|
Post by bellyshere on Mar 3, 2016 10:26:53 GMT
Hi folks. I've been playing my Lowden live recently and have strap connected by the nut. Thinking I should get a strap button installed by the body. Good idea and where abouts to stick them?
|
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,882
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Mar 3, 2016 11:30:29 GMT
Usually on the heel (the underside as you hold the guitar). Something like this Lowden: You could do it yourself, but if it was my Lowden, I'd look for a friendly neighbourhood luthier to do it.
|
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 33,973
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
|
Post by ocarolan on Mar 3, 2016 11:52:33 GMT
I reckon that to be the most ergonomic place too, Martin. The guitar hangs very nicely, closely, slightly tilted up and with no tendency to "peel" the strap off the button. I have not found this position to interfere with my rare excusions up the dusty end, though some folk seem to feel this to be a problem. Metal inserts in the heel are the thing to watch out for (so Lowdens are safe!). Obvs it helps to know where eg any bolts holding the neck are positioned. You can usually get a clue by looking inside the guitar, though sometimes the heads are covered by a label or thin veneer. The manufacturer may be able to help in this regard. Taylor and Fylde usually specify a certain distance down from the f'board to be safe. I always mark the place with a sharp point, then begin with a very small drill for a few mm or so, and then use a drill the diameter of the screw less its threads (there's a name for that but I can't remember it...). You could use a power drill on v low, but I've done all mine just with a hand held pin chuck. Takes a while, but works well. Mark the depth you need on the drill. A felt washer is good to take up any slight curvature of the heel at that point, and to avoid cracking the lacquer. Actually I've used leather ones cut from an old watch strap and suede ones from an old guitar strap - also works well if the surface is fairly flat. If you do hit metal, then you may need to shorten the screw a little (hacksaw/file)before inserting it. Keith PS.. check there's room in your case to accommodate the button...
|
|
colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 2,321
|
Post by colins on Mar 3, 2016 12:11:34 GMT
Oh Yes I agree with Martin and Keith. If a player wants a strap button on my guitars then I always fit it on the treble side of the heel. I do use metal inserts in my necks, but as my necks bolt on and off, I can make sure to miss the insert when drilling for the screw, and yes do use a felt washer underneath the button. I did swap this felt out for a black one ! Colin
|
|
|
Post by slasher on Mar 3, 2016 14:12:34 GMT
I recently had my Fylde guitar into the Fylde workshop. It had a strap button on the heelcap. Mr Bucknall was most unhappy about this. He removed it, filled the hole and replaced the button on the underside. Fylde website shows how this should be done - click on the 'Workshop' tab, then 'Notes from a small workshop' and scroll down to 'Strap pins' where exact instructions are given.
|
|
|
Post by bellyshere on Mar 3, 2016 16:09:07 GMT
To my guitar man for that then. No way I should be let near a drill.
|
|
|
Post by slasher on Mar 4, 2016 13:53:12 GMT
Well I would't drill my own teeth, so I would't drill something much more valuable! Much prefer to have work done by someone who has knowledge and confidence.
|
|
|
Post by geddarby on Mar 10, 2016 11:41:58 GMT
Please don't put a button through the heel cap, that is just so horrid.
|
|