Straps: Round Braid vs. Flat Braid

[mentimutation]

Hey, I just started playing the mandolin and I want to buy a strap for my F-style. I like the way the braided leather looks but I don't know what kind to get. What are the pros and cons of round braid versus flat braid? Any brand recommendations? Thanks!

[Ed Goist]

I have a flat braid Lakota Leather strap for my A-Style. Since it is remarkably soft, and flat, I have no qualm leaving it attached to the mandolin (laying flat, under the mandolin, and between it and the case) when I put the mandolin away.
So, I'd say one benefit of a (soft) flat braided strap is that one can leave it attached to the mandolin when the mandolin is in the case. I don't think I'd do that with a round braid strap regardless of how soft it was.

[Bill Baldridge]

I have a round braid Lakota Leather on my F-style. I like the smaller size of the loop than those on the Lakota flat braid, but of course that is just a matter of taste. I leave the strap on in the case, but in my case it doesn't touch the top or back. Being a Native American myself, I wanted to help out the brothers and sister up on the Rez. My strap is made of elk and is as soft as butter.

[nickster]

I think it depends alot on the shape of your shoulders. I tried the round braid Lakota Leather (Elk) strap but had problems with it trying to roll down my shoulder (since it's so soft). I sold it and bought a flat braid Long Hollow Softie leather (half the price) and am very happy with it. I bet the flat braid Lakota would have worked and they are excellent straps.

[CES]

I prefer flat braids...no good reason why. Either will work for most people with the exception nickster describes above. I could see round braids "cutting" a bit more, but mandos are so light that it really shouldn't matter either way.

I've braided a couple out of nylon cord...they'll last forever and look homemade, which I like. I've seen both Lakota and Long Hollow straps, and both were quite nice!

[AlanN]

Have used Aussie kangaroo round braid for years and years. Perfect for my needs. YMMV.

[Mike Bunting]

I have a round braid Lakota Leather on my F-style. I like the smaller size of the loop than those on the Lakota flat braid, but of course that is just a matter of taste. I leave the strap on in the case, but in my case it doesn't touch the top or back. Being a Native American myself, I wanted to help out the brothers and sister up on the Rez. My strap is made of elk and is as soft as butter.

I bought a round braided strap from Lakota for the same reason save for the fact I'm not Native, but if I can I like to spend my money where it has the chance of doing some good. The strap was even better than I had hoped for, it never leaves my mandolin. There's no problem in the case at all, it sits on the top or in my Peg there is room on the side padding for it to lie. I can't see why one would put it under the mandolin when it can go on the top where there is always room (for a Lakota strap) since the top of the case doesn't touch the instrument. Anyhow I like the round braid.

[mentimutation]

Thanks for all of the advice! It sounds like Lakota is the way to go. I never thought about the round braid rolling off my shoulder. I will probably order a flat braid.

[oldtimestrings]

Lakotas are nice, but there are LOTS of other choices out there if you feel like looking around. I have a flat braided "softy" strap from Long Hollow Leather that is very well-crafted and extremely comfortable. Comfort is why I prefer the flat braid, to answer the original question.

[Cheryl Watson]

I love my mandolin strap made by Randy King. It has the almost roo-strap thin braid but a narrow 12" very soft deer hide lined shoulder pad is worked into the design for a custom fit. It is a real looker. For my A-style, I have a bit thicker braided strap, sans shoulder strap and it is quite comfortable for me. The very thin roo straps are cool looking but tend to dig in to my shoulder a bit too much unless the mandolin is featherweight.

[dan in va]

I'd rather not fuss with a flat strap getting twisted, which doesn't happen with a round strap.

[MikeEdgerton]

The round straps definitely sound better than the flat straps.

[Nonprophet]

The round straps definitely sound better than the flat straps.

Yes, but only with a proper setup.........


NP

[Phil Goodson]

Round straps tend to slide a little more on the shoulder if the headstock of the mando is a little heavy.
Randy Hogan makes a combo strap with round ends and a flat middle which I think is the best of both worlds.

[Ivan Kelsall]

It's 'whatever suits you personally'. I have both round & flat braided straps & i'm comfortable with each. I also have flat un-braided straps,which i'm totally happy with. My best advice is that if a strap really is uncomfortable or feels 'insecure' in use,don't use it,as it'll only spoil your concentration when playing,
Ivan

[Bill Baldridge]

Round braid properly set up. Note better tone attained by angle of attack at an angle rather than straight.

[majorbanjo]

I had a round lakota.....then got a flat collings strap in a mandolin trade......I could feel the lakota when it was on....I couldn't feel the flat soft collings strap.....I ended up giving away my lakota.......

[mtucker]

Have used Aussie kangaroo round braid for years and years. Perfect for my needs. YMMV.

i agree, Alan...in a blind test ...3 out of 4 (sorry, Don) aussie's prefer roo straps...

[AlanN]

Yep, Hines tastes best

[Brent Hutto]

Here's what I think of as a "flat mandolin strap". It's a supple piece of old leather with a bit of stiching for decoration. Adjustable laces and tabs on each end. Just drapes around my shoulder as comfy as a favorite sweater.

[mtucker]

Yep, Hines tastes best

'less filling'..

[AlanN]

I *still* get asked if I have these. Sadly, no (save for personal use). Have some etched, with dumb phrases like Gilchrist Rules!, etc. The thinner, the better, for me. YMMV.

[mtucker]

I *still* get asked if I have these.

Dexter at Carmel always has a supply of them.

[AlanN]

Sure, none better. Braided by a sheep farmer pal of Steve's in his spare time. The fragrance itself is heavenly.

[Mandomax]

mark me down as a satisfied customer of AlanN. the 'roo strap I got has outlasted two mandos. thanks buddy!