Adding a second strap - how?

[Hellohelenhere]

I presently have only a right-shoulder strap, but would very much like to add one for the left shoulder too. The bar to which the strap attaches, though, is small (same on top and bottom sides). Is there an existing contraption I could get, which allows for addition of a second strap? or will I need to get the attachment points replaced with another type?
*Edit for clarity: the accordion is a Russian garmoshka button accordion, unisonoric.

 

[Mike t.]

The down and dirty fix for me would be loop the second strap through the eye formed by the first strap.

 

[Hellohelenhere]

The down and dirty fix for me would be loop the second strap through the eye formed by the first strap.

I could do that as a stop-gap! Just as soon as I get or make a new strap But as a long-term fix, I'm wondering how best to approach it.

 

[Dingo40]

But as a long-term fix, I'm wondering how best to approach it.

Theoretically, you could swap the solo anchor points for dual anchor points, available from accordion supplies stores?
For example, check this out:

accordion shoulder strap anchor points for sale - Google Search

 

[SteveBox]

This appears to be a diatonic button accordion. These are usually intended to be played using only one shoulder strap on the right, which anchors the accordion on the PULL. To anchor the accordion on the PUSH, the thumb is kept pressed against the edge of the fingerboard (or in some cases, inserted into a thumb strap), and you play the treble side using only your fingers. See how Paul Young plays a diatonic accordion in this video.

This is the reason your accordion probably comes with only one strap attachment, but it doesn't answer your question. If you want to try a second strap, I suggest you first use the stop-gap method and to see if you really need that second strap before modifying the accordion.

 

[oldbayan]

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[Hellohelenhere]

This appears to be a diatonic button accordion. These are usually intended to be played using only one shoulder strap on the right, which anchors the accordion on the PULL. To anchor the accordion on the PUSH, the thumb is kept pressed against the edge of the fingerboard (or in some cases, inserted into a thumb strap), and you play the treble side using only your fingers. See how Paul Young plays a diatonic accordion in this video.

This is the reason your accordion probably comes with only one strap attachment, but it doesn't answer your question. If you want to try a second strap, I suggest you first use the stop-gap method and to see if you really need that second strap before modifying the accordion.

Thanks, SteveBox. I still haven't quite understood what's meant by diatonic in this context, I'll admit. My accordion is a Russian 'garmoshka' in the key of A, and it's unisonoric, unlike the bisonoric diatonic accordions played in Irish music. I'm wondering, how does this affect the desirability of having one strap or two? I can understand that if bisonoric, then there are constant direction changes, but am not sure why one shoulder strap helps with this.
I am brand new to this, by the way. Haven't played accordion since I had a piano accordion decades ago, so am starting pretty much from first principles...

 

[Dingo40]

Whether you use one shoulder strap or two seems to be a matter of personal preference.
You'll see examples of both usages on YouTube.
See here:

And here:

 

[SteveBox]

Thanks, SteveBox. I still haven't quite understood what's meant by diatonic in this context, I'll admit. My accordion is a Russian 'garmoshka' in the key of A, and it's unisonoric, unlike the bisonoric diatonic accordions played in Irish music.

I was referencing the most common type of accordion that is played with only one strap, which are the bisonoric diatonics, like Paul Young was playing. A more general statement would be that if the accordion provides an attachment for only one strap, then that means it was made for a playing technique that uses something other than a left shoulder strap to stabilize the accordion for the push of the bellows. That could be a thumb, or something else.

I was not familiar with the garmoshka, but thanks to Dingo and yourself, I know a little more. In the first video that Dingo posted, the musician is playing with one strap and appears to be using his thumb for stability, with only the four fingers available to play the melody. In the second video, there are two straps, and so this frees up the thumb to help play the melody. So, as Dingo says, it appears this can be either way with a garmoshka. If you decide you want two straps, you may want to replace the strap brackets on your instrument. The brackets for two straps come in several styles, so pick one that fits your accordion the best. If you do this, you will have to drill some holes.

 

[Dingo40]

Garmoshka player at a competition

He seems to have two straps and doesn't appear to be wearing either of them

 

[tcabot]

Single strap is the traditional way to go. Even on bayans.
If you ask me, there's no benefit and no good reason for not having two.
Get a pair of decent straps and a set of double strap brackets installed for them.

 

[Hellohelenhere]

For the moment, I've used the strap from a computer bag and attached it to the buckle of the original strap - will figure out something a little better, as I don't want to damage the buckle, but for now, it works! SO much more stable now.

 

[tcabot]

May I add that in youtube videos you often see players putting their thumb behind the keyboard. Folks used to do that more than half a century ago, and these days some folks still have this nasty habit. It gets even worse when they start using their right hand to stabilise the instrument by holding the keyboard, because one strap is inherently unstable. Beginners often do this with a death grip, which is completely unacceptable. Experienced players know to only lightly touch the side of the keyboard, but it still makes no sense compared to using 2 straps - I guess a habit formed over several decades is hard to drop.
Of course, if you have enough talent and dedication, you can overcome poor technique, but you're really better off learning to have your thumb over the keyboard, at the very least because that's how you play your accidentals on the hromka (!). More modern players, e.g. Derbenko, advocate for very active use of your thumb even when playing in home key.

 

[Hellohelenhere]

Single strap is the traditional way to go. Even on bayans.
If you ask me, there's no benefit and no good reason for not having two.
Get a pair of decent straps and a set of double strap brackets installed for them.

I can't see any benefit to one strap, either. I've rigged up a second strap and it feels SO much better now that the accordion stays put!