Our History DSL Straps began producing in 2005, while Mako House started operation in 1998. All of our products are manufactured by hand in Sydney, Australia by professional leather craftsmen with many years of leather working technique and experience. Our Designs DSL Straps combine tried and tested traditional strap making materials with an acute focus on strength, durability and aesthetics. Every DSL Strap series is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Each model takes into account the unique behaviour and balance of the instrument, the requirements of strength and durability, and the preference of the player. Features such as rolled edges for comfort, padding for support and lamination for suspension are tested for tested for practicality, size and placement before becoming a standard part of manufacturing. Our Process Every leather piece is precisely press-cut from hand picked hides. Surgically sharp templates slice the leather and leave no stray threads or uneven edges. This leaves each strap free uncomfortable burrs and ensures the correct amount of room for stitching. Stitching is performed by hand using highly accurate leather sewing machines and needles. Patterned designs in leather are pressure-laminated to the strap upper using strong leather-specific adhesive for a lifelong bond. The strap pin hole-and-slot is punched and cut so as to allow for a degree of stiffness and grip without being difficult to attach or remove. Every DSL strap uses genuine leather ends that do not sag or warp like synthetic or faux leather. Once a DSL strap is completed it is scrutinized under strict procedures to ensure maximum strength and aesthetic quality before leaving the workshop. Our Materials All DSL leather is hand-selected from high quality uncut hides. The leather chosen has superior durability and ages well, molding to player and instrument contours and softening over the years to a vintage lived-in appearance. Contemporary colours and rich earthy tones are selected for colour fastness and visual appeal. The leather used is also low static, and has very low dynamic water absorption. Medium weight leather is selected for itÕs superior combination of strength and suppleness. Heavy weight leather is selected for the ultimate in strength and durability. Full-grain garment quality leather has a luxuriantly soft feel while retaining excellent strength, and is used for backing, piping and laminated straps. Suede is chosen as a backing when shoulder stability and instrument position is critical, such as in a pad-and-tail design. All stitching uses a special heavy-gauge 100% polyester thread chosen for itÕs strength and high tolerance to fraying and kinking, and is available in a variety of colours.