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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7202 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Chief on BHO
I just got a new banjo from Mac Traynham, my "grail" banjo, the instrument I hope to play for the rest of my life. So I wanted a good strap for it. I have used those black neoprene straps and they are very comfortable, but nondescript. I have used Lakota leather straps; I like them, but wanted something customized. I tried contacting Dogwood Designs, based on other reviews, but never heard back from them--hopefully a sign they are busy and overbooked. So I checked the classifieds here on BHO and found the ad for Ken "Chief" Harper's straps. I emailed him and he responded promptly.
Chief guided me through leather choices and offered to do some custom design, based around the inlay that Mac created for the headstock. He uses top quality, veg-tanned leather, and I was impressed with his flexibility and his hand-carved (not just tooled) work in photos. So I sprang for it.
In a very short time, he sent me my new strap. I love it: it's just as he laid it out, it fits great, and I will be proud to wear it as long as I can play the banjo. One thing I like about a leather strap like this, compared to the neoprene straps or to thinner, more flexible leather straps, is that it's easy to get it on and off my body even in a crowded jam or gig space. I use the strap even sitting down now, in an attempt to be more ergonomically-centered, holding the neck more out front than to the side. This strap really helps with that. Kudos to the Chief....
Overall Rating: 10
