So after reviewing many strap forums it seems cradle straps tend to be best but are they best for over your neck or just over shoulder? Just got new rk75 and leaning towards lakota 2 inch. I know most will say what's most comfortable but was wondering if it will improve playing. Thanks!
I play sitting down, and a 2" Lakota works well for that. If I played standing up, for a long time, I might go for a 3" instead.
Forgot to add that it goes over the neck. I have tried over the shoulder, but that doesn't work for me.
I'm probably overthinking this but if you have a cradle strap it comes out under the neck. A regular strap usually attaches the first bracket above the neck. Which would lend itself to wearing over the neck or over the shoulder?
quote:
Originally posted by UpNorthernerSo after reviewing many strap forums it seems cradle straps tend to be best but are they best for over your neck or just over shoulder? Just got new rk75 and leaning towards lakota 2 inch. I know most will say what's most comfortable but was wondering if it will improve playing. Thanks!
I don't know of any straps that improve playing, that's what practice is for! :) but seriously, I love my 2" Lakota cradle strap, it's super comfortable and good high quality leather. I have 4- I use their straps on 2 acoustic guitars and 2 banjos- they're great!
-TD
I have a 3 inch Lakota cradle on my Deering. It’s a bit wide for my shoulder, but I missed the annual sale, to pick up a 2 inch.
I don’t have them on my guitars though. The leather is so soft and supple that the guitar end pin slides right out. I almost lost my beautiful Martin D-18 when it slid off the strap. Luckily I was able to catch it before any damage was done.
talljoey,
Grit your teeth and check out strap attachments for electric guitars. Due to their weight, some strap attachments have large "washers" intended to keep strap ends in place. Don't have any personal knowledge, but that might help your fine D-18.
I use a cradle strap for my banjo (2" with sheep's wool padding) and wear it over the neck. The padding helps cushion the shoulder so you can stand up during a gig or sit down and practice. If set up right, it works both standing and sitting with no adjustments.
Both my Martin guitars just have regular over the neck straps, no padding. Don't seem to need it because the guitars don't weight nearly as much as my Stelling.
Sounds like the cradle strap is the winner. I think Sonny wore over his neck and Earl wore over the shoulder. Who do I want to be like....lol!
Thanks all!
quote:
Originally posted by UpNorthernerSounds like the cradle strap is the winner. I think Sonny wore over his neck and Earl wore over the shoulder. Who do I want to be like....lol!
Thanks all!
Earl wore it over the shoulder because of the cowboy hats they were wearing. Later on he switched to over the neck. That didn't stop thousands of players to imitate the uncomfortable way used by early-Earl.
I have both styles. I have the 3" cradle and 2 of the 2" non-cradle. The non-cradle is preferred to me for over the neck and shoulder. The cradle lets the neck fall while playing and allows undesirable rotation while playing. The ideal one for me the next time I order one is going to be the 3" non-cradle. Perfect comfort and play-ability IMHO. Of course I'll need another one because you always need another banjo... :)
I agree over the shoulder is uncomfortable but much easier to put on and off. Plus you won't mess up your hair! The price you pay to look good but I'll need more than that!
Even though 3 inch strap is probably more comfortable I
thought the 3 in strap would not fit in the case properly?
They are SO soft, they fold right in. Easiest strap ever to get in a case. I've had many many types. Almost as many as my wife has shoes!
I've bought them directly from Lakota, and also through banjoteacher.
Edited by - thor363 on 12/02/2022 08:30:44
I tried attaching a non cradle strap under the neck and it wants to tip the banjo over so I understand what you meant when you said the neck falls down with the cradle. Thanks for the input.
There is a way of installing a cradle strap that goes under the first hooks and over all the rest.
You want the banjo to lean towards you.
There are some, not me, who think the cradle muffles the banjos. My dog can hear that maybe.
I've tried shoulder mount when I was 15, didn't work out.
I play two longnecks, one with a resonator and one openback, I use cradles.
I’ve Used Neo-Tech For The Last 15 Or So Years.
Most Comfortable And Weight Sharing Strap On The Market….
I like my 550 nylon twine "cradle strap" with an old BlueNote clip-on strap.
The 550 twine just fits through the opening under the head hoop.
With the other end woven in and out of the hooks and appearing from the hooks on the armrest side of the tailpiece.
A simple "overhand" loop forms the cradle ends for clipping on the strap.
All my banjos have the 550 cradle string and I have only one strap.
I’m partial to Huber straps. Available in black and brown. Can be purchased from Huber as well as several other popular online banjo sites. After spending several thousand dollars on a professional grade banjo I want a classy strap to compliment the whole affair. The strap can easily installed to just about any comfortable length. I set the strap length so the banjo is in the same position when standing or sitting.
huberbanjos.com/shop/huber-lea...jo-strap/
Edited by - Pick-A-Lick on 12/05/2022 17:04:16
I exclusively use leather Dogwood straps. They are stiff to begin with, but quickly shape to your body. And that's what makes them so comfortable to play.
