Strap around headstock?

[Cobalt]

A strap is not something I need much of the time, but when I do, I'd attach it like this:

The old Flatiron is showing signs of wear, a well-used instrument, it goes everywhere.

[StillStephen]

Check out the mandolin straps made by Bill Bailey.
Bill makes terrific straps and is a heck of a nice guy to do business with.

+1 on Bailey straps - ordered one for my A style. I attach it between the tuners to keep it away from the nut.

[Charlie Bernstein]

. . . I'm tempted for dead center but I can see how this might interfere with tuning.

I have it looped between the headstock on my squareneck, and it doesn't affect tuning. I just keep an eye on it to make sure the cord stays away from the keys. And a dobro gives you more headstock acreage than a mando does.

I have to caveat all this, however, by stipulating that I have very little idea what I'm doing.

[pops1]

Like Cobalt, before the G and between the E's.

[dan in va]

There are ways to tie it so the thong is tight around the peghead between both pairs of the G and E posts and the knot is on the back. This way the strap comes off the back side toward you and doesn't touch the tuning buttons.

[pops1]

Actually I don't tie it on, I simply have the strap on front, under the strings. That keeps it away from the tuner, it goes around the headstock and slips onto a tuner button shaft. One mandolin on the A string, another goes around and to the D string tuner button shaft. Keeps the strap on front with nothing coming off the back to get in the way of the tuner.

[John Bertotti]

Actually I don't tie it on, I simply have the strap on front, under the strings. That keeps it away from the tuner, it goes around the headstock and slips onto a tuner button shaft. One mandolin on the A string, another goes around and to the D string tuner button shaft. Keeps the strap on front with nothing coming off the back to get in the way of the tuner.

I saw this done on some show and was just getting ready to ask if anyone did this. Are you worried of any extra stree on the tuner shaft?

[Bill McCall]

Check out the mandolin straps made by Bill Bailey.
Bill makes terrific straps and is a heck of a nice guy to do business with.

I agree that Bill makes wonderful straps and I have one. I would mention that they do not have much adjustment so if you decide you want to change the position of your strapped instrument it can be a challenge.

[fentonjames]

Even if you don't have a raised fingerboard, you can still put a strap around it. I've done this on a variety of mandolin types, including Martin A's and several Gibsons. Here's is a shot of my A-1 wide, with a strap around the end of the fingerboard.

[Cobalt]

Even if you don't have a raised fingerboard, you can still put a strap around it. I've done this on a variety of mandolin types, including Martin A's and several Gibsons. Here's is a shot of my A-1 wide, with a strap around the end of the fingerboard.

I suppose it varies, but it seems to me that the loop is precariously positioned on a narrow cliff-edge, one small slip away from sliding right up the fretboard and under the strings. At any rate it is I suppose dependent on both personal preference and the geometry of an individual instrument. For example the scratch-plate might be positioned next to the end of the fretboard, where the strap could not satisfactorily go either over or under it.

[pops1]

I saw this done on some show and was just getting ready to ask if anyone did this. Are you worried of any extra stree on the tuner shaft?

No, the weight of the mandolin is very small compared to the tension of the strings on the tuner. It fits right near the body, not out by the button, so no leverage against the shaft really. It's slick, easy and out of the way.

[fentonjames]

I suppose it varies, but it seems to me that the loop is precariously positioned on a narrow cliff-edge, one small slip away from sliding right up the fretboard and under the strings. At any rate it is I suppose dependent on both personal preference and the geometry of an individual instrument. For example the scratch-plate might be positioned next to the end of the fretboard, where the strap could not satisfactorily go either over or under it.

Actually it does really well. It goes around the fingerboard then around the neck heel, where there are 2 nice corners where the heel meets the body. I think that that is actually the spot where the most 'work' is done. Tension caused by gravity while wearing it and having it on tight with a good knot in the first place, will keep it from slipping off the fingerboard end.

[fentonjames]

Of course, you need a strap that will allow this to work. One with shoestring size leads.

[Jim Garber]

I use this on my big dreadnaught. It should also work on a mandolin headstock with your favorite strap, is easy to detach and does not require any modification to the instrument.

Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Quick-Release System

[John Bertotti]

I decided to attempt a strap make on my own. I was overly wide on this each piece slice is about 3/4" so the braid looks chunky but it feels very nice all I have to do is add the ends. Probably cut those next weekend. So what do you think? This is my first attempt at a hidden braid.

[Denny Gies]

I have a strap on the headstock on my A4. It goes through right against the nut Works fine.

[John Bertotti]

I decided to attempt a strap make on my own. I was overly wide on this each piece slice is about 3/4" so the braid looks chunky but it feels very nice all I have to do is add the ends. Probably cut those next weekend. So what do you think? This is my first attempt at a hidden braid.

This three strand mystery braid was just to sloppy for me so I split it down to 6 individual strands and now have this. I like it better and will correct any length issues when I finish the ends. I definitely need to work on consistent tension and getting strands to be consistent in width. I was a bit sloppy cutting the pieces. I found it a bit more difficult than I anticipated. Sadly I found two spots where I messed up the weave and I will have to redo this again but with each try I get a bit better. So for a first try on a round braid it was a good go.

[John Bertotti]

The last time I bring this one up. A few pics of my finished, sort of strap. I need to tweak it a bit but it is comfortable could maybe be a bit longer but the hardest part is getting used to a strap. I always play without one even standing. I will probably make it a bit longer so I can still play like I have no strap and if an oops happens it will be there to catch it before it hits the ground.





I wove a triangle shaped crown on either end and then tied the end pieces on like some of the laces on baseball gloves are tied.