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irishbanjos - Posted - 01/04/2011: 01:48:12
Hey there folks!
I'm looking for a good mandolin strap for a F style mandolin. Which model/maker can you recommend me?
I'm looking for a strap that is resistent, that doesn't wear out too fast. If it's a leather strap, it'd be better.
A friend of mine recommended me that Lakota Leathers strap:
lakotaleathers.com/products/pr....php?id=5
Is it good?
coelhoe - Posted - 01/04/2011: 06:36:59
A $3.00 rawhide boot lace works just fine.
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 01/04/2011: 07:28:09
I'm a rawhide bootlace kind of guy. I do tie one end into a noose. I have no idea why. I just do it that way. I had one break once after many years of use. I tied a knot in it and still use it.... R/
SDenizen - Posted - 01/04/2011: 09:08:13
I bought a Hogan braided leather strap from mandomutt.com that I really like.
creekwater - Posted - 01/04/2011: 10:53:40
Check out yard sales. I found two flat braided leather belts cost $1 for both, best straps I ever had.
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/04/2011: 11:10:44
@creekwater
I live in Spain now, and unfortunately, there aren't yard sales... In fact, there aren't many yards :S
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/04/2011: 11:21:49
@UsuallyPickin
Could you please upload a picture of your bootlace-strap? I'd like to see a picture of it, 'cause I don't really understand how you've tied it...
m - Posted - 01/04/2011: 19:46:40
quote:
Originally posted by irishbanjos
Hey there folks!
I'm looking for a good mandolin strap for a F style mandolin. Which model/maker can you recommend me?
I'm looking for a strap that is resistent, that doesn't wear out too fast. If it's a leather strap, it'd be better.
A friend of mine recommended me that Lakota Leathers strap:
lakotaleathers.com/products/pr....php?id=5
Is it good?
Great straps and your money helps some folks too.
dmiller - Posted - 01/04/2011: 21:50:23
I really like the look of a leather strap, but the one I'm using is far from that.
I went to the local hardware store, and bought a length of nylon strap.
Not sure what the original use for it was, but I wanted it for a strap for the mandolin.
I measured out the length needed and took it to a local business (Duluth Pack)
and they (with their sewing machines), did the necessary sewing to make it into a strap.
Cost at the Hardware store? 2 or so dollars. Duluth Pack charged 5 bucks to do the sewing.
It isn't fancy (or leather), but it works admirably and is quite comfortable. 
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/04/2011: 23:38:12
quote:
Originally posted by dmiller
It isn't fancy (or leather), but it works admirably and is quite comfortable.
It looks ok to me, so maybe I decide to try :)
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/04/2011: 23:39:19
quote:
Originally posted by m
Great straps and your money helps some folks too.
I've read some reviews of these straps and I think I'm going to buy one. Especially if the money helps someone who needs it :)
mandogryl - Posted - 01/05/2011: 03:02:56
I second the Dudette strap.
Tom Andre - Posted - 01/05/2011: 07:08:38
The Collings softy mandolin strap is comfortable and reasonably priced.
Jim Yates - Posted - 01/05/2011: 10:38:28
I have a colourful woven cotton belt from south america that I bought at a festival somewhere. I unscrewed the strap button and screwed it back through the strap. I then put a leather boot lace through the top to tie it to the head of my mandolin. The guitar player in the bluegrass group I played in at the time hated the look of it. He said,"That ain't bluegrass."
I don't like a strap fastened at the nut. maybe it's just the way I hold the mandolin, but it seems to get in the way. I tie it above the 3rd and 7th tuning pegs.
I have a leather strap that I made many years ago, when I worked at a tannery, on my Easman mandolin and one made out of an old belt on my Ibanez. I have also braided leather boot lace for mandos that are no longer with me.
Edited by - Jim Yates on 01/05/2011 12:25:45
DaddyJ - Posted - 01/05/2011: 14:12:18
I made one about 5 years ago by braiding together three pieces of twine. It's what I had to work with at the time. It's still on there. Of course if I had a nicer mandolin I'd probably spring for a real strap but this works fine and doesn't even look that bad...from a distance anyway.
The nice thing about the simple braided straps is they take up zero space in the case. I don't have to adjust it or move it around when I put the instrument away.
PaulR - Posted - 01/05/2011: 14:15:30
My mando is a '74 Ibanez two-point. I started out using my very first guitar strap which I bought for a Teisco electric in '66, black and very skinny, with a narrow shoulder pad. I hooked one end to the strap pin and the other to a tuner. It eventually gave way. So ...
I went to the fabric store and got a length (about one metre, but you might want to work with two metres) of decorative cord (drapery cord). One end fastens to the strap pin and the other is tied around the peghead (at the nut, Jim; so far it doesn't interfere). You could tie it to the scroll. Weight is no issue here (I have a heavy bluegrass banjo and a Les Paul - mandos weigh nothing in comparison). I can coordinate or contrast the colour with another visit to the fabric store. You have to make sure you knot the end before you work with it - the cord frays right away, as soon as it's cut. It comes in several colours and thicknesses.
You could use one cord or you could braid some (of different colours) together. Right now I have a dark red one on the mandolin, a black one for the dulcimer, and a brown one on an old open-back tenor banjo.
jmetz - Posted - 01/05/2011: 14:34:37
Hi Folks,
I'm with Creekwater, but I go to Goodwell. 99 cents a piece.
Take care,
Jim
bikebum - Posted - 01/05/2011: 17:32:55
I do the boot lace thing on my mandos.
I also have to do that with my fiddles and bows since my arthritis can seriously affect my grip.
TSSN - Posted - 01/06/2011: 09:02:39
Hey Jim, I guess I ain't bluegrass enough either. That is a snappy looking strap.
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/06/2011: 13:08:25
What is the best material possible to make a strap?
Maybe I decide to make my own braided strap, so I just want to know.
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/06/2011: 23:16:53
quote:
Originally posted by paire-berline
Kangaroo leather
Ain't that illegal? I think it is, 'cause the Kangaroos are endangered...
Mr Sean - Posted - 01/06/2011: 23:54:23
quote:
Originally posted by irishbanjos
quote:
Originally posted by paire-berline
Kangaroo leather
Ain't that illegal? I think it is, 'cause the Kangaroos are endangered...
Kangaroo leather will give your music a great bounce.
mandovoodoo - Posted - 01/07/2011: 03:39:56
The most popular in our shop have been:
Spurgeon braided
Long Hollow Leather premier, about 1/2" wide bridle leather
Long Hollow Leather "softy" - maybe the most popular, a right shoulder non-slip strap
And the Lakota please me, but are more expensive.
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/07/2011: 04:15:27
quote:
Originally posted by mandovoodoo
And the Lakota please me, but are more expensive.
Well, at least the money helps people who need it... Even though, I would pay $40 for a round-braided Lakota mandolin strap (they're actually $50, but I think that's too much...).
Lance - Posted - 01/07/2011: 08:19:48
Regarding Kangaroo leather - if you get the right piece it has a handy pocket for keeping picks in - I believe Ma Supial has plenty
Edited by - Lance on 01/07/2011 08:21:38
Lakota Leathers - Posted - 01/08/2011: 08:09:13
Hey all,
Kenny here, founder of Lakota Leathers. Great to see that we've been mentioned here. Our elk hide straps suggested retail price is $50, but we also offer a non braided bison hide strap for $30.. they're very comfortable and last a lifetime. .both types of strap are 100% unconditionally guaranteed..
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/08/2011: 08:49:45
quote:
Originally posted by Lakota Leathers
Hey all,
Kenny here, founder of Lakota Leathers. Great to see that we've been mentioned here. Our elk hide straps suggested retail price is $50, but we also offer a non braided bison hide strap for $30.. they're very comfortable and last a lifetime. .both types of strap are 100% unconditionally guaranteed..
That's great, though I still think that paying $50 is a bit too expensive, especially in a time of crisis and economical recession. I know they're harder to make than the non-braided straps, but I think $40 is the right price. Less isn't fair, and more than that I think it's a bit exaggerated.
Anyway, if it's not possible to buy 'em cheaper, I guess I'll have to buy them for $50
abinigia - Posted - 01/08/2011: 16:36:43
You don't want any metal hardware on a strap. My favorite strap is one I made. It's a strip of leather about 34" long (longer if you wear your strap over your neck) by 1/2" wide. Use a leather punch to make a small hole about a half an inch from one end. Punch another hole about 6" further up. Cut a straight line between them. That part loops over the scroll. Put another little hole at the other end and cut about 1/2" upward so it will go around the end pin snugly.
Make it a little long with a few end pin holes to be adjustable.
Brian
briankwood.net/
Robes - Posted - 01/10/2011: 16:21:03
I think I got mine from a small music store in Holland (Michigan)... It said "buy me!" It is a snazzy thing. Look at my avatar!
Edited by - Robes on 01/10/2011 16:22:04
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/10/2011: 22:32:33
quote:
Originally posted by Robes
I think I got mine from a small music store in Holland (Michigan)... It said "buy me!" It is a snazzy thing. Look at my avatar!
How much did it cost? Looks good :)
Amandalynn - Posted - 01/12/2011: 16:50:23
I wanted a cute little braided strap but couldn't find one short enough as I'm very petite. Then a gentleman at one of our jams that does custom leather work presented me with a wide leather strap he had made. It's nice but seems a bit over whelming on me, however it's the one I use.
Red Henry - Posted - 01/13/2011: 11:57:22
The kangaroo-leather straps are quite comfortable. (I can say that since I'm using three of them).
However, a trip to the local thrift store can also be rewarding. On two of my mandolins, I'm using soft, narrow leather belts which I bought for about 50 cents each. The belts are comfortable, durable, and easily replaceable (though replacement is rarely needed. I've used one of them-- heavily-- for over 20 years).
Red
jazzrambler - Posted - 01/13/2011: 14:14:17
An old leather belt (from when I was skinny) and a bootlace.
Jim Yates - Posted - 01/17/2011: 12:41:34
This was meant for a uke, but it might work on a mandolin. What do you think?
David M - Posted - 01/18/2011: 14:45:22
I never liked braided ones because they "roll" off my shoulder, it seems.
My recent one came from Sully at sullysstraps.com/ He has great service, turnaround and is very helpful. It's the mando skinny w/a sewn loop for my scroll on the body. He did a heck of a job.
dleifkoorb - Posted - 01/19/2011: 02:27:37
Kangaroo hide flat lace is good because it doesn't stretch, and even a 3braid is almost impossible to break. You can do without an inner rope, so it's thin. You can widen it out for the 'over the shoulder' part.
Kangaroo lace comes in 3 widths. $15 buys enough to make 2 practice straps and then a 'keeper'. I bought 15 yards of middle width lace and a pattern from here: oldjimbo.com/Outdoors-Magazine...Braid.pdf. Anyways, it took <30mins to learn basics, good enough to make 2 practice straps using a modification of that pattern. I say 2 practice straps because the 3rd one turned out great. If the 2nd had been better I would have said 1 practice strap :-)
Seriously, though, it you're dexterous enough to play mando, you CAN EASILY make a braided strap, the pattern link above is easy to make, the only other thing you need is patience.
Gerry Cassidy - Posted - 01/19/2011: 09:43:23
quote:
Originally posted by David M
I never liked braided ones because they "roll" off my shoulder, it seems.
My recent one came from Sully at sullysstraps.com/ He has great service, turnaround and is very helpful. It's the mando skinny w/a sewn loop for my scroll on the body. He did a heck of a job.
The Sully's look like fine straps indeed! Thanks for the link...
mandolin tony - Posted - 01/23/2011: 15:45:32
Morgan Monroe makes some nice braided leather straps that won't wipe out your bank account.
irishbanjos - Posted - 01/24/2011: 08:13:31
quote:
Originally posted by mandolin tony
Morgan Monroe makes some nice braided leather straps that won't wipe out your bank account.
I like MM mandolins, so I'm going to check out their straps and see if they're as good-looking as their mandolins.
Hedgehog - Posted - 01/25/2011: 09:37:31
I like making my own stuff. For a while I used leather boot laces with hangmans nooses. Worked well and had the home made or rustic feel I like, but I wanted something a bit wider.
If you want to make a strap yourself go to a real honest to goodness feed store, the one that most of the farmers and cowboys use for their horse and dog supplies. Look at their horse reigns, you'll find many different styles and the leather is high quality and reasonably priced. I got a super fancy one piece reign for $30.00 and made two straps out of it. This was very expensive, but the tooling attracted me. It's easy to find excellent strap material for half that. Also look at dog leashes. They have an F style loop already built in, all you need to do is cut to length and punch a hole for your end pin. If you like nylon or webbing, petsmart has all kinds of colored leashs.
mark - Posted - 01/25/2011: 10:14:12
My local acoustic shop carried the Long Hollow ones, so that's what I've had for 8 years now, their softy.
Great strap, has worn well and is extremely comfortable. Like others, I find the braided ones roll a little and just don't feel as secure.
If my local shop didn't have the nice Long Hollows or I ever need a new one, it's Lakota. Happy customers, quality product, and a from place where I left a little of my heart many years ago on a visit.
Suresca - Posted - 12/14/2012: 03:34:01
Hi All. Last year my daughter gave me a gift certificate for The Bailey Strap. I must say it is without a doubt the BEST mando strap I have ever owned period. Although they are a little salty...65.00--85.00 it just goes to show how much she loves her daddy. So ladies and gents tis' the season and the chillins' are always perplexed about what to give their loved ones for Christmas...THERE IT IS !!! Made in the Good ole USA and Mr Bailey is great to deal with. Every time I pick up my mando I get that feeling. Mr."A"
f5mando - Posted - 02/21/2013: 20:15:39
quote:
Originally posted by dmiller
I really like the look of a leather strap, but the one I'm using is far from that.
I went to the local hardware store, and bought a length of nylon strap.
Not sure what the original use for it was, but I wanted it for a strap for the mandolin.
I measured out the length needed and took it to a local business (Duluth Pack)
and they (with their sewing machines), did the necessary sewing to make it into a strap.
Cost at the Hardware store? 2 or so dollars. Duluth Pack charged 5 bucks to do the sewing.
It isn't fancy (or leather), but it works admirably and is quite comfortable.
I ended up with the same result from a dog leash (mine was red). Once I'd determined the length, I cut and then cauterized it with an hot knife. Strap buttons also made with heated knife and old screwdriver. There's no stretch in these straps, either!
Ben Venuti - Posted - 02/22/2013: 01:45:37
Kangaroos are less endangered than endangering. In fact the place is full of them. They have to build barricades on the fronts of vehicles 'cause they tend to bounce in front of them endangering drivers. They are garden pests like the rose fed deer in my yard.
I braid my own straps. You can get nicer stuff than boot laces at a crafts store and you can use a couple of different colors if you want. You can probably find umpteen different braiding techniques on an internet search.
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'Collings MT vs MT2' 1 day
