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Thread: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

  1. #1

    Default 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?

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Not a Lakota strap, but this is what I do.Click image for larger version. 

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    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.
    Last edited by pops1; Oct-16-2020 at 5:24pm.
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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.
    "If your memories exceed your dreams, you have begun to die." - Anonymous

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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Whatever I said all the other times..
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

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    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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
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    Registered User William Young's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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.
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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.

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  12. #8

    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Quote Originally Posted by FredK View Post
    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.
    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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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Quote Originally Posted by bradeasley View Post
    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!
    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.
    "If your memories exceed your dreams, you have begun to die." - Anonymous

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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Quote Originally Posted by FredK View Post
    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.
    If you put it on without the strings it could go under the strings just as easy.
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

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

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    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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
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  20. #13
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Click image for larger version. 

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

    I hope this helps
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  21. #14
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    f-d
    ¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

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    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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

    Had to do some strap swapping as a result.

  23. #16
    Registered User lowtone2's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Put a button on and use the Levy's.

  24. #17

    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Click image for larger version. 

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    I use a D'Addario quick-release into a Levy's strap.
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    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    Check out the straps in the classifieds; $24. Shipped.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

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    Default Re: Strap for A-style (that old chestnut)

    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.

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