How to use a shoulder strap on an A-model?

[natep]

This strap thing alone is making me think i would really like an instrument with a scroll.

Tying a string around the neck just by the nut is what i've been doing all along, but lately it has bothered me. but, screwing a strap button into the neck heel doesn't seem acceptable either.

Any amazing solutions to this, besides buying an F-style?

[fatt-dad]

I tie the strap between the string posts (i.e., 1 or 2 inches up from the nut). It works for me (you may need a rawhide extension).

f-d

[Andrew Reckhart]

I tie my strap around the body underneath the fretboard extension. Works like a charm and seems to distribute the weight more evenly.

[GVD]

I tie my strap around the body underneath the fretboard extension. #Works like a charm and seems to distribute the weight more evenly.

Same here.

GVD

[straight-a]

Ditto for me on the above.

[peterbc]

What's wrong with putting a strap button on the neck heel?

[Andrew Reckhart]

Boy am I glad to see that somebody around here agrees with me on something!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I feel like the redheaded step-child most of the time!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[natep]

Fretboard is flush with the body, so no luck there. And, i dont really like the string tied in the midst of the tuners.

I havent yet tried it with the button on the neck heel, but it is an old Gibson for which the body intersects the neck at the 10th fret, and i think the button would get in the way of my hand when playing in the high registers. I think this would bother me more than it does having the strap tied next to the nut.

So, to you neck heel folks: suppose i were to screw it in there and try - would i drill the hole straight down in from the back, into the flat triangular part, or would I put it in from the side, on the treble side, as recommended for some instruments?

and, doesn't it get in the way of your hand? especially if drilled from the side??

[ShaneJ]

I put one in on the treble side of the heel - didn't want a button digging into me on the back. DEFINITELY drill a hole first. Make sure it's big enough that the screw doesn't have to split wood. Of course, just small enough that the threads hold.

[Rob Anderson]

I play a 1920 Gibson A with a strap button on the bottom side of the heel. It doesn't interfere with my playing and I would'nt have it any other way. I can't stand the around the headstock way. Like the other post says drill the appropriate size hole, take your time and do a nice job.
Rob Anderson-Dunamis Designs

[natep]

Rob, to make sure, by "bottom side of heel", do you mean the small flattish part that i could drill straight down into if i laid the mandolin face down on its strings? Or do you mean the treble side of the heel, such that if i were standing and playing the instrument, the strap button would be pointing downward towards the ground?

thanks, this sounds like it might work.

[Spencer]

Here's a picture of the button on the treble side of my A model. I like it, it is quite small, black so it doesn't show much, and there is tension on the strap so that button doesn't pop out of the hole is the strap. I used to have a strap tied around the peghead and that worked ok too, but I wanted a smaller strap to fit in my case. I had the builder put the button on, he knows where there is adequate material and where the joints are. Make sure there will be room in your case for it before drilling the hole.

(I cleaned my mandolin after seeing this picture!)

Spencer

[Ashville Picker]

Spencer-
Did you install the strap button on your A model yourself? I need a button on my favorite A model and was wondering if I should attempt it myself. Thanks, Larry

[Spencer]

No, I didn't dare, I have a bad track record with even simple repairs. I had Victor Smith, the luthier do it. He knew exactly where there was suitable material, and kept away from the joints. It is quite simple if you know where to put the hole, just drill a little hole for the screw (proper size of course), and screw the button in. He had a black button and a silver one, with the proper screws. As mentioned before, I chose the black because it was less noticable.

I know a lot of people who have done and installation like this themselves, and most got away with it just fine. I am just very cautious when it come to messing with my mandolin.

Spencer

[250sc]

I use a strap button on the treble side of the heel. I drilled a hole a little smaller than the screw, being carefull not to drill all the way through, and after waxing the threads of the screw, put it in.

I've done this on all of my guitars and mandos. No problems.

[GBG]

Strap button on the treble side of heel. Just get over it and do it.

[Ashville Picker]

Got it. Thanks

[Rob Anderson]

Yes, I mean the treble side of the heel.
You will find it does not get in the way of the hand.
Rob

[Paul Kotapish]

It might be worth taking a look at luthier Frank Ford's pages on the on the subject:

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPa....n1.html (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenSetup/StrapButton/strapbutton1.html)

Here's another useful page:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3694.htm

And one more "how-to" page:

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/strapbuttons.htm

I've installed strap buttons on many A-model mandolins, and I think that the treble side of the heel--as recommended above--is by far the best way to go. It's simple, unobtrusive, and comfortable.

[Spencer]

Thought I sent this reply, but apparently pushed the wrong button, since I can't find it.

I was looking at the button last night, and was reminded that it is in the body block that holds the neck, and not the neck itself. This was because there is more material there than the heel of the neck. I don't think it affects balance much, though it is a bit more towards the back of the instrument. I think you can see this from the picture. The strap goes around the end of the heel. It is leather, and I haven't noticed any ill effects yet, but would never use synthetic material.

Spencer