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So, I am looking to buy my first strap for my first banjo, to keep it on position while I play. I don’t necessarily need to spend half the amount of the banjo. Recording King RKH-05.
Great video Jake! I would like to point out, with regard to the cradle style straps, they will pick up moisture in high humidity areas. It will do a number on plated components whether tarnish on the nickel plated components or plated steel components.
Very informative video Jake, as usual. Just wish you had recorded it a couple months ago because I bought me a nice Lakota cradle strap. It’s super comfortable but it does exactly like what you and Scott Sweet (above) said as far as positioning the banjo on the body. I’m not happy. So now I’m trying to figure out how to convert it into a non-cradle strap. Or sell it half price to someone who would like this style!
Another very informative video Jake. As a very long term guitarist (55 years playing) and a newbie banjo player these basic videos are awesome.
Thanks so much-a very good video. Believe it or not, I never really knew what a ‘cradle strap’ was!
Jake—Love your expertise and sharing. Would you consider doing a piece on how to figure the length of string when replacing mandolin strings. Understand how to do so with guitar, using the tuning pegs but is there a like method for doing so with mandolins? Thanks for what you do. You are much appreciated.—Helen
Any strap that attaches below the horizontal centerline of the banjo in playing position is a very bad idea. It will not just lean away from you it will flip completely over unless you are holding it in place. Like when tucking the 5th string under railroad spikes. 40 years of playing and performing and 15 years building banjos I’ve found this out first hand. Cradle straps bad, above the centerline good.
Thanks Jake. Great material as always. I have the neoprene strap but instead of threading through the post, I threaded through the rim. Should I change me strap end location to the posts?
Thanks Jake very informative. One question. Can those neotech straps with those clips, handle the weight of heavy banjos or are they more geared to open backs?
Sorry to change subject. I purchased a new Deering Cailco Banjo in 2003. I have never changed head, whicj now has a few autograph on it. In couple spots I have worn frosting completely off. Do I need to replace head. Since the Calico is designed to be very bright how would mellow it a bit and is that a good idea. Thanks Bob
Thank you very informative
Steve Kucey
August 08, 2023
Hey Jake,
Currently have a Lakota 3" banjo strap. I’m a beginner picker and somewhere along the line I heard that the wider the strap, the more comfortable it is. Also, to consider material and cost. I assumed that the widest, more expensive strap would be fine. As such, I purchased the Lakota 3". Now I find that the previous assumptions/suggestions were not necessarily true. The Lakota is made of some fine leather and is very soft and pliable. I am an older “newbie picker” and frankly, this strap is not the most comfortable. Also, during practice, my banjo seems to move quite a bit. I may have some influence on that happening as I’m still learning correct positioning, etc. A final “con” is that there is no room for this strap in the case around the banjo without literally cramming it around the banjo. Not the most preferred as it causes undue pressure when closing the case.
I’m really impressed with the Neo Tech strap but my main concern is the possibility of the plastic buckles scratching the resonator. Is there a solution for preventing this ? e.g. putting adhesive felt on the buckles or ???
Thanks for the advice Jake.
Pick in Peace!
Steve K.