Hello to all,
I just purchased an Indonesian made Epiphone SG Special in black. For those unfamiliar it is an SG shape but with a mahogany neck bolted to an alder body. I really like the weight and playability. I have found one minor issue that I was hoping someone has solved or had and idea on it resolution. The neck strap button is attached to the guitar with one of the four screws that hold the metal plate and bolt into the neck. Due to it's complete difference to any Gibson/Epiphone strap buttons I've seen, it seems it is made as an expedient to solidly bolt the neck and has been designed less than enough to hold a strap. The groove is very narrow and not particularly deep. I can not use a premium strap with thick layer strap attachment points as it is to thick. I am using a very inexpensive nylon strap that has very thin attachment leather tabs. I ususally put one of those plastic IIRC Dunlop straplocks on, to ensure the strap doesn't pop off. Especially important on this guitar. It will not lock. I with maximum exertion can get it almost half way rotated. Again this is because the groove in the strap button is so thin and narrow. Also the width of the end of the button is not wider than the barrel of the button.
I am afraid to change buttons without experienced advice, comparing the screw hole it is much larger than normal buttons as it has the neck attachment screw (heavier duty) through it.
Does anyone have a fix or any opinions on how to get around this, without having a custom machined and nickeled strap button made specifically for this instrument.
Appreciate any good ideas!
Secondly this guitar uses a push down tone button to kill the signal while playing. I don't see a use for it and am hoping it doesn't affect the sound when it isn't pushed. Any knowledgeable answers also appreciated on this. As the cut-out for the single volume/toggle and tone control is the same size as the Twin control, does it seem feasible to add in time the extra tone and volume pots? The next higher model with dual controls is Communist Chinese made and I will not if possible purchase anything made there. If the guitar holds up, I wish to upgrade it to good Gibson Humbuckers, tuning heads and circuitry.
Thanks
glennc