Italia Leather 4" Black and Amber Leather-Backed Strap
By Chris Loeffler |
Some purchases, like a new guitar or amp, are inherently sexy. Others, like strings, capos, and picks, are essential parts of playing but can feel more like obligatory, functional purchases; they are the monthly utilities payments after buying your dream house. However, just as having electricity and water is what makes a nice house a nice house to live in, the right accessories can also be the difference between a good and great playing experience.
I use this as an introductory admission of my tempered expectations when I was asked to review a guitar strap. I remember my time as a buyer for an online instrument retailers of amps and effects being filled with regular excitement as big-name and boutique builders brought innovation after innovation to the office while my partner in Parts and Accessories evaluated a never-ending line of skull and flame branded ephemera. Straps are just made to hold the guitar over your shoulders so you can play… how do you improve on that?
According to Italia Leather Straps, the California-based strap maker, you start by working with premium Italian leathers and Nappa suedes in a 10-inspection point handcrafting process led by a small team of skilled artisans, collaborate directly with each customer to tailor the strap to their height and playing style, and build them to last a lifetime.
The leather-backed, 4” wide Black and Amber strap Italia Leather Straps sent me for evaluation was rugged and sturdy-looking; no sign of the frayed edges or easy-to-scuff characteristics I typically find in lower-end leather products. The strap was firm without being rigid, and I was pleasantly surprised how quickly it settled comfortably into my shoulder. While I initially suspected the 4” width of the strap would be burdensome or distracting (I’m a relatively skinny-strap guy), it did a fantastic job of more efficiently distributing the weight of the guitar across my body. I’m by no-means broad-shouldered, and I found the strap sat naturally over my clavicle and rested against my scapula without applying excess pressure to any one area.
The leather material of the strap was heavier than many cloth/vinyl straps I have used, but the design’s exclusion of metal clips and buckles actually summed out the difference, making it equal in weight to those I had around for comparison. Additionally, the pure-leather design added a touch of give to the strap that seemed to reduce the stress of jarring, excessive guitar movement on my shoulder without being so loose as to feel squirrelly or unpredictable.
Many online and print reviewers would be tempted to use the summary and conclusion portion of this review to discuss how the strap changed their life and made them better players. While I formally and genuinely applaud (and envy) the player who is one strap from playing perfection, for the rest of us, the Italia Leather Strap is a luxurious, comfortable way to carry your guitar. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship translates not just to a classy visual apperance but, most importantly, an extremely comfortable fit that accommodates proper body mechanics and makes your guitar feel a bit less heavy when you hit your third set.
Italia Leather Guitar and Bass Straps- Street $79.00
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Chris Loeffler is a multi-instrumentalist and the Content Strategist of Harmony Central. In addition to his ten years experience as an online guitar merchandiser, marketing strategist, and community director he has worked as an international exporter, website consultant and brand manager. When he’s not working he can be found playing music, geeking out on guitar pedals and amps, and brewing tasty beer.
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