Allison's strap arrived yesterday evening. As soon as I opened the box, I knew it was everything the other strap should have been. Plus, she obviously paid attention to what I wanted. Here is a comparison of the two.
Size
Allison's is within a 1/16th of an inch of length stated, and has a uniform width of four inches along the main body of the strap.
Michael's is one inch longer than size ordered and has a width along the main body that varies from four inches to 4 3/16ths.
Note: Length was measured from center of strap hole to center of strap hole.
Suede Quality
The quality of suede used on both sides of Allison's reminds me of an expensive pair of pig skin soccer shoes I used to own. Definitely top quality. The core layer is the same thickness as the outer layers and she used black, so it is easy to see it is multilayered.
The tobacco colored side of Michael's strap is top quality, though not as plush as used on Allison's. The curry colored side is of questionable quality. The core layer is noticeably thicker than the outer layers. I would say that he did not use the fine Italian leather I stated in the order, but a cheaper, lower grade. The strap is not close to being as supple as the strap made by Allison
Stitching
Allison's stitching is as if a computer-controlled machine did it. I am more than a little impressed with how immaculate all the stitching is on her strap. Best I have ever seen.
Michael?s stitching is awful, at best. Nuff said.
Embossed Logos
Allison?s were pressed nicely and were carefully placed in the correct positions on the strap. If they were pressed a bit harder, they would be great.
Michael?s were pressed better, but were pressed on the same end and were pressed much higher. One to where it almost sits at the edge of the top of my shoulder when the strap is on. Eight inches higher than where it should have been pressed. Therefore, even though he did a better job pressing the logos, they just do not look good where they are.
Note: There is no ?perfect? when embossing the logo on suede, as it is a rough surface and the ?hairs? of the suede will tend to try and stand back up over time. You cannot see these from a distance, at all. They were put there for my enjoyment, not others.
Joins
Note: Allison explained to me that the strap could not be made as a ?single piece? strap, as the strap is longer than the length of leather you can get (pigs just aren?t that long). I wish Michael would have conveyed this to me during the order process, or even afterwards.
Allison?s joins are close enough to flawless that the word can be used to describe them. Very nicely done, and they even add to the attractiveness of the strap.
Michael?s joins were awful. Again, nuff said.
Custom Ends
Allison?s are very well done, especially considering she did them by hand. They are as I asked for and the stitching follows them perfectly. Impressive job.
Michael ignored what I asked for and obviously used the template. So they should have come out better looking. However, Allison?s still came out better looking and Michael?s stitch at the ends is again, awful.
Customer Service
Allison paid close attention to detail, got back to me very quickly on every contact, and was obviously concerned that she wanted me to be a satisfied customer. She stepped in when her business partner did me wrong and made good on it, as it was done under the name of Moody. I will definitely do business with her again, for any and all leather goods I need.
Michael ? Do I even need to type anything here?!
Allison?s strap came in with no damage on it. Pristine, to say the least. Michael?s strap was damaged in several places by careless methods used and lack of craftsmanship. Allison?s strap is worth $250, and I will be ordering a couple more of these from her next summer, for my other basses. I would honestly value Michael?s at around $50, but why would anyone want it even at that price. It is embarrassing the lack of quality he instilled into that strap. I tried to be fair on this comparison. Am I biased? Oh yes, but I feel I was as honest as I could be.
My friend with the good digital camera that takes decent close-ups is away this weekend. Pictures will be posted Monday night, or Tuesday. I think people will be impressed, but I know pictures will not capture the richness of this strap, like you see and feel when holding it in your hand.
