Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:14:15 -0700
Subject: Re: Some Questions

Good Morning Mickey,Boy it rained here all night and is now very cold, about 40 degrees! Hope spring gets here soon so I can sit on the front porch and practice my instruments.
I have a couple of question if I could pull on your time.

In trying to install the straps on the dobros' I can't seem to get them in a position that doesn't interfere with my slide hand. I am placing the strap with the looped end right in front of the upper nut and trying to keep it on the under side but it still gets in my way. Did I misunderstand you or, am I doing it wrong which is what I suspect.

OK ... first we'll want to clarify which dobro. Are you possibly trying to use the strap on a roundneck? It would work ... only, it's really designed for squareneck only. This would mean you have two squareneck dobros?

On the squareneck, here's the deal: on the right side, the forearm wraps around the strap adding essential stability. This of course is pictured on our web site but not described. And, I'm sorry I didn't bring this up before.

The squareneck Dobro strap images can be seen at: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page627.htm

Now, on the left side, the strap does tie in right behind the nut. Your left hand then plays, with the slide, directly under it. And, yes, the drawback is that you have to get used to the strap being slightly in the way when playing in the lower position. Many dobroists will not even play in the standing position due to this ... however, they do lose their versatility by limiting themselves to sitting. There's a local dobroist here, you may have heard of him, Tim McCasland. He was the dean of the only bluegrass college in the world, at Levelland, TX. He's also a writer and has produced videos for Mel Bay. He refuses to stand when playing dobro ... and, his partner has complained about this ... however, his sitting does not impede his excellent command of the instrument so all the more power to those who prefer to sit. I like both myself ... and find the Folk of the Wood Dobro Strap essential in my performance and practice efforts. You never know, some stages won't have a seat ready and then you're truly up the creek without a strap.

All my best, Mickey

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Subject: Dobro strap


I just bought one of your dobro straps. I have to commend you on your service - it was here in less than a week. And, it really is a comfortable strap that keeps my dobro stable. I feel much more confident standing and playing my dobro compared to my old strap. I would like some advice, though. Compared to my old strap (with strings on the peg head), I'm having a little harder time reaching the first fret. I've tried a couple of strap positions, which hasn't made much difference. Can you let me know what you do to reach the first fret? Is it just a question of getting used to pushing the strap out of the way, or is there something else?

Thanks again for the great strap. I'm sorry that I didn't find out about you before I bought my current dobro!

Norm

Greetings Norm,

Thanks for touching base with us...
I wish I could see this in person...I haven't had a problem using mine...Maybe I need more close-up pictures on installation....it does seem to be a little tighter to play in the first position. I guess I've gotten used to it...

I take it you've seen the images on the following page:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page627.htm

If you find that you can't adapt to reaching the first fret, you might be able to install it further up the peghead...(depending on the peghead)

Mickey