Mandolin #473

This find was a “Holy Grail” for me and is a genuine relic that would make most instruments run and hide. But somewhere there’s a mandolin – reeking of a well used character – that would be proud to hang off this strap. It would also be suitable for a headstock attachment on a seriously distressed acoustic guitar. This one has also earned my  “Diamond in the Rough” leather insignia above the headstock/scroll loop, which signifies absolutely nothing. Close up and full strap photos sent on request.

$95.00 Plus Shipping

Features:

Status SOLD
Shoulder Piece Size No shoulder piece.
Strap Style Originally this was a cinch strap that held the saddle and accompanying rider firmly on the horse’s back. Over many years it has been tugged and pulled as tightly as possible transforming it into an amazingly soft and supple piece of leather.
Strap Width Due to decades of stretching, the width varies from 1” to 1 3/8".
Strap Leather Very old and brutally strong latigo leather. Thoroughly broken in butter soft. Unskived and the original thickness is around 1/8“, give or take here and there. The backside is all original and has been worn smooth.. The strap can be easily rolled into a 3” diameter coil and stashed in the case compartment.
Strap Distressed Level High/Off the chart. The leather is super soft and in great shape although certainly looks like it could have spent an entire lifetime on Bill Monroe's 1923 Gibson F-5.
Strap Notables One end is already set up with an adjustable headstock or scroll loop attachment made from a soft piece of 1/2” wide vintage leather skived thin enough to pass thru a tight scroll if necessary. It would also work for an under the fretboard attachment on an A style. By taking in or letting out some of the loop you could tweak the length about 2” shorter or several inches longer. The other end will get a standard or pick-up end button hole punched in at the buyer’s specified length. Extra end button holes on request.