Hello. i have just put down a deposit for an OM2H that i will pick up in august. between now and then i need to decide whether or not to have the shop put a strap button on it and where abouts i should have it attached. the set up man said he would put it where the neck joins the body nearer to the back like on a taylor. but i have seen othe rguitars with the button nearer to the fingerboard. where would you recommend i have it attached if at all?
thanks,
Freddie UK

I'm biased because I always use a strap, even when sitting, so I would say get the strap button. Collings recommends where the neck curves into the heel. Diagram here:

http://www.collingsguitars.com/images/strap-bttn-install-lg.gif

On the flipside there are diehards that would consider it non traditional to fit a strap pin......and in some cases it impacts resale as well......I guess it depends on your need as a player, performer etc.....

Regards,

I always use a strap even when sitting too ... hand position is pretty important ... but I'd try it tied around the headstock first. Get one of those Planet Waves quick releases to tie it on ... one of the best guitar bargains ... and try looping it between tuner posts rather than right behind the nut. It won't hurt the guitar. The neck already has over 150lb of tension on it so the guitar's weight on the strap doesn't matter.

If you don't like that way, try a button, though I do agree that it could maybe affect resale. But they're for playing, right?

I think the reason for the different button locations is that some guitars (like Taylor) use bolt on necks. These often have dowelled neck heels and that has to be considered. I'm not 100% sure about that though.

quote:

Originally posted by Hoser Rob:
The neck already has over 150lb of tension on it so the guitar's weight on the strap doesn't matter.

I don't agree totally with this statement. The string tension is pulling along the length of the neck and is reacted by the heel tenon in the body mortise. The neck is made to withstand this tension. The strap attached to the headstock however is exerting a lateral load on the neck joint...perpendicular to the string tension. While this strap configuration probably isn't going to break the neck off the guitar, you might think about the long-term effect on the guitar structure.

Eric

If you got the guitar for playing (and not as an investment) and your playing requires a strap ocassionally, I'd suggest going with the button. I usually don't recommend the "other" way just because as you move around while playing, different factors (tension/weight) on the neck will affect intonation. Also, I like the neck to be free and clear of anything, not that I do cartwheels while playing.

There will be a lot of different thoughts on this and I think it's really up to you: why you bought the guitar, how you play, what style you play, and where you play. You're the best judge.

...but what do I know. Just my $.02
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quote:

Originally posted by Rockerbob:
I'm biased because I always use a strap, even when sitting, so I would say get the strap button. Collings recommends where the neck curves into the heel. Diagram here:

http://www.collingsguitars.com/images/strap-bttn-install-lg.gif

Interesting, my strap button is also on the treble side of the heel, but roughly centered front to back along the heel. I would think the location in the diagram, which is closer to the fret board, might interfere with the left hand playing up high on the neck.

I think the Collings location is the sweet spot for the strap button. This is where I had been putting them since before I even knew about Collings. It never gets in my way.

quote:

Originally posted by Rockerbob:
I think the Collings location is the sweet spot for the strap button. This is where I had been putting them since before I even knew about Collings. It never gets in my way.

YOu're right.......I just played my guitar and the palm of my hand never touches that part of the heel when I'm playing up high. Should I ever doubt Collings' recommendations??

quote:

Originally posted by Eric Jones:

quote:

Originally posted by Hoser Rob:
The neck already has over 150lb of tension on it so the guitar's weight on the strap doesn't matter.

I don't agree totally with this statement. The string tension is pulling along the length of the neck and is reacted by the heel tenon in the body mortise. The neck is made to withstand this tension. The strap attached to the headstock however is exerting a lateral load on the neck joint...perpendicular to the string tension. While this strap configuration probably isn't going to break the neck off the guitar, you might think about the long-term effect on the guitar structure.

Eric

Go look it up at http://www.frets.com ... it's about the most authoritative source out there. In fact, read it all.

quote:

Originally posted by Hoser Rob:
Go look it up at http://www.frets.com ... it's about the most authoritative source out there. In fact, read it all.

What am I supposed to look up? I'm familiar with Frets.com...and there's a LOT of information there.

Eric

Colling's spec on the strap button is 7/8" from the bottom of the fingerboard and 7/8" from the body. If installed at the factory I wouldn't think it would negatively affect the resale value, but it might narrow your buying audience to those who want it there.