Billy Sheehan Custom Strap Build
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Hello Again! Here's my video describing how I build my straps. These may not be ideal for all players but hopefully there's some info you might find helpful. Here's a link to the strap material I'm using: www.strapworks...
Today I learned Billy has a UA-cam channel. Today was a good day
I found out a few days ago!! Very cool indeed!!
And that he's the Norm Abram of the bass!
Same
Now go share. I had to find him myself.
Agree!!!
No other person on the planet would I spend half an hour watching him make a guitar strap. I’m rapt!
Big fan from Korea since 1993. I also learned Billy has a YT channel and his garage is for bass repair. I will look for fire hose supplier in Korea. Thanks for this idea !
Komapsumnida!
Today I learned one of the most famous bassists in the world makes his own straps on the floor of his garage.
Strapworks.com is one of the best companies there is to deal with! Top quality, made in the U.S.A. goods, you just can't beat them!! I have ordered some of the best tie-downs, ratchet straps, D-rings, and several other items to make my own straps for some of my own sewing projects. You can have them custom make many items they offer for sale! For a small company or individual, they are fantastic to deal with, as most companies will not even talk to you about custom orders unless you need a few pallets of goods! Thanks for the killer video Billy, and thank you for all the hard work, discipline, and wonderful music you have shared with us all for many years, you've truly touched many lives and have certainly been a major inspiration to myself, thank you, Sir!
Thank YOU!
Billy, the Old Spice or Brut cologne at 1:20 killed me LOL You are the one of the most down to earth musicians ever.
Billy is a God amongst men....I really appreciate your down to earth philosophy on your instrument and your "how too's"...mad respect sir
Hey Mr.Sheehan! I'm an 18 year old bassist and I've just started studying your techniques and John Entwistle's as well! Thank you for being such an inspiration and an amazing teacher! God bless you and please continue your work with Sons of Apollo ,I'm absolutely blown away by the sounds you guys make!
Thx Isaac! And good luck on bass!
You found a jem in him sir. Billy is cooler than he has a right to be.
Just watching this process and the end result where the strap doesnt twist makes me excited.
for some reason i just watched a 40 min video on straps.....and absolutley loved it!!! i could listen to billy talk all day, i could also listen to him play all day. legend
This is the best channel on UA-cam.
Not only do I like hearing you tell stories but this is a pleasant watch. Almost like watching Adam Savage build things in his shop.
Thx Jussi!
Listening to you talking about bases, straps, music, technique, with SO MUCH FUCKING PASSION. Hah, it is easy to understand why you have been in the top of the hill for so long. You love music and everything around it and WE LOVE YOU. Thanks for all living LEGEND!!
No matter how you may feel about Billy's playing or tone, you cannot deny that he is a super cool dude! Thanks so much for doing these videos and sharing.
How wonderful, humble and giving is this human being ?!!!!
we have met several times at sweetwater and summer NAMM and it has always been such a joy to hang out with you. my brother in law lives right around the corner from you. Wish I could just pop over when i am in town visiting, have a cup of coffee and talk shop with you again. Not a stalker - just a normal chick who plays bass (didn’t pick it up until later in life but so glad I did).
Watching Billy Sheehan explaining things is addictive...
I can not believe I watched this all the way thru yet a very personable video and thank you for allowing people to see Billy the person! A truly insightful glimpse into your life and your garage looks like most everyone else's, classic having basses leaning against things just a great job and thank you for sharing. Awhile back Greg Aldrich posted a similar how to video where he changed the oil in his motorcycle that was as with this kind of like just hangin out and seeing a side away from the stage
Right on! Thx so much!
I remember seeing that bass in my dads guitar magazines when I was a kid... I was a skater so remember the bones brigade stickers, I had them everywhere as well and used to draw powell peralta logos on my books at school. Glad to see it's still alive.
I repair my camping tarp eyelets the same way. I'm gonna make a seatbelt strap today!
Good luck with it!
@@BillySheehanOfficialCheers! turned out pretty good, maybe a bit thin, seatbelts dont taper so it's only one thickness across. Nice to have one that I made though. Thanks for the ideas
I am blown away this literal bass god is just fiddling away in his basement, cranking out videos and replying to comments like any other small youtube channel. We are not worthy.
Also, I can't believe there is not a Billy Sheehan Signature Strap and Lock System available for purchase wherever fine musical instrument supplies are sold. I'd buy one.
The fire hose idea sounds tempting to me.
Annette... I've been making my own firehose straps for several years now. I've actually thought about turning this "hobby" into a business since I've made so many for my friends as well... 😎
@@tommysaulter9248 Do it.
I just bought my first bass guitar. A professional guitar playing acquaintance told me how awesome Billy Sheehan is. So, of course i googled his name (I am not a rocker, and never really got into guitar, much, I'm more of a percussion guy), and looked for stuff on UA-cam. Boy was I shocked. Not just by his musician skills, but his presence on UA-cam making videos on stuff he does. Regardless if I don't do much more than just putter on the bass when I am bored, I really appreciate these tech videos. Helps me motivate when I see a pro and awesome musician talking like a human about things I can understand. Super awesome... oh, and I don't feel like you are some schlep trying to push your products on me... thanks!!!!
Very few busy people like you help with these infos. Thank you so much for sparing your time and make this video for us.
Very cool to sit and listen to him talking about bass stuff. Grew up in the 80s listing to his stuff. Very awesome. One of the greats.
Billy, I started playing bass because of you. Thanks for inspiring me to try what I thought was a lame instrument. The amount of depth and detail you go into is amazing, and in your other videos, you proceeded to call a $150 bass expensive. Your informational videos are super utilitarian and straight to the point, I hope you make more.
Will do, Dave! Thanks
This is possibly the greatest video in the history of UA-cam!
Billy, I love the shop and the stories! Never too famous to have a shop. There is something gratifying about making stuff and having said stuff be of good quality. Well done!
I'm a luthier, bass player and touring guitar tech. Your astounding playing aside.........I've always greatly admired your talent to make your basses do what you need. Might not be pretty or by the book, but you get it done which is all that counts....roadie attitude! I watch all the tech vids but this one made me say "Hell Yeah...this is how you do it!" BTW I saw you at some dive in Lockport in 1975. You were wearing some headphones like Koss Pro 4 A's with friggin' antennas. I was knocked out.
The in-ear monitor precursor! Thx Bro!
Thanks Billy! always fun spending time in the shop with you.
My pleasure!
Very useful tip. Thanx, Billy..
I'll try it.. I've broke many straps 😅
Billy is cool. Full stop.This video makes him even cooler - I love it when pros are still hands on with their gear.
Billy I am in PA, and have experience sewing with an industrial sewing machine. If you ever decide to mass produce these straps, I will be very glad to be involved. Let's do this
Drop me a message on Facebook if it’s no trouble.
@@BillySheehanOfficial I messaged you on FB as requested as Elmo Zappa. I can give you my email address if you need to contact me directly thank you
I will buy 5 right now !!
Dude this is beyond! This is exactly the type of thing that noone talks about but is so good to know. Killer Killer Killer!
To learn from Billy is such a great thing! He has years of experience and he knows what he's talking about. This channel is why UA-cam videos are a great place to go to learn.
Your attitude and playing have always been top notch sir. I truly have enjoyed hearing your knowledge and music over the decades. If you have any students please showcase them on a sub channel.
Better late than never YT algorithm -
Thankyou Billy - first for the decades of music performed with some of my favorite musicians and now for the more than half dozen nuggets of pure gold knowledge about straps.
That stiffening at the ends to stop twisting is pure magic.
Something that I had never seen before and I've been cruising guitar and luthery things online for a few years now as I've gotten into building kits and modifying guitars as a hobby.
Billy you make some great videos! Perfectly explained so anyone can understand and smart to warn them that if it is over their head, take it to someone. I'm a tech/repairman for a living and my customer got one of your basses and is showing me how you do it so I can do it for him. PS I had been friends with and worked with Dickie Peterson from Blue Cheer and before he passed I wanted to experiment with the dual output and his last bass he didnt live to test had a Model 1 in the neck and a Duncan Q-pounder P in the middle. I wish we could have talked with you he would have loved your enthusiasm! I hope to meet you someday, all the best from Bill Baker
His "goofiness" is what most of us players aspire to.
And don't forget the shenanigans, too... :)
Nice video. You seem down to earth and real. Entertaining and funny. I'm just learning bass at 70+ years old. Liked and Subscribed.
Great billy you are my first bass hero and after 25 years your music make me crazy
I’m waiting your next show in Italy 🇮🇹 after COVID 👋👋👋👋👋👋
The one important thing no one talks about any where, Mr. Sheehan covers it like no one!
Billy! Cheers from Argentina, saw you with Mr. Big and in your clinics. You are #1, and my inspiration!
Really cool approach! I like that the complexity of an adjustable strap is removed from the equation, too.
For anyone wanting to DIY a strap like this, virtually any common household sewing machine can sew a couple of layers of this webbing together. It's quite easy to learn to do, and a cheap thrift store machine should get you going.
Thanks for the video, Billy! You just changed my plans for the strap for a guitar project I'm working on!
(PS - I've been a fan since Live Speed On Ice!)
Excellent!
Just found his channel. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am amazed that he seems like such a normal guy.
I'm not even a bassist but watched this because I love Billy's work and playing. Really enjoyed this, thinking about doing this on one of my guitars. Thank you Billy.
I could watch him DIY-ing just about anything, and explaining why he does it that way.. Great job man, I could make one for my guitar 😃🤟🏻
Ahh upstate New York - brings back memories... I recall seeing you at a tiny club called the Checkered Flag in Kingston, NY - so many years ago - and you're still blowing minds decades later! Love you Billy
With the racetrack behind the club!
Another great video knocked out of the park! I walked into my local NYFD house and asked them for a piece of spare hose and they gave it to me. They were hyped that I was going to make a strap from it. I also liked how you blamed Jon for the coffee shakes LOL! Thanks again keep up the great work!
Let me know how your firehose strap turns out
Ever since I got Billy's "Advanced Bass" book and DVD, I'd wanted to know more about his straps. I can only remember him talking about the Buffalo Belt company, and when he mentioned that someone else sourced and made it for him, I thought, "Well, it seems I'm never going to get one of those." Now I'm thinking, "Hmm... this is a distinct possibility..." SO glad I spotted this video!
Also, every time Billy said "basically," my mind went, "Heh heh, 'basically'." What can I say? I'm a simple man!
Thanks Billy, this is great info! The grommet use is ingenious and solves a worry I have with an old guitar that's heavy, and has had strap screw hole issues. I need to go find some firehose now :) I wanted to mention, I met you once when I was a kid, I had seen you on a Dave tour, and then met you after a Rush/Mr. Big show in Vancouver... I asked when you guys were playing Van again and you told me you had just been here a couple months before... I was mortified that I hadn't heard about the tour and thought I might have insulted you, but you laughed and put me at ease.. you and the band were extremely gracious with your time and I wanted to thank you.
I love listening to his stories, tips and tricks. This is what all great artists should do....pass your wisdom on to the next generation
That bit about matching playing position to seated practice position is one of those observations that is so simple it transcends mere brilliance. Unbelievable. Makes me wonder how Duke Erickson of Metal Church practiced.
I learned a ton today about straps and why it is important to not have too long or too flexible of a strap so the strap will never stretch or come off especially with the long screws and flat washers to hold it tight. Great video as always.
Man, have I just been watching one of my all-time heroes being a regular dude DIY'ing musical accessories in his garage? Love it!
Thanks for sharing Billy ❤️, you inspire people in many ways! That absolutely is your forte... 🤗
This so helpful Master Billy, thank u for inspiring us all 🙏❤️
Mr Sheehan, the advantage of a long screw-driver is that you can check to see how straight, or "true" you are driving the screw into the wood, whereas a stubbier driver makes it more difficult to see how true you are driving. Great video. Kudos.
Lol I just watched Billy at sweetwater video from 2019, heard your million dollar Mikita sponsor story,this video came next,first thing I see is is the early 90s Mikita drill , made me chuckle,Billy you are a class act & common guy ,God bless
That Makita drill is probably the same one as he uses for Daddy Brother 😂 - Love these videos. What a guy.
I don't play bass, but I still really enjoy watching these videos. :-)
Mr. Sheehan once again dropping knowledge bombs for the rest of us.
16:45 Tony MacAlpine & Billy Sheehan - Birds of Prey (Billy's Boogie)! That bass solo section starting from 18:27 was mind blowing when I heard it in back 1986. The song was in Guitar player magazine's sound sheet. For youngsters: Thin floppy vinyl record stamped onto a little square sheet included inside issues of Guitar Player magazine in the 80's.
Billy your awesome !! My brother and I purchased the eat em and smile album in the 80’s … and wore the dam thing out !! lol . Always enjoy watching your videos , much respect 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Wow this man is a genius also just watching him on the floor with the famous wife only a few feet away is so awesome! Mr Sheehan your straps look great and you really took the ordinary strap into another world .. amazing. !
Everything I've learned in my life about bass playing; fundamental things I use every day, I have learned from this exact type of discussion from Billy Sheehan. Thank-you !!
Great Job Billy! Keep the you tubes coming!!
So glad you started your channel. And thx for this video. I am currently finding out that there is no hardware on the market that will support my bass and not wear out over time. Even my little stainless strap buttons grind down from friction over time. I was looking into how to fix this issue. This video fits the bill. Rock On Billy!! Rock On!!
Hey Billy! I discovered your work by seeing the incredible performance with Steve Vai at the crossroads festival. Your bass solo changed everything for me. I went out and got the first Yamaha bass i could find, which is the bass version of the guitar you showed in the video. I then went on a binge and watch everything i could of yours. Keep doing you and pleaseing our ears for many more years yet! Thanks again from England!
Thank YOU, Danny!
@@BillySheehanOfficial Just got my new strap and set up kit today in preparation for my new bass and amp arriving tomorrow!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Huge respect and love man .thank you for years of excellence music . greetings from Portugal
Buddy, if I can call you that, I would like to apologize for my ignorance.
I'm 57 years old and I've always liked music, and these days researching Paul Gilbert I learned that he was in a band called Mr. Big. To my pleasant surprise, I got to know a solo of yours, (Live in San francisco, 1992)
And I'm sorry, how did I lose your talent all these years?
I've never seen anyone do what you did with a bass.
Thank you for your contribution so far and for what you continue to do for the music world.
Signed Amarildo de Oliveira.
thanks for the skills of many years! Maestro!!!
My pleasure!
Just ordered my fabric from Strapworks. This looks like an awesome project for all of my Guitars and Basses. I have a really nice Heavy Leather brand Lemmy strap that I paid a fortune for and I do love it, but now I can leave it on my Rickenbacker and attach it permanently. The Velcro for the wireless is amazing, I never liked tape, so I end up using zip ties and it's a PITA! Thank you for another great idea!
I'm so glad to hear someone else talk about the importance of strap length. I often talk about this to students. As a guitarist, I have found that the wrong strap length will alter my picking angle ... and in turn my whole right hand technique. BTW... the Bones stickers make me think you must have been a skater back in the day ;-)
WAY early days--metal wheels, then clay
@@BillySheehanOfficial Me too ;-)
So happy to see you here Billy! Watching Alberta Canada 🇨🇦
Very true, I must have bought hundreds of dollars worth of straps and they all stretch and are not where you had them when you first put it on. This is an incredible solution for strap issues.
Oh, i´ll just bought those new Ibanez straplock. And now... i learned a lot, alot more, a easy way from one of my fav bass player tnx Billy
The whole strap length thing I picked up from you and it did change my life (well, maybe not my life)
But then again....maybe!😃
It was just awesome, man! See your craftsmanship aligned to the needs of the job you know so well, and "performing" so gracefully to us is a total Blessing.
Much love from Brazil, keep healthy, safe and sound.
Obrigado!
Hi Billy, as a guy who's spent my life being creative and making bespoke items for whatever I happen to need at the time, I love your down-to-earth 'just a guy tinkering in his garage' approach, and your willingness to share your knowledge. Thank you! Is it me or are bass players in general the non-diva's of the music world? :)
In addition to building stuff (I'm currently a facilities maintenance guy for a 3-campus school, who started making youtube videos to keep the rest of the staff - who had to start teaching from home due to covid - entertained and up to speed on what's happening in our buildings), I've been an amateur musician most of my life. I have a great deal of respect for all instruments, however I love your utilitarian approach and that your instrument is your trades-tool... and that you're not afraid to get your hands inside it to see how it all works. Awesome. I absolutely agree that if you take something apart, figure it out, and can put it back together again, you develop an intimacy that you would not have as a player-only.
Anyways... I am a recent bass player, have been using an old guitar strap, and coming across your strap build video couldn't have been timed better! Question: What size grommets do you prefer? At 6:57 you hold up the nylon insert, which looks to be about 1/2", but it's hard to tell so I thought I'd ask.
Thanks again for being willing to share your knowledge!
I think the inside diameter is a half inch, and as I said, I got lucky that the nylon spacer fits it exactly. I hope that helps---and thank you for your kind words!
Just found the song A Million Tears Ago thanks to this video! Wow! 😍😍
Much appreciated!
Awesome video! Glad to see you fixed the flag in the background as well!
Yes!
Billy, thanks for the strap-build video. In the spirit of improvising with materials, I've sent you photos of one of your former basses with a strap stiffener sourced from hole-punched fabric used to tie headphone cable!
Cool!
“THIS OL BASS”. I LOVED THE VIDEO!,!
Oh man, where have I been? I just discovered this! Amazing! Luv ya buddy! Keep up the great work Billy and hopefully see you soon again. 👍🏼
Hi Jen!!!!!
Hi Billy! Big fan, just found your channel and subscribed. You should look into getting an arbor press to punch the holes and seat the grommets. That will let you dispense with the hammer entirely. It will be a bit slower, but you'll have a lot more control and your hands will definitely be safe. If you can, get one with a ratcheting handle so you can always have the handle in a comfortable spot. Thanks for the videos!
Excellent video Billy. Your solution makes perfect sense and is foolproof. That is something this bassist appreciates!
Hi Billy Great Channel ...bring it on! as well as being the musician we all love, your lessons are worth their weight in gold, with so much helpful knowledge and experience! even down to building nuclear straps like this, I have built 4 straps!! It has to be said (I have been fortunate to chat to you a couple of times over the years) you have to be one of the nicest people to have ever walked this planet period, I struggle socially due to Aspergers syndrome, but you have always made me feel at ease and well worth the effort to speak with you!!
I am sure the channel will take off very soon! The video was very fun to watch!
years ago when I worked in forestry, I tool part in a bit of rural fire fighting. I got hold of some old well-used hose that was worn in and a bit softer. Great vid.
Good day Billy. Godspeed.
Billy you just keep giving me new things to try
Glad to hear!
I just discovered your great "luthier" youtube channel. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Salute you from Chile!
The stiffness tip is genius, and with paint? I never would have guessed.
I'd insert a felt washer between the bass and the strap to protect it a bit more but otherwise these will last you a lifetime. Great video !
Felt or nylon --- nylon won't be affected by sweat
Just discovered your channel Billy!! Thanks a lot!!
BTW, Native Nashvillian here!!
A little wax / bar soap on the threads will help the screw thread into the wood. Great video
True!
Billy I wish I had information about this concept of your strap when I started, funny enough I learned it the hard way after humiliating myself trying to play in between set Amazing grace by Victor Wooten (of course my interpretation of it). It took me quite a while understanding what the problem was..... And a couple of years later I watched you talked about the strap length in one of your clinic! I was astounded that I was actually on the same stream of thought as you! Thank you so much for everything you've been and done for the many bass players around the world and for your music as a whole. I came from guitar to bass after watching Mr Big Live in San Francisco...Growing up in a small town in the conner most part of India it was for the first time I ever heard or watch someone playing the bass the way you do....I couldn't believe my eyes, my jaw dropped!! I was baffled for quite a few years until I found courage to finally pick up the instrument and your works on Mr Big have all been an absolute institution for me. May you live many more years with great health and keep making amazing music. Sorry it's been a lengthy comment...I usually don't and this is the longest comment I've ever for the record. Love from India! Ps I love your new tattoo 🤘🤘
Thanks so much!!!
That strap length explanation really helped me as well. I'd love to see a DVD or Blu-Ray version of those come out at some point!!
Another awesome video!!!
Not a bass player myself but I love watching your videos.
Yeah!
I used all this life-hacks for a long way, and I came to almost all of them on my own... but the trick with paint - it’s genius!
I always wondered how you manage not to
smash your Bass on stage or the DLR Videos 🤔!.
This is so creative and awesome , Billy 👍🏾!
As mentioned in another comment , you should offer these straps for sale , I ‚sure,
this Business will be successful 👍🏾👍🏾!
Thanks for opening your own UA-cam Channel 👍🏾👍🏾! I‘m looking forward for things to come here !
Stay save and healthy ,Billy !
Greetz from Germany !
Danke!