I just got a second mandolin, and wanted a second strap - preferably thin, light, and low profile.
I went to the largest local music store in the area, as well as our local Guitar Center - Of course, no mandolin straps.
My wife suggested we go to the fabric store next to the Guitar Center...She is an excellent 'crafts person', so I was optimistic.
After looking at a wide selection of various lacing materials, we purchased a 2 yard section (much more than needed) of a 3/8" wide cotton brown lace trim. It was around $1 per yard.
We chose this material because it was fairly thin (it could be securely tied around a strap button), was very soft (will not mark the finish), and surprisingly sturdy (it has enough width to feel substantial).
Strap construction took all of about 5 minutes:
* Create a small (1" diameter) loop at one end of the lace using a loop knot.
* Thread the non-loop end of the material around the peghead, between tuners, under the strings, and through the loop (for cosmetic purposes, position the loop so the loop knot is on the bottom, facing the peghead).
* Pull the loose end of the strap material to tighten the loop end connection.
* Now simply position the strap at the desired length, and secure it to the strap button with a basic square knot (making sure that ALL of the strap fabric is inside the channel or groove of the button).
Once you're sure you like the strap length, you can make a double knot at the end button for added security and/or you can cut-off the excess fabric (but it's a good idea to leave a few extra inches in case you'll want to make the strap longer at some point). Also, the strap 'tail' hanging down at the endpin will make you look like Marty Stuart! Always a plus!
That's it...You're done.
$2 DIY Strap Pros (MANY):
* It's $2!
* Anyone can make one (if I can do it, anyone can)
* very low-profile, light, and soft (will not mark the finish)
* Quite comfortable
* will work on any body style mandolin
* Can easily be attached to the top of the mandolin wherever one desires (peghead, under the fingerboard, or at the scroll)
* Can be adjusted to EXACT desired length
* Never needs to be removed from the mandolin (will not cause issues with any instrument case, even the most snug fitting)
* Since it does not have a tie-point at the peghead (or whatever other 2nd attachment point one uses), it can't come apart there.
* Knot attachment at endpin is likely more secure than traditional button-hole attachment
* Easy to store as a back-up (can be scrunched into a very small bunch)
$2 Strap Cons (FEW):
* One needs to be sure that the attaching knot is secure and tight (I'd recommend checking it periodically...I'll be for sure.)
* Strap adjustment or removal requires undoing a very secure knot
* It's best to have a second person assist in setting or adjusting the length (but a more dexterous person could probably do this on his or her own).
Additions or Options? The wife says she'll be making me a shoulder pad for the strap for Fathers' Day (out of matching color, 2" wide nylon material, say 6" long, with two slots cut in it so the strap can be threaded through). This certainly isn't necessary, but would probably add even more comfort and stability.
Finally, I had assumed that this little project would end-up as the strap on my back-up mandolin. However, after playing with it on for a few hours last night, I'm thinking it will be my main strap! It's remarkably light, comfortable and seems to stay in position nicely. Plus, it can stay on the mandolin, easily fitting in the case and not marking the instrument's finish.
Even if one has a strap or two he or she loves, it would be a nice idea to keep one or two of these around as back-up in one's case compartment.
-Ed
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