Lakota Leathers Banjo Strap Non-Cradle 2 Inch Mahogany

I've had this on my open-back banjo for several weeks now. This is a great strap; it's made of American Bison hide which is supple and soft but very strong. It should be, it holds the bison together. It's made in America by Native Americans. Visit their web site if you want to know more about this cottage industry. Another reviewer noted that his strap stretched but that has not been my experience; there is no stretch. The strap is unadorned, so if you're looking for bling, this ain't it. Also, there is no backing, it's the flesh side of the hide. It's a plain, leather strap in various shades of brown and black.One caveat, if you have an open back or non-flange type banjo, you want the non-cradle strap. The cradle strap is for the Mastertone style banjo, which has a one-piece flange. This is clear on Lakota's web site, along with installation instructions, but is not clear in the Amazon descriptions for either style. I ordered a cradle strap for my other banjo and I now have a mandolin strap on the way. They are not the cheapest strap, for that a shoestring or some bailing twine will do, but they are very comfortable, have minimal hardware (two Chicago screws) to scratch your expensive instrument, and just look good. And I like that I'm supporting an American company. You can also order directly from Lakota. I have no affiliation with the company, I just like their products.

I am a new Banjo player so no real frame of reference here. The strap bison leather is very supple and comfortable round the neck, and 2 inch is a good width to spread the load (the banjo is pretty heavy!) The straps which attach to banjo were a little wide so had to taper them slightly at the end with a sharp knife to get them started under the head tensioning rods (I have a Deering Goodtime II with the resonator) , Once you could grip the strap on the other side, they pulled through OK.Very happy with the purchase. High quality product.

The description for this product is accurate, but know that the leather used is extremely soft and moderately-to-very stretchy. Pretty much the opposite of what I consider to be ideal strap material. The leather itself has a fleecy backing that's fragile enough to start fraying from rubbing against the heel after just a few days of use.I probably wouldn't have purchased this if I was able to feel the material first and I seriously doubt it's going to hold up for more than a year or two of regular use.edit: 4/2/21Initial impressions were wrong. The strap has held up over the years despite some odd initial fraying. Would recommend.

a quality strap that is very comfortable. It looks great and functions great. I have had several over the years and like it better than any I have had before.

Nice strap for my lightweight banjo. Only issue is that I need to keep tightening the Chicago screws or they work their way lose. I think I'm going to try locktite on them.

Little stretchy. But very very nice. One of the buttons came loose and I lost it so I'm currently using my cheap strap until I can find it again.

Maybe I would have preferred a larger strap or that the shape of the shoulder section be larger. However I find it very soft and comfortable that I prefer now standing than playing seated.

Great strap, just wish I got the full Cradle in stead of the non-cradle. Either way great strap!!