Where do you attach the strap

[red7flag]

I guess my history with guitar comes in here. #I go to my local luthier, Robin Smith, who puts a button on the bottom of the neck heal. #From my experience, I just don't like the feel of a fretted instrument where the strap attaches to the headstock. #I think I am a minority of A owners, from what I have read here. #I would enjoy some imput.
Tony

[MikeEdgerton]

Check out this (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=43242;hl=strap+and+butt on) thread and then scroll through these (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=Search&CODE=02&SID=47f54e1f6de8eb37) threads.

[DMosher]

There is mando content here, I promise!

I have always felt the same as you. #Then I bought a Gibson J-30--nice and vintage looking (though it's only a '90 model). #No strap pin... #I talked to a luthier and I told him my concern,--that the strap at the head stock would bend the neck. #He said, "If the guitar can't take that it won't live anyway."

So... #I now have a guitar with the strap at the nut. #Then I read your post, and started looking at some of the other recent posts, and I would point you here:

http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....=52633; (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=52633;)

(Hope that link works. #If not go to the post titled "Where do you attach the strap on your a models," and scroll down.)

Hope this is useful.

[sgarrity]

A guitar will survive fine if you use a strap attached to the headstock. You'll just have to do more neck resets! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[red7flag]

That recent scroll thread actually gave me the idea for this thread concerning A models, as that focused on the F type. The scroll provides an easy answer to attaching the strap to the body. I really like the one of pictures from some of the threads that Mike provided (thanks by the way) where a guy attached a really cool looking ebony stap button on the heal of an Old Wave A. I have usually settled for the same metal ones that are used on guitars.
Tony

[Paul Hostetter]

A guitar will survive fine if you use a strap attached to the headstock. #You'll just have to do more neck resets!
Sorry, this simply isn't true.

I have seen a number of Gibsons with cracked backs where some moron ran a screw through the back into the base of the heel of the neck. The straps tend to peel off here when the mandolin rolls forward as well. Here's how Mike Kemnitzer does it, and I think this is the best, at least if you insist on having the strap attach to the body of the mandolin:

http://www.lutherie.net/kemnitzer.strap.button.jpg

To each his own. I much prefer the ergonomics of the strap attached to the headstock. I originally posted a picture of Milla Jovovich illustrating what I was talking about.

<further unnecessary whine removed by Moderator>

[JoeD]

Headstock for me, but I wouldn't think twice about adding a button to the base of the neck. I just haven't gotten around to it.

[300win]

I don't like the idea of a strap button on the neck. On a models, I attack a rawhide boot lace to my strap, then run the lace under the fingerboard and around the back of the mandolin, and secure with a square knot. This looks good, holds the mando well without any rollout from the body, and the neck and or heel of the neck keeps it's integrity. Also might add that this method will not come loose until you untie it.

[MT_player]

I don't like the idea of a strap button on the neck. On a models, I attack a rawhide boot lace to my strap, then run the lace under the fingerboard and around the back of the mandolin, and secure with a square knot. This looks good, holds the mando well without any rollout from the body, and the neck and or heel of the neck keeps it's integrity. Also might add that this method will not come loose until you untie it.
Ditto.
I don't like the way the mandolin hangs when I attach the strap to the headstock. I run a string under the fingerboard extension, around the back and make a little knot. Works great for me.

[pekoe1111]

Newbie question: Is there a trick to easily attaching the strap (mine is 1/2" flat leather) to the pin at the tailpiece? I have made the slit in the leather a bit longer and shaved the underside of the strap at an angle to make it easier, but what a pain - especially since I now have to take it off every time I put the mando in the tight-fitting case.

Thanks,

BB

[Jim Hilburn]

I've had mine like this for quite some time. It's a Long Hollow strap that was given to me and seemed to be made for tying to a scroll. The leather lacing came with it.
I always thought a button on the neck would get in my way when I play like Thile but I think it was Jim Robert's Heiden that I played and realized your hand doesn't really contact it and I may consider putting one on.