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Thread: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

  1. #1
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    Default Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    ***Sorry! I hadn't searched the forum when I posted this. I found a LOT of other threads with strap info. Thanks!

    The mandolin strap I ordered is maddening. The holes/cutouts in the leather are far too small to fit over the end pin on my Kentucky A style (that is one BIG endpin) and I was wondering if anyone could recommend one for it that would be more accomodating.
    Last edited by Melonie; Nov-22-2020 at 1:01am. Reason: I didn't search before I posted. Oops!

  2. #2
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    Just buy a hole puncher in the right size.
    Last edited by poul hansen; Nov-22-2020 at 3:53am.
    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
    Hora M1088 Mandola.....
    Richmond RMA-110..... .Noname Bearclaw
    Pochette Franz Janisch...5 Pocket............Alfredo Privitera pocket
    Puglisi Pocket 1908........Puglisi 1912.......Puglisi 1917
    3 Mandolinetto ..............C.Garozzo
    1 Mandriola...................Cannelo G. Mandriola...Böhm Waldzither 1921
    Johs Møller 1945............Luigi Embergher Studio 1933
    Marma Seashell back......Luigi Embergher 5bis 1909

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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    Is it a hole puncher, for leather? That is a good idea. I could widen it. Or, I could use shoelace to tie it on.

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    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    Is it a hole puncher, for leather? That is a good idea. I could widen it. Or, I could use shoelace to tie it on.
    I have connected a strap to a ukulele, in a pinch, using a rubber strap lock and shoelace.

    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
    Hora M1088 Mandola.....
    Richmond RMA-110..... .Noname Bearclaw
    Pochette Franz Janisch...5 Pocket............Alfredo Privitera pocket
    Puglisi Pocket 1908........Puglisi 1912.......Puglisi 1917
    3 Mandolinetto ..............C.Garozzo
    1 Mandriola...................Cannelo G. Mandriola...Böhm Waldzither 1921
    Johs Møller 1945............Luigi Embergher Studio 1933
    Marma Seashell back......Luigi Embergher 5bis 1909

  6. #5
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    If it is too small you can cut a slit, if it doesn't have one already, from the center of the hole toward the mandolin side of the strap. It works best to punch a small hole where the slit will end to keep it from moving more. I like the strap to fit tight so it is hard to get on and more importantly off the mandolin.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  8. #6
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    If it is too small you can cut a slit, if it doesn't have one already, from the center of the hole toward the mandolin side of the strap. It works best to punch a small hole where the slit will end to keep it from moving more. I like the strap to fit tight so it is hard to get on and more importantly off the mandolin.
    +1

    I've done this before with great success.

  9. #7

    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    The holes in the leather straps I buy has slits, I lengthen the slit with a sharpened pocket knife. If I am careful I can get exactly the right size to where it grips the pin but isn't too hard to get on and off.
    Davey Stuart tenor guitar (based on his 18" mandola design).
    Eastman MD-604SB with Grover 309 tuners.
    Eastwood 4 string electric mandostang, 2x Airline e-mandola (4-string) one strung as an e-OM.
    DSP's: Helix HX Stomp, various Zooms.
    Amps: THR-10, Sony XB-20.

  10. #8

    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    I have several pieces for our mandolin straps that have large strap-buttonholes, precisely because I designed them for my Kentucky KM-675 years ago. We have since changed to a more common 1/4" diameter, but I still have the dies.

    Bill
    El Dorado Guitar Accessories

  11. #9

    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    I just picked up an el Dorado trap for my A-style mandolin. Absolute perfection. Fit, sizing, comfort. Gonna have to order another one for the other mandolin in my herd.

    Tom

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    Registered User withfoam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    I will also add to the El Dorado love. I have one on my F-style and it’s sublime. You can make it fit exactly how you want and I love how the strap is a bit wider over the shoulder. It’s pricey, but completely worth it to me.

  13. #11
    Registered User grassrootphilosopher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    I am using a selfmade strap from leather shoestrings (kind of the Bill Monroe thing). That is the strap on my expensive mandolin. It looks extremely cool (I think) and it has worked all these years without fail. It cost me a few nickles and dimes. Great cost effect ratio.

    I am using a curtain chord for my trusty old Strad-O-Lin (kind of my own thing). It works like a charm. The curtain chord is probably older than I am and it works without fail for all of these years. It cost me to ask my father if he had something that could work like a strap for my mandolin. I gave him a hug for it.

    On a guitar or banjo I would go a different route (kind of the vintage style belt straps; they adjust nicely and attach well to the instrument).
    Olaf

  14. #12
    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    I made all my straps out of whatever soft scrap leather I had and never punched a hole. I used razor and scored T shaped cuts with the long foot in direction of strap towards player shoulders. The upper part of T was just small enough so the "throat" of the endpin would fit and the long cut just barely enough so you could insert the pin. Sometiems I relieved the upper cut to tiny rhombus on harder leathers.
    Adrian

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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    I like a hole on both ends. Larger for the button, small for the slit. The hole keeps the leather from tearing further over time.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    Quote Originally Posted by kurth83 View Post
    The holes in the leather straps I buy has slits, I lengthen the slit with a sharpened pocket knife. If I am careful I can get exactly the right size to where it grips the pin but isn't too hard to get on and off.
    That's what I ended up doing. Worked out perfectly.Thanks!

  17. #15
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    Ditto Poul’s comment. Harbor freight sells an entire gasket punch set for cheap, one of the punches will be the size you need.

  18. #16
    Registered User Hoovetone's Avatar
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    Default Re: Finding a strap with holes the right size for my mando.

    I use 30 06 shell casings to ream over small holes. Works fine. The sharper the better.

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