Heritage H575 Strap Button

**wharriso** · 04-20-2017, 02:38 PM

I normally just play at home these days so I don't use a guitar strap much anymore. I decided to try it today and realized there is nowhere to put it. The bottom button is there for the strap but there is nowhere to connect it to near the neck. At first I thought I bought a factory mistake but after looking at other ones on eBay, it seems normal. What are you supposed to do to these things to make them "strapable" without lowering it's value? Any ideas?

**lammie200** · 04-20-2017, 02:55 PM

Use the kind of strap that goes around the headstock right above the nut.

**rio** · 04-20-2017, 03:01 PM

It doesn't lower the value to drill in a strap button. I have done this on all of the guitars that came my way that didn't have a strap button - they just don't balance the same when they are up around the headstock.

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**Gramps** · 04-20-2017, 03:07 PM

I agree with Rio

**Guitarbean25** · 04-20-2017, 03:12 PM

My theory is that Heritage does it that way so the buyer can choose the position desired.

I usually just drill at the hell and put a locking pin...done

**wharriso** · 04-20-2017, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by rio

It doesn't lower the value to drill in a strap button. I have done this on all of the guitars that came my way that didn't have a strap button - they just don't balance the same when they are up around the headstock.

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So where do you normally place it? I am concerned that I might drill in a spot that cannot support the weight of the guitar.

**lammie200** · 04-20-2017, 03:14 PM

I agree except that I have seen many guitars with boogered up strap button locations, holes, etc. I, personally, do not like strap buttons on the underside of the neck heel, but even some manufacturers (like Martin) put them there. I would go for either the back on the neck heel or right below it on the body, with both locations along the neck axis centerline. Check the area on the body for a solid block though.

**drbhrb** · 04-20-2017, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by wharriso

So where do you normally place it? I am concerned that I might drill in a spot that cannot support the weight of the guitar.

I like the side of the heel (the side facing the direction of the headstock). It's a simple job but I'm hesitant to do it myself on expensive guitars.

**Gitfiddler** · 04-20-2017, 03:25 PM

Here are your options:

And here's the answer to your (not) dumb question by the experts:

Where's the best spot for your strap button? | stewmac.com

**wharriso** · 04-20-2017, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by lammie200

I agree except that I have seen many guitars with boogered up strap button locations, holes, etc. I, personally, do not like strap buttons on the underside of the neck heel, but even some manufacturers (like Martin) put them there. I would go for either the back on the neck heel or right below it on the body, with both locations along the neck axis centerline. Check the area on the body for a solid block though.

I looked inside and there is a 3 inch block of wood right below the neck heel so there is plenty of real estate for a strap button. I think I will look at photos of other 575's that have them then pick a location.

Thanks for the advice.

**agentsmith** · 04-20-2017, 04:20 PM

It can crack more easily going into the side, plus then your strap may get in the way when you're playing.

Back of the neck heel is the preferred location I've found.

Originally Posted by drbhrb

I like the side of the heel (the side facing the direction of the headstock). It's a simple job but I'm hesitant to do it myself on expensive guitars.

**lammie200** · 04-20-2017, 04:54 PM

I use two felt pads under my strap buttons. I have never had a finish crack.

**Cunamara** · 04-20-2017, 09:33 PM

#4 for me.

**lammie200** · 04-20-2017, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by Cunamara

#4 for me.

Glad to hear that someone else is OK with that position. I wouldn't put one there myself, but I just got a guitar in exchange that has both a 2 and a 4. I have brushed it off. Nothing I can do, but not so weird I guess.

I have a Martin nylon string with one at 5. That is the only one I don't really care for, but also no deal breaker.

**rhoadsscholar** · 04-20-2017, 09:49 PM

My vote is for position #2. That seems to be the most common with archtops in my experience and should be strong and stable

**mad dog** · 04-20-2017, 10:29 PM

#3 position for me. The one time I had to install a strap button was with my 50s Silvertone 1427. I was a bit wary of the guitar leaning forward if the button went behind the heel. Had a Washburn archtop once with the button in that #3 location, so decided to try it. My luthier buddy did it right, glued a shaped block inside where the screw would have to go. It works perfectly.

MD

**CliveR** · 04-21-2017, 04:19 AM

Originally Posted by wharriso

I normally just play at home these days so I don't use a guitar strap much anymore. I decided to try it today and realized there is nowhere to put it. The bottom button is there for the strap but there is nowhere to connect it to near the neck. At first I thought I bought a factory mistake but after looking at other ones on eBay, it seems normal. What are you supposed to do to these things to make them "strapable" without lowering it's value? Any ideas?

Most archtops come without the neck strap button. Get a local guitar tech to fit one for you. It won't affect its value.

**orabbit1** · 04-21-2017, 07:19 AM

FWIW my 1989 Heritage H575 came to me used with a strap button secured to the heel joint right next to the neck. The balance is perfect when standing however I have to really cram my strap on there to get it on because the clearance is almost non existent. This used to be John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful's so I can blame him for that I suppose?

Also... first post! Couldn't resist. Hello everyone.

Ian

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**Ray175** · 04-21-2017, 07:44 AM

N° 2 every time, but with a straplock
I use position n° 5 for my Martin acoustics - better balance and I'm never that far up the neck with my left hand for it to be a problem......

**wharriso** · 04-21-2017, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by orabbit1

FWIW my 1989 Heritage H575 came to me used with a strap button secured to the heel joint right next to the neck. The balance is perfect when standing however I have to really cram my strap on there to get it on because the clearance is almost non existent. This used to be John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful's so I can blame him for that I suppose?

Also... first post! Couldn't resist. Hello everyone.

Ian

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Whoever did that probably wanted to make sure they hit the existing wood block below the neck. If you shine a flashlight in the opposite f-hole and take a look you will see what I am talking about.

**orabbit1** · 04-21-2017, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by wharriso

Whoever did that probably wanted to make sure they hit the existing wood block below the neck. If you shine a flashlight in the opposite f-hole and take a look you will see what I am talking about.

Yes, you're correct! I think I meant to say neck block, not neck joint - my mistake. It is very purposeful. I like the button as it is and am willing to deal with cramming straps on.

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**wharriso** · 04-21-2017, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by CliveR

Most archtops come without the neck strap button. Get a local guitar tech to fit one for you. It won't affect its value.

I bought my Godin 5th Avenue CW II new and it has the button in position 3.
I bought my Washburn J-6 new and it has the button in position 3.
Even my Ovation Celebrity (acoustic electric) purchased new has the button in position 3.
If MOST don't have the button, I must have just gotten lucky.