Couch straps are little company in California that come with some neat designs
from NOS leftovers from car seat coverings.
If you are looking for something retro, different, or that jive with a vegan lifestyle...
check 'em out!
They have 3" wide straps now, I hope they see our need for 4" wide straps...maybe I'll ask
them about that.
  The ones I have from them are top quality stitching and they are strong.


...not affiliated, just a fan

https://www.couchguitarstraps.com/guitar-straps.html

I dunno; I've seen too many guitars with marred finishes from being in contact with vinyl straps.  I think I'll stick with suede.

Peter

I hadn't thought about that, I've yet to have that happen here.
Thinking about it... I'd rather have a marred finish than leather.
take care

Quote from: elwoodblue on October 11, 2016, 05:02:28 AM
I hadn't thought about that, I've yet to have that happen here.
Thinking about it... I'd rather have a marred finish than leather.
take care

Why no leather? I've used leather and non-leather straps and see advantages to both, but no real downside to leather.

Edwin,

I'm not vegan, but I imagine that to some vegans, using animal products isn't something they're comfortable with.    I know there are lots of reasons people elect to be vegan, and not all vegans share belief systems....

Quote from: edwin on October 11, 2016, 10:39:09 AM
Why no leather? I've used leather and non-leather straps and see advantages to both, but no real downside to leather.

I've been (only)buying animal free products for the last 6 or so years, and my body is pretty happy
for it...it's not always easy, especially when tempted by that fancy western stuff.
So I'm thrilled when there is an option for us experimental types 


Old jeans make real comfy straps too.


  I can't argue that the mechanics of suede (and sheepskin) are pretty ideal for straps, otherwise I'm (fairly) sure Alembic would offer another option for their straps, if it existed.

Hey, maybe there's a business opportunity here someplace.  Guitar straps and other leather products from animals that died of old age or other natural causes?  Just thinkin'.

Bill, tgo

Quote from: lbpesq on October 11, 2016, 12:08:48 PM
Hey, maybe there's a business opportunity here someplace.  Guitar straps and other leather products from animals that died of old age or other natural causes?  Just thinkin'.

Bill, tgo

Would probably have a market with people who do taxidermy on their deceased pets.  Haha.  Imagine a strap made out of your deceased pet.   

I'm vegan; and yes, I try to avoid using anything made from animals.

If the vendors could be trusted,maybe? 
...and would your pet still visit you in your dreams? I really enjoy that ; )



There's a house in the Ballard neighborhood (Seattle) with blacked out and barred windows,
and on the side, a slot/chute with a sign above that says "Drop Hides Here" .
I've always wondered if it's an elaborate art installation or real taxidermist.


If you haven't seen it...it might be a good idea to put down the hot coffee before viewing-
(youtube link)

I'm not (obviously) a vegan, but can see where that would make suede suboptimal for you; there are, however, other options than cow or blistered paint - cotton weave, denim, hemp - heck, macramé.  Just don't let vinyl near your ax!

Peter

when I was a vegetarian (20+ years) I still wore leather, preferably vintage, but figured that someone was eating the cow so it's better not to waste that skin...

My philosophy is that every dollar directed towards that market is a vote to continue the trend.
  I love living, especially when things are going good...I wish life my life was longer, I couldn't
ask less from any other if there is a choice.
Life with an Alembic is freaking funtastic !! (just to keep things light and topical )

I saw this page as I was reading about vintage Martin's. I trusted Peter's warnings about vinyl,
and thought I'd add this to back up everything he said.


http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musician/GenMaint/Vinyl/vinyl.html


Thanks again Peter for looking out for our finishes.


humbly , Elwood