How to add strap hardware

[MandoWoman]

I'm a beginner mandolin player and my mando does not have the button thingy (precise terminology, eh?)on the end to attach a strap to. I'd like to install the hardware myself, if possible, or would you recommend I take it to my local music store to have it done 'professionally'?

I appreciate your help,

Angela
La Coquette
Pirate Queen&Princess of Punk
LibrarianExtraordinaire

[John Flynn]

It is a judgement call, depending on how handy you are and how much risk you want to take. It is not really hard to do, but it is something that can be easily messed up and can result hard-to-fix damage if it is messed up. A good music store should be able to sell you the button(s) and do the install while you wait for a small charge. If you want to attempt it yourself, there are complete instructions here:
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPa....n1.html (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenSetup/StrapButton/strapbutton1.html)