Reading another post inspired this one. There are a lot of very good reasons to use a strap on a uke, all of which have been covered here on UU. Some folks are reluctant to put a strap button (or two) on an expensive instrument. Here's the thing: Every traditionally made wooden uke has an end block at the bottom - a solid chunk of wood where the two sides meet. Drilling for a strap button means that you are going into that end block, not just through the thin side of the instrument. There is no structural/mechanical reason not to put a strap button on.
Although I prefer one strap button on the bottom, with the top end of the strapped laced around the peghead, there is also no good reason not to put a strap button on the heal of the neck. Once again, plenty of solid wood to hold the screw, no structural issues/risks.
A really good luthier can also remove and strap button and all but make the hole invisible -- but it takes someone with some fine finishing experience to pull that off.
There are, of course, alternative straps that do not require buttons -- but in my experience these don't work out for all ukes and/or all people. I would never ask a beginner to learn to play without a strap, and I -- for one -- play much better with my uke hung around my neck!
Lastly, my favorite uke right now is a prototype carbon fiber instrument that has never seen the inside of a case or gig bag. I put it on with the strap and just swing it around to my back when I go anywhere, including on my electric scooter. Works a treat!
So, in my humble opinion, the reasons to use a strap far outweigh any reasons not to
Although I prefer one strap button on the bottom, with the top end of the strapped laced around the peghead, there is also no good reason not to put a strap button on the heal of the neck. Once again, plenty of solid wood to hold the screw, no structural issues/risks.
A really good luthier can also remove and strap button and all but make the hole invisible -- but it takes someone with some fine finishing experience to pull that off.
There are, of course, alternative straps that do not require buttons -- but in my experience these don't work out for all ukes and/or all people. I would never ask a beginner to learn to play without a strap, and I -- for one -- play much better with my uke hung around my neck!
Lastly, my favorite uke right now is a prototype carbon fiber instrument that has never seen the inside of a case or gig bag. I put it on with the strap and just swing it around to my back when I go anywhere, including on my electric scooter. Works a treat!
So, in my humble opinion, the reasons to use a strap far outweigh any reasons not to