Banjo , guitar, saxaphone and mandolin strap measurements required.

[UKRay]

I've just had an enquiry about making a range of musical instrument straps but apparently have no idea how long to make them. I sent one of my mandolin straps along as a sample and they said it was too short... Odd, 'cos I have sold dozens of these!

I'd just like to hear from a our 'tame musicians' about how long their instrument straps are so I can get a 'ballpark figure' on the material required to fill this order.

I think it would be interesting to have this information on LW anyway as we all get asked for stuff like this occasionally.

I'll kick off by saying my standard guitar straps are made to extend to 60" long and, currently, the most popular width is 3"

How does that fit with other folk's experiences?

How about your banjo, saxaphone and mandolin straps? Are there any other instrument I haven't thought of that need straps and you have some measurements?

I'd be much obliged if you can help.

Ray

[rdb]

As many people on earth, that's the sizing.....

I've sold 40" to 72". But children need even smaller...

Generally if I'm making straps ahead of a show, or for a retail shop, I make an assortment of straight straps, various sizings, e.g. 44", 46", 48", 50", etc. Then, add in some adjustables, with about a six inch adjustment, eg. 44-50", 46-52", etc..

There's a lot of elementary students who need straps, so small sizes are welcome, but they don't buy expensive leather ones, but plain simple ones, they like.

From my experiences, the Bass players like the 3" wide, while the others prefer 2 1/2" wide. Mandolineers like 3/4"-1" wide . Banjo players, like 1.25" (cause some of them are heavy).

I stay away from stocking a store with straps, if they are on consignment (for one friend, I do..), because by the time there are enough straps, you are out of a lot of time, effort, and material to make up enough variety of choice.

If you do a web search, you'll find only a handful of handcrafted that are popular for each instrument. Then they break off into genres (rock, bluegrass, etc) Each one has a particular style, and typical measurement options, but all offer a custom size, width,etc.

I'm at the point now, that if a store wants the stock, I think I will have a minimum order of $750, which would allow me to make a variety sampling of say, a dozen straps,different styles, different sizes, from $40-$125. Even then, they will be asked for something they don't have in stock.....

I, too, would be curious to see how othere handle this type of situation.

[Jordan]

Short of contacting a mfg. of straps and hoping they are willing to part with their mass production measurements, I would say going to a music shop and asking to measure their most popular sales sizes might be the way. Unless the buyer of your stock is willing to show a sample board of your straps and have customers contact you with their own measurements (maybe on a sales percentage basis) and have one made to their size. Strap size and length is a pretty individual choice and I don't think anyone sells the exact size a musician uses unless it is a custom piece. And I don't think they really know their prefered size they just pick one that they like that is adjustable. I know this is not much help, but as the prior post said it is best to have a range of adjustable straps that fit most and the rest will have a custom one made. Again the old adage,, if you give the customer too many choices they will never make up their mind. LOL

[UKRay]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions guys.

I did the music shop patrol many years ago and measured all the guitar straps on display in upwards of a dozen musical instrument stores so I'm happy that the guitar straps I make are saleable. In fact, I currently make guitar straps by the dozen but only the occasional mandolin strap so I'd like to expand this side of my business. I can see a fair bit of potential for good quality leatherwork here.

I usually make a tapered mandolin strap that is around 1 1/4" at the widest point tapering down to 3/4 at the ends. This seems to make most players happy. I don't tend to have a standard length as, like everyone else, I mostly make to order - which is where the problem lies as I haven't kept any records of the straps I have made - Yes, I know I should have done this but it didn't seem important at the time. No need to labour the point!

Given the financial constraints we are all facing now, I can't believe that any music stores will stock as wide a range of straps as they would need to service all their client's wishes but there must be some kind of 'mid way' point which meets most people's requirements.

So what is a sensible standard length for a mandolin strap/ banjo strap/ sax strap etc? Anyone got ideas on this?

Ray