PDA

View Full Version : What I feel are the best mandolin straps



Peakbagr
Mar-12-2005, 3:51pm
My preference is a wider, flat strap instead of a narrow, or braided strap. I feel that a soft, flat leather strap spreads the weight of the instrument over a a wider area and is more comforable standing. It is also more comfortable if you sit down as the thin leather is unnoticeable behind your back if you lean back against something.
I found the thin leather strap that came on my Rigel to be ideal. Discovered that a company called Long Hollow Leather makes straps for a variety of instruments, and makes the Rigel strap.
There is a great version for A or F style mandolins. I ordered one and its great. I have no connection expect that its close to perfect for those who want a strap to be virtually unnoticeable while wearing it.
Website below:
http://www.longhollowleather.com/

http://www.longhollowleather.com/

John Flynn
Mar-12-2005, 3:58pm
I agree. I think the Longhollow "Mandolin Softy," which is the strap Rigel uses, is the best thing I have tried. They are a great price also. If I ordered one again, though, I would call them and see if they would send me one without button holes. I didn't like their standard spacing, so I would prefer to put my own holes in the strap.

jmkatcher
Mar-12-2005, 4:23pm
After trying a few others, the Longhollow ones are what I have on both my instruments. Anything narrower bites into my back. The only problem I've found is that the strap wants to pull out of the button on my (very heavy) Gibson EM-200.

Ted Eschliman
Mar-12-2005, 6:28pm
Count me in, too.
These are the only mando strap I'll use and
<<warning: dealer disclaimer...>> sell.

Steven Stone
Mar-12-2005, 7:27pm
By far my favorite strap comes from Colorado Case CO.

Made of cool paterned cloth, adjustable, comfortable, and did I mention ADJUSTABLE?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gifhttp://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

Stephen Perry
Mar-13-2005, 8:02am
I keep having to reorder Long Hollow softies. They are by far the most popular here.

bjc
Mar-13-2005, 9:34am
While I enjoy the Long Hollow straps...I have them on all but one of my mandos...I have found the spacing to be not suited to my needs, I have to cut addtional holes in them to get a good fit for me and on my F-style the shoulder padding ended up on my back, so I had to use something else...I'm using Loren Bailey's strap that he advertised in the classifieds here...he made it the size I needed...and it does feel good, I will probably order a couple more from him...however, I understand why some do not like the thin straps...

Scotti Adams
Mar-13-2005, 10:12am
...Just a Roo will doo for me...absolutely love them...

Flowerpot
Mar-13-2005, 2:33pm
I love my Long Hollow Softies! Comfortable, no metal parts, and roll up into a very small storage space. I did have to cut a couple of more holes for finer adjustment, but that took 5 minutes. I'm sold on them.

levin4now
Mar-13-2005, 9:34pm
Another cheer for teh softie. I love mine. It doesn't feel like your wearing it, yet it has enough grip, you can let go of your F5 just about and it stays there. ...and it IS soft!

Steve Perry
Mar-14-2005, 10:33am
Another vote for the LH Softie. #It's comfortable and stays put on my shoulder unlike the narrow flat and round braided straps I've got. #The only problem I have with the LH, like everybody else, is the adjustment range.

So... those of you that have modded your strap, #what do you use to cut the new hole?

Rich Michaud
Mar-14-2005, 10:05pm
I spent a lot of time trying out different straps. My favorites are the roo strap sold by Carmel and long Hollow softies as well. Both are great. Rich Michaud

mandroid
Mar-14-2005, 10:11pm
I got #a handweaver make one on a belt loom, reduced from 1" #to 1/2" and sewed a loop on one end, wove a hole in the other , nice N soft cotton patterned, tweedy.



# #

levin4now
Mar-16-2005, 11:46am
mandroid, would like to see a pic of that strap.

mandroid
Mar-16-2005, 7:04pm
Attempt made,caused a computer shutdown, too bad they dont have an acoustic version of these. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif *oh well*

The Ctrl button must turn over control to the digiDeamonics.

Newtdude
Mar-16-2005, 8:35pm
Yet another positive vote for the LH strap! #I ordered mine off the Rigel web page - I was actually shocked at how comfortable it is. #I also feel I have much better control of the instrument than I did with a braided strap. #It seems to stick and stay in place. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

bjc
Mar-16-2005, 11:41pm
The LH is very comfortable (just wish the shoulder area came in a different spot for the vertically challenged...HA)...I have ordered mine through Finecases.com...no $$$ interest here...but they've come quick

Jonas
Mar-17-2005, 5:08pm
I made my own braided strap a few days ago. Bought a piece of brown leather, sliced upp two cuts in it (but kept it closed on both sides) and made a "three-strand trick braid" just like this! (http://www.saroftreve.com/wwl/braiding/3trick.shtml)

It turned out very nice, and I made it my self! My first attempt att making anything mandolin affiliated. Next step is to make the mandolin my self.

Slim Pickins
Apr-11-2005, 5:17pm
I made my own braided strap a few days ago. Bought a piece of brown leather, sliced upp two cuts in it (but kept it closed on both sides) and made a "three-strand trick braid" just like this! (http://www.saroftreve.com/wwl/braiding/3trick.shtml)

It turned out very nice, and I made it my self! My first attempt att making anything mandolin affiliated. Next step is to make the mandolin my self.
When braiding your own strap how do you finish it off with the end to attach to the mando button? I want to use 2 heaver bootlaces and one thiner leather show lace. Any ideas?

man doh
Apr-11-2005, 6:56pm
I use a piece of hemp twine. I used the rest of the money I saved for a set of weights, so I don't have problems with the weight of my mando on my shoulder and back.

bjc
Apr-12-2005, 6:01am
LIFT 2 3....pick 2 3...

Markelberry
Apr-21-2005, 12:00pm
I bought a criss strap off ebay leather nice adjustable scroll loop trimmed in gold soft padded underneath very nice looking and comfortable. I think I gave 16.00 for it.

Jonas
Apr-28-2005, 6:06pm
When braiding your own strap how do you finish it off with the end to attach to the mando button? I want to use 2 heaver bootlaces and one thiner leather show lace. Any ideas?
I didn't use three different strips, i used one which i cut up in three but kept uncut AT BOTH ENDS. Then there is this special trick to make a braid out of it with the two ends still kept together. Follow the link in my previous post to see how it's done. It's a little tricky at first but after a while you get the hang of it.