guitar strap options for Jumbo

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Edward Sparks on July 19, 2010 at 2:22pm

All of mine were drilled or had a pin in the neck heel position...I just can't take the strap tied onto the headstock and have to have a strap as I always stand when performing! I'm no dancer but I need to move around. Edward

Permalink Reply by Michael D Krampitz on July 23, 2010 at 3:48pm

I used to tie my strap up at the neck with a piece of rawhide,now I drill a small hole at the neck heel just small enough to get the screw started.and I put it on the front side making sure you have enough room to put your strap on to the pin. I put it on the front side because it stays on the pin better less chance of it coming off.

Permalink Reply by Rev. Matt Fontana on August 12, 2010 at 11:08pm

If I were to get the screw installed at the neck I would have it done professionally, not just because I don't trust myself but also because I don't want to see this being done (guitars are continually progressing musical pieces of art-after it's done I can deal with it). I would just tie a strap-string under the strings, above the nut (and with my Alvarez and my Jasmine by Takamine I do this). The only time I have deviated from this rule was when I installed fast locks under the bouts of the two guitars mentioned in order to maintain strap life and integrity; that's really nothing to cry about with me.

Permalink Reply by Christopher Cozad on November 19, 2010 at 11:00am

Hello Ken.

Classical players can use soundhole clips. A variation for flattops is the Gulley Hook though, if you move about a lot, it could cause undue stress on your guitar's soundhole.

If I remember correctly, I wore a strap on my first jumbo guitar fastened at the nut with a shoestring for about a year UNTIL I saw someone with a strap button installed on the heel (not the heel cap). I knew I had to have one! I purchased the button at a music store, matched the diameter of the screw (not the threads, but the shaft) to a drill (a tapered drill is ideal), carefully drilled a small starter hole, applied beeswax to the threads of the screw, and even more carefully screwed the button into the hardwood of the guitar (making sure not to over-tighten it). It never gave me a problem, and I have added a strap button to the heel of every guitar I have owned, ever since. I certainly understand your reluctance to try it yourself.

I can only add to what Edward has voiced, that in addition to the confidence and freedom of movement whether standing or sitting, a strap running from the tailstock to the heel feels like a more 'natural' fit for the guitar, as it shifts the instrument slightly to the left of where it would sit otherwise.

I have tried the strap buttons in different positions, and feel more confident with the offset (to the lap side of the instrument) placement.

Interestingly, the new Guilds are coming with the button affixed, kind of 'Les Paul' style, to the upper bout. To modify my vintage Guilds to accommodate that placement is probably further than I am willing to go. ;~}

Christopher

Permalink Reply by Ken Brodie on November 19, 2010 at 6:18pm

Hi Christopher

Thanks for your response. I've avoided doing anything so far. (Been a little quiet with live performances to date) You've given me confidence to pursue this. I won't do it myself but I have a friend who is a fine furniture maker so I'll get him to hold my hand-)

Cheers
Ken

Permalink Reply by Ken Brodie on November 19, 2010 at 6:20pm

OH and yes I tend to move a lot especially when when performing with my band so I think I'll avoid the gulley hook.

Thanks again Chris.

Permalink Reply by Steve Widmeyer on January 13, 2011 at 5:55pm

You could use a classical guitar "hanger" (a la Willie Nelson)--looks like a saxaphone strap.  Only problem is you can't let go of your guitar or it'll spin away from you.

 

As far as drilling is concerned, you don't have to be a craftsman, only careful.  Take the screw from the strap peg you intend to install, and hold drill bits overlaid in front of it until you find a bit size the same size as the shaft of the screw (you should only be able to see the screw threads on either side of the overlaid drill bit).  Then measure the length of the screw as it lays in the strap peg: this is how deep you want your hole to be drilled in the heel of the neck.  Measure the drill bit to the same length from the tip back, and mark the depth with a piece of tape.  Then drill at low rpms to the tape mark.  It's important that the hole be as deep as the screw; otherwise, the screw will force the wood fibers apart and could weaken the neck.  When I install a strap peg, I squirt a drop of super glue into the hole first (careful to avoid getting it on the neck finish).  They never back out from vibration, but can be unscrewed (carefully).

Permalink Reply by Ken Brodie on January 13, 2011 at 6:30pm

Thanks Steve - Appreciated.

Permalink Reply by Edward Sparks on January 14, 2011 at 12:19pm

To add to Steve's process...I have never put any super glue in the hole first although I believe it couldn't hurt. I have however lubricated the screw going into the hole with a little soap rubbed on the threads.  I know it sounds like that would make the screw work it's way back out, but the screws are long enough that you would notice a "jiggle" way, way before it would ever fall out!   The hook thing above sounds awful risky to me since it pulls on the thin edge of the sound hole!  Edward

Permalink Reply by Ken Brodie on January 14, 2011 at 3:36pm

Thanks Ed I agree. I've seen a beautiful old Maton sound hole damaged by the use of a hanger. As Steve suggested it was as a result of the particular player letting go of the guitar whilst leaning for an offered pint of guiness from the audience. I know he enjoyed the beer but the result was surface cracking and some bracing damage. Not pleasant. Maybe that's why Willie's guitar looks the way it does:)

Permalink Reply by Joella Carr on March 24, 2011 at 3:56pm

I would venture to guess that your Gibson J200 is much more valuable than the Aria 6 string I got for $200 in 1977 or thereabout.  I was tired of tying the string on the end past the nut & under the strings, so in about 1996 I went to a music store, bought a strap button with the screw ( a buck or two)... got my Dad's drill which I'd become handy with and put in a brand new drill bit of minimal size.  I figured out the best place to locate the strap button on the dovetail of the neck (as it would be on an acoustic with a strap button on the neck/body.   MY did it work well and liberate my playing!    I got a leather strap and have enjoyed playing that guitary much more since.    If you don't feel okay with a 9/16" drill bit and then confident enought to screw in the phillips screw that holds the strap button... find a local music store than can make certain your Gibson's neck is in good enough shape to handle putting a strap button on it.    I spent only a couple of bucks on that strap screw and button but changed my playing forever!    Let me know how it goes Ken.

peace,  Jo Carr