Strap pin yes or no in a A-5

[GreenMTBoy]

Just got a new A-5 Mandolin for Christmas, a pretty one ! I am torn between installing a neck strap button and not installing one . I have done so in my other A’s it’s not a problem I know how to use a drill !t. I just like the way if feels better then the
leather lace looped under the fretboard .
Does it hurt the value of the mandolin ,I have no intentions of selling it but you know never say never .That really doesn’t even matter but wondering what y’all think about it

[Rodney Riley]

Right now it’s your mandolin, and you’re playing it. Make it work for you. If that’s a setup that’s higher above the frets than anyone else’s or a strap button, go for it. Now, if you’re talking the ‘23 Griffith A signed by Lloyd Loar, NO!!!

[Jim Garber]

A strap button might lower the desirability to someone who hates them but maybe is a plus to someone who wants one. In any case, for a newish mandolin I can't imagine that it would impact price all that much.

Personally, I don't have any strap buttons on my A models but that is just me. As long as you are careful in your drilling and don't crack the neck heel—that would impact the selling price down the line.

[Br1ck]

I had one put on my Silverangel, but not the chrome cheapies you see. I bought a turned wood with an abalone dot strap button. Pricy, but the way to go. Needed a shorter than guitar screw though. Looks classy.

[Ray(T)]

Some people love ‘em and some people hate ‘em but unless you’re thinking of selling the mandolin in the near future I wouldn’t worry about it as you’ve already considerably reduced it’s value by taking it out of the shop.

My Kimble A5 came with strap button fitted from new and I never gave a moment’s thought about it being worth less than one without.

[pops1]

I prefer to use the headstock, not at the nut as it is always in the way, but between the tuners. I have a couple of mandolins with strap buttons in the heel, I took them out as I don't like the feel when I play up the neck.

[Timbofood]

I agree with Rodney, it’s yours! Do with it what you want!

[OneChordTrick]

I like a strap button on the heel so it wouldn’t put me off.

[Charlie Bernstein]

If it's a valuable, all-original mando, modifying it will devalue it somewhat. Looping around the heel and under the end of the fretboard works fine for me.

But yeah, it's yours, and you're the one who has to play it, so there's no harm in adding a button if you really like it better that way.

[John Soper]

I have a strap button on my A, but loop the strap under the fingerboard; I have a strap button on the bass side point of my 2-pointer and attach the strap to that button, and also use the strap holder conveniently supplied by the design of my F-2...

[Rich Benson]

Yes

[pheffernan]

I have never added a strap pin to an A5. And I have never minded an A5 that came with one. Some buyers will be turned off by it. Others will object to wear from the strap under the fretboard extension. If it’s a new instrument, assume that you’re going to lose 30% and shrink your audience either way. Then (to quote JeffD) play the potatoes out of it.

[LadysSolo]

I prefer to tie to the headstock, but that's probably because that's how I do with my guitars, and I started guitars before I began playing mandolins. I wouldn't refuse to buy a mandolin with one, however.

[DougC]

The strap has a different shape when fastened at either the neck or heel. It feels different and it makes a 'smaller' loop to fit over your shoulder or across your chest when fastened to a button instead of the neck.

Compare some strap configurations of other's mandolins and see if it feels different to you.

[pops1]

The strap has a different shape when fastened at either the neck or heel. It feels different and it makes a 'smaller' loop to fit over your shoulder or across your chest when fastened to a button instead of the neck.

Compare some strap configurations of other's mandolins and see if it feels different to you.

I agree the strap when attached to the heel pulls down on your shoulder, when attached to the neck it pulls across your back. Much more comfortable pulling across than pulling down on your shoulder. For me that is. Guitar is the same way.

[dang]

After years of having one instrument with one, and another without, I finally broke down and had a strap button put on the one without. My only regret was not doing it sooner. But I am particular...

As others have said, it may or may not effect the value/desireability of the instrument. For me it would increase the desireability. YMMV

[renoyd]

It’s all just personal preference here. Me, I don’t like them. It’s not like with a guitar where the larger body shifts the center of gravity toward the body end and a strap button near the heel balances the instrument better. With A mandolins, the COG is shifted more towards the neck. When you let go of everything to eat your sandwich or whatever, the neck swings downward and I don’t care for that. But if tied up between tuners, (yup, away from the nut), balance is perfect. I removed a strap button from a Red Diamond A I bought from the original owner who put it in. Never looked back, no heel buttons for me!

[UsuallyPickin]

A valuable collectible No Something modern Yes.

[GreenMTBoy]

OK, Decision made ,going for it
I’m not going to worry about the Mando police !.
Screw the resale value ,really not a factor .
It’s a new Mando not some Holy Grail collectible
It’s my damn mandolin and I just like it better !
Going for a nice Ebony one with a Mop dot ,gonna be beautiful .
Thank you all for the help .

[pops1]

Way to make a decision, it is after all your mandolin.

[yankees1]

Whatever floats your boat ! To float my boat I don't like strap pins !

[Astro]

I wouldn't have another A model without one. I added one to mine and also to my primary guitar. To me its an added value. To someone who doesnt want it, Just take it out and seal. Barely shows. Once you buy it, its used anyway. Its already depreciated and adding a button isnt going to make any difference for most. It depends on your anatomy which feels better but its a nonissue for me. If you like it, do it.

[Mark Seale]

My Monteleone has one. John put it there. Ebony with a pearl dot. I hope it doesn't affect the value too much.

[JeffD]

J
Does it hurt the value of the mandolin ,I have no intentions of selling it but you know never say never .That really doesn’t even matter but wondering what y’all think about it

If it helps, do it.

I have no intention of selling any of my mandolins - which means that if I had to sell one or two because I was up against it, then the money I might not get back because of my customization will not be my first priority.

[Br1ck]

Yes

Someone who can follow directions. How refreshing. You could give lessons to all those appearing before Senate hearings.

Senator: Do you believe in X? Yes or no?

Witness: 1 # h J " { s j