Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?

Subject: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:25 AM

When I first starting taking banjo instruction, I thought when Rick Fielding wanted to use the strap on me that meant I was going to get a 'lickin' if I didn't do my lessons but then I realized his wise advice had to do with wearing a strap on my instrument and the importance of getting use to it.

I tend to avoid wearing a strap and I am not sure why. To me it feels like wearing a seat belt. I avoid it at all costs. I don't stand with my banjo because I don't have to perform in front of others standing up.
I was told it helps to stand in front of the mirror to perform and I can see the value in that but I don't know, just not my thing.

I finally did purchase a strap but I never put it on my banjo. It still has the price tag on it and it is collecting dust on my couch.
When I look at old photos of people playing the banjo they don't have a strap on theirs. I know my instrument is very expensive and I would hate to drop it but that logic doesn't outweigh my resistance to putting a strap on.
Am I avoiding the inevitable. That eventually I will have to stand and play and I might as well start getting use to it now. Or can I always get away with playing my banjo sitting down where I feel most comfortable just holding onto my banjo free style.

What do you guys think of wearing a strap?

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:30 AM

Well Bonnie, I wear my guitar strap all the time, even when I'm sitting down. It just doesn t "feel right" without it. I also wear the strap when I am lying down and playing (as the case may be).

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:31 AM

Here I thought you were about to revise bra-burning or driving without a seatbelt. What does Rick say? He may not be god (the final decision isn't out on that yet) but he probably has some valid thoughts on the subject.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:33 AM

It is only compulsory if your name is Jock...

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: MMario
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:38 AM

thank you Dave. I was afraid I was going to have to say that...

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:40 AM

Jock Strapp--sounds like a Scottish rugby player.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:46 AM

Sinsull, Rick gave me great advice regarding the advantages of wearing a strap. I think wearing a strap makes a lot of sense. Just seems odd that I do not want to wear one. I just wanted to open up a discussion here to see how other people feel about wearing a strap on their instruments.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:52 AM

"To me it feels like wearing a seat belt."

It does to me as well - the difference being that I don't feel comfortable in a car if I haven't got a seat-belt on. And I don't feel comfortable without a strap, even when I'm sitting down playing my guitar, which I do a lot more often than I play standing up.

Some instruments, like the bouzouki, are really tricky to play without a strap, I've found. Especially if you ever play the bowl-backed Greek type, or the Italian type mandolin, which is also bowl backed.

When I've played the banjo I've felt the same - it's not a question of stopping it falling down, because I'm sitting anyway, but rather that wity a strap taking the weigt on my shoulders the instrument feels more part of my body, rather than just sitting on top of me. I imagine it might be a bit like the difference between playing a keyboard like a piano, and playing one on an accordian attached to you by harness.

Also there are occasions when it's convenent to be standing up when you're playing, and I can't see then how you'd manage with a banjo without a strap. They tend to be heavy buggers. I've managed to play a guitar standing without a strap, though it cramps the style - but never a banjo. So even if you continue to prefer to play without the strap, it might be worth practising a bit with it in case that situation arises.

Have you experimented with fixing the strap a different way? I know some people find anchoring the left end to the machine-head-end is better for them, though I've always found fixing it on to the body of the intrument, or the top-end of the neck is better for me.

But it's whatever suits you best that's best for you. The old-time banjo players weren't using a strap or not using a strap because that was the right way to do it - they'd have done what was most convenient. Likely enough they'd have used a bit of rope instead of a strap anyway, I'd imagine, since it's cheaper.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: bill\sables
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 08:53 AM

There are two main reasons for wearing straps.
1 When you always wear a strap you always have the instrument at the same hight wether you are sitting or standing and you get used to this position. You might not want to stand to play but some time you may not have any other option because of wet grass, or no chairs left in the session, or playing with others on stage when they are all standing.
2 It keeps strap makers lick Rick and myself employed.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Clifton53
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 09:18 AM

I usually use a strap, standing or sitting, for the reason Bill gave as well as for the fact that your hands will be free to let go of the guitar should you need to. Having both hands free to reach for something is a good thing during practice sessions, and for song sessions, it's good to be able to catch a can of brew without causing needless delays, heh heh.

Seriously though, as was pointed out, you won't always be able to sit down. I try to mix up my practice between the two just to stay familiar with the different feel of each. If you always sit, or always stand, it will make you a bit nervous when it comes time to do the other.

Straps are a necessary evil I guess. You can't play very well standing without one.

Clifton53

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 09:40 AM

Bonnie, my dad is still playing his banjo at almost 84 and I've never known him to play it any other way except sitting down, strapless.

It would be interesting to hear more from the women on here, remember the Breasts threads? I would think a strap could get very uncomfortable for some of us.:-) kat

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Mooh
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 09:53 AM

Hmmm...I guess I've no firm opinion on this but that which works for me.

I invariably use a strap with the mandolin because I just can't hold it without one, sitting or standing. Usually I use a strap with the electric guitars because I prefer to stand to play them. Acoustic guitars, which I play more than any other instrument, usually have a strap on them but I don't often wear one while sitting, though I don't think I've a preference either way. Often during lessons I use the back of an instrument, by simply flipping it face down on my lap, as a writing surface, so a strap gets in the way then. (This can be hard on the back finish so be careful what you write with etc.)

The issue for me is that I don't like to support the instrument with my fretting hand (because it limits technique) so a strap is necessary while standing or with an instrument which won't stay on my lap. The few times I have a banjo in my possession (I wish I'd bought that Orpheum #1) I have to use a strap because it won't balance otherwise.

There is no right or wrong with this, just what works for you. I always advise to try a strap and to own one just in case, but that it's not necessary.

Mooh.

P.S. Strap tips: I like to leave the strap on the instrument when it's hung on the wall so that's there's something between the guitar and the wall surface which may be rough or cold/damp. When not in use I hang each strap from a strap button screwed to each guitar hanger, so that it's got a home which protects the guitar from the wall. Some strap materials, nylon particularly, may react with some finishes, so leather is a safer choice for straps.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 09:59 AM

When I sing on Paltalk, I have to take my headphones off FIRST so I can put my strap on. Then the harmonica harness over that...lol.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Mooh
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 10:13 AM

Matt. That always cracks me up. I used to work with a Neil Young tribute band where the "Neil" had the harp holder, guitar strap, harp mics (clipped on the holder), mic preamp on his belt or strap, guitar cord, smoke in his mouth, beer in his hand...you get the idea. The dance he did to disentangle himself was amazing and hilarious. He'd hit his head on the vocal mic, trip over his cord, drop things, spill his beer, and swear. Once he was done though, he was great. He never saw it as a comedy act, but it could have been. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 11:17 AM

I love Kat's comment. Now you'll need another Mudcat name!! Strapless Banjo! Some of us settle for magnetic brassieres, but no, you have a strapless banjo!!

I guess that means I have a pushup autoharp. *G* At my age, gravity is a factor.... 'nuff said!

You know, no one I know of plays autoharp in the same fashion as I do. Tabletop, upside down, so I don't have to cross hands, and I strum towards me, not away from me, mostly. Oh I TRIED to play it "right" for more than a year, and I could have tried a strap too, but holding it up against me with my big honkers and short arms was so uncomfortable for me that the thing sat in the case and I never got all the way through even one verse of a song. Just too much torque on the wrist. And I have to SEE the chord buttons-- each week I have to do three or four new pieces, cold, from sheet music. I guess by now I do know where those chords are, but when I was learning it was better to see them, and for odd arrangements I still look down for some chord changes.

It's depressing to pay so much for an instrument and then have it just lying around unused, when what you really wanted was to make MUSIC. I kept experimenting until I stumbled upon what would work for ME.

So I think you are doing right. If you have an occasion where you decide it would be better to stand, just hike one foot up on a chair and play like you were sitting.

And if you ever really NEED to use a strap, you'll figure it out then!

~Susan (AKA Praise)

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 11:20 AM

Many old-tyme "drop thumb" banjoists play sitting down. Obviously there's no need for a strap then. Bonnie, a longgggg time before you decided to focus exclusively on that style, we talked (or I talked) about the many ways to play a five string banjo. For a while you seemed far more enthusiastic about a three finger semi-classical style. My approach is usually to go in the direction that folks decide on themselves, while trying to make sure they learn the basics of timing, good hand positions, chord sense....and (for me) most important...to be prepared for any playing eventualities.

I prefer not to use a strap either,(I'm more relaxed that way) but sometimes you don't have the option of a chair. Not sure if you've seen Chris Coole in the subways yet, but I'll bet he plays standing up.

Some mandolinists (me) don't use a strap when standing, but many do.

Here's a suggestion. Check out Willie Nelson's strap configuration. He has a wool strap around his neck (only) and a little hook that goes under his guitar and hooks onto the soundhole. I'm sure that would work on banjo and might feel better.

If you really hate the idea of a strap, here's one more possibility (Carlos Montoya the Flamenco guitarist did this for many years). Carry your own chair (some kinda "fold-up" one) in the trunk of your car. You'll never get caught short that way.

Rick

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 11:45 AM

Much to ponder on here, thanks for all your thoughts.

It is true, when I first started taking up the banjo I wasn't focused where I am now on the old-timey tunes. And you never know, I may not always be so narrowly focused as I feel I am right now on the specific music I want to learn.
I like your idea Rick of having a fold up chair so I will always have something to sit on.
After reading these posting though, I have a feeling I will put some efforts into getting more use to playing standing up. Maybe the wool strap is the ticket?

This is all very helpful advice and is getting me to address this issue. Some day I am quite sure I will have to play standing up and I would rather be prepared then to be feeling nervous about that last minute.
Thanks guys

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 11:56 AM

I like Matt's idea of playing flat on your back. Done that a million times (never on stage thank god). Love lookin' up at the ceiling!

Bonnie. Great idea!!!

You've got some carpentry skill don't you? You know I made that combination music stand (desk) carry-all. Why don't you make yourself a little take-down chair (stool) that fits in your bag. If you want some help in a design, remember I'm a closet inventor!!

keep on pickin'

Rick

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:09 PM

Yep Rick, I'm notorious for hanging over the side of the bed, playing guitar upside down.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:10 PM

Hey Rick. For my portable autoharp stand? I use a shortened aluminum walker with a plywood board that rests one edge on it and the other on my lap to get the right tilt angle! SO popular at the nursing home gigs.

If I put a nonskid pad on it with a neck rest, I'll be able to slide the same way!

My plan has been to put wheels on the walker so it is also a little pull cart, with a canvas sling bag in attached! (In pstchedelic colors of course.) It won't quite hold the big Crate amp though.... I know, I'll put wheels and a motor on that and ride it as I tow the walker!

Hey. It's MUSIC.... whatever it takes, it's gotta be done.

~S~

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:19 PM

And Bonnie. If I were as little as you, I'd just get three screw-on stool legs for the old banjo case. Yup. Use stick-on Velcro to add a little nylon sleeve onto the neck part of the case to hold the legs when not in use. Add a flip-up backrest on a little piano hinge and there ya go. No arms to get in your way!

You do have a hardshell case, right?

Hardi has a nice lightweight nylon camp chair with a space-age frame that folds like an umbrella into a little nylon case about the size of an arrow quiver. Like a director's chair in proportion and size, but no arms, and weather-proof. Shoulder strap on the bag too, to carry easy. Good stability on uneven ground.

Then there's inflatables, but I fear what people would say if you go that route.

~S~

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: mousethief
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:29 PM

Oh. BANJO strap. I thought this was about soccer ("football" east of the Atlantic).

Alex

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:38 PM

What's the deal with the chairs? I just sit on the floor!

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Peter T.
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:46 PM

What about guitars, Rick? You and I have never talked about the pros and cons of using them.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:49 PM

Bonnie:

We seem to think alike. They say you should wear a strap so you don't have to support the banjo with the left hand. Like you, I have one but can't seem to get it adjusted where it is comfortable. However, most of the time when I practice I'm laying back in my office chair with my feet up on the desk. My left are rests on one of the chair arms, and the banjo sits in my lap, and I frail away with my right arm. So, the banjo is pretty stationary when I take my left hand away. It's a bad habit I know, but it sure is comfortable :-). This may be a problem when I ever get good enough to be able to perform.

One advantage of open backs is that they are light enough that you don't get back trouble with/without a strap. Those BG banjos are HEAVY!

JAB

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 12:51 PM

JAB, you play your banjo at work??

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 01:07 PM

I use a strap when I play standing up. I don't use it when I am sitting down. I mostly play sitting down.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 01:09 PM

I was going to suggest you might try the classical type of device, as used by Willie Nelson and Segovia. Dunnio if it's work with a banjo, because the centre of gravity is at a different place. Putting your leg up on a chair might be the right way for you. Depends what you're wearing...

soccer ("football" east of the Atlantic). Also South of the Rio Grande, West of the Pacific... - in fact just about anywhere outside the USA (and I suppose Canada).

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 01:23 PM

McGrath, yes I tend to sit like that with the chair. I have one leg raised on a chair leg in front of me leaning on that attachment part between two legs of the chair. My banjo is straddled on an angle and it seems to suit me fine. In fact I am doing it right now, hands free, typing to you guys with the banjo staying stable & stationary.

Oy Rick, does this mean we will be designing two take-down chairs? Maybe a foot stool would work fine for this set-up. Or maybe designing a take-down chair with a pull out foot stool. What a gismo that would be.

I'm quite sure some day a dog will pass me by and show me the right way to relieve my water works on the chair leg.
Last time I wore a skirt I think I was in public school.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 02:41 PM

Peter T asked:

"What about guitars, Rick? You and I have never talked about the pros and cons of using them." yours, Peter T.

Peter I'm hugely in favour of using guitars!

Sincerely

Yours

Rick

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Troll
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 03:27 PM

Great one Rick! Really funny. Ha Ha Ha Ha.

troll (sheesh)

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Peter T.
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 04:28 PM

Aaaaaarrrggghhhh. yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Bert
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 04:50 PM

Rick, what kind of banjo has a sound hole? Or have you been busy with the Dremel tool again?

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 05:24 PM

The one that Rick is going to whack over your head for that joke Bert.

Simpler than Willies would be a modified sax strap and simply hook it onto the best center of gravity around the head.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: bill\sables
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 05:56 PM

The problem with using a sax type strap on a banjo is they are a very heavy instrument as opposed to a clasical guitar or sax hanging on your neck and would probably give you neck problems in the end. I once played a ceileidh for about 4 hours standing with a banjo and melodeon, next day my right shoulder ached from the melodeon and my left with the banjo and I could hardly move that evening. Since then I have always sat while playing for a ceilidh.
Bill

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: mousethief
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 05:58 PM

Yeah, but there are sax straps and there are sax straps. I don't imagine a baritone sax is much lighter than a banjo; aren't bari sax straps heavier and thicker than straps for a tenor sax?

Alex

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Matt_R
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 06:05 PM

You can get some nice sex straps at your local Adult Toy Store.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Amergin
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 06:11 PM

And you know that how, Matt?

I wear straps to keep my britches from falling around my ankles....

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 06:28 PM

Dear Abby,

I have to admit that I am very inexperienced with Women with Dulcimers. I came across a very attractive woman with a dulcimer yesterday. This woman had the dulcimer on her lap, with the strap under her thighs. Is this normal?

-Joe O-

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Matt_R
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 06:42 PM

Oh, I know many things, Amergin.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Midchuck
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 07:21 PM

I always use a strap with the guitar, even sitting down. It's a little more stable.

I would advise, however, not using a strap with the banjo.

If you should suddenly be struck dead while playing - heart attack, meteor strike, whatever - and the banjo is not on a strap, there's a chance it will fall away from you. If it's on a strap, it will remain with you when you go down.

And the Church has ordained that a person found dead with a banjo on their person may not be buried in consecrated ground.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 07:30 PM

Peter dear, when I am laid down to rest, I am going to have all my banjos buried with me. The Rabbi at our synagogue has no qualms about what goes down with us as long as we pay our annual membership fees.

Little Neo

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 07:51 PM

Bonnie, when I stopped "playing out" ten years ago, I put my strap away and played sitting down{big martin guitty}.Now as I try to brush up, I'm having a devil of a time gettin' used to the differnt angle when standing. Get used to the strap and you'll be ready no matter what. Mike

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Margo
Date: 22 Jan 01 - 11:51 PM

Ah Bonnie! Yes, it must be a highly personal thing. For me, the banjo is much like a BRA! My right breast rests on the head by the arm rest. I gotta have a strap! But also, I find that if I don't use the strap, the screw things that hold the head on dig into my leg. (Sorry about not knowing the proper terminology - someone correct me!)

So here's a rich moment I had last week: I'm at my yearly check-up when my gynecologist is examining my breasts and suddenly says, "Oh, you play banjo?". I first thought "Woah! Where did that come from?" Then I realized she was looking at the banjo charm on my necklace. I thought I had "banjo breasts" or some such syndrome... Haha, I guess I do! Margo

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Jan 01 - 12:06 AM

Well hell Margo, I got just the thing for ya'!!!! Get yourself a good size magnet, or a chunk of steel even, and mount it in your banjo and then get yourself one of these suckers, and you'll be all set to go! Watch out you don't get snagged on a passing Peterbilt................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Jan 01 - 12:25 AM

And then again, maybe Bonnie is used to holding her banjo down lower than Margo, so she could use some of these jobbies. I like the crotchless design....very sexy! You could wear both so you had the freedom to sit or stand with the banjo low or high, but I'd be worried about forks flying off the tables toward you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Margo
Date: 23 Jan 01 - 12:27 AM

Oh goood, 'Spaw! Do I need a negative field next to my body? Positivly not! :0) I prefer a plus, not a minus. Something...uplifting! Hey, you know those "Brunhilde" type brassiers, with the copper cups? Why not a "banjo bra"! Hah! Two heads are better than one?

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Jan 01 - 12:43 AM

Watch out for the venue set-up. If the stage faces south, you'll wind up playing with your rear end pointing toward the audience.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: Poo-Twa
Date: 23 Jan 01 - 12:50 AM

Margo- Why Not? You could then clip the banjo directly to the "banjo bra". No strap involved at all. BlueJay, (at Poo-Twa's house).

Subject: RE: Do I Really Need To Wear A Strap?
From: GUEST,Seamus Kennedy
Date: 23 Jan 01 - 05:11 AM

Elderly Instruments carries an X-style strap that crosses over the back, and spreads the weight of the instrument more evenly. Might want to check it out. I always wear a strap with all my instruments - mandolin, banjo and guitar, and I wear them sitting or standing. You never know what could cause you to drop your instrument.

All the best

Seamus