On the subject of straps

[fatt-dad]

Dear NG,

Some of you may recall that I stumbled upon a Stiver Mandolin about a month ago. Upon its arrival, I noticed it needed new frets and returned it to Mr. Stiver. Along with the new frets, he replaced the bridge (I received it with an electric bridge), and radiused the fretboard.

It will soon return to me and (needless to say), I'm excited. From the last correspondance with Mr. Stiver, he says, "I think you should never attach a strap to the peghead of ANY STRINGED INSTRUMENT".

I guess I have always used the peghead to connect my strap (having a-model mandolins). I really do not want to use a strap button. So, what is the harm in using the peghead?

Comments?

fatt-dad

[steve in tampa]

I use these on several instruments. No problems.

http://www.fqms.com/fqm...._ID=412 (http://www.fqms.com/fqm/showprod.cfm?&DID=7&CATID=77&ObjectGroup_ID=412)

[dasspunk]

Is your Stiver an A or an F?

Though I know a few folks that attach their strap to the peghead (and if it works for you, go for it), I personally agree with Mr. Stiver.

For me, regardless of any possible harm to the neck, it's all about balance. The great thing about attaching to a scroll is that it balances the mando nicely. When I bought my A, I found that attaching the strap around the body (under the fretboard extension) gave me the same balance as my F/scroll. This works better than an end pin as well.

[duuuude]

I dunno, after getting a f-style I tried attaching to the scroll & it just seemed neck-heavy and off-balance. I like the whole thing supported by the strap so's my left hand doesn't feel like it's holding the neck up.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[mrbook]

On A models I alway connect one end of the strap to the peghead - but usually near the middle rather than above the nut, where it gets in the way of my hand. I've had one attached that way since 1981 with no problems.

[smilnJackB]

I agree with Duuuude. Connecting the strap to the scroll on an F style may be the tradition, but they do seem neck heavy that way. The neck takes a nose dive when I take my hands off the mando. I prefer the stap on the peg head. Do what suits your own likes!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Jack

[steve in tampa]

I have never experienced "neck dive" on a mandolin. My F models have those little skinny leather straps with the suede side against my shoulder.
When I go to the music store and play on their stuff, I just hold the instrument up with my own two hands. My left hand pretty much stays on the neck. I just use the strap to keep from having to set it down.
I use those Planet Waves Acoustic Quick Release on everything else.

[fatt-dad]

My Stiver is an A-body. I too have always connected between the string posts (i.e., away from the nut. I just have the feeling that Mr. Stiver must think that the stress on the neck may lead to warpage or some other problem. Notwithstanding that side of the matter, I have never had a problem with the way I connect the strap to the peghead.

f-d

[jasona]

Attaching a strap to the headstock caused it to pull in uncomfortable directions for me. I have a button on the heel and love it. I have similarly loved lashing below the fret extension. The balance is superior and makes the mando more playable for me.

[mandolooter]

After a year and a half of having my strap on the peghead of my A model I recently switched to around the body under the fretboard extension. #It has improved the balance some but the main improvement is the ability to, when standing, not have the mando moving around so much when Im doing a lot of chord changes and chopping. #It seems to kinda "lock in" with less effort so Im not trying to hold it still while moving up, down and around the neck...I'd call it a 90 % improvement in the least. #I think one reason I was "OK" with it the other wayu was I spent most of my practice and playing time sittin down. #Now that Im venturing out into public, at jams, festivals, etc., chairs aren't aways available and I can stand and still play as easily as if I was sittin still. #Great advice I got from Frank Wakefield at a workshop last year...with a strap your mando should be in the same relative position when standing or sittin so your technique is the same either way...less change means better pickin! #As for neck issues unless your mando is hangin 24/7 from the strap I doubt you'll have a problem with the neck.
(whew...looks like I went a few bucks over my 2 cent limit)

[Keith Wallen]

fatt-dad I would be interested to know what you think of the radius fret board when you get it back?? I have never played one before.

Thanks,

[Adare_Steve]

Do what suits your own likes!
While I'm all for the expression of free will - and, admittedly, I don't know much about the ergonomics of fitting straps - it might not be as simple as just doing what you want.

I assume Mr Stiver is suggesting that the neck might bend or even break with the strain. In which case, freedom of choice doesn't really come into it, does it?

Steve

[fatt-dad]

Bingo! I have been wondering whether anybody has heard of or had a less than favorable experience using the peghead for the strap.

f-d