Souldier straps

**jesserules** · Jul-29-2012, 8:46am

just about every single guitar strap out there has a metal adjuster like that ... why is it a no-no for mandolin straps ?

**Bill Baldridge** · Jul-29-2012, 10:20am

just about every single guitar strap out there has a metal adjuster like that ... why is it a no-no for mandolin straps ?

Because mandolin players are better human beings than guitar players (Somebody hide my Martin.)

I keep my strap on all the time and never lay it across my mandolin when in the case. I think it is a pretty easy, and wrong assumption to make that we all have the same style mandolin case. If I used a wide strap and had a small case, I would be worried too; especially if the strap had metal parts.

**Miss Lonelyhearts** · Jul-29-2012, 10:41am

In 30 years, I've never used a strap that had metal--snaps, buckles, anything--on either guitar or mandolin. There are many great, adjustable designs that work fine without metal. One of the best mando straps I've ever used is my current set-up: an old round braided leather rein from my wife's horse tack, shortened and converted to work as a mando strap. It's super comfortable, secure, and simply looks like it's always been part of the mandolin. A perfect weld of form and function. And it was free.

**pjlama** · Jul-29-2012, 11:00am

Originally Posted by blueron

Knocking people for wanting to avoid unnecessary damage to an instrument from a metal part that doesn't have to be there is pretty unfair. Does that make you clever for not caring if your instrument gets scratched? I don't think so. I like to play my instruments as much as anyone else here; I just don't accept the inevitability of scratches from metal elements in a strap - never mind how I pack the instruments in their cases.

ron

I was just goofing around, I certainly wasn't trying to kick anybody. I do care a great deal for my instruments, that's why I remove the strap while not in use. I don't have an issue with metal on these because there's never a time when I let the metal contact my instrument. Anyway, I an very sorry for being rude it was not my intent.

**Charlieshafer** · Jul-29-2012, 2:42pm

Hey PJ, I for one thought your intent was to be humorous. Anyone with a Heiden is obviously a pretty careful guy.

**Mike Bunting** · Jul-30-2012, 6:43pm

Originally Posted by pjlama

I was just goofing around,

I knew that.

**Henry Eagle** · Jul-31-2012, 4:55pm

But still, PJ, do you actually adjust your strap every once in a while? I mean, for the manufacturer it makes perfect sense to sell one-size-fits-all-straps. But for a seasoned mando-polygamist like you. Or, are you still growing? Also, might the end pin issue be the reason why you eventually sold your Gibson MM?

Henry

**pjlama** · Aug-06-2012, 11:43am

Sorry for some reason I'm getting message updates so here's the answer. Not typically but sometimes I'll make little adjustments. If I'm using the toneguard it may need to be let out a little and vise versa but generally I leave them alone. I still really like the strap despite the metal and what not. Ha, I did drop my MM and break the scroll

I'm hyper sensitive to the end pin deal now so no problems, lesson learned.