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Thread: Best strap for A mandolin

  1. #26
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Markus View Post
    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).

  2. #27

    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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.

  3. #28
    Registered User Dan Margolis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Function + Beauty = Bill Bailey straps!
    I agree.
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  4. #29

    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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?

  5. #30
    Registered User G.B. Harriis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    +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!

  6. #31
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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 !

  7. #32
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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.

  8. #33
    Registered User Dan Margolis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Bailey is my favorite.
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  9. #34
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

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

  10. #35
    Registered User ash89's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

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

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan Margolis View Post
    I agree.
    Tony Hannock
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  11. #36
    This Kid Needs Practice Bill Clements's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    I love my Bailey. Bill is a great guy and gives a special price to Cafe members!
    http://www.thebaileystrap.com/
    "Music is the only noise for which one is obliged to pay." ~ Alexander Dumas

  12. #37
    Registered User pickngrin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by blueron View Post
    Click image for larger version. 

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

  13. #38
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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.
    Last edited by mandroid; Jun-13-2012 at 5:24pm.
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  14. #39

    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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.

  15. #40

    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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..........

  16. #41
    Registered User Elliot Luber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    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/

  17. #42
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Brutus1999 View Post
    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
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  18. #43

    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Could you elaborate on this issue? Send a pic of the metal button on it near the end pin side. I'm interested in this strap for my beautiful new RM1 but don't want anything damaging its finish.

  19. #44
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    I went looking for a strap for my A5 this weekend on line. Ended up with a strap from Pat Sullivan. Saving up for one of his 'vintage' style straps from old leather
    Click image for larger version. 

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  20. #45
    Registered User TEvans's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    I've used this strap for a good while now. Ordered it from https://www.etsy.com/shop/JPDco. Just tell him how long you want the strap, how wide, and how many holes on each end. Simple, no frills. Good quality leather. I've got a guitar strap from him as well, love both of them.


    Click image for larger version. 

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    Austin, TX

    Ellis A5

  21. #46
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Goodin View Post
    I used a shoe string for awhile.
    I used a Cord, knotted on the ends, to tie it on, and a spring- toggle Cord Lock in the center,
    to adjust the length..

    It worked Fine.

    Mandolins are not heavy. (OK, National RM1 and Banjolins are a bit heavier.)

    [by the way want more competitors in the 'best strap' popularity contest ,
    there are dozens of past threads on the topic..]
    Last edited by mandroid; Feb-13-2017 at 2:24pm.
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  22. #47
    Registered User djeffcoat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    Randy Hogan makes great A and F model mandolin straps. They can be had in round and/or flat braid and flat one piece leather in custom lengths.

    https://www.facebook.com/HoganMandoStraps/

  23. #48
    Lurkist dhergert's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    D'Addario / Planet Waves makes a nice, simple, inexpensive soft black leather strap that can be used for either F or A style mandolins...

    These straps are long enough for a medium sized person to put them over both their neck and shoulder, and these straps have adjustment holes for those who prefer the strap just over their shoulder.

    I'm using these on both of my F style mandos and would recommend them... Again, not fancy, but definitely solid and comfortable.
    -- Don

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  24. #49
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    I've made several by braiding together strands of cord or small diameter rope from Lowe's. Thin cord rated for mountain climbing would be even better, but is much more expensive. Think I've done five and 6 cord braids so far, though the 3 cord works well, too. As I braid them over the endpin tightly, they're more secure than some of the other commercially available straps I've tried, though I'm still able to get them off if needed. I never take them off, though, since they fit nicely in the case attached. I leave them tied to the headstock. I agree a button on the heel is a great way to go, but the loop works well enough that I haven't felt compelled to drill yet...

    I have a Lakota Leathers strap I use on my F style, and I really like it as well, though the loop end is too thick, IMO, to easily loop under the fret board extension on an A style...but, then, it was bought for the F...
    Chuck

  25. #50
    Registered User Mike Arakelian's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best strap for A mandolin

    I really like the straps made by Alan Gelman (Mandolin Straps of Montana). Alan offers a wide variety of designs and beautifully hand tools each strap. His workmanship is excellent. He uses a very thin braided piece of leather that fits under the strings above the nut To hold the mandolin. The strap does not interfere with the fretting hand in any way. A little pricey as straps go, but well worth the extra few dollars IMO.
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