BrianMac - Posted - 04/28/2025:  06:19:15

How do you avoid buckle rash? I’ve got a new guitar being built and want to keep it as dent and scratch free as possible.

I don’t mind the patina on my old Guernsey but want to keep the new one new!

You use a pad of some sort? I have to wear a western belt!

 

hlpdobro - Posted - 04/28/2025:  06:36:49

Move the belt one loop over. (if you must)

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Lounge Primate - Posted - 04/28/2025:  06:41:54

Try a mechanics belt.

Tom Jr. - Posted - 04/28/2025:  07:10:14

They make leather covered belt buckles. I wear a brass buckle but have found that I keep a guitar a little over onto my right hip more. Never had a problem with buckle rash.

FrederickPatterson - Posted - 04/28/2025:  07:37:26

Shirt tail out when playing.
Or sling it low like a rock star.

BrianMac - Posted - 04/28/2025:  07:42:07

I guess turning a fancy cowboy belt buckle one loop to the left won’t hurt my image too much! lol

daver - Posted - 04/28/2025:  18:38:36

+1 on the mechanics belt. I no longer wear any belts with buckles.

BrianMac - Posted - 04/29/2025:  06:41:54

I had to look up what a mechanic’s belt was. It would indeed take care of the problem, but I do enjoy “Western Wear” clothing when performing, which includes “buckleage”.

I’ve only recently started performing more, and thus standing more. The bout rash is new to me. I noticed the scratches just a couple days ago.

Some people pay more for scratches like that for Fender Custom Shop electrics!

Thanks guys.

BrianMac - Posted - 04/29/2025:  06:42:03

Double post...

Edited by - BrianMac on 04/29/2025 06:43:14

daver - Posted - 04/29/2025:  09:22:31

quote:

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Originally posted by BrianMac

I had to look up what a mechanic’s belt was. It would indeed take care of the problem, but I do enjoy “Western Wear” clothing when performing, which includes “buckleage”...

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So perhaps these would meet in the middle.  Several decorative/Western options for buckle-less belting.  More affordable than I thought.

musiciansbelt.com/

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 04/29/2025:  13:05:13

Yeah - those musician belts are pretty nice. I've never gotten around to buying one, but it's been there in the back of my head for years. 

I turn the belt buckle all the way to my left side. Though I do place the dobro more over my right hip. Better safe than sorry. Haven't worn one in years, but I've had a few nice western belt buckles in the past. But I also worked too hard for the instruments I have purchased as new, and I just can't fathom allowing a belt buckle to mess them up with a bunch of scratches and dings since it's easily preventable. 

Accidental scratches and dings over the years are one thing - but those are accidents. 

FrederickPatterson - Posted - 05/08/2025:  02:14:21

Carhart makes a decent one

a.co/d/iz4Rgnu