Gibson L-5 Wes back strap nails

[Jazz1984]

Hello everyone, I recently bought a strap and found that the strap nails on the back of the L5 are too short. How did you solve this problem? Thanks

[AllanAllen]

If that’s a new strap you’ll just have to force it on there for a week or so.

[John A.]

Hello everyone, I recently bought a strap and found that the strap nails on the back of the L5 are too short. How did you solve this problem? Thanks

Maybe try some different strap buttons? These are easy to change. Stew Mac, All Parts and WD Music are good sources

[omphalopsychos]

Unscrew the strap pin, insert a washer or bushing, screw back in. If needed, get a longer screw at your local hardware store (and keep the original).

[Cunamara]

I find that a lot of leather "premium" straps are too thick for standard strap pins, rather than the strap pins being too short. Those pins have been a more or less standard size for decades. The problem is the strap.

I find those same straps are also too thick to use with standard Schaller strap locks- the old ones with a washer and a hex nut; the new ones with a large knurled nut and a taller threaded shaft, however, accommodate thick leather straps much better. I would recommend using those no matter what strap you're using; strap locks are just much more secure than standard strap pins and with an expensive guitar they are cheap insurance.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

I find that a lot of leather "premium" straps are too thick for standard strap pins, rather than the strap pins being too short. Those pins have been a more or less standard size for decades. The problem is the strap.

I find those same straps are also too thick to use with standard Schaller strap locks- the old ones with a washer and a hex nut; the new ones with a large knurled nut and a taller threaded shaft, however, accommodate thick leather straps much better. I would recommend using those no matter what strap you're using; strap locks are just much more secure than standard strap pins and with an expensive guitar they are cheap insurance.

+++++ ! I thought they were a waste of money because I went 50 years without ever having a strap come off.

On July 17, 2018 I was leading the house band at The Crooked Eye blues jam when my LP came off the endpin in the middle of a tune. Ever since then, I've been using StrapLoks. I know there are several different kinds of strap security devices, but the Dunlops looked mechanically sound to me. So I bought a set to try and have since put them on all my solid bodies. I don't stand when playing an archtop, so I haven't put locks on any of those. But if I did, I would.

[sgosnell]

I've tried different strap locks, and have pretty much settled on the Schallers. They're absolutely secure, especially the new models with the retaining wheel. I've tried the rubber discs, which work on many straps, but they're a PITA to install and remove, and don't work well on thick straps.

[Midnight Blues]

What strap did you purchase?

[Hammertone]

Love the juxtaposition of "Gibson L-5 Wes" and "nails." Woke me right up!

[Mark M.]

Best and cheapest strap locks are Grolsch bottle gaskets: Grolsch Gaskets

Buy a 4 pack of Grolsch, enjoy the beer and save the 4 bottle gaskets. You now have strap locks for 2 guitars.

[gitman]

Best and cheapest strap locks are Grolsch bottle gaskets: Grolsch Gaskets

Buy a 4 pack of Grolsch, enjoy the beer and save the 4 bottle gaskets. You now have strap locks for 2 guitars.

? While Grolsch is certainly not a bad tasting beer there are mos def better ones coming from the Netherlands ! However, the washers are indeed a very functional safety device and I have used them for many years now, without any issues. One other safety measure I never forget is checking whether the pins are screwed down tight because no matter which type of strap-lock you use- when the pin itself slips out of the endblock it’s too late….
I don’t use thick straps - a WIDE strap for heavy guitars is practical and still doesn’t add much weight to the equation. The thickness is of no great importance as long as the material is stable.

[Danny W.]

I bought a ten pack of Grolsch-type washer from Amazon some years ago. The guitars I use with a strap all have Bigsbys so they really only need the washer at the neck end. Work great, don’t add weight, a bit of a nuisance to take on & off, really inexpensive. I have a couple of boxes filled with Shaller locks that haven’t been used in decades.

Danny W.

[John A.]

I found that the Grolsch washers eventually dry out and fall apart. They also don’t fit all strap buttons. I’ve found that the Fender branded ones are more universal-fit and don’t dry out (at least not in the several years I’ve used them).

[wintermoon]

I found that the Grolsch washers eventually dry out and fall apart. They also don’t fit all strap buttons. I’ve found that the Fender branded ones are more universal-fit and don’t dry out (at least not in the several years I’ve used them).

Maybe, but the Fender ones don't come attached to a bottle of beer.
Advantage Grolsh....

[sgosnell]

I've never seen Grolsch beer for sale down here. Availability is a factor. My beer of choice is Shiner, and its bottles have no rubber circles. But there are tons of the rubber locks for sale on ebay, Amazon, et al, for almost no money.

[John A.]

Maybe, but the Fender ones don't come attached to a bottle of beer.
Advantage Grolsh....

If Grosch were my preferred brew that would allow for a preventive washer replacement-cycle, but alas not. I do get a chuckle out of it, though, and did use the Grolsch washers (until the first time one disintegrated and my guitar slipped of the strap).

[wintermoon]

If Grosch were my preferred brew that would allow for a preventive washer replacement-cycle, but alas not. I do get a chuckle out of it, though, and did use the Grolsch washers (until the first time one disintegrated and my guitar slipped of the strap).

I had a little fling w Grolsh when it was first imported in this area about 45 yrs ago, the ceramic flip top was a new thing.
But I can't remember what it tasted like, actually I haven't had a beer for a couple yrs now and almost forget what it tastes like.

[John A.]

I had a little fling w Grolsh when it was first imported in this area about 45 yrs ago, the ceramic flip top was a new thing.
But I can't remember what it tasted like, actually I haven't had a beer for a couple yrs now and almost forget what it tastes like.

It's a fairly bland beer, maybe a little more bitter than Heinekin, but less crisp/thirst-quenching. It's definitely not a complex-flavored high end craft beer, and to my tastes not one of the better mass produced European beers, but to each his own. And it is beer.