Another Strap Question

[Roger Renfro]

I posted the following to another thread about strap buttons. I decided it would get more exposure if I started a new thread.

The strap button on my new Phoenix Standard is already installed, but I have a problem that I can't figure out how to resolve. My Phoenix is, of course, a 2 point & the button is where the scroll would be on an F model.

I always use a strap & had one on my previous Colling MT that tied around the peghead. I could, of course do that on the Phoenix, but I like the idea of the strap on either side of the body (the way I do on my guitars).

I recently bought a strap from Sully (http://www.sullysstraps.com/) for the Phoenix. Pat Sullivan was a treat to work with & I really like the way the strap looks. But -- it keeps slipping as the weight of the headstock pulls it down. Sully lines the sliding shoulder piece with suede to limit slipping, but, for me, it hasn't worked.

I'm at a loss. Anybody got any ideas? Maybe I've got it adjusted incorrectly, but I've tried a number of adjustments & nothing works any better.

Is there another kind of strap that I should be using?

?????

Thanks in advance

[BradKlein]

I think that most mandolins are a bit top heavy and the headstock will want to head toward the center of the earth if it can. When I switched from a A to an F, I was shocked by the change, and tried various solutions, including the Grisman sax strap method. I finally ended up with a strap around the scroll and over one shoulder like most (?) bluegrass players.

There aren't any 'secret' techniques you haven't thought of. You can add weight to the other side, in the form of tone guard and arm rest, or change where you attach the headstock end of the strap, or seek a strap with fleece or suede. BUT, I think that most players who attach both ends of the strap to the body of the instrument simply support the neck with their fretting hand somewhat (at least while standing).

[Roger Renfro]

Thanks for your response, Brad. You've verbalized in a thorough way what I suspected was the situation. I have noticed that the Sully strap works fairly well if I support it somewhat with the forearm of my picking arm.

[mandroid]

You could get some fleeced sheepskin sewn to the inside of the strap to increase sticky-ness ,
.. and be a summer sweat absorbent

[shadco]

Try doing it this way. It balances nicely

http://www.pbase.com/shadco/image/92732704.jpg

[Ivan Kelsall]

Try a wide ( 1" - 1 1/4") wide strap.The extra friction will support the weight of the Mandolin,no problem,as well as being very comfortable. Have a look at - jbguitarstraps.com - the website of John Brown in Miami FL. He makes straps to suit any instrument. If you can't see what you like,contact John,describe what you want & he'll make it for you. The pic.is of my JB 'F' style Mandolin strap - when i use this,my Mandolin stays right where i put it,no slipping,
Saska

[Mike Scott]

I use a Bailey strap on my Bulldog 2 Pt. My strap button is on the heel, but I doubt that makes a big difference. They are made to your specs, and the construction method makes them non-slip. His web site is www.thebaileystrap.com. Best of luck.

Mike