I Hate This Banjo Strap // banjo vlog #2

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[@Kstevensmd]

I use the Lakota cradle banjo strap. I like that the cradle strap supports the banjo evenly. Mine is 2 inches wide, made of buffalo leather and is very comfortable and certainly sturdy. It is put together with Chicago screws and no metal touches the banjo. I like the idea that this company supports the Lakota native Americans who make the straps.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

I love that, thank you!

[@Boysenberr]

@@EliGilbertBanjo yep, it's what I use, also

[@ShaunPanzer]

I use Lakota on my Guitars and Mando and recently ordered a cradle strap for my new banjo . That buffalo leather feels broken in from the start .

[@janiceleboeuf6536]

I use a Lakota cradle strap, too, and love it!

[@bernieross1241]

It's a good idea to occasionally check your chicago screws are nicely tight. Once or twice in the past when I've done this, I've discovered that one of them has worked itself perilously loose. I don't like to think about the consequences of a sudden strap failure, especially on a heavy beast like my Stelling Staggie.

[@HermanChelette]

Put a drop of LockTite on the male screw just before screwing it into the female half. You can undo it with a flat blade screwdriver, but it will NOT work itself loose

[@billkinsella8453]

Lakota cradle strap, made of Buffalo leather. Very pliable and comfortable Uses Chicago screws as well Only 50 or 60 bucks

[@Jackjonesis]

Lakota leathers or go to Tandy leather and make your own. I made my own with a piece of strap folded over on each end with shoelaces that tie on to the banjo tensioners. It works for me because I'm just a beginner. I also saw KZbin video where the gal bought a guitar strap with the two holes and used boot laces to tie it on with. Easy on easy off easy adjustment. Of course I could probably replace my banjo for about $100 so it falling on the floor could be a blessing in disguise. Eli thanks for all that you do people are really surprised that I can play anything on the banjo and that's because of you.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

I’m so glad to hear that, and thanks for the suggestion!

[@Elemental52]

@@EliGilbertBanjo 2nd Lakota Leather.

[@thomasnowlin1196]

I use leather banjo straps that were made by a guy in Cleveland, TN, Dogwood Designs. These are of very fine quality.

[@user-pd9yt4gd5g]

Yes, Lakota Leathers is awesome. Comes super soft. The 3” strap is extremely comfortable. I have heard some folks feel it makes the case to hard to close. I wrap it tight from the tail, and bush the excess underneath the neck, between the pot and the storage compartment of my case. No issues. They are flexible enough that they offer no resistance. Awesome straps. Order them directly from Lakota leathers so the money goes to the Lakota, rather than to some middle man.

[@bluegrassbanjodude5588]

Man these videos are cool, and actually pretty helpful. Especially the first vlog... keep it up man, good stuff.

[@SJWoodworks]

Neotech super banjo strap (Amazon). It's not leather, it has extra support and padding for the shoulder, it very easily loops around the brackets of the banjo with a nylon fabric that won't scratch or break, easily adjusts length, and takes about 15 seconds to install or remove. It seems like the perfect solution.

[@banjoandlefty]

I've been using Jack Hatfield's 4" anti-gravity leather strap for years now, and my somewhat fragile back thanks me for it. It has the Chicago screws to attach two small straps to the instrument which then attach via clips to the 4" section. Only drawback are those plastic clips - I had one give out a couple years back and had to make do with a carabeener for the weekend. I always keep spares in my case now, along with a small leather punch.

[@kimchallis1728]

I love Neotech banjo straps and have them on all my banjos. They are light and of good quality. The padding and width of the strap over my shoulder work like a charm and allow me to play my heaviest instrument comfortably.

[@EarlMalmsteen]

another vote for the lakota cradle straps here. thanks for doing these. the practice routine on your previous video was very enlightening as well.

[@cardwellave2]

Lakota cradle strap user here too!

[@chrisktcpt1252]

Same - great comfortable strap!

[@davidwolfe7192]

I love my Deering soft leather straps. I have a collection of straps which I tried and now I use two straps from Deering exclusively . The Soft Leather Cradle Strap on my Deering and the Woven Leather Soft Strap on the Gibson. The straps are wide and extremely comfortable. Some people say the soft straps help me to look and play better.

[@ajleonardi]

I have a cradle strap for my Nechville and love it. If you're buying a new strap using the chicago screws, make sure the distance between the holes is tight. If it's too long the screw could rub up against the neck/resonator (depending on where it's looped on).

[@randallulrich4066]

I use the Deering strap with the sheep wool padding. Pricey but I love it. Extremely comfortable and it uses the Chicago screws.

[@jedholley6204]

I am a little late to the conversation :-( I did not take the time to read all 73 comments but agree with Ken Stevens. The Lakota cradle Strap is the way to go. As Ken said the strap is very sturdy, soft and supple and incredibly comfortable, and to my eyes looks good on the banjo. I also agree that the Lakota evenly supports the banjo. It is adjustable in length and NO METAL touches the banjo. It is available in 2 or 3 inch width (I use 2"). In watching the video Eli moves his strap from one interment to another, why? You have expensive instruments yet you cant afford a second strap? I also cringe at seeing the Chicago screw up against the instrument as Eli demonstrates. Also the Chicago screw can come loose. A point of devastating failure!. And this is my only negative comment about the Chicago screw on any strap. One day the screw came loose and fell to the floor. thankfully the Lakota uses two so their is redundancy. Hint: tighten the screw down tight and the slot pointing perfectly inline with the strap. Each time you play look at the screw slot for movement before you shoulder it. Great videos and instruction. I am a fan.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I have been using the same handmade, hand engraved wide leather strap since 1970. I used Chicago Screws on it from new. Its first banjo was a 1925 TB3 Conversion (by me) and the last one .. A Bart Reiter Grand Concert.

[@brucesargeant6589]

I like the blogs. I'll add my vote for the Lakota cradle strap. You didn't talk about cradle straps...they take a bit more time to install but fit great and don't mark the banjo. I have one for each banjo:). Deering makes one also but the leather is not a soft as the Lakota.

[@howycwap]

I made my own strap out of some non stretchy fabric with some braided nylon rope sewn onto the ends, then to make it look nice, I crocheted a cover over that. Give it some very nice padding and makes it looks nice

[@beyondguitars9631]

I always recommend the cradle strap. I've used and sold straps like yours and they are very good, one problem I've found is the Chicago nut can actually work its way out, and then you're in real trouble. You can add a little Loctite, or even a little bit of glue to the threads to prevent this, or just get a cradle strap that doesn't anchor to any hooks. These tie together using essentially a shoelace or leather lace, leaving no metal at all to scratch your banjo and they generally don't come untied. This is harder to move from one instrument to another though, so get a strap for each banjo if you can. My 2c.

[@astro781]

I have a Lakota Leathers cradle strap. It's great!

[@jwdtigerstripe71]

I also only have one strap. A cradle strap made by Silver Eagle Designs which I bought new in 1988. All leather with a sheepskin shoulder pad, and a pick pocket. I don’t know if they still make them but it’s very comfortable, and was easily transferred from my ‘88 Epiphone to my recently acquired ‘88 ESS.

[@Foxrock321]

I’m looking at the Lakota Buffalo cradle strap.2” and 3” widths

[@swaney5string220]

I agree. I have three Lakota straps on different banjos. many years of good service.

[@daveandrews6670]

That's a great idea, the screws. Now I,ve got a nice banjo with gold plate, I will get some. My strap is not good to thin and 40+ years old it's been in the case unused, with big metal hook clamps, which are scratching it.

[@davidrobinsonmusician]

Good video, the strap struggle is real. On one of my banjos I have a golden gate leather strap which is a copy of the straps James Allen Shelton used to make. It’s cheep, but it’s pretty comfortable, looks alright and it attaches via those Chicago screws.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Had a chance to get a strap from James before he passed and didn’t take it! Good to know about the Golden Gates ones though, thanks!

[@tallbea]

I have a Shelton with screws, and a Huber without. They stay on their respective banjos, so no changing involved. Also, playing out in summer time, the probably one and three quarter inch leather doesn’t dig in, and doesn’t get too hot. Really a joy your videos, and hope to see you again around the northeast.

[@cardwellave2]

Also worth noting if you have some kind of banjo with the shoe brackets, a cradle strap likely won’t fit through the J hook gaps.

[@flatlander6734]

Considering the $ you likely have invested in those banjos, I can't imagine why you have only one strap??? Get to know someone who does leatherwork as a hobby, and get them? to make straps to your preferences. Works for me.

[@dolam]

Thank you for the video. I just got a banjo as a gift and it only took me two days before I started looking at getting a different banjo strap. It came with a guitar strap and some metal clips to adapt it. Not a good setup, so I am looking for an alternative.

[@diggerdave747]

My teacher asked me to make him a banjo strap. His strap looks a lot like the one you have. I made up an embossed cradle strap. I don't know if he will use that. But I'm also embossing a 1 5/8 inch wide strap. I will decorate it and line it with a hand stitched sued leather backing. I make mine so you can attachit to the cradle strap with a square "D" ring or attach it to the banjo head hooks by Chicago screw end loops. I do these just to see if I can. If I get paid, all the better.

[@bernieross1241]

Another reason not to use a strap with a metal clip is because every time you take the weight of the banjo off the strap, or put the banjo down or shift its position, the metal clip rattles loudly against the flange, tension hoop and brackets. Surprisingly loud, as it's amplified by the resonator. Really annoying, especially if it happens while you're playing with others.

[@Steve-cs8nd]

Banjo metals are pot metal and crank pins are not faithfully strong enough to hang a 13 pound prewar 6000 buck instrument with out the bracket eventually failing or throwing out the drum dual settings under those particular pins. Use a complete cradle that joins under the j brackets holding the the entire tone ring and rim in an infallible link. Fit it carefully for a perfect “hang” so the playing position is repeatable whether standing or sitting then you wont get any surprises when and if the sweaty hands of performance ( if anything will go wrong THAT is when) make minor problems life changing tragedies. It’s is a good idea to have a sheepskin with wool side against your shoulder as the wide part as 13 pound banjos with 1” straps end up a pain problem very quickly. I practice standing up, sometimes 6 hours ; if you can do that with the strap you have settled upon you’ve done well and it’s a point wisdom. Minimising injuries due to myths and hasty decisions I learned the hard way. Full cradle straps are the only way to go. Finally Make CERTAIN they will fit in your case without removal sitting on edge on top of the resonator then fix them permanently to the pan assembly. Trust me there no errors here. It is the best way. Straps that hang from crank brackets do eventually bend them. 95% of banjos are made of pot metal including pre war Gibsons and crank pins. Pot metal has a very high copper content so bends quite easily when you don’t need it to. Don’t risk it on an expensive instrument we all love.

[@rayrainka6494]

I am very fond of the Franklin Glove Leather Quick Release Strap. It is 2.5 inches wide, very thick, soft and supple. The quick release connectors can be attached to any hook to create the desired balance. The best part is the large, shoulder portion of the strap can be easily removed so only the connectors have to fit inside the case. Here's a link: franklinstrap.com/product/banjo-strap-glove-leather-quick-release/

[@Spookytooth92]

Got a cheap levy cradle strap. But it's padded with like a sheep so it's soft, weight distributed wide over shoulder. Leather. It's tied at the end which I like. So no tension on the hooks, and definitely not on a singular hook. I hate that

[@czachk]

I think we may have the same strap, and it's not totally clear how to tie them together. How do you tie yours on? I end up running those laces through two sets of two holes each on one strap, knotting them, feeding them through four holes on the other half of the strap, double knotting them again, and then double knotting the ends just to make sure it all doesn't come apart.

[@thomassciurba5323]

@@czachk I have that strap. I use one lace folded in half and fed through two holes like you do but it isn’t even tied. The loose ends are just fed through the loop that pokes out of the second hole. I am short though and the free end of the strap was flapping around on me so I added another lace through the last single hole. It wraps around the strap and again goes through its own loop. I never had them come apart but I do tighten up the second one periodically.

[@meatloafsbanjo]

I'll take it and love it. Don't have money to buy a strap. Taking care of dad with cancer

[@JonathanThrift]

I had a Levy's padded leather banjo strap that I liked and used for 18 years (I don't think they make it anymore), but the black die on the bottom side always rubbed off on my dress shirt collars. I recently bought a Harrison strap because I saw Russ Carson and Sammy Shelor use one. They are on the thinner side but I find they are not uncomfortable... also hand tooled and very well made.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Good to know thanks!

[@thomassciurba5323]

I use a Levy’s padded strap too and find it very comfortable.

[@jamesbrown8303]

I have three Sully’s straps and they are super comfortable. I ordered mine with closed loops, but I would imagine you can get them setup for Chicago screws.

[@rickamxman]

Ive found on my 3 mastertones that i have a permanant strap for each. Ive never trusted the "around the tension pin" form of securing the strap. Call me paranoid, but im all for not having to pick my nanjo off the floor so my straps weave under the banjo, a cradle if you follow, and the strap ties together under. The strap maker is, unfortunately, no longer in business, but i had enough forsight to purchase 3 straps, so i dont have to change anything. And they are leather that is 3inches wide at the shoulder, tapering down to 3/4 inch where it secures. I also got him to include a capo pocket in the strap so i dont have to pick my capo from my pocket each time i make a chord change. Just my 2 cents..

[@josephobrien991]

Is there a way to keep the banjo neck in playing position and not slide toward the floor when wearing the strap but letting go of the banjo? I have two hooks around the head of the banjo meant to attach the strap to.

[@jessealexander4329]

Use locktite on the Chicago screw!!!!!

[@twocanoetom]

Get yourself a Huber strap!

[@SwissBanjo]

Nice ones but you need to remove a hook.. 😊

[@twocanoetom]

@@SwissBanjo True, but worth it! They are sturdy and not much of a hassle to install :)

[@bradrichard7563]

Best strap I've ever had

[@petebass2210]

I use the neotech super strap it is by far the simplest, quickest, and certainly most comfortable strap I have found. I however do not use it for performances because it does not have the classy appearance of the leather straps but I will always use it for practice. Also do you do personal video lessons I live in MN and I can not find ANY banjo teachers. Thank you

[@drussthelegend3919]

You should start your clip with. Hi, i’m old norse specialist Jackson Crawford.

[@SpencerRaybourne]

Hi, So my R. W. Jameson banjo showed up on my front door today. There are two knobs at approximately where I figure a banjo strap would go. The each have a small hole, which I'm guessing is to hold the strap. Do you know which banjo straps work with this and how to attach?

[@staylor]

Is there anything wrong with slipping a regular guitar strap over the knobs that attatch the resonator to the body?

[@Kstevensmd]

By the way, I love the banjo vlog!

[@dawsonwright3938]

I use a cradle strap that raps around the banjo under the hooks and connects with the other side with Chicago screws my problem is the screes came loose on mine and I lost them you just got to tighten them every so often

[@claudineibernardes3017]

Yes, that is the problem with Chicago Screws. If you have someone to do a strap to your liking, ask to use the "jeans pants" bottons. They are the best. But you must choose the small one otherwise it it too much metal on metal. The small ones are a little bigger than the Chicago Screws but much safer. Cheers from Brazil!

[@thomassciurba5323]

A little drop of locktite, blue or purple helps.

[@RenoScruggs]

Eli can walk to never seen you do that before.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Just a little something I’ve been working on, still learning

[@RenoScruggs]

@@EliGilbertBanjo yea I thought so

[@midnighttoker8663]

Tried a bunch of leather straps with/without wool but they kill my shoulder after a few minutes... Never going back from the Neotech super banjo strap. Ugly as sin in comparison but leather is no match for the stretchiness of neoprene.

[@ldmassey]

I am new to banjo. Beefolling your 31 days of banjo. Mine looks like its all connected s it came with show lace and 2 rubber washers. I no clue what to do here but i want it o for practice with wearing one. Help?

[@redwolf7929]

If you invest in more than one banjo ,wouldn't you invest in a separate banjo strap for each? That way ,no need to take on and off

[@williampoole7255]

I am thinking about trying out playing the banjo, but don’t want to make a big investment into buying one quite yet, so I was wondering if you have recommendations for where to find an inexpensive beginner one/ what brand is good for a beginner that still sounds nice. Thanks!

[@thomassciurba5323]

Sometimes you can find a trade in at a music shop or a failed experiment on Craigslist. The music shop may throw in a setup too which would run probably $75 or more on the Craigslist banjo. Deering or Recording King are two names to look for for decent quality beginner banjos. But one thing to think about is if you go too cheap you may either get disappointed and drop the hobby or outgrow it in very short order.

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

Google perhaps?

[@deebis]

What about velcro ?

[@KenHill]

There is another name for what you call a Chicago screw: it is 'sex bolt'!

[@archtopp1]

The fanciest strap in the world is no good if you can't fit the banjo in the case. The Lakota straps are very thin and pliable an in mos instances, they can fit in the case. Why aren't banjo cases made with that in mind?

[@joshuahymer15]

Send it back to me. I made it. Remember ?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Send your address to [e-mail]!

[@rounderone8437]

The Super Strap by Neotech. Been using them for 20 years. Great support and no metal clips. Much better than a leather strap.

[@nixfirebrand8595]

So you're saying thats a unique strap. K.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

There's plenty just like it!