Old School...not cool ? - strap button or not

F30

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Almost every major guitar maker is putting a strap button somewhere at the heal of the neck as stock.
Anybody tying strap behind the nut at the headstock?
Just wondering as I rarely see this anymore
 

jedzep

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Don't like 'tying', but this headstock/nut loop lets you pop it off and on easily. I like the balanced feel when attached above the nut. I have one attached to every guitar.

 

fronobulax

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Almost every major guitar maker is putting a strap button somewhere at the heal of the neck as stock.
Anybody tying strap behind the nut at the headstock?
Just wondering as I rarely see this anymore

We've been down this road but usually when someone asks for advice on where to install the strap button on an otherwise pristine Guild.

The arguments I recall against tying to the neck include:
  • Some people find it harder to put the guitar on or take it off.
  • Some people can't make it work both sitting or standing.
  • Some people don't like the way things balance.
  • Some people believe it puts an unnecessary stress on the neck joint.
At one point Guild in New Hartford believe that the market for strap buttons correlated with the market for factory electronics. They believed acoustic only players sat down and didn't use a strap, whereas acoustic/electric players played standing up. So if you bought factory electronics you got a strap button and an extra block inside the guitar at teh neck to help brace the strap.
 

GGJaguar

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Yes, rather than add a strap button on my Custom Shop Martin, I tie behind the nut. No issues at all. These days I play sitting so it's even less of an issue. ;)
 

dreadnut

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Tying at the headstock just feels unnatural to me - I like having a strap button on the heel plate.
 

Rebosbro

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My 76 D50 did not come with the button on the heel. I put one on but it took me 6 months to get up the nerve to drill a hole in my #1. Before that I had the quick release on the headstock, but never liked it
Paul
 

Sal

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Yeah, I've come to prefer my strap tied at the nut on my acoustics. It also solves the problem of a neck heavy electric. Attaching your strap at the the nut is made really easy with this Planet Waves quick-release system. $6.99 from Sweetwater and Amazon.

1605417358266.png
 
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Antney

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I did some research as to which location seems to work best (some say heel plate, some say the side of the heel, some say the side if the guitar itself), got out my drill and just installed it. I don’t care, it’s my guitar that ain’t going anywhere and I always thought the headstock tie strap was always in the way. Do what’s best for you.
32C21EAA-5505-42AA-A2FC-730A7EBB4CF8.jpeg
 

Velvet Phelts

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I use the nut strap on my Gibson, and my Martin. Makes it real easy to get on and off. Tip, Tune "after" you put it on. But then that's with all guitars. Don't believe I've ever played my Guild standing up. Dean has button at the heal.
 

Coop47

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On the rare times that I've used the headstock tie at a gig, I noticed how awkward it was to turn and make adjustments to the board. Probably something I could get used to over time, but not my preference.

And sort of in line with what Frono said above, I have a few acoustics with strap buttons that don't have pickups and it kind of bothers me. It's not something I admit to normal sane people, but I figure this is a safe space. :)
 

Nuuska

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I have used a system like this with my F50R and F512 when playing on streets in MN & Tokyo

Think it is originally designed for classical guitar players.

1605448180728.png




On my OM-240 CE I have installed strap button on side of heel - like ANTNEY in post #9
 

dreadnut

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Having the strap button on the side of the heel interferes with my playing the high notes.
 

F30

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I knew this would bring up some interesting issues and solutions.
The Neotech is slick that jedzep posted and may be the ticket.
The only mod I've done to my F30R is install a K&K but that may be replaced soon.
I did just order a Thalia Plain Indian Rosewood truss rod cover only because my rosewood headstock over lay has lightened over the years and the black plastic really stands out.
I still like to be able to remove strap and have nothing on the heel when not using a strap.
Who knows I'll probably - at some point- install one.
 

walrus

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Side of the heel is the best for me. See Antney's photo. Not in my way at all, but more importantly it feels the most comfortable.

walrus
 

walrus

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I had it done to my '58 Gibson - by a luthier! 😲

"Made to be Played", no matter the brand!

walrus
 

Nuuska

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When I got my 1957 Gibson L2-3/4 - first thing within a week was to get those old tuners out and install Schallers - was lucky to find a set with Gibson name and the tulip knobs - later I replaced them with similar, but gold plated.

Then I installed undersaddle pup + soundhole humbucker - those required drilling the endpin hole larger for the jack.

Never regretted - Made To Be Played - and it has served me well. Naturally it wasn't mint to start with . . .
 

dreadnut

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First thing I did with my new D15 - added a strap button to the heel block.
 
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