Our Company
Hi! I'm C. T. Strickland Jr, President and founder of CT Music Straps Inc. I was born with a natural talent for art. I can't explain it, but from my earliest memories I have always been able to draw realistic art, and during the 1970's in addition to drawing and painting, I became interested in leathercraft. I crafted everything from wrist bands, belts, wallets, and purses, to gun holsters, and leather cases. As time went on I moved away from the department store - mass produced, and ever changing competition, to more specialized, custom work that includes unique and hard to find items. There is always a demand for custom work, and made to fit items such as leather instrument straps require a skilled craftsman.
Over the years I have also cultivated a love for traditional, acoustic music, and wondered if the artists in these genres had need for custom instrument gear and accessories. I discussed this concept of designer custom show straps with Bluegrass/Country Recording Artist, Rhonda Vincent, who at the time was searching for just such a strap for her mandolin. We agreed that a custom-designer instrument strap was very much a part of your public image, and she seemed excited to get started. But functionality was a must and the strap had to be comfortable and stand the relentless road tour that Rhonda is known for. After Rhonda and I discussed her design ideas, I built a custom suede leather and rhinestone mandolin strap to her specifications. I called it the "Star Strap" because the rhinestones on a background of black suede sparkle like stars under the stage lights. Since that day I have designed and built straps for other musicians who desire instrument gear made just the way they like it.
When it comes to musical instrument straps one size or type doesn't necessarily suit all. In order to better serve our clients, CT Music Straps now offers design consultation as part of the custom selection process. For custom calligraphy style lettering, Trish Taylor, a freelance professional calligraphy designer is available to assist with your special lettering effects. Trish is the current president of Capital City Scribes, a calligraphy guild based in Austin, Texas.
Another designer that works with our clients is Heather Boynton, who specializes in Swarovski crystal embellishment. Heather has years of designing and crafting high quality equine show apparel. She works with our clients to help them achieve that element of fashion from simple border designs to custom patterns and rhinestone lettering. Please feel free to browse the site for examples of our custom straps which can be found under artist testimonials, our design team pages, and of course our gallery.
Thanks
CT Strickland Jr.
CT Music Straps Inc.