Installing a strap button

jtizzle · #1 08-04-2011, 03:41 AM

I have a The Loar LH-350 archtop, the guitar comes without strap locks installed, so every time I play I've had to do it sitting down, which I have nothing against, and it's actually really comfortable, but it's easier to look around towards my group when I'm playing if I'm standing up. It's also a bit less of a hassle, and sometimes I just like to play standing, or maybe I'll even have to sometime.

Anyways, the guitar has no strap locks. The cable input is where the right side (or outer side for those leftys

) strap button should be. I've used the guitar standing up a few times by cutting the strap hole a bit to make it wide enough to fit around the input hole which actually looks a lot like a strap button, but a bit wider. I tie the other end around my headstock, but playing this way is very uncomfortable for me. Anyways, I have a few strap buttons at home, a standard pair of strap buttons I took off a Jackson guitar and a pair of strap locks. I would probably use the standard ones since they're smaller. I probably only have to use one since I can still fit straps around my input.
But yeah, should I install a strap button? and where should I put it (the one closer to my fretting hand) I'm afraid I might cut a hole in the wrong place and mess up my guitar. I also don't want to open up a hole somewhere that could possibly alter my acoustic sound in any way, since I use it a lot.

Vihar · #2 08-04-2011, 04:24 AM

If you find it uncomfortable and really need to install a strap button, I suggest you to install it on the treble side of the heel like that:

Tom Karol · #3 08-04-2011, 07:15 AM

Info here:
Trade Secrets at Stewart-MacDonald

jtizzle · #4 08-04-2011, 12:18 PM

So if I happen to install my button there, would it affect the tone or the acoustics?

Vihar · #5 08-04-2011, 12:49 PM

Not in the slightest way. Just make sure to not split the wood when you drive the little screw in.

spiral · #6 08-04-2011, 02:03 PM

I have a Loar too and love it. You might want to email Loar. When i bought a guitar from a luthier, he was very specific about where the button should and shouldn't go because of where the structural pieces of wood are. I don't think you would have an issue from any of the StewMac suggestions, but it wouldn't hurt to email Loar to be extra safe.

As Vihar said, the button won't change the sound... unless it is REALLY BIG.

jazzbow · #7 08-04-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vihar

Not in the slightest way. Just make sure to not split the wood when you drive the little screw in.

Always drill a pilot hole before fixing any screws