Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 12:07:21 -0700
Subject: Re: Mandolin Strap

I got my mandolin back over the weekend. It plays great now and I need a
strap. It is a Johnson "F" hole that my son got me for Christmas from
Musicians Friend. Give me a reference to what you have that will fit it.
Are you working on a new strap where the strap wraps around the neck, like
the dobro strap I just bought? If so, that sounds great. When will you
have a strap ready to test? This design keeps the dobro stable, even for
someone just learning to stand up with it.

Jim O.

Hi Jim ... yes, I do have a new design. It includes an added shoulder support ... which is currently priced at 29.95 ... without the shoulder support, the strap by itself is 19.95. This would be an F-Style Strap Black or Brown ... that's in stock now. I'll do my best to get it up on the online store today. You may click on the following link: https://www.mysticwestproducts.com/proddetail.php?prod=MS-A-BLK-SS

All my best, Mickey

Mickey Cochran

Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.folkofthewood.com

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

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Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 14:24:49 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: mandolin

I just got my Johnson 120 mandolin. I'm so excited! One question: how do I
attach/tie on the shoulder strap? Does the hole part go on the bottom of
the instrument? But then where/what do I tie the thin straps around?
Thanks so much,
Erin

Greetings Erin,

One end of the strap goes on the end pin, the other on a strap button on the neck heel (this strap button needs to be installed by a repair technician). Yes, you can tie the strap on the peghead, only this is not recommended...for it can get in your way when playing. Mickey

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Subject: F Mando Balance
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2005 12:45:37 -0600

Greetings and thanks for all the great resources you offer to mandolin players and enthusiasts. I've got a quick question that I haven't found an answer for about the neck/body balance on F mandolins. I guess it would depend on weight of woods used and thickness, but are all/most F mandos neck heavy? I haven't played that many and only noticed recently when playing one with a strap. I imagine the large headstock is responsible for a lot of mass. Thanks, Gelon

Greetings Gelon,

Yes, most all F-style necks are top heavy...and, because of this, they tend to drop heavily from the playing hand. And the fretting hand has to hold it up slightly while playing when seated. However, when using a strap, the added support, even with the strap weaved within the scroll, ensures that the mandolin does not drop down. For further info on our F-Style Straps, visit: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page464.htm

Mickey

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Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 11:14:17 -0500
Subject: mandolin balance

Hi folks -

Thanks so much for your excellent website and service. I have what may seem
like a stupid question, but I searched the FAQ and couldn't find anything so I
thought I'd write.

I just received my first mandolin. It's a Johnson MF 350, and I'm very happy
with it. However, I can't get it to balance on my lap properly. It seems as
if I'm holding up most of the weight with my left hand on the neck, which is
probably going to hinder my playing. I'm kind of a tall and skinny guy, so
that may be making it akward, but do you have any suggestions? It's an
F-style, with a sort of pointed flare at the bottom (don't know what you call
it).

Thanks so much.

Alek

Greetings Alek,

This imbalance problem can be easily resolved...what you'll want would be an F-style mandolin strap...and these are easy to install. Additionally, you can keep it on your mandolin while it's stored in its case.

The F-style mandolin strap will support the neck whether you're sitting or standing. It's really an essential accessory. I keep one on my F at all times.

Here's a picture of what they look like installed:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page1572.htm

Here are some reasonably priced leather F-style straps:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page464.htm

Let me know how else I might assist, Mickey

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Subject: Mando Straps
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 13:27:42 -0500

My Rover A-Model Mandolin does not have TWO strap buttons, just one located on the bottom. What type of strap would I need? I'm assuming it will need to attach the around the nut somewhere.

Thanks for your time, Karla Bailer

Greetings Karla,

For A-models without the strap button on the heel of the neck, you'll want to tie off your strap at the peghead. Any A-style mandolin strap will work as long as it does include the tie on one end. Any small leather-type string will work...you'll be tieing it on right behind the nut of your mandolin...it can be threaded under the strings...all of our A-style leather straps, at 15.50 have a string to tie on at the peghead.

Hope something here helps...Mickey

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Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:45:49 -0700
Subject: Re: Stinger mandolin a-style strap order...

I just received the Stinger and think it's great except for one issue:

The loop is too small for either of the buttons on my mandolin. I could
stretch it but it seems that it would tear after a while. What should I do?

The loop is designed to be stretched to fit over the button...the reason would be to add security to the installation...if it's too loose over the button it's susceptible to coming off more easily. If you encounter any problem whatsoever, we will replace the strap with another. Your strap has a lifetime warranty.

Be sure to watch our Stinger installation slide shows on our website...and, get back with us with further questions.

At your disposal, FOTW

I forgot to mention that one side of your strap will be fed through the braided part...the braided part is designed to be stretched out so that it will fit an end pin by the tailpiece. This would be part of the height adjustment you may need since all straps need to be fitted to the individual player...be sure to wathc our Stinger slide shows for further info on this...and, get back with us if you have further questions...FOTW

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Stinger mandolin a-style strap order...
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 11:17:06 -0700

Thanks for the quick response. I'll continue to use the strap. If
you need a testamonial, I'd say that the strap is very comfortable,
quite sturdy, and sizing is a sinch. It's also a beautiful match
for my Givens Legacy A6. Thanks again for the help.

Mark

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Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 18:00:07 -0800 (PST)
From: Errol Dimenstein of Stinger Straps

Interesting, I own a Weber Gallatin and encountered a
similar problem. I tried a variety of commerical
straps and couldn't find what I was looking for.
Consequently, I experimented with my own design using
suede leather which I found to be very "grippy"
sticking to whatever upper body garment I wore keeping
my mando in place. So the answer you seek is to use a
material like suede for the traction it provides.
Interestingly, I had an opportunity to meet with the
people at Folk of the Wood this summer and the owner
encouraged me to develop a product line as a courtesy
to his customers. To make a long story short, with
his input we are now selling a full line of top
quality suede leather straps you might find to your
liking. They can be seen at
http://www.folkofthewood.com. But you might be happy
with a simple piece of any traction loving material.
Good luck,

Errol Dimenstein

Stinger Straps are available exclusively through FOTW. Click Here for Further Info

For our current Mandolin Strap Line-Up, Click Here