Moody Leather: About Moody

Allison Suter - founder of Moody Leather

For more pictures of Allison visit
our Gallery.

We couldn't say it better ourselves, editor in chief of Guitar Player magazine and author of the "Industry Insider" has written a bio on Moody and Allison...take a look.

One look at the company's marketing materials tells you that Moody Leather is no ordinary strap company. I don't want to spoil the surprise (or the outrage), so let's just say that the images are very provocative. Oh, hell-I'll just let Moody Leather founder/designer Allison Suter give you the scoop: "The feel of our leather straps is yummy and sensual, so the hint of erotica is enticing and appropriate. And while our ads are edgy, sex and rock and roll have always gone well together."

Suter first taught herself to work with leather by making a deerskin jacket for her father-who was an F-15 fighter pilot and designer of the Air Force's Red Flag Air Warfare Center, and is the namesake of Moody Leather (the company logo is his actual signature). From there, Suter started making handbags, but as she was a ballet dancer, it wasn't long before music intersected with her business strategy.

"It seemed to me that straps were an afterthought for many musicians," she explains. "And if you wanted a premium strap, it was usually a gaudy design that didn't incorporate really good-quality leather. I started talking to players to see what they wanted, and that led to a lot of research."

Suter's impromptu surveys revealed that most players simply wanted a strap that melted into their shoulders and didn't slide around. They also didn't appreciate beads, buckles, and other accoutrements that might scratch their instrument. The primary solution, according to Suter, was to manufacture her straps only with exquisite Italian leather that provided a buttery feel and delivered maximum comfort.

"I could use lower-quality suede and leather for the inside layers of my straps, but I don't," she says. "No one sees those layers, but they feel them."

"I could never understand why a musician would hang their beloved guitar or bass on an inexpensive strap," says Suter. "Music is all about feel and sensation, and, you know, I couldn't imagine cuddling up in bed with a $15 strap. And to any musician who doesn't even think about his or her strap, I can only ask them to consider this: It's what holds the instrument that makes the music."

- Michael Molenda, editor in chief Guitar Player magazine

The History Behind Our Name

Colonel Richard "Moody" Suter

Col. Richard "Moody" Suter Remembered

Col. Moody Suter was the designer of the Air Force's premier combat training exercise -- Red Flag. Lt. General James F. Record said, "Red Flag has affected almost every pilot who takes to the skies in defense of their country ... if not directly ... then indirectly by the individual pilots taking back to their home base what they've learned."

"I flew about 10 missions with your Dad as a Gunfighter at Da Nang as his "back seater." He was instrumental in getting me an in-theater checkout in the F-4 since I only had one orientation flight stateside(the 1st time I was ever within 100 yards of any fighter aircraft). As one of the original 11 instructors creating the F-111D training program at Cannon AFB, NM, I had to first get checked out at Nellis in the A model. That's when I "re-met" you Dad. Later, I negotiated time on the range to do advanced checkouts on some special equipment unique to the D model.

Two funny stories to add to your collection about your Dad. First, he insisted that I learn to fly the F-4 from the back seat, including landings and takeoffs, singly and in formation. Ater taking off, he would give me the a/c and say, "you've got it Critter, I have to get rid of this gas mask (oxygen mask) and have a cigarette before I gag." I would get us to the target and then he would take over. After we left the target area, he would give the a/c to me to get us home. This paid big dividends later on when as one of 5 rated navigator instructors authorized to take the F-111D away from rated student pilots.

Your Grandfather is key to the other story since he owned a liquor store and provide us with a large box of dry mix packets each month, enough for sharing. These whiskey sour, mai tai, etc. packs were generously shared among Moody's friends which included the whole 366TFW. I was sorry to hear that your Dad is gone. He was a good guy."

Bob Crisp

Place: 366th Fighter Wing Reunion,
Seattle 2005

Player: trained by and flew combat
with Moody Suter, 1967-68-69

Suit: 1968 custom made non-
regulation party flight suit

Tunes: Fighter pilot songs WW II,
Korea and Vietnam including
The USAF Song done fingerstyle

Guitar: Ovation

Strap: Moody Leather

"Allison, there were many there at the reunion that personally remembered Moody and told stories of his passion for military flying and his innovative approaches at Red Flag. I am proud to have served with him and the story behind the Moody Leather Strap makes a fine lead in to playing in that it intergrates military service into the civilian audience at a time when they are distanced. The fighter jocks send their regards. Keep up the great work."

Jim Fegan

Col. Richard "Moody" Suter Remembered

Other Col. "Moody" Suter Resources