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Thread: source for small, mando-sized strap button

  1. #1
    Registered User rnjl's Avatar
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    Default source for small, mando-sized strap button

    Hi all, I do NOT want to start another thread on "where's the best place to hang a strap on an A model."

    I've tried different methods and I think I like the button on the neck best, but online it's hard to tell which strap buttons are small, mando-sized and not too ugly.

    Does anyone have a recommendation? If so, thank you! PM's fine.

    FWIW it's for a Flatiron with kind of a reddish-pumpkin finish, so wood or black or bone would be OK but not gold. Chrome would be a second choice but at least would match the tuners and tailpiece.

    Appreciate your leads on this.

  2. #2
    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    I tend to prefer the look of wooden or ivoroid strap buttons to the plated, all-metal ones. You can use the same size as for a guitar. Stew-Mac carries a whole assortment of these (NFI), and they don't cost very much (even at their inflated prices):

    https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/strap-buttons/waverly-guitar-strap-button.html



    But there are many available sources. Try going into Amazon or EBay, for example, and typing "small strap pin" or "small strap button" and you'll get lots of hits.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    The ones that sblock posted are cool and I didn't see those when I ordered a couple from Stewmac a few weeks back for my Ebay Stradolin. If I had seen those I might have gone that way. I ordered these and installed one in the tailpiece and will be putting the other one in the neck today. In regard to question about size, I'm not sure if they make strap buttons in a specific mando size, but I note that the buttons that I got for my Strad seem to be the same size as the ones that came on my new Sawchyn (at tailpiece and on the neck) in June.

    https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-ha...p-buttons.html

    Rob

  4. #4
    Registered User rnjl's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    Thanks, those Waverly's look great. I made the mistake once of buying a button online and it was so big none of my guitar straps worked with it. Go figure.

    Thanks all.

  5. #5
    Notary Sojac Paul Kotapish's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    The Waverlys are my favorite, too.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Just one guy's opinion
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  6. #6
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    I bought these here for my older mandolins. Polished them and installed with patinised brass screws with a slotted head. Looks original ;-)

    They are 13 mm widest and 8 mm on the narrow part.

    Sorry, I still can't post pictures.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-Ebony-...-/153458686875.

  7. #7
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    These. Replace the screw with a smaller slotted oval head screw. Still my go to after all these years.

    Oops, and they are currently sold out. I'd call and see when they will be back.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  8. #8
    Registered User Bunnyf's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    Iluak Fine Instrument Fittings. Lovely buttons in a variety of woods. I like how most have no screw showing on the head or you can get a little ivory or mop dot. Very easy install with the tapping tool too. Click image for larger version. 

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  9. #9

    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    rnjl, Just a word of caution: Mounting a strap button into the heel of a mandolin is different than a guitar. The wood is maple and you are likely going into end grain. Maple is hard and less forgiving than mahogany. Make sure you get the correct pilot hole drill for the screw in use, and go slow putting the screw in. An old timer might use some soap or wax to lube the threads. RR

  10. #10
    Registered User Jim Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    I have any extra strap button you can have for free if you’ll send me a PM through this site.

    Cheers.

  11. #11
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    I have, in a pinch, used guitar / mandolin straps interchangeably. Never thought of them being different sizes or on different size buttons.
    - Ed

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  12. #12
    Registered User rnjl's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    Thanks Rob, great advice, but given the 35 years of sentimental value this mandolin has I'll probably have a luthier put it in, as I've never done this before. If it was a Rogue, I'd do it myself, but not an 83 Flatiron.

  13. #13
    Registered User rnjl's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    Hi Ed, me too, I've used different straps for different instruments, but I had this weird oversize button on the neck of a guitar I used to own that was so big the strap slots wouldn't fit over it. I think the smaller the better on a small neck like a mandolin. But YMMV, it always does.

  14. #14
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    I don't know where he got them (RIP, cant ask) my Hodson Djangolin the button, big end is only 10mm across..
    UK ? it is a plated metal button .....
    writing about music
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  15. #15
    Registered User rnjl's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    Thanks Mandroid!

  16. #16
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    For anyone looking, AllParts has the small Gibson style nickel strap buttons in stock. I always replace the screw with a smaller slotted oval head stainless screw.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  17. #17
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    Default Re: source for small, mando-sized strap button

    Maurysmusic.com has an excellent assortment with many exotics.

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