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Jan 17, 2026 - 7:43:31 AM
6 posts since 4/9/2023

Brand new dobro player looking for strap. What would you recommend?

Will spend what I have to but would prefer to not spend more than I need to!

Thanks

Jan 17, 2026 - 11:10:30 AM

5188 posts since 7/27/2008

Welcome. Here is a post I wrote from a strap discussion in 2024. Check out the left side of your screen, you can do a search where the magnifying glass is located. Many strap discussions over the years.

"Something to keep in mind: Correctly designed  straps IMO are more important to this instrument than they are to a flattop guitar. The dobro itself usually weighs considerably more than the typical flattop, and where a flattop guitar rests against one's body, the dobro is sort of "cantilevered" out in front of you and there is a bit of a learning curve to play while standing

I have two Poff straps - the leather is more beefy and stiffer - not as flexible as a typical leather acoustic guitar strap. This really helps with keeping the dobro steady and not having it shift around while playing standing. 

Soft, flexy leather seems like a good idea at first -  feels good to the touch - but it's not so great for playing a dobro while standing. "

Here is a link to the thread:

https://www.resohangout.com/archive/59188

In terms of quality, I'll start at the top. Bobby Poff in Wyoming makes the best dobro straps in the business. I have two. Bobby told me probably 10 years ago that Jerry Douglas has about 15. No idea why he needs that many but hey - the more the merrier.

Poff straps are expensive. They fall under a saying I like: "You only cry once when you pay for quality."

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

Webb Straps sold by Beard Guitars are popular and cheaper than Poff. I've never tried one since I have two Poff straps - no need when you already have the best.  I don't know if he still does, but Rob Ickes has used these in the past.

https://www.resophonicoutfitters.com/category/straps.html

Lakota straps are also popular, never tried one of these either. A red flag for me is in the spiel on the website they write that they are "soft and supple." Alluding to what I wrote in the paragraph lifted from the 2024 thread, soft/flexy - not a great idea for keeping a dobro steady while playing standing.

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

I think back to the crappy thin straps I used for many years prior to getting my first Poff in 2007, I was constantly adjusting to keep it steady, like when you have underwear that's a poor fit. wink

It becomes a distraction while playing. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 01/17/2026 11:11:49

Jan 17, 2026 - 11:38:46 AM
likes this

6 posts since 4/9/2023

Thank you so much, I will check out each of the links and read the thread you listed.

Jan 17, 2026 - 8:28:54 PM

122 posts since 3/20/2015

I find these straps work well and are a good value. I also have a wide saddle leather strap and it is wonderful, but I don't feel I give up any stability when I use this inexpensive strap.

https://neotechstraps.com/products/slimline-dobro-strap?variant=44445027434792

Jan 18, 2026 - 9:53:03 AM
Players Union Member

daver

USA

885 posts since 9/2/2008

Copied from a previous post.  IMO all squareneck Dobro strap discussions should include strap lock information.

When you land on a strap, do yourself and your Dobro a big big favor.

Get some type of strap lock system. This will prevent tragedy if your strap comes loose while playing. You won't be able to stop the Dobro from falling when your hands are on the wrong side of gravity.

The most common for squareneck playing is the Schaller straplock. Grover and Fender market dimensional equivalents to the original Schallers.

Dunlop Straplok is equally effective; I have some Dobros with that system.

These devices cost about $30 a pair, enough for two Dobros. That is far cheaper than any broken Dobro. And cheaper than any good strap! Easy to install if you're both handy and careful.

There are other budget devices that may work fine. YMMV,

Jan 19, 2026 - 4:45:54 AM

639 posts since 1/14/2012

One other thing that you need to decide is whether or not you want (or need) a quick connect at the headstock. I have a Levy’s Leathers strap on one of my instruments, but the strap is not easily removable. Some cases, such as Travelite, do not have enough empty space around the headstock to leave the entire strap on all the time and wrap it around for storage.

As far as Levy’s straps go, love the strap sold the Travelite case.

Feb 2, 2026 - 3:35:16 PM

304 posts since 3/8/2014

Mark mentioned Lakota Leathers bison straps. I have two and love them. Soft and supple. Their three-inch straps make the heaviest guitar comfortable.

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