I recently picked up a Goldtone Banjitar GT-500 after not playing an instrument for years. My previous experience was with electric bass.
To my dismay, I had no idea how different the strap setup was from a bass guitar.
I'm here looking for some professional opinions from this community because, truth be told, even the strap setup is quite daunting to a complete beginner.
I originally got a generic "snapping hook-style" banjo strap - but I didn't use it because the metal hooks that snap over the tension hooks would definitely damage the metal and wood finish over time.
I read a few reviews about the Gold Tone Deluxe Leather cradle strap, but it secures with the shoelace attachment. I love that this style doesn't have any metal - but I'm worried about it coming undone without me noticing and causing the banjo to fall. I also looked into Lakota straps and reached out to the owner - but there are several options and I'm unsure about the Chicago screws. Prucha cradle straps were also on my short-list, but those are the most expensive.
At any rate, I am very lost on the best type of strap for what I'm trying to do...
I want something that attaches securely, distributes the weight over my shoulders well (to allow me to hold it like a bass), will not slip or damage the finish on the banjo, and can hopefully stay on the banjo when I put it back in the case (the official Goldtone Banjitar GT case).
I don't know where to even begin -
Best brands?
2"? 3"?
Cradle? Non-Cradle?
Threaded under all of the tension hooks, or alternating over/under?
Best place to start threading (beneath tension hooks) and to stop threading the strap?
I'm trying to replicate the feel of playing an electric guitar or a bass with the most secure, comfortable and non-damaging strap. I've read so many opposing statements between players - some saying it's better to secure to tension hooks so sound quality is not affected, and others saying it's not as safe.
There are lots of differing statements online for someone who is a true beginner!
I joined this forum just to ask this question. Thank you in advance to everyone who takes the time to respond! I know a Banjitar is not a true banjo, but at the end of the day I love the sound and just want to have fun playing.
A lot of us use the cradle strap, I know I have one on all of my banjos.
The cradle strap that I have does tie together but not with what I consider a shoe string. Mine is a leather chord that threads through the 2-1/2" strap that goes around the banjo. Once tied off, knotted twice if you will, it doesn't/hasn't ever come loose. I've had one on my banjos for over 25 years and had no problems.
Others may have a different recommendation, but the cradle strap works well for me.
I’m a big fan of the cradle strap as well like Miss Sherry is. I also have a zero gravity neoprene strap for the long neck banjo. It’s nice but I don’t look like much. Very comfortable though. Never had a problem with either one have have 4 years on the neoprene and close to eight on the leather cradle strap no problems. Hope this helps happy holidays.
You're gonna have difficulty finding a cradle strap that will work on a shoe and bracket style banjo, most are designed for use with a one piece flange banjo as they often are very heavy and thus unsafe to use a hook style strap on. A lakota cradle strap will almost definitely not fit your banjo, they didn't fit my 2 piece flange banjo and yours looks like it would be a tighter fit than that. You'll probably have to use one of their non-cradle straps which are a pain in the butt since you have to loosen 2 hooks to put them under, so its something that will permanently be on your banjo with no adjustability unless you want to redo your head tension. So your option would either be that, or suck it up and use the hook strap. Which is personally the route I went with my openback. Don't care if scratches the hooks a bit, its not an expensive banjo (only cost around 800) and I don't plan on reselling it ever.
Souldier makes good straps that work on banjos where there is not enough clearance for thick leather straps or cradle straps. Lots of choices. They use a leather tab that is secured.
I played a little electric bass a long time ago and used a neotech strap..they also have one for the banjo...the most comfortable strap ever and really manages the weight well and wont mess up your instrument or come undone.
neotechstraps.com/products/sup...030416680
Another vote for the neotech strap. I need to remove it to fit into the case, but the loops that attach to the banjo stay on and clip on and off the main strap.
