Acoustic Guitars

[rainrainwash3]

I've seen a lot of videos where they show you how to drill a hole in the heel of the neck to screw a strap peg in.

However, I've heard that this affects the way the guitar plays after it's done.  I've always tied the strap to the headstock using a shoelace, but are there any major advantages to putting in a peg on the heel?

[r0bo01]

the place that those in the know use is on the treble (1st string) side of the heel.  the strap will just wrap around the heel and not get in the way of your hand.  you just have to be careful and not get too close to the fretboard (otherwise you'll might run into the truss rod...).

here's more (see: strapbutton2 for what i'm saying): http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musician/GenSetup/StrapButton/strapbutton1.html

[FretFiend.]

Putting a screw hole in the neck heel to mount a strap peg won't affect the sound. Strapping a guitar at the heel instead of at the headstock will affect where the guitar rests against you, therefore maybe inhibiting the movement of the back some. I don't think that makes much difference.

Some guitars have metal screws up into the heel. There is also the truss rod. You want to make sure you don't hit metal when you drill. You want to drill it into the right place, and at the correct angle. You also want to make sure to drill the right sized hole. Too big, and the screw won't hold. Too little, and you could split the heel putting the screw in. If you're unsure of your ability to do it right, better to pay a tech to do it. It won't cost that much.

[Pine Apple Slim]

Its the first thing I do to a guitar if it does not have one already.
Its not a big deal. It works better and string thru the headstock looks dorky IMO.

[EdBega]

What guitar? 

[rainrainwash3]

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Pine Apple Slim wrote:
Its the first thing I do to a guitar if it does not have one already.
Its not a big deal. It works better and string thru the headstock looks dorky IMO.

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I'm curious as to why you find it dorky to tie it to the headstock?

[rainrainwash3]

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EdBega wrote:

What guitar? 

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Martin HD 28.  So far, I've done just fine with it tied to the headstock, but once in a great while it gets in the way of the thumb.  I've gotten used to playing it strapped like this, but I was wondering if I'm missing out on something.  I had heard it changes the weight distribution on the guitar in relation to your body or something like that.

[Neal]

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rainrainwash3 wrote:

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EdBega wrote:

What guitar? 

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Martin HD 28.  So far, I've done just fine with it tied to the headstock, but once in a great while it gets in the way of the thumb.  I've gotten used to playing it strapped like this, but I was wondering if I'm missing out on something.  I had heard it changes the weight distribution on the guitar in relation to your body or something like that.

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It makes the guitar more comfortable to play for some.  I could never get use to the weight distribution and the inconvenience of the tie strap.  Like Pineapple, first thing I do is create a strap button.  

Having said that, there's lots of folks that like it like yours, and another set of people that will not do it because they feel it will take value away from the guitar.  On a '38 Martin 000, maybe.  On a newer Martin like yours, no.  It will be appreciated by the next guy.

Although, in 75 years, after you're long dead, your great-grandson who is selling the heirloom to fund his new drug habit may curse you for doing it.

[FretFiend.]

Have you played any guitars with a strap like that?

Something to consider. Some buyers prefer not having the peg installed, especially on a higher end guitar like the HD-28. It can have a slight adverse effect on the guitar's resale value.

But if you want to do it, no danger of hitting metal on that guitar, as long as you drill on the heel. So, buy the kit, drill the hole, and install the peg. Using it is optional anyway. If you don't like the position, go back to the shoe string on the headstock.

[rainrainwash3]

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FretFiend. wrote:

Have you played any guitars with a strap like that?

Something to consider. Some buyers prefer not having the peg installed, especially on a higher end guitar like the HD-28. It can have a slight adverse effect on the guitar's resale value.

But if you want to do it, no danger of hitting metal on that guitar, as long as you drill on the heel. So, buy the kit, drill the hole, and install the peg. Using it is optional anyway. If you don't like the position, go back to the shoe string on the headstock.

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Well, all the acoustics I have don't have any strap pegs installed, so I've always just tied it at the headstock, with one side of the shoelace going over the high and low E tuning pegs.  My only real experience with a strap location like that is on an electric, and I haven't played an electric in a while. 

My primary concern isn't necessarily resale value, but optimum posture and balance when playing.

[Neal]

Then you really should head to a store and try one, any one, with a strap and a button to see if you like it.  That's the best solution.  

We can talk about how this guy or that guy loves a strap button all day, but for you it may be different.  Really, go for it.  Take a simple Epiphone dreadnaught off the shelf with a strap button, get a strap from the strap rack, adjust it to your liking, and..... voila!

[rainrainwash3]

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Neal wrote:

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rainrainwash3 wrote:

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EdBega wrote:

What guitar? 

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Martin HD 28.  So far, I've done just fine with it tied to the headstock, but once in a great while it gets in the way of the thumb.  I've gotten used to playing it strapped like this, but I was wondering if I'm missing out on something.  I had heard it changes the weight distribution on the guitar in relation to your body or something like that.

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It makes the guitar more comfortable to play for some.  I could never get use to the weight distribution and the inconvenience of the tie strap.  Like Pineapple, first thing I do is create a strap button.  

Having said that, there's lots of folks that like it like yours, and another set of people that will not do it because they feel it will take value away from the guitar.  On a '38 Martin 000, maybe.  On a newer Martin like yours, no.  It will be appreciated by the next guy.

Although, in 75 years, after you're long dead, your great-grandson who is selling the heirloom to fund his new drug habit may curse you for doing it.

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I'm gonna whoop his behind so hard if he sells it for dope!

[Neal]

Nah, you'll be dead, remember?

[rainrainwash3]

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Neal wrote:

Then you really should head to a store and try one, any one, with a strap and a button to see if you like it.  That's the best solution.  

We can talk about how this guy or that guy loves a strap button all day, but for you it may be different.  Really, go for it.  Take a simple Epiphone dreadnaught off the shelf with a strap button, get a strap from the strap rack, adjust it to your liking, and..... voila!

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Yeah, I know you're right.  That's usually the solution to most guitar issues.  Just some conversationating to keep the forum from going kaput.  My old username got lost during the transition

[Neal]

Who were ya then?

[rainrainwash3]

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Neal wrote:

Nah, you'll be dead, remember?

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I'll tell his mother that if her son or daughter sells it for whatever reason, I'll come back from the dead and haunt them until they die.  That'll show 'em!

[rainrainwash3]

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Neal wrote:

Who were ya then?

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espec10001.  You probably don't remember me but I was fairly regular until this new forum.

[Neal]

I remember you from the harp thread.  Can't get in now eh?  Weird forum stuff.

[FretFiend.]

You could contact one of the mods and they could probably get you back into your old account.

[koiwoi]

I find the balance all out of whack when it's tied at the headstock. I always instal a neck button if there isn't one. Keys are to start with a small drill bit and work up, using some electrical tape around the bit to set the depth. Then put a bit of soap on the threads of the button screw. Make the effort and get a nice felt washer to make it look pro.