnt listed



and a new one I called Dirty Gila

[rrobbone]

I actually kind of like the silver on that tele, but I know what you have in mind for it.