(Don't Fear) TVvoodoo's Insanitarium

[TVvoodoo]

TTR Tribe-member goes by "Jethro" sent me photos of a No Prisoners series custom on his BC Rich. Looking pretty fearsome! Digging how the rivets mimic the Duncan pole-pieces. Plus, ya gotta love customers who are into both guitars, and photography. #bringthefear

[nomadh]

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.

You should put this story on facebook and your web page. This market could be a pretty regular revenue stream for you.

[TVvoodoo]

@nomadh ... geez I hope not too regular! I don't know how to make a story in facebook. Maybe I'll have to check that feature out.

[nomadh]

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.

You should put this story on facebook and your web page. This market could be a pretty regular revenue stream for you.

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.

Cool a strap for a new daddy of quintuplets they ecologically will only use cloth diapers.
Now that's niche marketing

[TVvoodoo]

Couple pics of a glowy goldtop newly outfitted in a Well-Hung No Prisoners guitar strap





Heavy Hitter! Speaking of which...

The Well-Hung Endorserment program is nearing a close for 2020. Perhaps one of your last and best chances to earn yourself a ballot in the coming big draw is to help edumacate this inquiring strat-talk fellow.

https://www.strat-talk.com/threads/best-straps.556683/

This year more draws=more chances to win.

[UrenragK]

What a beaut!

[nomadh]

Couple pics of a glowy goldtop newly outfitted in a Well-Hung No Prisoners guitar strap





Heavy Hitter! Speaking of which...

The Well-Hung Endorserment program is nearing a close for 2020. Perhaps one of your last and best chances to earn yourself a ballot in the coming big draw is to help edumacate this inquiring strat-talk fellow.

https://www.strat-talk.com/threads/best-straps.556683/

This year more draws=more chances to win.

Got one in

[TVvoodoo]

https://www.tdpri.com/threads/looking-f ... p.1056294/

Another endorserment opportunity on the TDPRI. You should see the crazy things guys are recommending they
wear for a little relief. Year end draw is about a month away!

[TVvoodoo]

saw this and thought of someone special here on the AGF



got some really cool, Smoke Blue Viper in... very interesting, with a just a bit of scaley glitter. Stuff came all the way from Slovakia.
I don't work in blue too much, but this stuff struck me as soon as I saw it. Snatched off ebay.




Also a classic simple tooled floatin' pad cowboy custom sporting heavy western hardware... just new off the bench.

[Chocol8]

First image no works for me.

[TVvoodoo]

How to transform yourself into a husband-hero Christmas morning. This Well-Hung custom-built Metis sash strap will be under the tree to dazzle a guitar-playing wife celebrating family roots. Wracking my brain for something half as thoughtful myself, for my old lady and I can't come up with anything. Good on you, sir!




Each colour thread has a specific cultural/religious meaning including one single black thread in the hand-woven knit.

Got to love a unique strap with deep personal/cultural/spiritual meaning. Super comfy too! The Metis sash has a lot of historical/cultural significance... kind of cringey to cut one up to make a strap out of, but I believe this way can be worn with pride often, and get a lot of miles and conversation out of it this way rather than as a sash.

I did recently gift myself a brand new mallet.. (shown above). The old one, well the nylon tips were disintegrating. Got ten years out of it though, couldn't replace the tips because the threads threading new tips into the head were absolutely FUBARDed at one point, so I just JB welded those fackers right in there. That's how I roll, to my own detriment sometimes

here's that photo you missed @Chocol8

[ILuvTeles]

I love the fortune teller cartoon!

[BrianSkeezer]

here's that photo you missed @Chocol8

new place.jpg

That's the perfect plan for most of us on AGF!

[Chocol8]

here's that photo you missed @Chocol8

new place.jpg

That's the perfect plan for most of us on AGF!

I would move the entry way to the lounge area. I don’t want guests walking through the guitar area! Other than that, perfect!

[nomadh]

https://www.tdpri.com/threads/looking-f ... p.1056294/

Another endorserment opportunity on the TDPRI. You should see the crazy things guys are recommending they
wear for a little relief. Year end draw is about a month away!

Somehow I missed this request I think it's too late but I chimed in anyway.

[TVvoodoo]

@nomadh endorserment ballot added!

Some mods on my Ace /Skull stamp, to better insert it into the ram of the shop press. Jammed a carriage bolt into it, chopped the dome off with an angle grinder, filed it nice. Now I can fit it proper and tighten it up in the ram. Works better - much more accuracy and control! Still a process, but this is even a little faster than before. Been thinking about making another another Ace of Spades strap when time permitted , to show another custom colour variation. This will be #3



Push that ram down.... press/hold for ten seconds, then give a few couple sharp raps on the end of the arm with the soft mallet. The taps seen to really help get even better impressions.

I was doing some reading on a leathercraft forum where some fellas don't wait for the stamped/tooling work to dry out completely before dyeing. Supposed to help even out the dye a bit while the leather is still damp, make it easier to blend a couple of colours, or tones. I don't really know if it worked well, I'll have to wait for it all to dry to see the final result.



Here is a new leather dye colour i got with experiment, a little red, a little black, thinned with alcohol, a few applications, each one a little darker.... I was going for a wine red sort of thing... going to lighten up a bit when it dries, but then darken down when I oil the leather and do the antiquing process. So probably a shade darker than what we see now, but I dig it! I call this colour "War." Now have the strap above the wood stove, waiting for it to dry, then I see if it needs more dye, or, resist coat the bolt to protect it. Then "burst" the edges black, blending towards the centre

Not sure what else up to today... slate is wide open, been a while since I didn't have a custom job on the go - kind of nice to be able to catch my breath. I'll update this one as it stands. No designated owner for this one, yet.

[TVvoodoo]

Three new "ZAP!" series straps recently born off the StrapLab workbench. L-R "Bolt Outta the Blue" "Release the Hounds" and "Coppergator" - all approx 3" wide, ultra padded and electrifryingly handsome. Showy blue and white sparkle on the black leather one, black leather bolt on the houndstooth weave, metallic copper gator bolt on the brown leather strap



Soon to strike Reverb.

[TVvoodoo]

Announcing to all current Shock & Awe militia members... welcome squad member "Lucky" to our ranks from Milwaukee - he's now bunkered in, waiting for support via swift deployment of Shock & Awe #67



Under the tree this year, I discovered this swank set of Runic leather stamps... not sure exactly how I will use them, but I will find a way dangit.
Something rather middle-earth-ish or Viking-ey is surely going to be coming down the Well-Hung guitar strap pipeline soon



Hoping all my CGF brothers are suitably overindulging and underrexercising like i am right now. quite disgusted in myself to reveal I have eaten so much fancy cheese, I could be blocked up for a couple weeks.

[TVvoodoo]

I have my daughter home from college, wife is off for a few more days, we are going to head out to a local lake later today, see if we can't go for a little outdoor skate. Sometimes they clear a portion of it off, family time is key... but having the StrapLab on idle a bit over the holidays, it real hard to hold back when new leather arrives!

Sent out the King Midas gold chain strap this morning, but in the mail from me were two Reptilian Elite hides I ordered in a while back, "Cobra Chai" and "Black Skink."

"Cobra Chai" is a antique bronzy brown gunmetal hide with a bit of showy glint to it on just some of the scales. Great texture, soft and seems very durable.



Black Skink is a very small reptile patterned leather in deep black, but each scale has a VERY reflective show to it. It's going to be purely amazing when I put it together on a strap the way I do - because the 3D wrap effect is going to make it really quite glamtastic.

Both ultra cool hides from a premium leather house - I can hardly wait to see how I make them into some freaky new Well-Hung guitar strappage in early 2021

Hope Santa was good to you... maybe you got Well-Hung! If you were naughty, and refused to mend your bad-ass ways there is still hope for you to get what you want. All you gotta do is head over to the Well-Hung Reverb store and smash that buy button LOL!

Soon to close the Well-Hung User Endorserment Program for 2020 - only a short time to get your ballots into my annual draw, if you know how to do that. You get instructions when you purchase a strap from me. I will be running the same or similar program for 2021, any strap you buy at any time is eligible for all future draws.

[Chocol8]

I got a busted ankle for Christmas instead of my usual smelly gym sock full of coal. That plus a dead car means no new guitars or straps this month.

[TVvoodoo]

OMG! How'd you do that @Chocol8 ??? busted ankle, dead car. At least its during this extended staycation we's all sposed to be on. You know fellas, got me a few rulers and some measuring tapes here in the StrapLab, but sometimes I find it's better to just eyeball it.



Don't ask why, I stopped asking myself silly kinds of questions years ago. I just roll with it whatever the Hell happens, happens.

Wife picked up the wrong size eyeballs for another project so, I ended up with $3 worth of googly eyes with no real use. I'll be damned If I'm going to stand in line at the customer service counter for an hour for a three dollar return.


Over 75 ended up stuck real good on this strap in progress, hardly made a dent in the bag.
Figured I'd just random-eyes them. Ba-dum-Tshhh!

[nomadh]

I got a busted ankle for Christmas instead of my usual smelly gym sock full of coal. That plus a dead car means no new guitars or straps this month.

Cool! I got a bill for a broken rental house water heater. 1500 bucks

[nomadh]

@TVvoodoo this reminds me my wife just showed me a pillow with those little colored mirrors. As you brushed them down it was a picture in blue and silver then as you brushed up it was a different pic in red and gold. Its was quite wild looking.

[Chocol8]

OMG! How'd you do that @Chocol8 ??? busted ankle, dead car. At least its during this extended staycation we's all sposed to be on.

The ankle fell victim to the snow/rain/snow/ice/more snow shit weather. The car was an older vehicle my daughter was mostly using. I still need to fix or replace it though since she is now working two jobs, plus school, and I am not cut out to be an Uber driver, especially since it’s my right ankle that’s messed up.

I do still need to commission a custom strap project, but it ain’t happening today.

[TVvoodoo]

Mercenary Man is standing by waiting to fight in the revolution