Advice on straps for vintage Gibson ES-175

[FloridaGuitarFool]

Hello all, I just joined today.

I need advice on a reliable strap option (either a strap model or attachment) for a vintage Gibson ES-175D. This was my retirement gift to myself, haha. I am using the guitar a lot now, as I am partway through Berklee's guitar program.

I use Schaller strap locks on my electric guitars, to avoid the terrible oh-no neck smash event. But the ES-175 is vintage, and a hollow-body. I do not want to degrade the guitar by drilling holes, etc.

I have been using what I hoped was a thick high-quality leather strap, but recently had a couple of "close calls" where the strap came off unexpectedly. The new leather strap is "breaking in" quickly, as as it softens it wants to slip off the strap pin.

I am sure my issue is not a new one. Can anyone steer me towards a reliable strap for my guitar, or some kind of attachment that does not degrade the "original" nature of the instrument?

After I get basic guitar survival solved, I am sure I will circle back with more intellectually-stimulating questions and input.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

You might like Levy’s (or similar) rubber strap locks, which were $5 when I last looked. Slip one on the button after the strap and it’s more secure. I use standard StrapLocks on my solids. But I sit when playing an archtop, so I only use a strap with a big box when stage size or another special issue exists. I’ve never tried these, but I carry a good strap in my archtop gig bag. So your post reminds me to get a set of these just in case I need them.



There are also several kinds of winged or oversized buttons that will take your stock screw. I used to use D’Addarios and never had a problem with them.

Don’t forget to check both ends of your straps for wear or distortion every time you use them. A new strap is a lot cheaper than a luthier’s time.

[FloridaGuitarFool]

Thank you, I will look into these options

[sgosnell]

I generally change the strap button on my guitars. Buttons are available in a range of styles and sizes. I like both the large flat-head mushroom style and the elongated banana-shaped buttons - both hold the strap rather securely, and are better by far than the type that generally comes on guitars, and that type makes no sense to me. I just remove them and put them away, and I have a jar full of them. It's easy enough to put the original back on if necessary, but I seldom find it necessary. Maybe if a buyer insists on everything being original, including the strap button, but I don't sell enough to make it worthwhile. I think I've sold a total of 3 guitars in my lifetime. I usually reuse the original screw, because it already fits the hole, but I might use a new one if the new button is a different color. No need for new holes, and the old one can easily be partially filled if it becomes too large for a screw. Wooden toothpicks and a dab of carpenter's glue work well for that.

[FloridaGuitarFool]

Thank you very much, sounds like simple practical advice.

I have done the toothpick trick on electric guitars.

[customxke]

I've been using the red rubber washers from Grolsch bottles for years without incident.

[sgosnell]

No Grolsch beer around here. I bought a bunch of black washers off ebay for very little money, less than the cost of one beer, and they should last me pretty much forever.

[wintermoon]

Available in bulk on Amazon

[Woodstove]

Got Earnie Ball strap buttons, 4 for $3, for my Trenier, working well.

[customxke]

Available in bulk on Amazon

Don’t you dare tell my wife this. The only way to get those washers is to buy beer.

[FloridaGuitarFool]

Thx Woodstove

I am thinking I will try some kind of oblong strap button as suggested by several members, and if that doesn't seem secure enough I may add a rubber Levy thing on top.

[John A.]

Fender makes rubber washers they call “strap blocks", which I find work a little better than the Grolsch washers. The Grolsch ones dry out and fall apart eventually and can be difficult to put on. The Fenders are easier to put in and last longer. You can find them at all the big box sellers, Amazon, and I think Fender sells them on their site.

[FloridaGuitarFool]

thx John A

[Alter]

It's not just Grolsch, any beer with the same cap design will have small rubbers you can use. I have dozens, have been using them for decades without problems.

I got into the habit of leather belts early on, once I figured out they don't have anything that can ding a guitar. In Europe, Minotaur belts are great, and available in Thomann.

[hotpepper01]

I would never use that strap again. If a strap comes off once and you are so lucky to catch the guitar, the strap will come off another time and may be you are not so lucky that next time. Use those rubber Grolsch type of gadgets, or replace the strap. It is much nicer to buy a new strap for your guitar than a new set of Grolsch rubber rings...