So what's the first thing you do with your new 5120? Accessorize! I bought an old guitar strap from an old honky-tonker at his yard sale a couple years ago. I wish I'd taken a photo of it before I tore it apart. It was this huge, sheepskin-lined thing that was like wearing a welcome mat on your shoulder. But the buckles are beautiful—silver with abalone inlays. I went to a local discount department store (think lower on the food chain than KMart) and snagged a couple of XL leather strap belts, in a width to match the buckles. Drilled holes the size of the Gretsch strap button posts for a snug fit, and trimmed the ends of the straps with a utility knife. Cleaned the tarnish off the buckles with Tarn-X, and now I've got a fabulous, one-of-a-kind strap that is worthy of this gorgeous guitar. Total cost, less than $20.00. Next, a custom pick-guard a la Paul Setzer...
Homemade guitar strap
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- Rated: 20 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 12:03 p.m. BobWire:
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- Rated: 132 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 12:08 p.m. wenzel:
Dude, that's sweet! I wish I had some cool ideas for making a custom strap like that. I like my strap on my club, but I wish it was a little more unique like yours. That there is fancy! A+++++
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- Rated: 22 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 12:11 p.m. mustang64:
How much do you want for it?
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- Rated: 89 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 12:52 p.m. Ratrod:
That is one cool looking strap. One vote up for making a DIY strap that rivals an Eldorado.
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- Rated: 82 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 1:04 p.m. sassy:
Wow!!!...Nice work
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- Rated: 52 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 1:13 p.m. gretschman36:
Have anymore close ups? Sweet strap - looks $$$. Good job!
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- Rated: 20 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 1:17 p.m. BobWire:
Thanks for the kind words, fellas. Here's a longer shot, so you can see how it looks on the Gretsch. I did take a look at the El Dorado straps, in order to get the details right. I'll post a close up of the buckle later today. Mustang64, I don't know what it's worth. But the silver/abalone is pricey, I'm sure. Let me think about it.
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- Rated: 20 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 3:36 p.m. BobWire:
Here's the buckle.
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Sep 6, 2007 4:03 p.m. BobWire:
...and the tip (if anyone could clue me in to placing multiple pix within the same post, I'd be much obliged).
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- Rated: 147 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 7:59 p.m. Setzer:
Vote up BOB for taking modding to the next level. I like to seek out methods like yours too. When I saw your thread and name I thought you might have made a Bobwire strap...ouch!
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 8:20 p.m. TAG4:
Bob--Very nice! Those buckles are grand! How does your 5120 sound? Are you going to change pickups? What are your plans?
Regards, TAG4
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- Rated: 27 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 8:53 p.m. Adam:
Very cool. That definitely is a mod you don't see too often. Most people just focus on the guitar itself.
Funny, though, I found some belts in the girls section of Target just today that would have made some killer straps, but alas they were too short.
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- Rated: 132 ↑
Sep 6, 2007 8:58 p.m. wenzel:
I have an idea for a custom guitar strap now, inspired by you my friend! I'll post it if I ever get around to doing it. You know I will!
A vote up from me too!
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- Rated: 20 ↑
Sep 7, 2007 12:07 a.m. BobWire:
Thanks, boys! Adam, here's the secret: buy TWO belts. But the one from the guitar butt that goes over your shoulder is going to have to be at least 42", unless you like to have your Gretsch right up under your armpit. To find women's belts offered in 42"+ sizes, I believe you'll have to go to Wal-Mart.
TAG4 - I am digging the tone. I spent about an hour and a half today monkeying with my rig, something I've never taken the time to do with any other guitar (I'm lazy and impatient). I use a Boss CS-3, a Tube Screamer, Dan-Echo digital delay and a Fender tuner. The amp is a Bassman, late 60's. I had to roll off the bass quite a bit on the amp, and increase the tone a bit on the CS-3, and a few other tweaks here and there.
Tonight was the first band practice with the new 5120, and my lead guitarist played it most of the time (I strummed acoustic). He still prefers his Strat, but you should have seen the looks on the faces of the rhythm section when I took a solo on that Gretsch!
Yeah.
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Sep 7, 2007 1:01 a.m. johnnyringo:
Man BobWire,that strap looks great.
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- Rated: 82 ↑
Sep 7, 2007 12:31 p.m. sassy:
1 up for the closeups BobWire
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Sep 7, 2007 1:40 p.m. BobWire:
sassy, you're too kind. I'm trying to be careful to not let the buckle bang up the guitar. I mean, this is some heavy duty hardware! But you know, I'm one of those people who celebrate the visual element of rock 'n roll, so you gotta look the part. I think this strap + guitar says: twang.
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- Rated: 26 ↑
Sep 7, 2007 2:17 p.m. cielski:
Those buckles are gorgeous! Great job!
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- Rated: 39 ↑
Sep 8, 2007 3:47 p.m. WishinforaFalcon:
BobWire said: if anyone could clue me in to placing multiple pix within the same post, I'd be much obliged
Ive never been able to get the image icon on here to work for me, so if that is the route you are going, I don't know. But if you use photobucket, just copy and paste as many html codes as you want.
Awesome strap and buckles as well!!
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- Rated: 15 ↑
Sep 9, 2007 8:31 p.m. Guitardo:
I did one to match my Epiphone a while back. I stained, sunburst, and even binded the thing to match the finish on the guitar...
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- Rated: 20 ↑
Sep 10, 2007 3:10 p.m. BobWire:
Whoa, momma! Guitardo, that thing really adds a touch of class to the ol' Epi. Beautiful job, and I love the attention to detail. Vote up!
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- Rated: 82 ↑
Sep 10, 2007 4:01 p.m. sassy:
Very cool Guitardo
