"bootlace" on the end of straps

[daz]

Been meaning to ask for ages but kept forgeting. Why do so many bass straps come with bootlace type devices on the end of them. To what purpose?

[AndyTravis]

For acoustic guitars, they dont always have the second button.
You tie this bootlace in a knot under the strings, behind the nut...

[Cat Burrito]

It took me a while to work that one out too. I did excell myself in stupidity recently trying to work out why there is a strap button on the back of the headstock of 60s Fender basses! Luckily I manages that one too. D'Oh!!!

[xgsjx]

I had to use a lace out of a pair of converse all stars because my strap I got for my semi never had the bootlace.
Makes wearing those connies a bit of a pain now!

[Happy Jack]

[attachment=50229:Hofner_bootlace.jpg]

That's my 1964 Hofner 500/1 Violin bass.

All the semi-acoustic and hollow-body Hofners from that era (and those of some other manufacturers too) allowed the bootlace to be threaded beneath the fingerboard overhang at the neck pickup.

Despite that, it was still very common to run the strap from the end-pin right up to the tuners. I find any bass or guitar is virtually unplayable in that position, but it didn't seem to hold The Beatles back. Much.