About Us
More Than a Guitar Strap
For more than two decades, Jeri Hart has created leather guitar straps that bring together comfort, durability, art, and personal story. Some have been made for well-known musicians and unforgettable performances. Many others have been created for people who play at home, perform on local stages, celebrate a milestone, or simply want a strap that feels unmistakably their own.
Every custom strap begins with listening. A name, a memory, a favorite image, a piece of music, or even a wild idea can become the starting point. From there, Jeri works with leather, color, layered details, and hand-finished hardware to create something personal enough to belong to one player, and tough enough to be enjoyed for more than one lifetime.
Jeri Hart Straps is not a factory or a trend-driven brand. It is Jeri’s studio, her art, and the work she has built through years of experimenting, solving problems, and caring about details that most people never see.
Meet the People Behind Jeri Hart Straps
Bruk Longbottom, Chief of Construction and Quiet Genius
Bruk has worked alongside Jeri for more than 20 years. A theater dresser with a remarkable knowledge of historical fabrics and patterns, she brings a deep understanding of construction, materials, and detail to everything she touches. Their connection goes beyond knowing what the other is thinking. Each instinctively knows where the other is in the process, what the work needs next, and when to step in, often without a word. That natural understanding has made Bruk an irreplaceable and deeply valued part of Jeri Hart Straps. She also holds the rare distinction of being the only human Bernie trusts to trim her nails.
David Karns, Airbrush Master and Chief Instigator of Art and Mischief
Based in Nashville, David is a touring and session bass player and backing vocalist whose work crosses country, rock, pop, gospel, and progressive rock. His creativity does not stop with music. He is also an extraordinary painter and visual artist, with the rare ability to move between instruments, canvas, and airbrush. Much of his life is spent on the road, but when a strap calls for the kind of airbrush work only David can do, he brings his artistry to Jeri Hart Straps. David and Jeri share an easy creative understanding, often knowing where the other is headed without needing many words. Their creative partnership extends beyond guitar straps to one-of-a-kind art furniture they have created together. More than a collaborator and friend, David is family to Jeri, and yes, he is expected for Christmas.
Jenna Hose, Master of Tiny Impossible Things
Jenna grew up as part of the extended Jeri Hart Straps family. Her father, Johnny Henry, is one of Jeri’s dearest friends, and Jeri has known Jenna since she was very young. Jenna was an extraordinary artist even as a child, and as she grew up, she spent time working at Jeri Hart Straps. Today, she is also an extraordinary tattoo artist, a natural fit for her remarkable attention to detail, steady precision, and determination to make every tiny element absolutely perfect. Jeri still calls her in for difficult stitching jobs and the ridiculously tiny, complicated details Jenna loves to tackle.
Tim Hallquist, President of Keeping the Sky from Falling, AKA Batman
Tim earned his title honestly. The studio was built in the 1940s, long before anyone imagined it housing sewing machines running day after day. When years of vibration caused the ceiling to begin falling in, Tim lifted it back into place and helped keep the studio standing. He is the person Jeri calls when something seems impossible to repair, because Tim can fix just about anything. His standing promise has always been, “Just turn on the Batlight and I’ll come save the day,” earning him the nickname “Batman.” When he isn’t keeping the studio from falling apart, he plays bass with his band, Last Gnome Standing.
Hal Bleiweiss and Chelli Carter Timbie, Keepers of the Feed
Hal and Chelli are the storytellers behind the screens, helping the heart, humor, and artistry of Jeri Hart Straps travel far beyond the studio walls. Together, they bring more than 20 years of experience representing brands, but what makes them so special is the genuine care they bring to the work and the people behind it. They work alongside Jeri to share the inspiration behind each piece, shine a brighter light on the care that goes into every strap, and connect with the people who understand why handmade work matters. Along the way, they have become part of the extended Jeri Hart Straps family, bringing encouragement, laughter, fresh ideas, and the occasional well-timed bit of mischief. Officially, they are the Keepers of the Feed. Unofficially, they are the Hype Department, the Signal Boosters, and the creative rescue crew making sure the stories born in Jeri’s studio do not get lost within its walls.
