Strap button on my Gibson ES-175

[mr quick]

I like to use a strap even when seated because it helps bring the neck closer and gives you a constant height, not varied by chairs etc.

[Para]

If you're that worried about it you could go the Wes Montgomery route, you can get quick release headstock straps I think they are made by Planet Waves, some people worry about headstock straps causing warping to the neck but I've never come across a case of this personally.

[rpguitar]

Try one of these. I use it with my 16" Gibsons which have no neck-side strap pin.

Amazon.com: Levy's Leathers MC8A-BLK Cotton Guitar Strap: Musical Instruments

[barrymclark]

When I install them, I always put them on the heel cap.

[KirkP]

I often use the Planet Waves DSG15 headstock quick release when I don't have a strap button. The quick release makes it easy to use and seems very secure. I usually position it near the middle of the headstock which makes tuning a little awkward but keeps the strap away from the nut. For under $5 it's worth a try.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...1QMaAsoJ8P8HAQ

[Woody Sound]

Try one of these. I use it with my 16" Gibsons which have no neck-side strap pin.

Amazon.com: Levy's Leathers MC8A-BLK Cotton Guitar Strap: Musical Instruments

Attaching the strap to the headstock works just fine, but there is a different feel to it. Sort of a different horizontal center of gravity(?)

[jzucker]

No strap button on a L-5, please. The pianist/organist plays seated as does the drummer. They should learn to make room for the guitarist too.

Put on a strap if you are playing in a mariachi. Remember to pack a sombrero.

disagree totally. You *HAVE* to stand playing jazz. It looks really bad for the guitarist to sit. And once you stand and play you realize that both hands are totally free and you are not supporting the instrument with your hands or obstructed by how high your stool is or what not. Also, you are not always the leader on the gig and there are times when the leader will want you to stand and there's nothing worse than practicing while sitting and then having to stand to play a gig. I switched to always practicing standing about 10 years ago and I'm so happy I did.

[Para]

Strange then that Kessell, Ellis, Hall, Farlow, Raney, Byrd etc all managed to play quite well while sitting.

[grahambop]

Strange then that Kessell, Ellis, Hall, Farlow, Raney, Byrd etc all managed to play quite well while sitting.

Also Django, Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery.

[grahambop]

Nowadays I use a strap when sitting. It seems to stop backaches which I was starting to get.

For classical guitar I've started using one of those dynarette leg cushion things instead of a footstool, for the same reason.

Must be an age thing, because I played classical guitar with a footstool from age 12, and jazz guitar sitting with no strap, from age 20 or so. Only in the last few years have I had any backache.

[wintermoon]

disagree totally. You *HAVE* to stand playing jazz. It looks really bad for the guitarist to sit. And once you stand and play you realize that both hands are totally free and you are not supporting the instrument with your hands or obstructed by how high your stool is or what not. Also, you are not always the leader on the gig and there are times when the leader will want you to stand and there's nothing worse than practicing while sitting and then having to stand to play a gig. I switched to always practicing standing about 10 years ago and I'm so happy I did.

I played sitting for many yrs w/no strap and switched to standing for many yrs [can't remember why]
but on a gig at some point a bandleader asked me to sit on a stool, becuase he wanted it to look "classy like Kenny Burrell" [who, btw sits sometime and stands sometimes]

so I started sitting and using a strap. then when I injured my knee a couple yrs ago, that made it permanent.