I agree about the stand. I'd get some "Unfinished" (Uncolored) raw Leather, and "Sew" it together, slip it over those arm pads. I messed up a mid 70's headstock by "Hanging" it on a plastic foam covered stand. Never again!
I read once that Angus Young of AC/DC was playing in the studio, and his Amp Head began to smoke, then caught fire. He briefly quit playing, and then his brother Malcolm burst in, and excitedly told him to keep playing!
Dunlop. They are great with heavy Les Paul's. And a Wide strap! I had to grind down the screw head a bit...a drop of oil on the balls, once a year, and a bit of Lock Tite on the Strap part...it is done, for good...and a tug on the strap when re-attaching. Done for the life of the strap.
I have loved Ted since I first saw him at Sherwood Forest in '69 ? I spoke with him twice there.
I love his tone, his volume, his stage presence; and...his Politics!