Heistercamp leather strap review

[Rick Jones]

I'd had the same Levy's 'garment leather' strap since I can remember. In fact I recently cleared an old phone that had photos going back to 2004 and I was using it then and it was already an old faithful' in those days.

A while ago I got back from doing a set at a craft market event where we'd had to pack up early due to the wind suddenly, unexpectedly coming up (and moving BIG gazebos around in a dangerous manner) and I couldn't find it anywhere. I went back to the site and messaged the organisers to look for it but no dice. Gone. Sad times.

Anyway, when I found what looked like an identical Levy's online, it was way more expensive than I'd remembered it being, but I figured that I knew they lasted and it was another 'buy it for life (or until I lose it) so I ordered.

When it arrived, completely dismayed. Not what my old one was at all. Very thin, overly soft leather compared to my original (almost identical superficially) and the suede on the inside was shedding a fair amount in the wrapping before I even tried to wear it. Sure enough it was all over my shirt the first few times I used it and it wasn't staying put like I remembered the old one. Plus, within two gigs the rear buttonhole was pretty stretched and although it gave me no issues and I'm probably being overly fussy, my old one was nowhere near as bad after potentially thousands of uses.

So I started googling and came across a family business in Devon, UK that were generational leatherworkers specialising in guitar straps! Who knew?

You can pretty much choose from a massive range of bespoke options and colours and they'll make it for you and send it out within ten days.

I ordered a 'Hunter's Tor' in brown with matching suede lining and stitching and a loop for the stereo TRS to Y cable that I run out of my pickup system that I otherwise used to tape to my straps. Amazingly, it was only £20 more than the Levy's.

Customer service was brilliant all the way through. The strap came with a handwritten thank you note and a set of strap locks.

I even appreciate their cow logo, as I'm actually an illustrator by trade and my main clients are dairy co-ops!

It's a work of art, quite honestly. The stitching is flawless and the leather is beautiful.

I know the buckles look scary, but in practice they aren't anywhere near the guitar and I like both the adjustability and the look. They have a lot of options with no metalwork... and some with more than a tinker's wagon!

I will be vigilant when I pack this one away!

[stormin1155]

Very nice! Looks like a quality strap that will last for years!

[rstaight]

Nice looking strap. I am a fan of Levy myself but when I went to get the last one the shop didn't have any in the color I wanted. And I do not like to order online. So I bought one made by a local leather shop. Nice strap but not a Levy.

Wander what your strap would cost here in the States.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi snorse,
that looks like a very nice well finished strap, and I hope it'll serve you for many years.

Due to an old left shoulder injury, and needed 3" width, I started making my own straps with no buckles as I know the length I need.

Haven't made any for a while, but they last forever.

See :

[bzl]

Originally Posted by Snorse

I'd had the same Levy's 'garment leather' strap since I can remember. In fact I recently cleared an old phone that had photos going back to 2004 and I was using it then and it was already an old faithful' in those days.

A while ago I got back from doing a set at a craft market event where we'd had to pack up early due to the wind suddenly, unexpectedly coming up (and moving BIG gazebos around in a dangerous manner) and I couldn't find it anywhere. I went back to the site and messaged the organisers to look for it but no dice. Gone. Sad times.

Anyway, when I found what looked like an identical Levy's online, it was way more expensive than I'd remembered it being, but I figured that I knew they lasted and it was another 'buy it for life (or until I lose it) so I ordered.

When it arrived, completely dismayed. Not what my old one was at all. Very thin, overly soft leather compared to my original (almost identical superficially) and the suede on the inside was shedding a fair amount in the wrapping before I even tried to wear it. Sure enough it was all over my shirt the first few times I used it and it wasn't staying put like I remembered the old one. Plus, within two gigs the rear buttonhole was pretty stretched and although it gave me no issues and I'm probably being overly fussy, my old one was nowhere near as bad after potentially thousands of uses.

So I started googling and came across a family business in Devon, UK that were generational leatherworkers specialising in guitar straps! Who knew?

You can pretty much choose from a massive range of bespoke options and colours and they'll make it for you and send it out within ten days.

I ordered a 'Hunter's Tor' in brown with matching suede lining and stitching and a loop for the stereo TRS to Y cable that I run out of my pickup system that I otherwise used to tape to my straps. Amazingly, it was only £20 more than the Levy's.

Customer service was brilliant all the way through. The strap came with a handwritten thank you note and a set of strap locks.

I even appreciate their cow logo, as I'm actually an illustrator by trade and my main clients are dairy co-ops!

It's a work of art, quite honestly. The stitching is flawless and the leather is beautiful.

I know the buckles look scary, but in practice they aren't anywhere near the guitar and I like both the adjustability and the look. They have a lot of options with no metalwork... and some with more than a tinker's wagon!

I will be vigilant when I pack this one away!

I’ve gotten two straps from Sulley…cut to your requested length. Very happy with both:

https://sullysstraps.com

[Gary Davis]

I recently purchased a braided elk mandolin strap from Lakota Leathers made on the Pine Ridge Reservation in one of the poorest counties in the US. Its soft, supple, and beautifully made.

[Forest Dweller]

Very nice, I like the look of their catalyst model, and of course the classic strap. They are very near my friends at Brook guitars, a lovely part of the world.
Robbie

[b1j]

Beautiful for sure. I place my strap over the guitar in the case, and I would not want metal anywhere along the length of the strap. But I can tell you’re going to be extra careful about it, so it’s all good. Enjoy that lovely strap!

[Msedg]

I have several and they’re the only straps I’ll buy now, having retired a couple of leather Levys ones. They are the only straps I’ve found in 20ish years of playing which I trust without some form of extra lock (strap lock or similar). I’ve turned into a bit of a fan - a Heistercamp belt is also currently holding my trousers up!

[619TF]

No mention of pricing anywhere here that I can see...either on the Levy's (old or new) or on this new one.

[jaymarsch]

Very nice. The quality and the craftsmanship are very apparent. With metal being part of the strap, you will need to take care with that unless you don’t mind some dings here and there. I have a couple of very well made Singing Crane straps that have brass buckles that are rounded and partially covered by the fabric but I do take care when taking them on and off. They are gorgeous and very functional so no regrets.
There are really good choices for guitar straps these days and the Heistercamp can certainly be added to the list.
Best,
Jayne

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by Gary Davis

I recently purchased a braided elk mandolin strap from Lakota Leathers made on the Pine Ridge Reservation in one of the poorest counties in the US. Its soft, supple, and beautifully made.

Lakota makes the softest strap that I have ever used. I have two and they wear very well. Sully’s straps are also beautiful but take some use to break in.
Best,
Jayne

[Gas]

I make straps with no metal buckles that are fully adjustable. The strap you bought is high quality. I've attached a few of my exotic straps that are fully adjustable with no tools. They can be adjusted while you are wearing it. I use some chicago screws which can be eliminated by sewing the joint together.

[Rick Jones]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Hi snorse,
that looks like a very nice well finished strap, and I hope it'll serve you for many years.

Due to an old left shoulder injury, and needed 3" width, I started making my own straps with no buckles as I know the length I need.

Haven't made any for a while, but they last forever.

See :

Hi Andy, I saw that on another video of yours, I think one where you broke down what you take to a gig. Nice work, and truly made-to-measure!

[Rick Jones]

Originally Posted by bzl

I’ve gotten two straps from Sulley…cut to your requested length. Very happy with both:

https://sullysstraps.com

Those are lovely, that name came up on other forums when I was researching, it just happened that Heistercamp were relatively close by in Devon and I thought I'd give them a try. But those are highly regarded and I can see why!