Dobro advice

John Harmon · Post by **John Harmon** » 22 Nov 2022 11:00 am

Hi all, I have a dobro that I like very well and I would like a good strap for it, preferably one that locks on somehow. Any suggestions, or any that you are well pleased with. Thanks for any input, John

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 22 Nov 2022 12:05 pm

I have the Schaller strap lock installed on all of my resonator guitars. Actually, they all come from the Beard shop that way.

Independent of what strap you end up with, you'll install half of the lock on the strap and the end pin will replace the end pin on your guitar.

This means you must release tension on the strings to remove and replace the existing pin for the strap lock.

As far as squareneck specific straps, a variety of sources including Click Here!

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 22 Nov 2022 12:09 pm

The Beard shop/resophonic outfitters also carries the lock.

Click Here!

John Harmon · Post by **John Harmon** » 23 Nov 2022 8:23 am

Thanks for answering Howard. Forgot to mention it has a pickup in it (doesn't work too well either) and no end pin, just a place to plug into. Maybe I just plug something into it with a strap on. Just don't want to drop it.

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 23 Nov 2022 9:46 am

John Harmon wrote:Thanks for answering Howard. Forgot to mention it has a pickup in it (doesn't work too well either) and no end pin, just a place to plug into. Maybe I just plug something into it with a strap on. Just don't want to drop it.

I dislike that configuration. This typically means that the original hole has to be plugged and redrilled for an end pin. The pickup jack then gets relocated below the end pin.

I can't think of another way to get the strap lock (at least the Schaller) properly installed.

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Ken Pippus · Post by **Ken Pippus** » 23 Nov 2022 10:10 am

I agree, as is usually the case, with Howard. This is “the right way.” There may be other right ways.

Ken Pippus · Post by **Ken Pippus** » 23 Nov 2022 10:16 am

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 23 Nov 2022 1:47 pm

Hey John - straps, like the guitars, come in a wide variety of prices.

No idea what you’re willing to spend, and you didn’t mention the make of your guitar. The straps that Beard sells will certainly do the job, but the Cadillac of dobro straps are made by Bobby Poff and his family in Wyoming. I have a pair of them, one for dobro and another for standing lap steel.

I acquired the first one in 2007. Poff straps are pricey, but to me they are well worth it. Especially if you’re playing standing for a long period of time.

People often think the best guitar strap is one of a soft flexy material, which might be fine for regular guitar because it’s resting against your chest. But the side of a dobro is resting against your hip or midsection, and it is sort of “cantilevered” out from your body. The whole endeavor is a little more awkward than playing a standard guitar standing up. The Poff strap is made of a heavier grade of leather, and the material is relatively stiff compared to most guitar straps. The firmness give the player good support.

When I play standing with these straps I feel really dialed in, like when I played baseball in my younger years with a high quality glove, and if I were running down a ball in the outfield I was confident I would catch it once I got there. Many years ago I would play dobro standing with cheaper, sort of floppy straps, and I often would be adjusting them and it to be a distraction. This never happens with my Poff strap.

https://www.bluegrassgear.com/collections/poff-straps

Chase Brady · Post by **Chase Brady** » 25 Nov 2022 6:13 am

The best way to securely attach a strap to an endpin jack I've found is the D'addario Cinchfit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSSUpht ... darioandCo.

John Harmon · Post by **John Harmon** » 25 Nov 2022 1:44 pm

Mark it's a Jerry Douglas model Dobro, and since most of my playing is in a jam session I don't want to go overboard with the price. I will look at the links you fellas sent though. Thanks

Jonathan Scherer · Post by **Jonathan Scherer** » 25 Nov 2022 6:30 pm

Lakota Leathers

https://www.lakotaleathers.com/products/resonator/

makes nice inexpensive straps. Players are always upgrading, so I was able to buy a used one for $45,
a year ago right here on the SGF Amps and Accessories page.

It is 3" wide.

I use a Schaller lock on the tailpiece end pin, located like Ken's photo above, with the pickup jack below.

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 26 Nov 2022 8:12 am

Bruce Bjork · Post by **Bruce Bjork** » 27 Nov 2022 6:14 am

I use a Danco rubber faucet washer, #61805B 1 1/4" diameter, 1/6" thick, 1/4.

John Harmon · Post by **John Harmon** » 5 Dec 2022 4:49 am

Just to let anyone interested know, I went with the cinchfit. Works well and I can move it to my regular guitar. Thanks Chase

Chase Brady · Post by **Chase Brady** » 6 Dec 2022 6:30 am

You're welcome. I one dropped a very fine Larrivee I used to own. I was recording and when I reached up to adjust my headphones, the strap let go. Since then, I secure my straps.