Best strap for A mandolin

[1-2-many]

Same here, got it locally for that price too.

I also use a "Long Hollow Leather" (which by the way is not hollow). Can't recall the exact price, but <$20 sounds about right. I MUCH prefer a wide strap to a thin one. And although a braided stap looks pretty I don't need anything digging into my shoulder. Give me wide, flat soft leather any day. (Weber Aspen A w/ a button South side of the heel).

[kkmm]

My wife made me some straps with canvas thick fabric. These works really well.
The last strap for the mandolin I built was made by braiding shoe laces (the very long ones), this one look great.

[Dan Margolis]

Function + Beauty = Bill Bailey straps!

I agree.

[Brutus1999]

For those who "braid their own" (which sounds like an inexpensive alternative) -- do you use 72 inch, leather laces? Are they the ones that are 1/8 inch square or is there some kind of "flattened" style that works better?

[G.B. Harriis]

+1 On the Neotech strap. It is pretty comfortable. I have braided my own as well using paracord, which is right about 1/8 to 3/16 inch in diameter. Going back to my Boy Scout days (that's definitely going back a bit) I recollect that different width leather braided differently. You probably want to decide what style of braid you want, then figure out the width from there.

Also, keep an eye on your length! 72" is fine for a simple braid, but if you were to get into some complicated knot-work you might find yourself with a really good looking strap for a child.

Keep us in the loop!

[yankees1]

Won't you come home Bill Bailey, won't you come home. My A and F needs your strap. I'll play the music , I'll feel secure. I know I've missed you for so long !

[mandodan1960]

Long Hollow Softy for me. I like that the Suede on the back side of the strap "grips"my shirt some helping to stabilize the neck. Good setup for me.

[Dan Margolis]

Bailey is my favorite.

[bmac]

Work boot laces work perfect and its hard to beat the price.

[ash89]

i've got a couple for my guitars, f4 and a's..
all good..

I agree.

[Bill Clements]

I love my Bailey. Bill is a great guy and gives a special price to Cafe members!
http://www.thebaileystrap.com/

[pickngrin]

That's a great looking strap, Ron. Any chance you'd share some links that you learned from to get us started?

[mandroid]

The usual I got this guys Brand touting aside ..
I got a spring loaded cord-lock. it goes in the middle with a loop of extra cord.

then I tie the ends with a loop in them.. common overhand knot in a bite.

The cord-lock makes for instant length changes..

I think the cord, itself, came out of a Hoodie.
I swooped it up off the roadside, and washed it in my Laundry bag.

[Brutus1999]

I tried using a shoe string but I found that I was getting pains in my back and leg from bending over in order to play. It also interfered with my speed both in playing and when I had to walk around.

[Brutus1999]

Okay, seriously, I just got a "Long Hollow" mando strap (about $20) in the mail today. I don't know about comparisons to others, but this one is quite nice -- strong and soft and fits in the case..........

[Santiago]

I haven't bought one yet, but I like the looks of these Lakota Leather straps, and I've heard good thing about the straps and the people who make them. http://www.lakotaleathers.com/products/mandolin/

[fatt-dad]

For those who "braid their own" (which sounds like an inexpensive alternative) -- do you use 72 inch, leather laces? Are they the ones that are 1/8 inch square or is there some kind of "flattened" style that works better?

I use the 72 inch. Back when I bought and sold mandolins I mailed each one out with a three-strand braid strap. I just got another 7 or 8 pairs at the grocery closeout.

Never noticed flat or square. Always soak them first. Not sure about silicon in some of these (folks worry about silicon on the finish of mandolins).

f-d