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Thread: Are rounded straps comfy?

  1. #1

    Default Are rounded straps comfy?

    Hi folks,

    I've been looking at the rounded straps on the Lakota site, and have also seen the round Dudette straps. Question is - are they comfy or do they dig into your shoulder and neck?

    Thanks

    Johnny

  2. #2
    Registered User CJFizzix's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I find that they dig into my neck. I LOVE the Lakota flat straps though. Even though they aren't very wide, they don't dig in for me.

  3. #3
    Middle-Aged Old-Timer Tobin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I find them quite comfy for mandolins. I have either flat or round Lakota straps on all my mandolins (and have migrated to their straps on my banjos too). The flat braided straps will obviously spread out the weight a little more and provide more 'grip' on your shoulder, but I don't think it's all that necessary. Mandolins don't weigh that much, even with a ToneGard, armrest, and other stuff like I have on mine. I prefer the round braided straps for less bulk and a more traditional look.

    I do use their flat braided straps on my mandolas, though, where weight is a little more of an issue.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I make both styles for myself and friends, and the rounded ones are perfectly comfortable for me.

  5. #5
    garded
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    No.

    Gotta have a flat strap more than 1 1/2" wide.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    Thanks for the replies. Looks like the answer is yes, no and maybe!

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    Part of the appeal for round straps, particularly the thin ones, like roo, is that it's almost as though they are not there at all.

  8. #8
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I have a Dudette strap and I love it - my next favourite strap is a Randy Hogan flat braid one and I don't notice a difference in the comfort level between either of them, they're both great.
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  10. #9

    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    Quote Originally Posted by TonyP View Post
    No.

    Gotta have a flat strap more than 1 1/2" wide.
    Because your mandolin is so heavy?

  11. #10
    Registered User Kevin Stueve's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    Quote Originally Posted by David L View Post
    Because your mandolin is so heavy?
    nope otherwise you can't read my embossed name

  12. #11

    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    My son has one on his mando. I find them comfortable. I use a 1" old belt. No real difference in comfort IMHO. Mando is too light to care. A piece of wire would probably work for me.

  13. #12
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I have a round leather Lakota strap. It's comfortable and looks good on my mando. Check and double check

  14. #13
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I've used a round braided strap in the past & it's been fine. It really depends on the softness of the leather used. If it's soft enough,it'll flatten out to a small degree. If it's too hard,then it could dig in. From what i've read on here,the Lakota straps are as good as any round braided strap,
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  15. #14

    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I have a Hogan round strap, I like it a lot and it is made very well. I also have a fat strap that is really great, the more I use it the better I like it. The one thing I like about a braided strap is you jus put id on, you do not have to worry about it being twisted and getting it to lay flat.

  16. #15
    Registered User CWRoyds's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    For pure comfort, I love my Long Hollow Big Softy strap.
    It is very soft leather, and it is wide on your shoulder, so there is no discomfort.
    In fact you don't really feel anything.
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  17. #16
    Middle-Aged Old-Timer Tobin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ivan Kelsall View Post
    I've used a round braided strap in the past & it's been fine. It really depends on the softness of the leather used. If it's soft enough,it'll flatten out to a small degree. If it's too hard,then it could dig in. From what i've read on here,the Lakota straps are as good as any round braided strap,
    Ivan
    Yeah, the Lakota straps are a very soft buttery-feeling bison leather. I don't notice any flattening of the round braid - they're just comfortable. But a harder leather, especially one that's braided very tightly, can start to feel like a hard cord after a while.

    Really, the only downside I can think of with the Lakota straps is that they tend to stretch a bit.

  18. #17

    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    Thanks for all the responses!

  19. #18
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    I use soft suede flat straps of my own making. Used half-inch straps for many years, but recently switched to a 1-inch soft suede strap I made that feels the best of any I've ever used.

  20. #19
    Registered User pit lenz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are rounded straps comfy?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tobin View Post
    ...Really, the only downside I can think of with the Lakota straps is that they tend to stretch a bit.
    Yes, but only to a minimal extent in the beginning, then they stay like that.
    Mine is very soft and comfortable.

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