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Thread: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

  1. #1

    Default Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    I want to quickly/easily swap between two straps... my "gig" strap with my mic pack, cables, etc. and my general purpose jam strap.

    Because I loop the strap under the fretboard extension and back through itself (like a larks head) it requires I remove everything connected to the strap for removal... a huge pain because I want the mic cable, mic pack, and microphone nice and tidy and well-secured.

    I've done my research and I don't see a solution. I'd like to stay away from metal hardware... that's about my only requirement.

    I swap instruments frequently during shows so securing the equipment to the mandolin strap is essential and non-negotiable.

    Lastly, the mandolin must be secure. I can't afford to replace it - I splurged to begin with and would sleep in the garage if I did it again.

    Thanks for your thoughts!
    ---
    Cheap Craigslist Guitar | Mandolin Made of Wood | Upright Bass with Strings

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    Perhaps change the focus. Can you figure out a quick way to attach the stuff you need for the gig to a strap you could use as a general strap? I'm thinking velcro or snaps of some kind. If not look at strap buttons or the like.
    "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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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    A picture would help for ideas.
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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    Connectors like these come in a variety of sizes and colors. You could have the loop under the fretboard attached to one of these and the strap attached to the other piece. Multiple straps could go on and off as long as they matched up with the connector. If you have a large outdoor store like REI nearby they might have them in stock.
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    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; May-17-2018 at 2:08pm.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

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    Registered User Scott Rucker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    I do something similar with a Golden Gate pick with a hole drilled through the center and a short loop of string with a knot in it. The knot holds the pick on the string loop. The pick secures the loop to the strap. I use it for my A style mandolins and for my guitars that don't have buttons on the heels. I am not at home now so I can't take a pic. It's pretty simple and very easy to use with no knots to tie or untie each time I put it on or take it off.
    Last edited by Scott Rucker; May-17-2018 at 3:44pm. Reason: clarity

  7. #6
    Registered User Scott Rucker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

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    Here are some pics. I just made this at work with materials I had available. It works better with a heavier round pick and better string. I loop it around the neck under the strings behind the nut. I suppose it would work looping under the fingerboard extension, it would just need to be a lot longer. In the picture, imagine my fingers being the neck. The pick then goes through a hole in the strap.

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    Unfamous String Buster Beanzy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    I use a belt pack with the fiddle & mandolin mics connected. All the mic pres live on the far end at the stage box with an A/B switch going into a single input in the stage loom. When I finish on one instrument I just trigger that to mute the one I’m putting down & bring the other live. I’m glad I don't play with a strap as it makes swapping possible even in a tune.

    Anyway would a similar approach of using a clip on belt-pack work so you could just hook up to that for gigs and have a stubby lead to go from mando to belt pack?

    (That loop idea looks pretty quick, and as long as you make it a tight fit for the pick or button going through the strap it woul be pretty secure at that end too. Elegant solution)
    Eoin



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    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    A couple of good press studs on the strap at the neck end wouldn't do any harm to the mandolin. One strap that i bought from the Janet Davis Co. had 2 rivets closing the strap loop.I used it for a few years with no trouble. Good press studs will take a lot of down force to open,but pop open easily from the front,
    Ivan

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  10. #9

    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    FWIW, those plastic connectors look similar to what is on tote bags for laptops and I've had a couple fail over the years, due to one side of the clip breaking off. (can only be bent back and forth so many hundred times.....)

    And, I should add it does a great job up until the point of failure!

    I should also add, I probably keep a laptop in use longer than the average person, certainly past the point of the manufacturer's "planned" obsolescence. (at which time they would expect you to get a new computer and a new tote bag for it, of course!)

    I can also add that I saw Mick Jagger with the Stones playing guitar about 15 years ago with one of those straps with the plastic quick connectors and it worked fine for him. He had some ugly modern bright yellow guitar which stood in marked contrast to Ronnie and Keith's vintage finery! And, if his guitar falls on the stage and breaks -- well, you know, he's MICK JAGGER!

  11. #10
    Registered User ferrousgeek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    Connectors like these come in a variety of sizes and colors. You could have the loop under the fretboard attached to one of these and the strap attached to the other piece. Multiple straps could go on and off as long as they matched up with the connector. If you have a large outdoor store like REI nearby they might have them in stock.
    I worked in the Outdoor industry for 22 years. In that time I saw hundreds of plastic buckle failures. I would never trust the security of anything of value to a plastic piece of hardware.

  12. #11

    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    Great ideas. I'm going to ponder them.

    Yes... I should've given you a photo. I was at work (lunch break) and just wanted to get the question out there before I saw a squirrel and completely forgot.

    The real issue is I don't like things untidy on stage. I want things secure. Ideally I just want to do the single mic thing but we very quickly discovered the ambient noise and my partner's relatively soft vocie makes that nearly impossible.

    Thanks again everyone!
    ---
    Cheap Craigslist Guitar | Mandolin Made of Wood | Upright Bass with Strings

  13. #12
    Darylene
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    They have a planet waves one on Amazon for $7

  14. #13
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ideas for Quick-Swap A5 Strap: Under neck extension

    I've been using those types of connectors for years. I've never had one fail. Anyone with kids is familiar with them as they use them for everything from restraints to seatbelts.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

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