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View Full Version : What strap to buy



Jeffrey Lewis
Mar-19-2005, 5:15pm
Anybody have any opinions on the straps in the most recent FQMS? I need a new one, and I need to narrow it down to either the "Planet Waves", or the no name, "F-Style Mandolin Strap". Anything will help. I've got to get a new one before Mando Camp North. Thanks,

Jeff

Jeffrey Lewis
Mar-19-2005, 5:16pm
P.s. Anyone know what Thile uses?

steve in tampa
Mar-19-2005, 7:15pm
Check e-bay. Lots more choices there. I like the ones made by Dave Capps. I think he has an ad running in the classifieds here too.

fatt-dad
Mar-19-2005, 11:17pm
Braid together three rawhide boot laces (72 in) and make your own. Total cost under $5.00. I have had a lot of fun doing this and it works well.

f-d

glauber
Mar-19-2005, 11:24pm
Braid together three rawhide boot laces (72 in) and make your own. Total cost under $5.00. I have had a lot of fun doing this and it works well.
Yep. Same here.

Here's some info on braiding (in case you aren't a girl) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
http://www.virtue.to/articles/braiding.html

Use a figure-eight knot (http://www.troop7.org/Knots/Eight.html) to terminate the braid on each side, leaving enough material for a hangman's knot (http://www.bigcitystring.com/hmstrap.htm) on each side. The knot works well on a strap pin or a scroll.

I like using 2 rawhide laces and 1 black nylon lace, for variety.

Glassweb
Mar-20-2005, 12:42pm
I've been using a strap made by Collings and I'm hooked. You can buy them through Dustry Strings in Seattle. About $25 bucks and worth it for comfort and quality... just like everything from Collings. I did some customizing to mine to get it just right for my taste... I don't put my strap around the scroll as I get a better balance tying to the second e-string tuner. Unorthodox? Sure, but that's the way (uh-huh uh-huh) I like it. Cheers y'all!

Bob Kellett
Mar-20-2005, 12:46pm
I bought one of Sully's Straps. IMHO you cannot buy a better quality strap anywhere at any price. Top leather and craftsmanship and one heck of a nice guy to deal with!
Here is his website: www.sullysstraps.com.

bjc
Mar-20-2005, 4:40pm
Two suggestions here: Long Hollow Softy Straps available through jazzmando and finecases.com...if you like a thicker strap or Loren Bailey has an ad in the classified (I hope it's still there) and he'll make one to your specs and his turn around time was REAL quick...just my 2 cents...now where's my change?

musicman
Mar-20-2005, 4:53pm
Another nice one I have found is available through suncreekmusic.com there about 1/2 inch wide and made of black or brown leather, they run for around $7.00. I have also seen some kangaroo hide braided straps that look really comfortable through folk of the woods I believe? They run around the $40.00 range but man do they look nice?
Anyway, happy hunting.
Mike
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Jeffrey Lewis
Mar-20-2005, 6:34pm
Thanks alot guys! I have a bunch of things to lookat I guess. I really like 3/4" ones, that are non braided. I'll look at all the sites.
Jeff http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

Greenmando
Mar-20-2005, 7:40pm
I think Chris Thile might use a dude strap.

mandroid
Mar-26-2005, 9:37pm
Jethro went Strapless, for decades. Methinks.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Mar-26-2005, 9:43pm
Well i am usually using a guitar strap for my F. I just tie that little string around that old curly cue. It feels alot more comfortable with a bigger strap to me. You dont have to have something tuggin on you. Its a Gibson Bluegrass strap that says Gibson Bluegrass, thats why i was so attracted to it.

darthstar
Mar-26-2005, 9:46pm
Well i am usually using a guitar strap for my F. I just tie that little string around that old curly cue. It feels alot more comfortable with a bigger strap to me. You dont have to have something tuggin on you. Its a Gibson Bluegrass strap that says Gibson Bluegrass, thats why i was so attracted to it.
Both players at the show I saw last night had wide-straps on their mandolins...I'm good with the small strap myself right now, as I'm only learning, and chances are I won't be standing in front of 300 people playing my mandolin for two and a half hours in the near future. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Jeffrey Lewis
Mar-30-2005, 3:50pm
OK, I broke down, and bought a Dude. It was really easy dealing with Lynn and Laura, and i'm getting it before mando camp. Can't wait! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

levin4now
Mar-30-2005, 9:41pm
I love my Longhollow Softie Mandolin strap. One piece of extremely soft and comfortable leather. (wider over the shoulder). about 16 bucks.

Ken Sager
Mar-31-2005, 6:44pm
2nd the Longhollow Softie. I even bought it from Dale. You remember Dale, don't you?

mandowood
Mar-31-2005, 7:19pm
I have to say that I just picked up a Webb Mandolin Strap from a friend. It's extremely comfortable, wide- I know it's not braided or leather- but it attaches real nice. They can be found at Elderly and FQMS, I believe. This one came from our local shop here in St. Louis.

jimbob
Apr-12-2005, 5:48am
Sully's strap is nice because it is fully adjustable...vey high quality material, too....it will last a long, long time.

legendarytones
Apr-20-2005, 10:04am
Levy strap. Thin and comfortable. I can't see using a wide strap. Mandolins don't weigh much. Thin strap= less clutter in case. I agree, rawhide boot laces work well. Besides I like the sound of that "RAWHIDE".

kvk
Apr-20-2005, 10:50am
Dale had three Softies left, $15 with shipping. I bought one; like it enough I bought a second one. That was only a couple days ago. He may still have the third one left. I've seen them on Ebay for $5-6 more than that once you add in shipping so it's a good deal.

WireBoy
Apr-20-2005, 10:59pm
i just got a LongHollow Preimere for my mandola. that's the thin one, not the softy with the wider shoulder section. #it is nicely tooled and burgandy stained. #i use the last strap hole for the end pin and then tie it off at the peghead with a piece of black leather lace that i added at the other end. #i use a knotted loop that is just wide enough to slip over the end of the head stock just before the tuners. #the black leather lace keeps it unobtrusive against the ebony peghead veneer and the loop is just tight enough to be removed easily but won't slip off during normal playing positions.

i didn't want to add something on the neck to impede hand movement or disrupt the lines of the back plate / heel. #with the strap tied off at the end of the peghead i also avoid strap restrcitions common to that when its tied off just behind the nut.

i found the LH priemer to be a bit stiff, so i worked at flexing it all along its length. #very much improved, its very supple now.

check out this pic

WireBoy
Apr-20-2005, 11:02pm
tied off behind the peghead

WireBoy
Apr-20-2005, 11:03pm
and now a self portrait to show the strap "in action !"