Strap buttons on heel

[Mickthemiller]

Is it just me or do others hate strap buttons on acoustic guitar heels?

 

OK Blindboy, hate is a strong word - but I really really really don't like 'em - I would far sooner see a strap on the headstock - if a strap is used at all

[blindboygrunt]

You're gonna get a mixture mick.

They're a bit necessary in certain situations aren't they.

Hates a stromg word :)

 

I've never looked at a guitar and upon noticing a strap button changed my opinion of it in any way

[flatbaroque]

One strap button is ok...but seven is overkill - unless your guitar is really heavy.

[aerohead]

I love love absolutely love mine there but I did hate it when I had it on the underside of the neck so I filled it in and moved to the heel. Did I mention how much I love it there?

[EuroAussie]

One strap button is ok...but seven is overkill - unless your guitar is really heavy.

 

Had to come, didnt it ...

[littlejohnny]

Yeah I hate them too, I'm looking at a lot of used guitars and a strap button on the heel really turns me off...

[DenverSteve]

Neither like nor hate. For me, they are necessary. It's very simple. If one doesn't like something - one simply needn't add it or purchase it that way. I find it essential for performing and stabilization of the guitar while standing. If you only play on the couch or sitting it may not be necessary. It's the first, and usually only, addition I make to any new guitar purchase.

[DenverSteve]

One strap button is ok...but seven is overkill - unless your guitar is really heavy.

 

You are correct. Five is plenty. I always place mine at #5.

 

[el capitan]

Seriously, in the illustration only no. 4 is acceptable. The flattened heel means it's practical & aesthetically pleasing. The guitar will be balanced.

1 & 2 would be unbalanced, might not fit the guitar case & if the guitar falls or is knocked over the guitar can be severely damaged.

3 is OK if you can be sure it's going into the neck block - looks a bit Telecaster tho'.

5 - the guitar has a cutaway - why block it up with a button & a strap?

[blindboygrunt]

Seriously, in the illustration only no. 4 is acceptable. The flattened heel means it's practical & aesthetically pleasing. The guitar will be balanced.

1 & 2 would be unbalanced, might not fit the guitar case & if the guitar falls or is knocked over the guitar can be severely damaged.

3 is OK if you can be sure it's going into the neck block - looks a bit Telecaster tho'.

5 - the guitar has a cutaway - why block it up with a button & a strap?

 

The concesus is usually that 5 is best

[tpbiii]

I love them. We have a lot of guitars that don't have them -- I generally put them on when I start taking them on stage more than a little. I don't like people who disprove of strap button however. Whenever I find something I don't like, I never tell people what to do. I just find a non-aggressive way to help improve the situation.

 

So our policy is to never sell a vintage guitar at any price -- even those without strap buttons -- to anyone who doesn't like strap buttons. It gives them a chance to suffer for their principles.

 

Let's pick,

 

-Tom

[MissouriPicker]

I think they're fine, so long as they're positioned so the strap won't easily slip-off. I use guitar straps all the time. Some of my guitars have a strap button. Others don't, so I attach the strap to the neck/headstock.

[Aster1]

I like #5 position, like the Epi Acoustic guitars come with for a strap button. I keep wishing for some on my Gibsons. When I get the right replacement for the guitar plug end button I will start adding to the Dove, J-45 Custom, & Hummingbird. Don't need the amp in them at all so I think I'll try the Stew-Mac version to replace plug button. Then #5 position on the guitar. One of 2000 things already started on my "Honey Do" list for myself. If ya ain't treating yourself well, how can you be happy helping all the others you want to help?

 

Aster

[E-minor7]

I always place mine at #5.

 

Strap-buttons, , , ? Yes, if you want to stand up playing, obviously a necessity.

 

One could also go old-school and phone the headstock. Never tried that since the teens, but have both 1 2 4 and 5 on different guitars now.

 

Gibson offers more possibilities than Martins, where I choose 5.

 

When a strap-holder is needed I accept its presence with calm - but it has to be the right one.

 

Wooden, plain chrome, golden w. black screw or vice versa. Maybe just black plast w. old matt metal screw.

 

It's a bit like getting used to a fire-hydrant on a beautiful street. They become a part of the 'landscape' and makes it all a bit more real.

 

I hereby say Merry X-mas to strap-buttons. Dear little humble friends, you are needed and almost always do your best.

 

Strappy New Year to you all ~

[Mickthemiller]

I love them. We have a lot of guitars that don't have them -- I generally put them on when I start taking them on stage more than a little. I don't like people who disprove of strap button however. Whenever I find something I don't like, I never tell people what to do. I just find a non-aggressive way to help improve the situation.

 

So our policy is to never sell a vintage guitar at any price -- even those without strap buttons -- to anyone who doesn't like strap buttons. It gives them a chance to suffer for their principles.

 

Let's pick,

 

-Tom

 

When I asked this question I had in mind a notion that strap buttons were useful to those who used them. So why dont all acoustics come without a strap button thus allowing the buyer to place one wherever they want. The thing could even be supplied with the guitar plus instructions for the trepidacious. This would solve the problem of either leaving it in or filling the hole. I must still maintain that they are ugly little beasts.

[sparquelito]

I have installed strap buttons on the heel of several guitars over the years.

Re; Denver Steve's diagram, I always install them in the #2 position.

I mark the position, drill a very small (but deep enough) hole, and then push the strap button screw in slowly, with a phillip's head screwdriver.

 

 

Playing an acoustic guitar with the guitar strap attached to the back of the headstock (or God forbid, using that nylon string attached around the headstock, just north of the nut and beneath the strings) has always felt clumsy and awkward to me.

 

It's obviously a personal preference thing, so I'm not even sure it's worthy of a healthy debate.

But it's how I feel it should be.

 

Anyway.

Strap buttons on the heel;

I love them.

[Aster1]

When I asked this question I had in mind a notion that strap buttons were useful to those who used them. So why dont all acoustics come without a strap button thus allowing the buyer to place one wherever they want. The thing could even be supplied with the guitar plus instructions for the trepidacious. This would solve the problem of either leaving it in or filling the hole. I must still maintain that they are ugly little beasts.

 

None of my Gibson acoustics came with a strap button. Just the end pin plug for amp use. At least they could put a nice strap button in the guitar case when shipped for a guy. Last time I checked they might be able to afford that on a $2500-$3100 guitar IMHO.

 

Speaking of "Ugly is as ugly gets", I would forgo any of the under bridge PUP w/ electronics and that big dang, and near unusable, end pin jack on a beautiful new guitar. I'd be 1st to complain about that money being put into a guitar that I will never use. I know others use & need on. IMHO, let them add to the guitar in needed as that's an EASY addition to make to amp up and put all $$$ into the guitar wood, hardware & construction.

 

Aster

[kidblast]

I agree that if you're going to do any playing all at standing, which I do a lot of, (performing etc) IMHO it's the only way to go.

 

So I guess I'm on the other side of the camp ground.

 

I've had to install a few and I get annoyed when I have to do it. ("Seriously? They couldn't do this at the factory???"")

 

same with a pickup system. while I don't particularity like the huge control plates that some pickup systems have, I prefer a more discrete implementation, but no problem with the end jack, or the controls which are now moving to inside the sound hole (like the Fishman Infinity system, which I have 2 guitars setup with)

 

I guess if you never play out, or never "plug in" and just enjoy playing around the house, it's not as much of a discussion point.

[fortyearspickn]

I'd guess - that those who buy Gibson Acoustics, based on this and similar threads posted in the past, do not agree nearly enough to warrant having Bozeman install them on guitars they plan on selling to a different market than Epiphane appeals to. Some here, like me - do not want one on their heel. And the other 2\3rds are fairly split (pun intended) on which of the positions they prefer. While, as BBG pointed out, #5 is the leader of the pack, there are still as many who prefer another location. so - since it is so easy to install, and they are fairly easy and inexpensive to acquire - it makes most sense (like with BRIDGE PINS !!) to let the purchaser decide on his aftermarket modifications. "You can please most of the people most of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but not all of the people all of the time."

[Stan Ellison]

The heel strap button is essential. I use the strap all the time, sitting or standing. If the strap ties to the head, the guitar ends up in the wrong position. For me.

[Avery]

I got one installed in position 4 on my J-15. Personally, I don't think I'd like attaching the strap to the headstock. But many great artists do. And many great artists get it put on the heel.

[Mickthemiller]

None of my Gibson acoustics came with a strap button. Just the end pin plug for amp use. At least they could put a nice strap button in the guitar case when shipped for a guy. Last time I checked they might be able to afford that on a $2500-$3100 guitar IMHO.

 

Speaking of "Ugly is as ugly gets", I would forgo any of the under bridge PUP w/ electronics and that big dang, and near unusable, end pin jack on a beautiful new guitar. I'd be 1st to complain about that money being put into a guitar that I will never use. I know others use & need on. IMHO, let them add to the guitar in needed as that's an EASY addition to make to amp up and put all $$ into the guitar wood, hardware & construction.

 

Aster

 

Oh! I do agree. I think having to have electric gubbins in an acoustic is not on either