‘Ukulele Straps
I find that it is harder to play ‘ukulele standing up than sitting down. With practice it gets easier, but some still like to use a strap. There are three main types of ‘ukulele straps.
Guitar-style strap:
A guitar strap can be used, but it requires installation of two strap buttons. A metal button is placed on the bottom of the neck heel and on the end of the ‘ukulele where the two sides come together (there is a block of wood there that will hold the button from breaking off.) A pickup jack can also act as one of the strap buttons. A guitar strap can then be slipped over each button. Brittni Paiva is the first name that comes to mind when I think of this kind of strap.
Semi-guitar-style strap:
This type of strap only uses one button on the end of the ‘ukulele, so this is a good option for those who already have a pickup installed. One end of the strap is like a guitar strap with the slit in leather that slides over the button. The other has two strings that tie around the headstock/neck right behind the nut under and in between the strings and tuning pegs. Daniel Ho uses one of these occasionally. The only problem I foresee with one of these straps is that it puts strain on the ‘ukulele’s neck which could be a problem in the long run. I have seen thrifty artists (Byron Yasui) make straps like these out of twine.
Classical-guitar, Willie-Nelson-style strap:
This one really fascinates me. Maybe it’s because Willie uses this type of strap. Maybe not. This type of strap goes around your neck in a loop and wraps under the instrument to hook into the sound hole. I tried one of these made by Flea Market music and liked the idea, but it kept twisting. The cool thing about this style is that it doesn’t require a button or cause stress on the neck. Jake Shimabukuro has been using one of these recently.
Uke Leash
This is an ‘ukulele-specific creation and is described as a “half strap”. One end of the strap fastens to the ‘ukulele’s headstock, the other, to various “anchor points” (your arm, waist, leg). The headstock gets supported by the strap, but the body is held up like normal with your strumming arm. Like the classical strap, it doesn’t require the installation of any buttons.
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You can but a cheap ukulele strap for around £5 including worldwide postage from:
ukulele cord suspender strap
John
Jake is now using the Willie Nelson style. I have one and like it, but I still need to use my elbow to keep the thing in place, although not as much. I think the Brittni Paiva dual strap button is the best, as you don’t need to do anything to sabalize the ukulele and there is no strain on the neck.
Does the plastic hook do any kind of scratching on the sound hole? Or is it safe?
I can’t be sure because I don’t have one. However, from what I’ve seen, they are very gentle. Jake has been using one. You could probably line the hook with a pad if you are really worried about it.
I heard of another strap called Uke Leash, anyone knows if they’re any good?
I’m using one and I think it’s very helpful, especially if you have slippery uke.
I have been using the Uke Leash and love it! Highly recommended. So elegantly simple.
Check it out: http://ukeleash.com/