Should I use a strap on my Ukulele? The Special ULTP Guide! Ukulele straps!

[@asnormal1362]

As always, great info Terry! For my smaller ukes (soprano and smaller) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command Hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke (and tied the other end to the headstock). I separately bought the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the hook. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to place your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the leather end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package, pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook releases. These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on without failure. But . . . no matter how unlikely, I just wouldn't take the chance on the adhesive hook if I was playing an expensive or favorite uke while standing. I most always sit when playing anyway.

[@adamaadam5515]

Hi, Yes I do use a button, mainly because I’m partially handicapped. I find that it gives me far greater control & security. I usually play a “Tenor”, Mine is fitted with a single button and the with a retainer strap on the headstock. Thanks for a great site, best wishes to everyone, stay well and prosper, Adam.

[@billylin5404]

I almost always use a strap with my ukuleles. For me, if there's a ukulele without a strap, the practical and honest truth is just that I tend not to keep going back to play it. I like the convenience that a strap frees up my hands and arms to play the instrument rather than having to also hold it between my forearm and torso. And when I need to use my hands to do something else, I can just let go, and the ukulele will still hang on my body. I appreciate having two strap buttons which gives me one more option for where to put the strap, and makes it faster for me to attach or detach the strap. And personally I don't like using the type of strap that hooks onto the soundhole, for fear that the way I (don't know how to best) handle it might cause me to accidentally rip up my ukulele.

[@wendymorneau8144]

I am new at playing ukuleles since February. I like the strap so much better than no strap. I can keep the ukulele in the correct position to play. Without a strap I find the ukulele slides around on me. Thank you for this informative video. I love your videos. Very helpful for me!

[@pineapplesoul56]

I was playing my new ukelele without a strap and found the right side of my neck and shoulder getting painfully tense because I was trying to brace the ukelele with my right arm while I strummed. Got a strap and it's ergonomically exactly what I needed. I recommend the strap!

[@bernardagbayani8847]

You are totally correct with everything you said! I tried playing without the strap and I played with a strap and it is much more comfortable for me with the strap! I also tried the one without the buttons and yes, you need to hold onto it because it wants to roll away from you. Thanks for your videos!

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you Bernard!

[@jimhenkel9729]

I have a strap that hooks to both the top and bottom of the sound hole. Very secure, can't drop the uke or, in my case, the guitarlele.

[@ericjones2599]

I use a strap. Gives me freedom to move my fretting hand up & down without needing use it as support. Also let’s me move my right hand around to do different percussive stuff without the rigidity of using my elbow / forearm as support. Oh, and I got a strap on Amazon a few weeks ago where one end hooks onto the top of the sound hole, and the other end hooks to the bottom of the sound hole. Doesn’t fall when you let go, at least not with my little soprano.

[@timcason3479]

I do both. If I am playing a soprano I don't so much. On the concert-depending which kind it is and how the weight is distributed I may use a strap and it also depends on the way or what I am playing (finger picking style etc...) Tenor I use a strap most of the time (not always). Depending on the Uke I may use the tie around the headstock but I prefer the attaching to the heal. My Baritone and UBass I connect it to the heal.

[@nickhedayat7505]

New to the uke world. I use a strap even with my lap mountain dulcimer. I feel more in control and not wirry about dropping it onto the floor.

[@richardmooers6594]

With, definitely. My tenor Oscar Schmidt’s head dips with the strap at the foot, so I attach the strap to the head. I’d rather it be at the foot and more out of the way.

[@kasam77]

Just Brought uke soprano in the same predicament. Plus do I need to drill holes for the strap.

[@billgreen576]

Very helpful Terry. However I would point out that although you are showing larger ukes without a strap you are sitting and that changes things compared to playing whilst standing.

[@norcalbob3838]

I broke a rib shortly after I started playing and added a strap to help keep my I instrument positioned where I like it. I've never looked back. I have recently gotten a couple of vintage ukes and don't think I'll add buttons to those, I guess we'll see how often I play them.

[@candecarro]

Great video. I like a strap. I have a cute little soprano that I haven't had a chance yet to put strap buttons on. In the meantime, I'm using a 1/2" ribbon, tied around the waist of the instrument, then again at the top of the neck. I've listened hard to see if my ribbon across the soundhole affects the sound. It doesn't seem to. Note this is just a temporary solution.

[@karihajduk9776]

I would love to know where you got that custom strap made!

[@nicolablackwell4939]

I’d like to know that too, it looks so cool

[@Ukelikethepros]

Esty, a guy named Rusty Knuckles! Great strap!

[@FondueBrothers]

I bought a "Flight strap" for my new uma concert ukulule. However the leather loop that goes around the head stock is very short and gets in the way while playing certain chords such as E7. I might have to ditch the leather loop and use some bootlace. Previously I've played without a strap but it's very useful when playing fingerstyle and chord changes where you momentarily lift your fingers off the fretboard.

[@peppat27]

I play tenor size so straps are a must for me. Both my ukes have a pick up that doubles as a strap button in the butt as well as preinstalled button on the heel of the neck. They're Enyas and I love them.

[@Ukelikethepros]

#TeamStraps haha great!

[@MrHendo31]

I love your custom strap in this video!! Where or who did you get that made from?

[@JorgeGarcia-ff3mu]

Surely having to hold a ukulele that has no strap affects your playing as your hands and forearms have to hold the ukele as well as play... I have just finished making my first ukulele from relatively exotic timbers (so it's precious to me). Even so its probably not really finished until it has an button fitted to the bout - The real question is should I fit two buttons and if so where should I fit the second - I think I like the idea of looping a mini strap around the head just past the nut like the custom strap in the video the most.

[@jgsheehan8810]

G'day, on my tenor i use a guitar strap with a shoe lace next to the nut. What do you call that little leather piece to replace the shoelace? (so i can search for one to buy)

[@spaztekwarrior]

I love using a uke strap. In fact I always look for strap buttons when I see your reviews. I like double strap buttons but haven’t tried the headstock way.

[@lv2rdhonu783]

I have a strap on my soprano and concert ukuleles. One button and tied around head like yours. Makes it easier for me to play.

[@karinaw.3091]

Does it harm the instrument if you do it yourself? Like will tuning never be the same? Or how do you know if you ruined it? For me, i would be putting it on a cheaper laminated wood model. (a Kala one) Any feedback would help! Thanks!

[@L-and-P33]

I've ordered my first ever strap and it's the kind that clips onto the sound hole. I realised the downside of this type that you mentioned and I have to ask...is it safe to screw strap buttons into the uke? I love my concert ukulele and really don't want to damage it

[@tamasgazdik7286]

It is, just make sure that your ukulele has a tail block inside it (99% of times there will be) for the bottom strap button and that the neck is thick enough for the screw for the neck strap button (if you even wish to install a strap button on the neck at all). Also, your local music store should be able to help you out if you are too afraid of doing it yourself ( I personally was, therefore I went to my local music store where they installed a bottom strap button without any problem. The strap I use ends with a tie around the neck and it feels fairly stable). 😊

[@slidefever]

Get a professional to do it. You only get one chance to get it right.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Yes but I would have a professional do it or watch some KZbin videos on it

[@jillhumphrys8073]

Terry you're so good... love ya man! I need to start using a strap bc I find myself repositioning often.

[@jaygeecee13]

Terry, I have a Tanglewood soprano uke. Aside from the input jack being off-center, there is no way I could slip a strap end underneath. How do you do that?

[@slidefever]

Get something called an ‘end pin jack’ fitted. It would be the neatest solution.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Get a strap that attaches to the sound hole or you’ll have to get a strap button put on. store.ukelikethepros.com/products/daddario-eco-comfort-ukulele-strap-black-19uke00?_pos=1&_sid=346c109ca&_ss=r

[@markreier2474]

I am a beginner (about six months). I use a strap. Reason: dropping my ukulele is not something I have to worry about. The negative: I find my strumming hand might be too relaxed because I don’t hug my ukulele with the forearm of my strumming hand. Somewhere I was told that is the correct position for strumming.

[@slidefever]

Best not to hug your Uke anyway because it can dampen the sound. Seems like you have it all just right.

[@thisismstre]

Thanks Terry 🤙 Hope you and your family are well.

[@nikkiolsen1592]

Don’t have a strap yet, but have been considering one. I don’t have a button, so I’ve been wondering about the ones that hang on the sound hole. Thank you for the information!

[@2011hib]

I didn't want to have a hole drilled so I took a small Command strip hook, the clear one, and put it directly on the end of the uke. it has worked well and if you remove it per instructions, it won't leave any damage. works for me.

[@hobbycow5346]

@@2011hib That is brilliant!!! You might have given me the solution for some of my more expensive glossy ukes I don’t want to drill in. Command strip hooks work great for everything else, why not a uke? Thanks for sharing that!!

[@scottdiaz9964]

Where can I get the pineapple pops ukulele?

[@juliamilton4377]

My ukulele didn't come with a strap button. If I want to have one added, so that I could add a strap that way, who would I go to for that? I don't have the equipment or expertise to drill the ukulele and add a button myself, and I'd hate for the ukulele to be ruined by a bad attempt.

[@briancole7935]

I have two strap buttons on all my ukes. All my cases are roomy enough to leave the straps on so I have a strap for each uke. I also have those rubber strap locks on them all to make sure that the straps don't come off.

[@jorgequito9562]

Hi Do you have straps on a soprano ?

[@chariscarrollbrownlie4904]

Yes I use a strap but find if I put the string/strap around the headstock it gets in the way sometimes, so I prefer to have another button on the heel. (It's probably my fault that it gets in the way haha. It is probably my bad playing style 😂)

[@HarpGuitarDrumGuy]

I'm new to the ukulele community and came across your channel. GREATLY appreciate your knowledge and passion! I just subscribed and will visit often. Thank you for all you do.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Welcome aboard! Appreciate you.

[@slidefever]

I have a Bruce Wei Tenor with a fairly chunky neck which makes it a bit neck heavy. I either tie the strap to the headstock or use a grippy strap attached to the heel. I’ve seen questions asking if tying the strap to the headstock with a lace wears away the wood and pulls on the neck distorting it, eventually causing problems. Are either of these things true? Thanks

[@jaygeecee13]

I doubt it. Never distorted any of my guitar necks. Ukes are so light, I think it will be ok.

[@billgreen576]

Only if using it as a chock whilst rock climbing.

[@RoyHoran]

I play with a strap and attach to the head stock.

[@georgefrench1907]

Strap always. I use a boot lace on my tenor.

[@sufyanbakir]

I prefer using a strap. Can't seem to hold and play a uke properly without one, for now at least. But I hope I can play well without a strap in the future when I got better.

[@DominikOrehoci]

I am thinking of buying one for a talent show. I would sing war pigs, but i would play the final two minute with my gutarlele.

[@nichole.m]

Team strap here! Especially if I’m playing in the classroom for my kindergartners.

[@bullishbarbert2903]

Will see I just ordered a strap ty for your video's

[@Ukelikethepros]

haha Great! Thanks for the support!

[@socialmeteor]

If the uke has a pickup, I think you need to accommodate for a strap too. Why not add both pegs? That way, any style of strap CAN work. You can try em all and find what you like

[@asnormal1362]

The jack that accepts the chord is designed to also act as a strap pin. It is dual purpose. An online search will give you more details.

[@shivamjoshi5741]

I've seen so many videos of so many Ukulele players, playing amazingly without a strap...why did I never think about adding a strap. I thought a ukulele just stick to the chest😂

[@Ukelikethepros]

haha!! Now you know!

[@lethimyhang0110]

tks Terry, I love ur video and I hope that you'll release many video helful for everyone ,

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thank you so much!

[@jimcummings4712]

I use a strap on my baritone uke. Button on the butt end. Button on the heel.

[@foroharfazeli4485]

Love this!

[@ME-xq8bg]

Always strap. Exact set up u have. Tenor

[@lingthegreat]

A beginner should not use a strap, in my opinion, until they have an idea of the correct way to hold and position the hand. I prefer two strap buttons. Take to a luthier if you want two. I waited 5-6 months before I added the buttons. The strap at the tuners gets in the way of my fretting hand. A strap is useful to multitask, teach, or perform standing up. Etsy has the coolest handmade straps and it supports the small business crowd. Jake Shimabukuru sells a buttonless strap made in Japan, which is really unique, but overpriced,

[@LFeign]

My trouble with the straps I've tried is that the leather end with the hole in it is always so thick and stiff that, even after months of breaking in, it's very difficult to attach to the strap button. To avoid putting strain on the instrument, it is a delicate and stressful task to coax it on. Same thing in reverse when I take it off. It worries me every time that one day the end of my lovely Koaloha tenor will crack if I make a wrong move as I attach or remove the strap. I think the basic template for most straps is meant for a solid body electric guitar, which can withstand great force in attaching and removing the strap, and they simply make it shorter for the ukulele version. One day maybe I'll just make one myself.

[@slidefever]

You could try some Waverley wooden strap buttons. Because of the shape, the strap slips on and off a lot easier. I have some made of snake wood on one of my instruments. They work a treat.

[@briancole7935]

I have straps for every one of my ukes and I just leave them on the uke all the time.

[@suzanrudulph4141]

Strap two buttons. Its just more comfortable.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Totally!

[@tommyvick1402]

I use a strap with double buttons.

[@michellelawhorn5707]

Almost always use a strap , feels like I have more stability of the instrument. Freedom to get up and move around.🎶🎶🎶

[@jimhenkel9729]

Eyes closed, they are very, very close. It seemed to me that the spruce top was a tad more crisp than the other two.

[@sherryb9770]

At 67 yo, I focus on better playing than the “art of holding the ukulele properly”, strapless. 🙄 Who cares if I develop that art? As far as I am concerned, it is a separate and unnecessary skill. With limited years of playing in my future, making it easier to hold so that I can focus on finger style and chord melodies is much more critical. I have noticed that the best players in the world use straps too. If it’s good for them, it’s good for me.

[@airatranate8371]

MAKE ME WINNNNNN!!!!!

[@airatranate8371]

MAKE ME WINNNNNNN

[@Matthews_Media]

I think I would use a strap if my Uke came with it... But not going to drill into my solid koa martin. No ways

[@nathy67]

I like strap

[@airatranate8371]

MAKE ME WIN!!!!

[@jimtinter4397]

Thank you for all the great info. But...Could you please slow down when you talk? I find it very difficult to understand what you are saying because you talk so fast and do not always enunciate clearly. Also, telling everyone what brand and model ukulele you are playing is totally irrelevant to the topic at hand and is unneccessary information . I don't mean to sound overly critical but you have a lot of great information to share. Slowing down, enunciating more clearly, and eliminating superfluous information will make your videos that much better.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

If he did the video like how you suggested, people in the comments would be asking all kinds of questions. And probably make a comment that's totally opposite from yours, lol...know what I mean? I've seen it happen.