Security is peace of mind. So is comfort for that matter! When it comes to your mandolin, a sturdy, beautiful strap is key.
You must trust that while you’re playing there is no way that the instrument could fall from the sanctuary of chest and arms to grounds below. Also, your strap is an extension of your mandolin, so you want it to be just as gorgeous as the spruce, mahogany, and pearl it hangs from. It’s an extension of yourself as well. Your personality and taste.
In this article, we’re going to look at some great straps for any of your mando family instruments. This means your mandola, octave, bandolim, mandocello, and of course mandolin. A mandobass doesn’t really need a strap, I guess. So I hope you won’t be upset that it won’t make the list.
Let’s start with smaller mandos. Here are great mandolin or mandola straps you can order today:
By the way, this article contains affiliate links.
Mandolin and Mandola Straps
MandoZen Score: 5/5
Brand: Walker and Williams
Style: Mainly an F-style mandolin or mandola, but could be used for A-styles as well.
Material: ⅜” wide leather strap, double reinforced end caps, loop for scroll or headstock.
Description: This W & W strap is our choice for the best mandolin or mandola strap. It’s made with high-quality leather, comes in four varieties, and the price is great. You can slip the loop through the scroll of your f-style mandolin, or attach it to the headstock of your instrument.
MandoZen Score: 4.5/5
Brand: Levy’s Leather
Style: Mainly an F-style mandolin or mandola, but could be used for A-styles as well.
Material: 3/4″ suede leather
Description: Here is an uncomplicated, low profile leather strap that will last on your mandolin for its a lifetime (perhaps yours as well). I’ve had one on my Weber for nearly a decade and the wear only adds to it’s aesthetic.
If you want to keep your mandolin as the focal point, or at least not have a specific focal point, this is the strap to use. It works great for an f- or a-style mandolin or mandola. Wrap the loop around the headstock of the scroll and it’ll fit warmly. There are so many shades to choose from, and for the price, you could buy two colors; switch them out to your liking.
MandoZen Score: 4.2/5
Brand: Levy’s Leathers
Mando Style: Mainly an A-style mandolin or mandola, but could be used for F-styles as well.
Material: ½” jacquard fabric
Description: With a low price tag and various charming designs, Levy’s jacquard style straps are a great choice for any mandolin or mandola. Both pin ends are made from leather, so they’ll take a good amount of wear. If you’re using the strap for your F-style you’re going to want to use some sturdy string and a nice knot to keep it in place. It’s probably not going to fit too well on anything larger than a mandola, so we recommend keeping on a mandolin, mandola, or use it on a uke if you have one!
We like the low profile 1” width. It’s the traditional style of mandolin straps with designs anything but. For an F-style instrument, it is ideal to have the strap all one piece, wrapping through the scroll, this will still do the job. Plus, for the price tag, why not get all three to swap them each show?
MandoZen Score: 3.5/5
Brand: Levy’s Leather
Style: Mainly an A-style mandolin or mandola, but could be used for F-styles as well.
Material: ½” wide leather strap
Description: Here’s an intriguing design. In order to adjust the length of the strap, you push or pull an end through the knot to lengthen or shorten the distance between ends. There are good reviews online for the strap and its design is meant to overcome slipping.
It’s a sleek design, and not expensive at all. The knots are a fine detail; not an embellishment, but also not something to look past.
If you use it for an F-style or don’t have a second pin to stick the strap to, you’ll just have to make sure you use a strong string and sturdy knot to secure it to your instrument.
MandoZen Score: 3/5
Brand: Levy’s Leathers
Style: A or F style mandolin, mandola, octave, or mandocello
Material: Two-ply 1” natural cork
Our Take: This is not your typical mandolin strap. This is a statement. So if you like to be colorful with your accessories this might be your style. With a 1” width, the weight of your instrument has a lot of space to distribute. Meaning, this will feel comfortable for any type of mando you want to use it with. Just try standing with an octave for an hour and a ½” strap, you’ll notice the weight. For an eye-popping, comfortable strap that you can use on any mando, this is a great choice.
Mandocello and Octave Straps
Now for the dinosaurs of the mando world. Or at least the big dinosaurs… These are instruments much more similar to a full-size guitar. So you can’t get by on anything less than a 1” wide strap. Unless you don’t like comfort. Enough – let’s check ‘em out.
MandoZen Score: 5/5
Brand: Perri’s Leathers
Style: Mandocello or octave mandolin
Material: 2” wide Italian leather with suede backing – oooh comfy
If you live in Canada, or you just want some extra comfort, there’s also a sheepskin suede strap by Perri’s:
Description: This Canadian based guitar strap manufacturer makes some awesome straps. There are many varieties to choose from, and each would keep your mandocello or octave secure, and your shoulder in shoulder heaven. These are a bit pricier than the rest of the straps listed, but there’s simply more material – and high-quality material at that. Plus, compared to the price of your instrument, this is still a drop in the bucket. Think of it as a one-time insurance payment.
Hands down, if you want a leather strap this is going to be the best bang for your buck.
MandoZen Score: 3.7/5
Brand: Levy’s Leathers
Style: Mandocello or octave mandolin
Material: 2” wide vegan-friendly hemp webbing, reinforced cork ends
There’s also a cotton-based version too that looks cool:
Description: Here is a great strap for the environmentally conscious. Hemp is the plant-based version of leather (and a version of a million other things I’m sure). It’s durable and stylish. There are a couple of other designs to choose from. They’re very reasonably priced and offer a new idea to the typical leather.
MandoZen Score: 4.2/5
Brand: Martin
Style: Mandocello or octave mandolin
Material: 2” wide 100% leather
Description: Made in the United States, by the acclaimed guitar makers, Martin, comes this strap. It’s made from dense, yet lightweight leather, which gets a nice, worn look over time. There is an engraving of the Martin insignia, but it isn’t too prominent, so it’s not going to clash with the maker of your own instrument. The price is higher than other options, but that’s what happens with a name like Martin. But also, Martin has a status to live up to. They are known for quality, and this strap attests.
I hope you find the right mando strap from this article!
MandoZen 