Hello!
Some of the members here have fantastic popping straps. I’m currently using a chamois as purchased from Advance Auto Parts. It’s okay but I want something more firm – more of a “real” leather popping strap.
Our man Benedict has exactly what I’m thinking of, in case anyone knows what he uses.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Jonathan
I use a piece of leather… about as real as a piece of leather can be, since it’s… leather. Works great for me.
From what I can see on the few photographs I found on the web he seems to use just a piece of leather. I can’t see anything extraordinary or fantastic in it. What exactly are you thinking of?
If Uilliam’s solution is too technical for you, you could always try a pair of these:
djm
Upon reflection, I feel rather embarrassed that I posted my popping-strap post. Perhaps I’m that ignorant regarding leather and what to “call” it when I ask an informed person. I seem to have exhausted the very few local leather suppliers, hence my post.
Jonathan
Ok its not really the easiest way to get "gear " for pipes but you can try the local thrift store and check out a leather bag for about a few bucks , then cut up the bag and use the leather for a popping strap . I go for the consevative colors brown , black , but Icould do red or even blue , but not purple thats out .
I tried but I allways go to sleep at night after with the light on , silence of the lambs you know . 
wow.
after seeing those two pictures,
I dont know wether to ask for a bottle in front of me,
or a frontal lobotomy. 
Suede. In Benedict’s case, blue suede. (Go on, sing a little Elvis if you dare.)
Try a craft store for large squares of suede. I’ve seen them at Michaels. Or you could go to a fabric store.
Cheers,
KAD
KAD, always I look to you for guidance. Thank you, O Wise Jedi master!
If you look around you, you may find a popping strap right under your nose. I was wondering how I was going to find one or how to order one, when one day in the garage I saw a unused LEATHER cover for the front of my car. I bought it with the plan to put it on the front of the car to protect the paint from freeway debris. It was never used and a swift cut of the knife and I had my leather popping strap.
but, uhmm, why are we using a popping strap?
After i have seen some really good Pipers playing without, i tried it.
And i hear and feel no Difference.
Thomas
I think you can hear differences. See Mr. Anderson on St. D´Arcy´s site playing his Talor-set with a popping valve AND a piper´s apron:
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/diary_1997.html
Ask Paddy Keenan why he is wearing his hat.
I use an old suede potholder that a mouse chewed a piece out of. Looks sort of dorky, but its history makes me chuckle.
Like Kara mentioned above, the ones available at Michael’s Craft Stores are ideal. They are thickish suede measuring about 8x10. They have them in the leather crafts section on a hanger with a card display across the top. Here I just found them on their website: http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc0702
I have a beige and also a black one. Beware though, the black will leave a mark on you new white cotton pants:
Pea’s,
PD.
I’d definitely go for the zebra stripes, but perhaps the spotted leopard one is more your style.
djm
I wear leather pants everyday so i use jeans or corduroy as poping strap
hehe!!
