Before you buy, FAQ

Before you buy...

Singing Crane straps are made from recycled, silk obi (kimono sash) fabric, so there are sometimes loose threads, blemishes or small imperfections. We try to show the straps as accurately as we can in the pictures, so please check them closely - remember, every strap is unique - any blemishes are part of the recycled nature of the straps and are there by design. They won't affect performance in any way, but if it bothers you, please don't buy one.

This strap has a brass buckle so please make sure to take care when you are returning the guitar to its case or placing the guitar and strap on a stand.
Singing Crane are not responsible for any damage occurring during the use of our straps.
We also recommend you ensure the strap is securely fastened with appropriate strap locks to ensure your guitar is always safe.

• Our guitar strap size is approximately 150cm to 155cm long maximum.
  The shortest length is approximately 90cm. And 5cm width.

FAQ...

1. What do you mean by ‘unique’ or ‘one-of-a-kind’?
   Out ‘unique’ strap means only one design in the world. We make three straps from one Obi so a strap design is the one-of-a-kind from other two straps.
   
   
2. The size of Singing Crane guitar straps?
   All our guitar straps are adjustable - from approximately 90cm to 150cm-155cm long, and all our straps are 5 cm wide.
   
   
3. My friend has a Singing Crane strap. Can I get the same one please?
   Unfortunately you cannot get the same design. Only one strap design in the world, each strap is different.
   
   
4. How do I keep my Singing Crane strap clean?
   If a strap got water stain, put tissues on the stain softly to absorb the water as soon as possible and tap with water to clean first. Please do not scrub. If you cannot rid of the stain with water, probably it’s oil stain. You can try to tap gently with a soft damp cloth with water diluted neutral detergent.
   Please do not use bleaches or brighteners.
   Please do not wring or twist.
   
   
5. Why is the letter / stitching / pattern / on this strap a bit different / a bit crooked?
   Our straps are all handmade (hand-cutting, sewing with a sewing machine one by one etc.) and recycle obi belt and leather so each strap is different and a bit crooked.
   
   
6. I can see three straps on the page and they look the same. Are they really unique?
   Yes. Each strap is a unique. We cut for three straps only from one obi. So sometimes they are similar depends on the obi design but definitely different. And different colour for the back side and leather part. 
   
   
7. How come there are small marks, loose threads on this strap?
   Our Obis are all recycles and woven or embroidery. We choose beautiful Obi design and care about marks etc. but they might have a little one.
   
   
8. Do I need to use strap locks?
   We recommend to use them for your guitar.
   
   
9. What do you mean by recycled?
   We recycle second hand Obis which are still so beautiful and reuse to revive.
   
   
10. What type of Obis?
    We only find 'Fukuro' Obi or 'Maru' Obi which both types are for formal and high quality.
    
    
11. Where does the leather come from?
    Our leathers come from a local leather shop in Kyoto. The leathers are cut off and their leathers are almost from Italy and Japan.
    
    
12. Where do you get the obis from?
    Obis are all in Japan.
    
    
13. How do you choose the material for the straps?
    We choose silk Obi belts, brass buckles in Japan.
    
    
14. Where are the straps made? Who makes them?
    Our straps make in Kyoto. Japanese clothes designer in Kyoto makes most of the process and we give the finishing touches to the straps.
    
    
15. What’s a kimono? What’s the difference between a kimono and an obi belt? 
    Kimono is a Japanese traditional clothes which is full-length robe. Obi belt is a sash, part of kimono outfits. They are very conspicuous accessory, it's the colourful belt a Japanese woman wears around waist. It might even more beautiful than the kimono itself and obi belt might cost more than the rest of the entire outfit. 
    
    
16. Why do you use obi’s for the straps? What exactly is so special about an obi belt?
    Obi belts are much stronger than kimono robe. Mostly it's even more beautiful than the kimono itself. Obi might cost more than the rest of the entire outfit. We look for these beautiful silk woven vintage obi belts.
    
    
17. What happens if I don’t like it when I get it? What if it’s damaged or broken?
    Unfortunately we don't accept returns because you don't like. Please choose carefully before you order. And they might have small mark or loose thread as explained “number 6” because of recycles. But if it's damaged or broken by shipper. It's insured shipment and you can claim for that. Please see the information here --->
    Yamato Transport
    EMS insurance
    
    
18. How strong are the straps?
    Silk is the strongest fabric I've known. For some silk Obis which are a bit thin, we put interlining cloth side to side of the each strap. Our straps are strong and we recommend to use rubber strap locks.
    
    
19. What do the Japanese characters in the logo mean?
    歌 : singing, 鶴 : crane, 京都 : Kyoto
    
    
20. What is the number on my strap? What does it mean?
    The numbers on the straps mean as follow:
    The first digit – 0 : proto type, 1 : genuine oroduct
    The second and third digits – Obi number of the year oeriod.
    The forth digit – three straps from the obi belt (from second and third digits) (number 1, 2 or 3)
    The fifth and sixth digits – year made