I'm slowly working my way into a strap setup that will let me play standing up without gradually losing my grip on the danged box when playing fast passages.
In the past I had "Elephant Straps" for my PA, and eventually used one of those straps for my diatonic.
Now I'm seeing that I need two straps to hold the box in place on my chest, and perhaps a connectory strap to hold the two straps together across my back. This is how the Elephant straps were constructed.
So, I guess I need shorter Elephant straps, and, if I can't get the connecting strap, possibly made out of suede so they don't slip. I think Dana said Danny Dyson or someone makes custom straps.
Anything like this premade, so I can try before I buy, or do I need to resort to custom?
Haven't been playing my wooden rubboard lately. I built it to take part in Irish jams, and I realized my brain is not big enough for Irish and Cajun.
I do use it for traveling though, as I can hinge it and fold it and fit it into a carry-on. I like longer boards. My arms are longer.
I don't think I'll be back there in July. I started out being sure I wasn't, then started quibbling, then looked at the bills I still need to pay down, then looked at the teacher lineup, and...well, I think I'm going to pay bills this year.
Sorry you won't be makin' it, enjoyed your company and unique point of view. I do understand about the bills, though. Although being quite that sensible would be a stretch for me. I'll give you a shout out next time I'm headed for the Worst Coast.
Get some nylon webbing from REI and make one up yourself. Pad it with some old foam if you want. Pin it first to get the adjustment right. Then you will know what you want. Either get a proper one made from your pattern or just do it yourself!
Men's accordion straps would be way to wide and would make your good looking box look abnormaly large.
Woman PA accordion straps, with much less width, should look more appropriate, even kids, should do the trick.
Do not buy used straps as the leather retains all the perfumes used by the bearers, and that wouldn't be to good for your particular allergy .
If you decide to go for accordion straps and want to join them in the back with a "joiner', that is assuming you don't have one, get an old leather belt with a more or less matching colour, then visit your nearest shoe repair man with your accordion on witch the 2 straps are attached , wear it and your new "buddy" will adjust and cut the joiner to length and rivet it at both ends.
The joiner should be riveted as it allows the two main straps some movements.
I just talked to Danny on the phone Friday night, and he was alive and well at that time. He is sending me a case for the Le Capitaine. He also hand-made me a set of double leather straps for my accordion. Helps a bunch when standing up. Lots of room to adjust for arm-length, belly-size, etc. Can also seperate them and use just a single strap over one shoulder, as well. Give him a shout. His site can be found by browsing Le Capitaine accordions, or e-mail me direct and I will give you his cell. Right now he is working on my Arrieta, beefing it up.
JB
Keeping it in the car is not a bad idea, for impromptu practice. Just went and got me another First Act toy accordion tonight, probably for the car, if I don't raffle it.
Hey, Dwight, my next door neighbor's little 5 year old girl just had to have an accordion just like Mr. JB's, so they bought her one of those little plastic jobs. Sounded dang near as good as old Ling Ting Tong's genuine not-hand-made grenade.
JB
The First Act accordion is not bad. The others are either crap or junk. But I still have to go in and pull them out the box to see if they're adequately tuned, etc.
This is as much as I was able to decipher from your post!