Strap for flat-top pancake?

[Stevo75]

I'll be getting a new flat-top pancake A/N style mandolin soon. Are these typically played without shoulder straps? I've watched several videos and a lot of people seem to hold them up with their left and and play seated. I guess that wouldn't work standing though...

[MikeEdgerton]

It all depends on the tailpiece. Take a look at the two mandolins in this thread. The Flat top Kalamazoo has the same tailpiece as the Strad-O-Lin. If there is no button you can add one or you can do as I did here with a loop of leather. At the headstock you simply use a loop.

[Stevo75]

Thanks Mike. I'm getting the flat-top custom made, so I can ask to get strap buttons installed. But I was just noticing that in most videos (there aren't a lot of flat-top videos out there), the player is using no strap at all! I was just wondering if that's how flat-tops (specifically pancakes) tend to be played (strapless).

[fatt-dad]

I always use a strap on my Flatiron 1N. But I also always use a strap on my other mandolins.

I tie the strap about the peghead.

enjoy your new mandolin!

f-d

[MikeEdgerton]

I have an 85 year old friend that has been playing the mandolin since he was 12 or 13. He never uses a strap. He plays a Gibson F-5. I can't do that. I'd need a strap. As far as I know there are no rules about using straps on pancakes. I always have. Go with what you're comfortable with.

[CES]

I always use a strap on my Flatiron 1N as well. I loop it around the headstock. I braided my own from paracord, and have had no issues. I recently got a tenor Uke, that's been a lot of fun, but didn't think to have a strap button added to it...wish that I had! It seems that most people play ukes without one, and I'm giving it a go, but it's gonna take some getting used to. Played it on a couple of songs in church last Sunday, and actually sat down with it because I didn't feel comfortable keeping it stable and my right wrist loose. Hopefully I'll get there, or I can see some drilling in my future

[Stevo75]

Alright, thanks folks. I'll just have the strap buttons installed then. If I don't like the one at the heel of the neck, I'll just take it out. Or maybe I'll do it the other way around - make sure the end-pin strap button is installed by the builder with the idea that I'll tie the strap around the head stock. If I don't like it, I'll just add the strap button at the heel of the neck myself. I've done it before on arch-top A style mandolins and it's not a big deal.

[Joey Anchors]

I'm also having a custom flattop made and chose to have a strap button installed.

[Explorer]

I'll be getting a new flat-top pancake A/N style mandolin soon. Are these typically played without shoulder straps? I've watched several videos and a lot of people seem to hold them up with their left and and play seated. I guess that wouldn't work standing though...

As you've read, it is all up to the player's preference. My own Flatiron pancake mandola has been used with a strap since I bought it in the '80s, and no one has ever complained about my using it.

[Stevo75]

Hey joey, are you waiting on a crystal forest flat top? Me too.

[Joey Anchors]

Hey joey, are you waiting on a crystal forest flat top? Me too.

Yes I am! What are the specs on yours Stevo?

Mine will be a bit different than the standard as it will be a five string.

[Stevo75]

I'm getting a standard A/N pancake with a dark stain (sort of like numbers 12-14). His work looks amazing!

[JeffD]

Steve you are going to love it.

[Joey Anchors]

I'm getting a standard A/N pancake with a dark stain (sort of like numbers 12-14). His work looks amazing!

Nice! Terry does amazing stain work. Mine will have a redwood top and the body with be slightly deeper than what he usually does.