Restoring Straps

[Trailhand]

Hello all!

Took the shoulder straps off my Imperial the other day. They are still in good shape for their age however, the ends have the finish worn off them. Anyone have a recommendation of an oil, polish, stain, etc to put on the worn sections to protect the leather? Anything I should avoid putting on the leather that would hurt the celluloid finish on the accordion? Thanks!


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[kimric]

You can use a leather dye and conditioner (not the same thing). Shoe repair stores sell what you would need. Bring the straps with you and they can make sure you get the stuff that wont rub off on your clothing.

 

[Johnniez]

Are you going to take the chance of dropping a $600 to who knows how much cuz you don't want to spend the cash on a new strap.. I don't beleive it.. Save some coffee or beer money and do it right.

 

[Trailhand]

Will do Kimric, Thanks!

Johnniez, I don't drink coffee or beer. These straps are in good shape, just need re-dyed. They where made in Italy, so they were not cheap. If their was any risk in the strap breaking, then I would replace the strap. They are NOT thin by any means, that's why I want to dye them. My straps are thick and new straps I have seen don't appear to be as thick.

 

[smdc66]

Are you going to take the chance of dropping a $600 to who knows how much cuz you dont want to spend the cash on a new strap.. I dont beleive it.. Save some coffee or beer money and do it right.

this is how mine looked before they snapped twice although luckily on both occasions i was seated and there was no incident

granted they were from germany i think and not thick italian quality

 

[JIM D.]

The straps pictured here are an accident waiting to happen. Bite the bullet and buy a new set.

 

[artelagro]

I too have had a strap which looked quite thick suddenly snap. Now the unconventional part which should set the forum alight - I replaced mine four years ago with a PU leather set which cost about 25 dollars including postage (came from China via Ebay). They have been used daily and are still very supple although the tails have always looked thin.
Garth

 

[Trailhand]

Well, from everyone else's experience, sounds like I am going to do some strap shopping. Looked at a couple of brands, has anyone used D'Luca Straps? They seem to have good reviews.

 

[Buttons]

Sore big toe comes to mind. They look very dry and therefore fibrous. Best wishes.

 

[Soulsaver]

Sore big toe comes to mind. They look very dry and therefore fibrous. Best wishes.

Youve seen his dry & fibrous toes?

 

[JIM D.]

You can get a quality set for a 120 bass such as these -- http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...field-keywords=neotech+mega+accordion+harness -- for around $50.00 US and the set will most likely outlast the owner and the accordion.

 

[Trailhand]

Thanks Jim! Will have a look at them.

 

[JIM D.]

I carry Leather straps made in Canada And Italy and also the Neotech line of straps. The Neotechs outsell the leather types 5 to 1. We have members here that own the product and maybe they could chime in on their construction and Quality.

 

[Soulsaver]

Yep - Neotechs get my vote, too. I have several sets, great for adjustment, comfortable, don't mark your instrument (no metal buckles) c/w attached adjustable backstrap, choice of methods to put on, so easier to do up backstrap.
I haven't had mine that long (couple of years) but if Jim says they last, I'm sure they do. I think theyr're washable too, if you spill beer or coffee on 'em...

 

[Glenn]

Soulsaver, can you give me a source where I can buy these Neotechs because shipping form the US they ask €50 which is a joke and the large accordion suppliers in Holland and Germany don't stock them any more as far as I can see.

 

[Soulsaver]

Hi Glenn I got mine off ebay re-sellers as they cropped up, and someone on here who was selling the last of his stock. Email Neotech and ask for their Netherland distributor, German or Europe distributor - they must have one.

 

[artidots]

Glenn, I have just seen some Neotech Harness straps on Amazon UK, a couple of sellers on there. Not sure if they are the version you want though.

Rob

 

[Glenn]

If they had a reasonable postage cost I would have bought them already. Now I have to mess around emailing all and sundry. The Amazon one click to buy is far from a universal truth. Ebay is the same as they all point to the same seller at present.

 

[Soulsaver]

Thomann are a Neotech agent - they don't seem to carry accordion straps, prob because they sell Hohner equivalents (which I think maybe made by Neotech?). Point is you could ask if they would order them in for you? Or maybe buy Hohner but they are branded.

 

[JIM D.]

Please be careful - The Hohner branded Heotech straps although the same product will cost up to 30% more.