SOLD on Anthology Gear Wear straps

[bsic]

If you are against spending $$ for a premium guitar strap, you can hit the "back" button on your browser now.

Since buying my first LP recently I've been on the hunt for a super comfortable strap.. I had a no-name 2.5" suede strap that ive used for years, and usually have back pain after each gig... and that was with 7-8lb guitars.

I searched the forums and the net, and decided to try a Moody. As soon as I opened the box and unrolled it, I knew it wasnt what I was after. Nice leather, for sure- but it was more like using a nice belt from Nordstrom's to hang your guitar around your neck... nice, but not necessarily supple or more comfortable than any other strap. Sent it back.

Then I searched ebay for "leather strap" and sorted by price... lets see what the best is out there. I ran across "Anthology Gear Wear" straps that just looked like a broken in leather bomber jacket- really nice, looked soft, looked COOL, and looked comfortable.

I ordered two since I could not decide which would be a better look with the variety of guitars I own. Brian from Anthology said that I could hold them up to my guitars and just send back the one that didnt "fit" the look of my guitars.

Well I got them both today, and first off these are no joke. Super fine quality, you can tell immediately. Excellent soft leather, but stiff enough to support adequately. Excellent padding without being too "poofy".. soft.. and even better looking in person than on the site. Excellent stitchwork, reinforced stress areas, and did I mention they look ultra cool?

Of the two I ordered ("Walk the Line" and "Vertigo").. the Vertigo is a bit more plain in style, but is a softer leather. The underside is a bit softer and more supple, and I imagine it would be more comfortable. But the look of the "Walk the Line" in whiskey-black color was IT when I saw it, and I am keeping this one.

This strap is it, if you are looking for great style, comfort, and quality in one package.

 

[Wolf Child]

Moody Sucks! Anthology is cool!

I talked to them a couple of days age. They're working on some new designs.

I'm saving my quarters to buy a new one.

 

[stephenT]

I like the looks of the Anthology Gear Wear, very trendy,... though I'd bet after four hours on stage you'd find the Moodys work as advertised.

 

[bsic]

Here are some pics :

 

[ivegotwood]

Nice strap! I have found that strap width doesn't help with a sore back, but helps with sore shoulders...

 

[lesterchopper]

Great looking straps. Almost makes me want to stray from Brookwood. Almost.

 

[R_S_G_7]

That worn leather finish looks awesome, i'm not one for all the stitching and embellishment though...

If they made a normal style strap in that carbon black i would probably buy 2 of them instantly... I find it funny that they don't offer a plain strap as not everyone is into this type of style. I wonder if they do custom orders..?

I may grab a moody in the near future.

 

[bsic]

The "vertigo" strap is more plain looking, no embroidery. Too plain for my taste, to each his own.

 

[R_S_G_7]

I'm a minimalist to the core when it comes to style so even the vertigo has to much going on for me. oh well. I don't mind the crossroads... it might grow on me.

Enjoy the new strap
Cheers.

 

[TDJMB]

The Moody is a very fine strap. I also got a www.GayleWinde.com strap - it's stiffer than the Moody and that helps with supporting the guitar. Plus she put extra padding in the kidney area on the right because that's where my back pain is. The Anthologys look great, too. Someone just needs to buy one of each (and Brookwood, etc.) and do an official TGP strap fest.

 

[joek86]

Just got a "walk the line" in charcoal. I have quite a few Brookwood Leather straps and love them. The Anthology is cool if you want a differnt design altogether....they are unique, top notch in every respect, and super comfortable. Between Brookwood and Anthology, straps are no longer an issue!

~Joe

 

[hoochiecoochie]

Walk the line in dark coffee is it for me. Just ordered one after speaking with Brian. Real nice guy.

 

[Lolaviola]

I'm not into it just for looks, but can these straps help with lespauls and basses that are heavy?

 

[bsic]

My Les Paul weight was what prompted me to consider anthology. Extremely comfortable. Does it make it weightless, no of course not. But it is way more comfortable than a generic nylon strap for sure. Soft, padded, and by now mine has broken in nicely.

 

[esoteric pete]

those straps look great, but i have some bad news for you...your guitars are backwards.

 

[hoochiecoochie]

In my experiences with heavier guitars, a wide (3 1/2") strap that is compliant and not stiff makes a big difference. The width of the strap spreads the weight out over a bigger area. Larger contact area.

 

[rhythmrocker]

those straps look great, but i have some bad news for you...your guitars are backwards.

 

[hoochiecoochie]

Received mine - Walk the Line - Dark Coffee. The plainest of the straps offerd by Anthology. I don't want all the embeillishments and figurations. NOT as "plain" as a Moody, BUT were talking a piece of top qualilty leather here. IF you spend $100.00 on a cord, why not spend a little more on a strap - at least one quality strap?? I have touched the Moodys. It is a totally different strap in quality/construction and they are very nice straps. I am not saying by any means that the Moody is not quality. Just different. Moodys are a softer leather overall. The Anthology is more of a stiffer leather, more like the leather covering of the luggage of the 50s and 60s - but better. There is a pebble stone effect on the back of the Anthology to help prevent shifting while playing - NOT suede. I have no problem with suede, we're talking all leather here. I am aware that Moody also offers a similar backing material, but again I have neot experienced it in order to comment. Check out the DR straps by DR strings company. They also have a great strap at about $25.00 at the guitar shows. SORT of similar to the Moodys in "feel", maybe not in quality though. I don't have them side by side in order to compare. The Anthology strap is fantastic in quality and construction!! Soon as I get up some more money, I will be buying more, and Anthology also offers a life time guarantee. It will probably outlast me. Hopefully not my guitars though.

 

[bsic]

IF you spend $100.00 on a cord, why not spend a little more on a strap - at least one quality strap??

LOL and the thinking is working in reverse in my situation now. "If I spent $170 on a strap, why not get a $120 cable?" The cycle continues...

 

[joek86]

Just got the newest design that he makes and it is great! I really like the extra width, very comfortable. The quality and design work is top notch. One thing I like too is that there isn't any hardware that can hit and damage your guitar.

~Joe