Neck strap buttons

[growler]

Hi Michael
Could you or anybody give me advice on where to put the neck strap button
I have roughly indicated where I think they should go , on the Deco and Blues I have considered where the join is on the neck and marked it where I think best.
On the 12 string , it appears to be a solid neck , no joint , I think this one is the most difficult as heel is a lot slimmer, also it appears to be attached to a wooden block inside the guitar . As an afterthought would anyone stick the button on the bottom of the heel!

Regards

Growler

[Deleted]

Chris W gave me this advice a while back:
"I've fitted a couple of strap buttons on Nationals. But, being super careful not to make a mess of it, (you only get one chance) I took advice from National (diagram below) and Mike Lewis. Mike told me to practice on a scrap piece of wood first to make sure I had the right diameter drill (no too tight or loose) for the screw. I also marked the depth of the screw on the drill with masking tape. I then put some masking tape on to the heel to mark the position for the hole and to stop the drill skidding and checked the measurements ten times. Finally, on the advice of Mike, i lubricated the screw with a bit of candle wax".
TT

[pascal]

On my "Fine-Resophonic" Koa 14 fretters, Mike put it on the bottom of the heel.
I guess it's the safest place.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Growler,

This is a personal thing, but I would never put a strap button in any of the places you have crossed in your photos. For me, a strap button anywhere around the heel of the guitar completely throws the balance out and tips the guitar forward. On resophonic guitars I only ever fit a strap around the headstock, which pulls the guitar neck back towards the player, rather than tipping it away. Also, the strap button on the side of the heel gets in my way when I reach for notes beyond the neck to body join.



....each to their own, but for me this is the only way, especially for playing slide.

On a vintage guitar fitting strap buttons to the heel is a cardinal sin!!!! (The last person I caught doing that was sentenced to a fate worse than death; I made them watch a whole episode of X Factor. They will never put strap buttons on vintage guitars again )

Shine On
Michael.

[growler]

HI Michael
Thanks for all the replies , sorry to have to tell you Michael but the deed has been done...... on all three, luckily it all went perfectly well, I followed a method of doing it of a website. I ended up putting the button on the bottom of the heel on the 12 stringer.
You are quite right when you mention heel buttons throwing the guitar out of balance, it was one of the first things I noticed , it seems to put the guitar in a completely upright position, I have always played a guitar with it slightly tilted towards me as I like a full view of the fretboard. Unfortunately I am not one of those lucky guitarists who seem to know where every thing is on he fretboard without ever having to look at it.
I have always sat down to play a guitar , never used any type of guitar strap at all, but lately I have acquired on of those Kinsman guitar stools, which surprisingly I have found to be very good as they get you up a bit higher for the audience to see you, they also seem better for your posture keeping you more upright, not slouched over, the only thing is both feet cannot touch the ground and can be a bit of a pain if you use pedals, so this is where the guitar straps come into play.
It is amazing what a difference it makes to play the Deco with a guitar strap, the weight of this guitar is incredible , even compared to your MM 14 fretter, why is this, is it that lump of wood you can see inside it that gives it the weight.

As for X Factor Michael ..... I can't stand it , along with all those other stupid dancing and cookery programmes which you seem to see every time you put the television on ,,,,,,,, lets thank the Lord we can use our valuable time to play guitars.

Regards

Growler

[Michael Messer]

Hi Growler,

The main thing is that you are pleased with the strap buttons.

I like to see the fretboard too, and I like the guitar to feel exactly the same as if I am sitting down and not using a strap. The closest I can get to this is by putting the strap around the headstock.

I know I am very much in the minority these days, as most acoustic players fit strap buttons and do it the way you have, but I think slide playing is different and requires a different positioning of the guitar.

Luckily we are all different and have our own ways of doing things.

I have not heard of a Kinsman guitar stool, but I will have a look when I have written this message.

Best wishes

Shine On
Michael.

[Deleted]

Given the construction and weight of these guitars:
Is there more/less need to condsider which method causes the least stress on the neck?
If so which would be kindest?

I normally use a button but that is on guitars with no neck stick through the body

[Michael Messer]

Hi Twang,

In the olden days, all guitarists put the strap around the headstock, and as far as I know it did not damage any guitars.

Shine On
Michael.

[blueshome]

For a good high seat I use an IKEA folding bar stool. This has the advantage of a small backrest to stop you toppling backwards when excited or well oiled! £19.99.

As to strap buttons, I'm with MM on all acoustics, stops the neck wandering about. A heel button is good on an electric where you play a lot at the dusty end of the fretboard.

[Steverb]

Each to their own, as Michael says. Following an old post by Robin Clark I did as he does and fitted a strap button to the treble side of the heel of my Busker Delta , but about half an inch higher up ( ie nearer the fingerboard) than in Growler's photos. That little bit of extra wraparound throws the weight of the guitar back towards the player, giving the full view of the neck that I too need. The guitar now feels the same as if sitting down and, in fact I now always use the strap when sitting as it gives the best playing position for me. I have not found that the strap impedes my upper fret access at all.
This worked so well that I've also done it on my expensive John Alderson tricone (sorry John!) which was a bit heart in mouth but has also worked out fine.
Steve

[mikenewport]

Michael, could you tell me what strap you're using in the photograph please. I have never thought of using a strap this way because of concerns about the weight which are perhaps unfounded.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Mike,

I have two 'Levy's Leather MSS6' straps that have served me very well for the past ten years or so. They are not cheap, but they do last a lifetime. The older they get, the nicer they get.

www.levysleathers.com/product;cat,838;item,554;Acoustic-&-Dobro-Guitar-Straps-MSS6

I am not sure if mine are the regular length, or the extra long.

They are great straps and because they are made of suede, they don't slip on your shoulder.

Shine On
Michael

[Matt]

Michael,

If you get the chance could you possibly measure your strap to work out whether they're the XL or not? I may attempt to acquire one via father christmas.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Matt,

Mine are both the same; they measure 69 inches when fully stretched out with no loop for the headstock, but 64/65 inches when looped. I would say they are the standard MSS6 straps. I can still see the logo and size stamped into the back of the strap and it says MSS6, so I definitely think they are the standard length. I think it would have 'XL' stamped on it if it is an extra long one. I am sure you could return it if it is not right. They are very people to deal with.

I also have an MS26 for electric guitars, which is beautiful and has been used constantly for ten years.

None of my Levy's suede guitar straps show any signs of wear or deterioration. They are all around ten, maybe twelve years old, and are just getting worn in. I have cleaned one of them, a beige one, with suede cleaner and it came up like new.

You will have no problem getting one from Father Christmas, as coincidentally it was him that introduced me to them back in 2000.

Highly recommended.

Shine On
Michael.

[Matt]

Thanks for the quick response!