Frequently asked questions
- What do you charge for a custom strap? Prices for straps vary greatly. So far they have ranged from $300 to $2500. There are many factors to consider when pricing - overall amount of hours, materials used (may include hardware, such as studs, buckles, conchos, rhinestones, turquoise, etc.) and overall amount of tooling. Because each piece is custom, it’s important to know a little bit about what you want and what works for you. Please take a look at our new pricing guide that can help you get started on your vision.
- Who wears A. G. Fisher leather? I have made guitar straps for many professional musicians all over the world. Among them are Chris Stapleton, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Sammy Kershaw, Ashley Monroe, Bobby Bare, Vince Gill, Brent Cobb, Joe Spivey, Mel Tillis Jr., Jason Charles Miller, Bray Wyatt(WWE), Scotch Taylor, and many others.
- Do you make left handed guitar straps? Yes, but they’re an extra $50. ;)
- Do you make other items, or just guitar straps? Yes we do. Though most of our work is in guitar straps, we absolutely make other pieces. If you have an idea of something you’d like to see in leather, please let us know. Our specialty is stagewear; pieces that are made to stand out - and that extends to many types of products.
- How long does it take to make a strap? Production time varies. Some can take as little as 7-8 hours and others go well past the 100 hour mark. Mostly you can expect to wait 1-3 weeks for delivery or pickup. Some items may take longer due to the nature of our business.
- Do you do work for exposure? No.
- Do you offer artist endorsement deals? At the moment no, but we’re looking forward to being able to in the future.
- How do I pay? We currently accept PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay. If these options do not work for you, please let us know, and we will help in any way we can.
- What is the process like? If you order a custom strap from A.G.Fisher Leather Co., we will ask you about aspects of your personality, style, taste and what you want to project as an entertainer. We can take design ques from you, or after we’ve gathered some background information, come up with a completely custom, one of a kind piece of wearable expression that is solely you. It’s all about accentuating your image and style.
- What is the leather working process like? It’s an amazing, tedious, time consuming labor of love. The process starts with the concept. After the concept or theme has been developed, the process moves to the designing and layout of the strap. Once all the pieces are drawn out on paper, it is then transferred to the leather strap (a leather band that is over 5mm thick and cut, by hand, out of a full “side” of top of the line, Herman Oak, veg tanned leather). Once the design is transferred to the leather it is “carved” in with a (swivel)knife. After the basic design is cut in, hundreds of small tools help to pound, manipulate, stamp and move the leather to give it it’s 3D properties and bring the design to life. The “tooling” step is one of the most time consuming, tedious parts of the process. It can take days. Once the designs are all finished it’s time to cut and shape the edges, clean the strap, oil it, let it sit and then prepare it for whatever dyeing the strap requires. The dyeing process consists of at least seven coats of dye, buffed between each coat. Paint is then applied, followed by a clear coat. Once the clear coat has cured, any hardware is applied (studs, rhinestones, conchos, etc.). All edges are then “slicked” and finished. A soft leather backing is applied to each strap. It’s trimmed and “slicked” again. The edges of the strap are then stitched, studded or laced. All holes for connecting pieces and pin holes are cut, and buckles/buckle pieces are fitted. Then it’s final looks and boxing up. The strap is finished and ready to be shipped out.
- Care instructions. These products will last a lifetime. Natural oils can be used to bring back shine, and hydrate any exposed leather (small cracking/wearing down of the topcoat or any worn areas). Other than that, Saddle Soap and a rag will clean it up nicely.
- Can things be added once the strap is finished? Certain things like border lacing, conchos, studs and other hardware can be added once a strap is finished. Tooling, stamping, carving and any dye work can no longer be done.
- What measurements do you need? We want these pieces to fit you perfectly, so we will need a few measurements. First, the length of your strap, pinhole to pinhole. Lay the strap you currently wear out flat and measure from the front connector hole to the hole that you normally use on the back of the strap. In addition a measurement from the pinhole to the top middle point of your shoulder (while wearing your guitar) will be needed. If your strap will feature an unique leather cut additional measurements may be needed.
- Can you match my strap to my guitar? Yes...but I don’t think that should be the goal. Your strap should match you. More clothing than part of your musical “gear.”
