Tipping mando~

[Patty Powers]

Hiya~

I started tying my strap to the scroll for better left hand technique. I'm finding that my mandolin is tipping toward the floor and I'm having to use my right forearm to balance it. Doing this causes my right hand to tense up.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Patty

[Tim2723]

Some like to tie the strap to the headstock. Personally, I like using the NeoTech strap. It has a shoulder pad that really grips and overcomes the imbalance problem. The picture shows it tied to the headstock, but it works equally well attached to the scroll. Not a traditional look, but really, really works and is the most comfortable strap I've ever used. It makes the mandolin seem weightless.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Neotech-Mandolin-Strap?sku=367508

[Tom Wright]

I just got the El Dorado mandolin strap. Doesn't slide so I don't have to fight the balance. Slips over the scroll.

http://www.eldoradostraps.com/new-products.htm#banjo

Look down-page.

[Michael Cameron]

Some like to tie the strap to the headstock. Personally, I like using the NeoTech strap. It has a shoulder pad that really grips and overcomes the imbalance problem. The picture shows it tied to the headstock, but it works equally well attached to the scroll. Not a traditional look, but really, really works and is the most comfortable strap I've ever used. It makes the mandolin seem weightless.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Neotech-Mandolin-Strap?sku=367508

This looks a lot like the old "Webb" straps. I quit using them because that string would tend to fall out of the scrol at the worst possible moment! They do grip the shoulder nicely though.

[Tim2723]

Yeah, the old Webb models would do that. I haven't had that problem with the NeoTech, but I suppose anything can happen. The NeoTech has a nice, snug fitting buckle that holds on the scroll well. The Webbs were kind of slippery that way.

[journeybear]

I hardly ever had this problem with my F-12 because I usually had it plugged in (1/4'' endpin jack) and the cord provided a counterbalance. If I was jamming acoustically and not sitting down, there might have been a bit of slippage, but not enough to worry me, nor even remember. You could attach something to the endpin or that end of the strap as a counter weight. It should be just heavy enough and definitely soft.