Gear article
Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Blacklight Love Drops Pink Strap
The Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Blacklight Love Drops Pink is a limited-edition guitar strap featuring jacquard-woven fabric inspired by 1960s psychedelic art. Part of the Hendrix Blacklight Collection, the strap is specifically designed to be UV-reactive, glowing vividly under blacklight conditions while providing a durable attachment for electric and acoustic instruments.
See live pricesBackground and Design
The Dunlop JH28 Love Drops Pink strap is a functional tribute to the visual aesthetics of the late 1960s, specifically the psychedelic concert posters and lighting effects associated with Jimi Hendrix's performances. It belongs to a curated series of accessories that celebrate Hendrix's legacy through period-accurate patterns. The 'Love Drops' design utilises a high-contrast palette that mimics the visual effect of lava lamps and liquid light shows common during the acid rock era.
Visual Features and Materials
The primary distinguishing feature of this strap is its blacklight-reactive property. While it appears as a vibrant pink and black pattern under standard lighting, the jacquard-woven fabric is engineered to 'spring to life' and glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This makes it a specialized choice for stage environments where blacklighting is utilised. The construction employs a traditional woven technique, which is favoured for its balance of flexibility and long-term durability compared to printed synthetic alternatives.
Practical Application
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the JH28 is designed for 'gigging reliability'. The woven fabric provides enough friction to help prevent 'neck dive' on certain guitar models while remaining comfortable for extended playing sessions. As a limited edition piece, it is marketed toward collectors and players who seek a specific vintage aesthetic without sacrificing the structural integrity required for live performance.
Comparison and Market Context
At a price point of roughly £50, this strap sits in the premium category for fabric straps. While functional accessories like the Neotech Super Banjo Strap or BG Oboe Zen Strap focus purely on ergonomics and weight distribution, the Dunlop JH28 prioritises visual performance and historical branding. It serves a different purpose than utility items like Fender Strap Blocks or Steinigke Tie Straps, functioning as both a structural tool and a piece of stage costume.
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£21.00 ($27)Protec
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£33.90 ($43)Neotech
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£4.99 ($6)Fender
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£2.00 ($3)Steinigke
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£6.49 ($8)Flight
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the main feature of the Dunlop JH28 Love Drops Pink strap?
- The main feature is its blacklight-reactive jacquard-woven fabric, which glows under UV light to create a psychedelic visual effect.
- Is this strap part of a specific series?
- Yes, it is part of the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Blacklight Collection, which features designs inspired by the psychedelic era.
- What material is used for the strap construction?
- The strap is made from high-quality jacquard-woven fabric, designed for both comfort and durability during long playing sessions.
- Does the strap require special lighting to look good?
- No, it features a bold pink 'Love Drops' pattern that is visible in normal light, though it is specifically designed to glow under ultraviolet stage lighting.
- Is the Dunlop Hendrix Love Drops strap a permanent item?
- No, it is an exclusive limited edition piece, making it a potential item for collectors of Hendrix-related gear.
- How does the price compare to standard guitar straps?
- At approximately £50, it is positioned as a premium strap, reflecting its limited edition status and specialized reactive materials.
- Can this strap be used with acoustic guitars?
- Yes, provided the acoustic guitar has standard strap buttons, this woven strap is suitable for both electric and acoustic instruments.
- What era of music history does the design reference?
- The design references the mind-bending colours and lava-lamp aesthetics of the late-sixties psychedelic gigging scene.
- Is the pattern printed or woven?
- The pattern is jacquard-woven into the fabric itself, which typically offers better longevity and texture than a surface-printed design.
- Does it offer the same features as ergonomic straps like Neotech?
- Unlike Neotech straps which focus on neoprene padding and weight reduction, the Dunlop JH28 focuses on authentic Hendrix styling and visual drama.
- Should I use additional security with this strap?
- While the strap is reliable, many players choose to pair it with accessories like Fender Strap Blocks to ensure the ends do not slip off the guitar buttons.
- Is the 'Love Drops' pattern available in other colours?
- This specific model is the 'Pink' version within the Blacklight collection, noted for its specific reactive properties.
