strap question

**andre66** · May-18-2006, 2:45am

Hi guys,
should i start using a strap now when i'm just starting to learn the mandolin or should i just have it sit on my lap while i'm learning?
Thanks
Andre

**bluegrassjack2** · May-18-2006, 5:58am

Get a strap now.

May-18-2006, 7:23am

When I took up the mandolin my guitar player told me to "Just play it like a man.... who needs a strap?" I guess my feminine side came out, I played with a strap from day two.

**keymandoplyr** · May-18-2006, 8:02am

I would suggest a strap now and as soon as you learn a good song sitting down, using the strap play it standing up Its something you need to do. You can,t allways play sitting down and there is definitely a difference.

**Jerry Byers** · May-18-2006, 8:16am

I tried playing without a strap at first - the pain in my left hand told me something was wrong with that decision. After using a strap, the pain is gone.

I recommend using a strap, whether sitting or standing.

**Tailspin** · May-18-2006, 8:28am

I would do it now. I waited to long and went through some discomfort with holding everything to tight. The question now only remains is... Do you put only your picking arm through or do you put your head and picking arm through. I notice that I can play a bit louder (for lack of a better word) with only my arm through because it is a bit easier to hold the back of the mandolin slightly away from my body as to not muffle the sound of the instrument. This leads me to my next post regarding that spider web thing.

**DryBones** · May-18-2006, 9:28am

Tailspin,
I am an around the head guy with the strap on my A and MId-Mo. the strap is tied to the headstock and going around the head changes the strap angle enough that it doesn't interfere with my fretting up around the nut. MY F I use the 1 arm method,strap to scroll and all that blah blah blah...

**ira** · May-18-2006, 9:52am

i hate playing without a strap- even sitting it can be uncomfortable. though doable, why maintain the postition if you can have something help you.

**Ken Sager** · May-18-2006, 9:54am

I second the motions to get a strap now. Sitting or standing a strap will help hold the mandolin in position.

**tiltman** · May-18-2006, 10:38am

I second (or fifth,sixth) the get a strap now vote.

It's good to try to play in the same position whether sitting or standing so that you won't feel like you are learning to play all over again if you try to play standing up (eg performing, at a festival, etc.).The best way to do that is to use a strap.

Kirk

**cgwilsonjr** · May-18-2006, 3:09pm

I guess I'm the odd-ball but I play without a strap almost all the time (even when I stand). I always felt a little constrained with the strap on and since the mando is not heavy I don't need the support. BTW I play A-style mandos so I'm not use to having that convenient "strap hanger" nearby. Chuck

**bjc** · May-18-2006, 3:13pm

Strap

**JGWoods** · May-18-2006, 3:25pm

Get one of the special beginner straps- it's got training wheels, tassles, bell and horn for any occasion plus the strap will announce to the world that you are a beginner instead of announcing it yourself by your play.
I still use mine....

**SternART** · May-18-2006, 8:09pm

Jethro didn't use a strap...... even standing up.......

**Repent34** · May-18-2006, 10:28pm

use a strap from day 1.

**andre66** · May-19-2006, 4:07am

The majority rules so i got myself a Levy strap and have put it on the mandolin. It feels like my left hand now has more freedom to move up and down the neck.
Thanks for the input.
Andre