Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

I know that this topic has been beat to death with various posts and a slew of different opinions, so I'm really going to get very specific with this ask.

I have a new A style mandolin. It doesn't have a strap button, and I'm not interested in installing one at this time. So, the options are headstock (behind nut or between tuners) or around the neck/body joint & under fretboard. I'd prefer not to go with the shoe/boot lace tied option, which might further narrow it down to just the headstock options. I'm looking for a quality, comfortable leather strap. What I really want to know is will the kind with a fixed loop work for headstock attachment. I understand that it would need to go on with strings off and not be removeable without removing all strings. Has anyone done this with the Lakota leather strap like below? Did you put the loop behind the nut or between the tuners?

Attachment 189200

Not a Lakota strap, but this is what I do.Attachment 189201Attachment 189202

You could put the loop around the headstock over the strings, should be fine. I like to keep it away from my hand so always around the tuners.

By moving the strap to a different tuning peg you can make small adjustments in length too.

I use a Lakota strap and just put it around the headstock between the first set of tuners. My preference was the option to add/remove the strap without removing the strings. I've had no problems doing it this way.

Whatever I said all the other times.. :popcorn:

I make a loop of parachord at the end. Use the parachord between the tuning pegs - like pops1! Never thought to try the strap like that?

That's just what I do. Don't want the strap button either!

f-d

Here is a Bill Bailey strap on my Red Valley octave mandolin. It attaches easily to the headstock and is immensely comfortable. I liked it so much I got another for my regular A-style mandolin and attached it the same way.
Attachment 189209

First thing I do is have a strap button put on the neck heel. Otherwise I just live without the strap. I cannot abide straps on the headstock. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FredK

I use a Lakota strap and just put it around the headstock between the first set of tuners. My preference was the option to add/remove the strap without removing the strings. I've had no problems doing it this way.

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In hindsight, I'm not sure why I thought it would need to go under the strings. Makes much more sense to go over. Thanks for the sanity check!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bradeasley

In hindsight, I'm not sure why I thought it would need to go under the strings. Makes much more sense to go over. Thanks for the sanity check!

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It's not as pretty but it gets the job done. It's inconvenient for tuning G and E though. If Lakota made a strap that could be tied or otherwise looped to go under the strings, I'd do that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FredK

It's not as pretty but it gets the job done. It's inconvenient for tuning G and E though. If Lakota made a strap that could be tied or otherwise looped to go under the strings, I'd do that.

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If you put it on without the strings it could go under the strings just as easy.

I do it the way 22_frets does, but I run mine just above the nut. I hate strap buttons on the heel too.

With the strings off, you can loop the loop under the fretboard easily and it will look really good as well as balancing well. Otherwise attach it to the headstock, but take care where, because it can interfere with your hand

Attachment 189233

I've just always used a thin string like this to go under the strings.

I hope this helps :)

maybe this photo will help? I use an f-style strap for my a/pancake-model mandolins. I turn it around and use the parachord.

Attachment 189290

f-d

I bought a used Lakota strap for my Stradolin, intending to attach it to the headstock using the pops1 method above. My fail was forgetting that there was no tailpin on that mando :disbelief:

Had to do some strap swapping as a result.

Put a button on and use the Levy's.

Attachment 189518
I use a D'Addario quick-release into a Levy's strap.

Check out the straps in the classifieds; $24. Shipped.

You can use this strap instead of shoelace and it will make it easier to remove/change strap. And you can use any standard strap.

They cost around 1 $ in China, without the Martin name. ;-)

I always cut it a bit narrower for mandolins and ukulele.

You can easily make one yourself, with a bit of cord and a suitable button.

I made one out of 1 mm Dyneema, (holds 80 kg) and tied it around the neck, just behind the 11. fret. That substitutes the strapknob on the heel. Only problem is when playing without strap, I have to remove the Dyneema sling as it only sits tight when under load.

https://muzikercdn.com/uploads/produ...e_8c58dd2a.jpg