One of those back strap questions?

[Mike t.]

So… I’m about as limber as a dried-out three month old bread stick. I’ve seen people wearing those extra straps that keep your shoulders straps from falling down. How in the world do they fasten them without help? I can barely tie a kitchen apron by myself (I mean like a manly lab smock) my accordion straps usually don’t give me much trouble, I would think most players don’t use them? Is there a secret for fastening them? I have noticed a couple of my shirts are of a slicker material and are a little more prone to slipping. The height of the chair is another factor, as the box rests on my left leg and that changes the slippage of straps. Just curious…

 

[Thomas N]

My Excelsior 960 is a 33lb accordion. I used the backstrap for years and never liked it. When I recently fixed the accordion and started seriously playing it again I put on the standard Neotech straps I had on my Roland FR-8X and never looked back. They are padded and stick to your shoulders and so much more comfortable for me.

 

[Tom]

So… I’m about as limber as a dried-out three month old bread stick. I’ve seen people wearing those extra straps that keep your shoulders straps from falling down. How in the world do they fasten them without help? I can barely tie a kitchen apron by myself (I mean like a manly lab smock) my accordion straps usually don’t give me much trouble, I would think most players don’t use them? Is there a secret for fastening them? I have noticed a couple of my shirts are of a slicker material and are a little more prone to slipping. The height of the chair is another factor, as the box rests on my left leg and that changes the slippage of straps. Just curious…

There seem to be three basic kinds, two that you can put on “from the front.” The purpose seems to be to offer support for the accordion from your hips area as opposed to your shoulders. At least that’s what I get from mine. I would not consider standing for an hour without one.

I got mine from accordion blackstrap . Com which I am not sure still functions as I get no response after buying a defective one. Just sayin’. Anyway, it goes on my accordion straps directly above where the two parts of the straps come together. At this location it is easy to reach behind yourself to attach it as the buckles position is variable and can be loosened for attaching, then tightened.

Another type I have seen but not tried attached at the top of one strap and the bottom of the other. This one can also easily be put on by the player.

The third type has one or two straps that attach higher on the straps and requires help in putting it on. (Although maybe some players have figured out how to attach it.)

Then there is the “Neotech” type that you kind of crawl into and attach on the bottom of one strap. And it appears that Thomas recommends this one, although I have found the original version not as good for a heavy accordion, at least for standing.

 

[RowanSumner]

So… I’m about as limber as a dried-out three month old bread stick. I’ve seen people wearing those extra straps that keep your shoulders straps from falling down. How in the world do they fasten them without help? I can barely tie a kitchen apron by myself (I mean like a manly lab smock) my accordion straps usually don’t give me much trouble, I would think most players don’t use them? Is there a secret for fastening them? I have noticed a couple of my shirts are of a slicker material and are a little more prone to slipping. The height of the chair is another factor, as the box rests on my left leg and that changes the slippage of straps. Just curious…

This guy made a cool workaround with a buckle attachment for the bottom of the strap, so the back strap can stay together (hard to explain sorry, the video should be clear)

The cheapest option would be to follow a stretching and mobility routine!

 

[debra]

[M...

This guy made a cool workaround with a buckle attachment for the bottom of the strap, so the back strap can stay together (hard to explain sorry, the video should be clear)

The cheapest option would be to follow a stretching and mobility routine!

Friends of mine have done more or less the same. But instead of the buckle for the bottom of the strap they did it with a buckle for the top of the (right) strap. They sort-of climb into the straps, then fasten the buckle at the top. They even installed two backstraps for extra support.

 

[Thomas N]

I'm all Neotech now on all three of my accordions. I have two of the "X-Large" and one of the standard I just picked up on Amazon for $40 US. My 960 had these 4" Elephant Straps made in Italy with the backstrap connector that had been on there from the Factory. They always bothered me but because I didn't play that accordion often I didn't mind. When I started to play for an hour at a time they bothered me.

I took the X-Large Neotech off the Roland FR-8X and put them on the 960. Perfection! No backstrap connector and they just work for me. I noticed that Neotech no longer sells the X-Large, or Premium, or whatever they were called years ago when I purchased them. They only have the standard straps which I ordered from Amazon. I put these on the FR-8X and they are perfect. It's a lighter accordion, relatively, and they work. I did notice they aren't as padded and aren't as wide as the X-Large and probably wouldn't work on my 960.

I only play seated and have no idea how they are when standing. And I don't even want to find out.

 

[Mike t.]

Friends of mine have done more or less the same. But instead of the buckle for the bottom of the strap they did it with a buckle for the top of the (right) strap. They sort-of climb into the straps, then fasten the buckle at the top. They even installed two backstraps for extra support.

This is just what I was hoping to find! Thanks!

 

[ColoRodney]

I have backstraps on most of my accordions (with some, they came with the straps). It really helps on long gigs, and on gigs where I'm standing--without it, the straps start working their way off my shoulders. But it does slow me down when switching between accordion and piano.

On a good day I can hook it myself--it helps to sit and lift the accordion with one hand to take the weight off the shoulder straps, while connecting the backstrap with the other hand. On bad days I'll ask a friend.

When I saw Buckwheat Zydeco play in Boulder long ago, he had an assistant who came out and helped him put his accordion on at the beginning of the concert.

 

[tcabot]

A bit of yoga in in the morning goes a long way.
After a month or two you'll be able to fasten them backstraps behind your back without any issues.
After 20 years of regular practice you'll be able to fasten them with your feet.

 

[Mike t.]

A bit of yoga in in the morning goes a long way.
After a month or two you'll be able to fasten them backstraps behind your back without any issues.
After 20 years of regular practice you'll be able to fasten them with your feet.

Started my training this morning… got one sock on so far, can’t wait till tomorrow… gonna try for the other!