View Full Version : Guitar strap - mandolin strap - huh?
JeffD
Aug-13-2008, 10:26am
First of all I rarely use a strap anymore, as I have gotten used to playing without it.
But the other day I had to play standing up, and I put on my strap - and it was pointed out to me that I was using a guitar strap.
"Yea?"
"On a mandolin? A guitar strap on a mandolin?"
"Yea, so?
"Well... OK... I guess."
So this got me to thinking. Is there anything unique about the mandolin strap that a guitar strap would not do equally well?
The only case I can think of is with F style mandolins - those who strap to that scroll would need something more narrow that the typical guitar strap. But is strapping to the scroll necessary or just tradition. Even the F styles have a neck, or a button can installed at the heel.
I think there is an aesthetic part - the wide straps look funny next to such a small instrument, at least to some folks. But there are many guitar straps in the 2 inch width.
MikeEdgerton
Aug-13-2008, 10:31am
It's ok as long as we don't catch you using a guitar pick on your mandolin.
Steve Ostrander
Aug-13-2008, 10:57am
I make my mando straps out of old belts (audible gasp from forum)
Paul Kotapish
Aug-13-2008, 11:00am
A guitar strap seemed to work for John Duffey. Go with whatever works best for you.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o245/basfiddler/bill_duffey_sized.jpg
Paul Kotapish
Aug-13-2008, 11:09am
. . . and Rhonda Vincent . . .
http://www.sodusrotary.org/images/RhondaVincent.jpg
mando.player
Aug-13-2008, 12:24pm
It's ok as long as we don't catch you using a guitar pick on your mandolin.
Or a capo http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I use a guitar strap on my electric. On my Rigel I have a Dudette strap and I've got a modified leather dog leash on my Eastman.
Of all three the guitar strap is by far the most comfortable and it stays in place the best. It's suede so its got some grippiness to it.
MikeEdgerton
Aug-13-2008, 12:33pm
I make mine out of thin leather straps and rawhide boot laces. Pretty much a non-issue. I mean, it's not like you're wearing tennis shoes and a cowboy hat or anything awful like that #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
jimbob
Aug-13-2008, 12:48pm
I almost always wear tennis shoes and a cowboy hat... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
MikeEdgerton
Aug-13-2008, 1:09pm
I almost always wear tennis shoes and a cowboy hat... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Another theory shot to h*ll....
By the way, I do too.
I was surprized myself by the reaction. And then, in one thread here on the cafe (I can't seem to find it) I recommended some cool looking straps and was told "those are guitar straps".
Oh.
The deal is - there are so many more interesting (and horrid) choices of guitar straps than mandolin straps. I am sure its because of the much bigger market.
allenhopkins
Aug-13-2008, 3:18pm
But the other day I had to play standing up, and I put on my strap - and it was pointed out to me that I was using a guitar strap.
"Yea?"
"On a mandolin? A guitar strap on a mandolin?"
"Yea, so?"
"Well... OK... I guess."
You know, major issues confront us: war & peace, climate change, generational conflict, diminishing energy reserves, whether Brad & Angelina should adopt any more kids... And yet, people find things like this to worry about. I think, as long as you don't fabricate a strap out of live baby seals, you should be able to use whatever you want. I have mandolin straps custom-made with my name on them. I have others made out of discarded leather belts, scraps of leather from a craft shop, cotton shoelaces, and miscellaneous lengths of cord or boot-lace. I even have one with "Gruhn Guitars" on it (a gift, I might add).
Use what you like, and tell the questioners that they should really be on an intense search for a life.
D C Blood
Aug-13-2008, 8:03pm
quote"I make my mando straps out of old belts" (audible gasp from forum)
second the belts...
You know, major issues confront us: war & peace, climate change, generational conflict, diminishing energy reserves, whether Brad & Angelina should adopt any more kids... #And yet, people find things like this to worry about.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
True enough.
pjlama
Aug-13-2008, 8:59pm
I think Brangelina should keep adopting. What'll happen next? Some yahoo might even use a saxamaphone strap http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
phiddlepicker
Aug-13-2008, 9:15pm
I braid mine out of parachute cord.....works great and OD green turns me on.
JEStanek
Aug-14-2008, 8:21am
I like the guitar straps on my mando when I wear a visor, tank top, with bib overall shorts, knee kigh black socks and cowboy boots. And a big red ball nose.
It's a strap, people! I've used a guitar strap, a mandolin strap, dynamic line, bootlace, and nothing. Use what works for you, even if it's a modified saxaphone strap.
Jamie
cwtwang
Aug-14-2008, 8:32am
Jeff, any strap that you like and feel comfortable with is just fine. A lot of players dislike that "cutting into the shoulder" of a (for example) thin braided roo strap. AND, to top it off, you can wear your strap over both shoulders, not just one http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
That said, if you ever WANT a mandolin strap check out Randy King's deerhide straps--mine is designed by me, custom--"Cheryl's Strap" in the photo section. It is very cool AND comfortable. The A-style version is pictured as the bumble bee or "Teri's Strap." I don't have the URL handy but just go googling for "Randy King strap" if you are curious.
Twang
That said, if you ever WANT a mandolin strap check out Randy King's deerhide straps
Found it.
http://www.freewebs.com/strapman/
Wow!
herbsandspices
Aug-14-2008, 10:28am
...and OD green turns me on.
Best quote of the day.
+1 to paracord - I have a Bailey Strap that's brown & black para, and I love it.
Steve Perry
Aug-15-2008, 10:32am
allenhopkins sez...
"I think, as long as you don't fabricate a strap out of live baby seals, you should be able to use whatever you want."
So... um... #Dead baby seals would be OK then?... Right?... #'cause I got this here strap, and it's uhh... umm... #Oh, never mind....
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
mandroid
Aug-15-2008, 12:11pm
Whap! with a lead filled Snow shoe... PeekaBoo. "