Mandolin Straps..

[NickelCreeker]

I Was just curious.. Is it easier to play standing up with a strap or sitting without one..LOL. I need to Invest in getting one, anything I should look for or anything when getting one?

By THe way, I was sitting here going through out the Mandolin Cafe Boards reading random posts and replies and I though to myself "Man I love these people.." http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

~Candy~

[John Flynn]

I think that like a lot of things we discuss here, straps are much more personal preference than right or wrong. I think both sitting and standing can be comfortable ways to play, if you find the strap/position best for you.

There is also the issue of the "guitar-style" or left shoulder stap, vs. the "Monroe-style" or right shoulder strap. There is also the length issue. Do you want it "slung low" , "up under your chin" or somewhere in between? Curtis Buckhannon plays without a strap both sitting and standing. I use a stap in both modes. Go figure. I recommend a lot of experimentation. Try all the modes. You will find one that gives you the most advantage for your body structure and playing style. I will say that the Long Hollow Leather "Mandolin Softy" strap is the best I have found and I have tried a lot of them. I think the braided ones look really cool, though. Just my .02.

[cutbait2]

if you have to stand (as around a mic, etc) you need a strap. if you go to jam sessions and intend on passing your instrument i would recommend a strap. for sitting around the house, an F model will rest nicely on your left leg. all that said as most people ultimatley jam in groups or outdoors i'd recommend you get a strap and get used to playing standing up, not that its a big deal. however there is a difference between the strap supporting the neck and you having to hold it with you hand, worth working thru, again something that won't be a big transition after you've played awhile........

[VaFrank]

Any difference in a strap for an A model and F model?

[Scotti Adams]

you owe it to yourself and your mando to get a Kangaroo hide strap for our own AlanN...great strap..the last one you will ever need...

[VaFrank]

Allen,

I tried to e-mail you, however I get a no name matches message.

Frank

[johnwalser]

My instrutor has convinced me to use a strap even if I'm laying in bed. He dosen't want my left hand to help support the mandolin in any way. My left hand is meant to be free to move and fret the instrument. After 2 months of always using a right shoulder strap (standing/sitting/slouching) I feel I've made a bit of a breakthrough in my play. What do you know, my instructor knows more about mandolin playing than I do!
John

[fatt-dad]

Dear NickelCreeker,

I just get three 72-in boot laces (rawhide or use a mix) and braid them. There you have it - a mandolin strap. I agree that to play the mandolin without a strap is more difficult.

f-d

[cutbait2]

va frank, an A model can have a button near the neck joint and another near the tailpiece or the top of the strap can be treaded between the nut and lower tuners, the F tyically has a loop that goes around the scroll or can be set up as for the A, the straps differ accordingly, experiment, find the setup you like.

[jiffyfeet]

I really can't play much without a strap, and prefer to stand. If I try to play without a strap I end up just strumming chords as I can't pick fast notes that way. Even when I jam with my buddy and he's sitting down, I still stand. For some reason it's the only way I can play very well.

[Chuck]

That Kangaroo strap is a dilly. It is also small enough in diameter that it can remain on the mandolin when in a fitted case. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[NickelCreeker]

Boot Straps... Man I never thought of that! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif LoL.
At the Music Store, to my supprise they were sold out of Mandolin Straps, which means that SOMEONE here in Washington actually plays...ha. Also at the Local Purina Feed store, they have thin straps of leather that would work very very well. Thanks for the Boot strap Idea thing.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[AlanN]

Bad link, sorry.

oldstrings@hotmail.com for info on roo straps.

[bjc]

Greetings,

I've found that the D'Adario straps are very comfortable...for me at least...I use one with my F mando and my octave mando...But I think the thin straps look soooo cool...and we ALL know how important it is to look good... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Has anyone had any problems with them digging into their shoulders?

[mcashion]

I bought some leather lacing on the roll and made myself a strap...three braded leather strips, make one of the strips longer than the others to allow for a hangman style noose on one end for the strap button and a piece at the other end to tie it on my A. Made another by request for an F with a loop on the top end. I have made several. They are not hard at all. The trick to making them feel smooth while being braded is to braide it rounded rather that just flat over, over, over. Not a real good description but when you start braiding, you will see what I mean.

[JiminRussia]

I like to use the over the neck (guitar style) strap on my mandolins just so that I don't have to worry about it slipping of of my shoulder when I'm NOT playing. At jams etc., a lot of the time we are standing in a circle tryng to figure out what tune to play, what key to play in, what is the correct chord progression, etc. If you use the right shoulder (Monroe style) strap, there is always the chance of the embarassing "scramble to catch your falling mandolin" rearing its' ugly head. Also, it seems to me, that when you use the right shoulder strap, you are defeatig the purpose of using he strap because you still have to support the mandolin with your left hand to keep it from slipping off of your shoulders. At least that's the case with me, but I'm kind of a pencil neck with skinney shoulders too.:laugh:

[Kirby161]

I must confess; im no boyscout, i cant tie without instruction to the perfect point.

Is there a website that shows how to make the ultimate shoelace strap?

[Mando Medic]

Straps also available in Oregon at www.bluegrassboutique.com
and tell em' Ken sent you.

[BenE]

Straps also available in Oregon at www.bluegrassboutique.com
and tell em' Ken sent you.
The string winder look like a work of art as well! I want one! Ken, I think you posted on these a while back. I emailed Clyde at the time and he was busy working festivals...Looks like he is "cranking" them out! Might have to order one and try it out!
BTW Ken, thanks for the strings (Bush sets) Super fast shipping!

[garyblanchard]

I have a strap (no name that I've seen) that I bought at Appalachian Bluegrass in Catonsville, MD. It has a slot that the strap slips through to hook it around the head - the design of it is poor and it doesn't look that good. BUT -- it has an extra piece of leather sewn underneath that holds two picks. I hate to replace the strap beacuse I love the pick pockets. (No not the guy with his hand in my pants.)

[Mandolin Fan]

I'd recommend a strap from Lauren Dudenbostel. It's the finast quality you'd expect. Check out http://www.thedailytimes.com/sited/story/html/135294
Of course I have no finacial interest, etc.

[VaFrank]

Where on the internet can I find her strap for sale?

Thanks,

Frank