G'day Robin (and Lin),

I can't give any rational explanation for playing button accordions with a single strap. When I started ... a long time ago ... I first played a little melodion (the small, square, simple German-style instrument with 'knobs' for setting voices) in a seated position, with just the left-hand wrist strap and the right hand thumbstrap. This is a traditional style, with the small instrument balanced on the knee ... and getting an extra underlying rhythmic 'bounce' from the foot tapping on the floor.

As soon as I went on to larger button accordions, I found I was starting to play to groups and wanted to do so standing. With two straps is the only logical, comfortable way to do this ... for all the reasons I have stated earlier. I did see quite a few players with single straps ... noticeably, these were often 'makeshifts' ... frequently cobbled up from scrap harness or old belts.

Maybe, if they added a second belt ... their trousers would fall down!

If you want to play without causing yourself problems ... make it balanced, comfortable, flexible and free.

Regards,

Bob