Strap pin yes or no in a A-5

[Eric Platt]

Yes. But that's my preference. Added pins to all my short necked A models.

However, they are all reasonably priced. If it were say, a Collings MT, might not be able to do that. Again, that's me.

[G. Fisher]

I like Mario Proulx answer to the strap attachment for an A5


http://www.proulxguitars.com/images/...s/IMG_5235.jpg

[RobP]

I had one on the Rigel I had, and loved it. I keep toying with the idea of putting one on my MT - I really don't like the attach-to-the-headstock method I'm using now. On the Rigel, it was on the back of the heel, as pictured above on the Monteleone. Is that the most common/best location?

[dang]

I had one on the Rigel I had, and loved it. I keep toying with the idea of putting one on my MT - I really don't like the attach-to-the-headstock method I'm using now. On the Rigel, it was on the back of the heel, as pictured above on the Monteleone. Is that the most common/best location?

Generally no. I think in that position can rotate forward and fall off easier. Some people do like it there though.

When collings put a strap button on my custom order they did it on the trebel side of the heel.

[GreenMTBoy]

Directions from the builder of my mandolin for strap button installation ,they would have installed it but forgot to ask if I wanted one in their rush to get it to me by Christmas .
Here are the specs for drilling the hole
5/64” drill bit
3/4” down from bottom edge of fretboard
1/2” from body neck joint
If using standard guitar strap button cut 1/8” off of screw to avoid interference with truss rod

[GreenMTBoy]

Also......from the builder
Rub screw on bar of soap to lubricate it
To check for correct placement strap button,it should run parallel to the 12 th fret when looking at mandolin from the front .

[Rob Roy]

As a builder, I actually drill a 1/8" hole through the heel about 2/3 of the way down from fretboard, centered in the part of the heel that's exposed. Just big enough for a braided shoelace to go through and be tied off on a leather strap. No strap button to get in the way and no finish wear on the top of the instrument from something running under the fretboard extension. And no worries of the strap popping loose. Of course that means a dedicated strap attached to the mando that stays on the instrument in the case, but that's fine with me. Granted, I know what I'm doing and actually drill the hole on a drillpress while roughing out the neck, before carving the heel- not advocating someone without skills trying it on a finished mando, just the way I chose to hang a strap after carving the scroll on an F-5 style… man that's a lot of work!

[Elb2000]

I’ve also added a strap button on all my mandolins without one. After having an experienced luthier recently crack the finish on my best mandolin while adding a $15 strap button, I may be changing my mind.