I like the idea of adding the tape to the drill bit to know how deep I should go. You encouraged me to install it as I have only one pin lock and the other is missing same like yours before installing. Thanks Thanks
Thanks....just got my first acoustic electric and wondered if the button was missing by accident. I trust your experience and advice on this. Now lets get the tools out!
I've seen them in some strange places before too, I have to ask myself what in the world they were thinking lol Happy forth to you as well my friend! Thanks for watching!
Thanks! Just got-er-done in a few minutes. The only thing I might add as a cautionary tale for anyone is to find out - if possible - where the bolts might be, depending on your own instrument. For example, it took a 60-second search to get a pdf that showed where the bolts were in my Seagull S6. Anyway, much appreciated, kind sir!
Cool n stable fix to a common problem. Waaay back when I worked in that music store I wish I'd known this. What I used to tell acoustic players was use 1 of those leather or suede shoe laces since the store was 2 units down from a shoe repair in the mall. Was a temporary fix since could tie it around headstock under the strings.
hahaa I was just thinking after I made this video I'm going to make another tips video about straps, and using them that way (tied to the headstock) and whether it's a good idea or not. lol I bet you generated a lot of extra business for the shoe store! :)
Randy Schartiger Yeah some of the stores in that mall tried to help each outer out since making a living with the insane lease rates was rough. These days there hasn't been any music stores in malls since the late 90's. most are in either downtown or rundown areas. But thats another story.
I used to love going to those big malls, only because about all of them had music stores, I'd always spend my time there while the wife did her shopping lol It's amazing now days how many people shop online, I don'y know how sure I'd be about buying a guitar tho that I could hold and look at and play.
Randy Schartiger Yeah that's what I like about music stores I can actually go into, also avoid shipping, not just the costs but having to waiting for it to arrive.
Hi Randy excellent video. What a great idea by testing it on another bit of timber first. That is going to save my new guitar when it turns up next week. Masking tape will also help to not slide all over my neck when drilling in. Excellent tips. Hi from Australia.
I put these on some old hundred dollar camp fire guitars couple years ago. I’m getting ready to put it on my D 18, your video was very helpful in jogging my memory .Nice shop, I like it, Reminds me of what my dad‘s shop used to look like when he was still around. Nice Guild.
I thought so too! I didn't have any metal buttons on hand but I think this looks better than a metal one on this guitar. Happy 4th Suzanna! Hold on! :D
Thank you Randy. I see where a lot of people around my neck of the woods attach the strap to the tuner plate? Board? OHOH! Dammit I hope I used the right word cuz I really have been paying attention....I forget little things sometimes!;)
;) Headstock....Thanks.....;) By the way, have you heard of the Samantha Fish Band? You probably have but if not, you should check em out, very good blues/rock/country, a bit of everything. I like em!
Well that was easy! Greetings from Louisville, childhood home of Mary Travers and site of the world theatrical premiere of "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980).
Nice clip Randy hope all is well sorry you had to send the guild home but she will be back!!Happy 4th for you we had our cad day yesterday and it rained!!Hollld!Onnnn!!
Yep sent her home a few days ago and really been missing her ever since! Rain lol it seems to be doing that alot everywhere lately! Hope all is well your way mate! Cheers! Hold on!!! =D
Randy, love your channel man! Love the way you say git-tar and really value your wise and down to earth advice on guitar maintenance and repairs. Hope you and you're neighbors are getting back on your feet after those dreadful floods- all the best to you from Melbourne, Australia.
Randy a good video. I always did not like the idea of putting strap Pen's on my guitar's like that, lol. Something about putting that screw into my guitar turned my stomach. My brother use tell me I was silly for feeling like that. He bought a new D45 a couple of years before he died. First thing he put a strap pen on. I guess it is dum. But I can't change the way I feel. Sorry I always post to much I guess. But a thumbs up to your video. I will glad you are looking rested today. God Bless my friend.
Feeling much better! :) I know what you mean and can relate, it's not easy to take a drill to a D45! Thank for checking it out bro, happy 4th to you and yours!
I'd also say to anyone doing this: check very carefully that you're drilling in at the correct angle, otherwise the base of the strap button won't sit on the neck heel properly, and there will be an uneven and unsightly gap. I notice that you use a felt or similar washer between the button and the guitar - a good idea.
Thanks man, I did it wrong the first time but caught it before damage was done. Wish I found you sooner but at least I found ya. Thanks for the educational & entertaining vids!
Good video Randy. But here's a couple more tips for beginners who may make the dreaded mistake of using a drill bit that is slightly too large in diameter, resulting in the screw not being secure enough when installed: #1.......never........EVER......"glue the screw in place". This is the worst thing you can possibly do, because now ya have a screw glued into your neck heel, making it near impossible to remove it without severely damaging the neck heel of the guitar. #2: The very best way to install the screw when you've made the mistake of drilling the hole slightly too large in diameter, is to simply use a wooden ROUND toothpick. Insert the tip of the round wooden toothpick as far as it will go inside the hole you drilled. Leave the toothpick in the hole and break it off inside the hole. Now your strap button screw should have enough added wood to fasten securely. #3: If the screw still doesn't secure nicely, simply remove the screw AND the toothpick, and start with a fresh toothpick, only this time, BEFORE inserting the tip of the toothpick, break the tip of the toothpick off by hand & throw away the tip, because you're now going to be using the thicker part of the toothpick. ( If the toothpick seems to be too large, use sandpaper & carefully sand the section of the toothpick you will be inserting in the hole, to get a better fit for the strap button screw. ) Repeat the step of inserting the modified toothpick into the hole and break it off inside the hole. Now, your screw should definitely be secure when installing. #4: When using the toothpick method, some people will use a drop of wood glue, and here's how: Break the toothpick off inside the hole as normal. Next, VERY CAREFULLY use a single drop or 2 of wood glue on the side of the toothpick that will be smashed against the inside of the hole. Use another toothpick as a tool to push the inserted toothpick against one side of the drilled hole and REMOVE "the toothpick tool" before the glue sets up. ( Wipe off any excess glue immediately. ) LET THE GLUE DRY COMPLETELY BY WAITING UNTIL THE NEXT DAY TO INSTALL THE STRAP BUTTON/SCREW. Do NOT install the screw/strap button until the glue is completely dry.......or else you will be gluing the screw in place too.......and that's a big NO NO. Lastly: anytime you install a strap button, be sure to use a felt washer inserted onto the screw, beneath the strap button, to protect the finish of the guitar. When you buy new strap buttons, always make sure that they come with the felt washers.
Hi Randy Love your channel, looks like quality work being done. Always liked the small shops. Just starting to play again, been away for 20 years, life gets in the way. So I'm back and your Makin it a lot easer. THANKS AGAIN KEN G ALBERTA CANADA P. S. REMEBER YOUR ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST JOB
Thanks Kent and welcome aboard! I quite playing for over 20 years too! I quite everything lol started back working on guitars and playing in 2009. Happy to hear my videos are helpful! Thanks again!
I've bought the strap button and I have the Sigma GJA-SG200 Grand Jumbo down and ready to go but I only have a high speed drill that plugs into the wall socket nah bugger it I'll take it down to Leo's.
Randy, can't wait to hear that guild sing. great tip about the strap button. Hope you and your family are safe. Saw the flooding and know how it is, we had it in Texas not long ago. keep up the he true good work. Peace!
Hey thank you Soapbox for the kind words and thoughts, we're still shoveling and digging out but it's finally starting to look a little better now. It's been a rough week here. Thanks again my friend for checking out my video! :) Cheers!
I was frightened initially because there was no exact measurement given, but after you explained WHY the button goes where it does, I was able to follow your instructions. I marked two different places about a 3/16" apart and stared at them until I was happy with one of 'em. Worked first time. Thanks especially for the advice on marking the bit with tape so that you know how deep to drill. I didn't go in at any sort of angle, but tried to hold the drill exactly perpendicular (normal) to the plane tangent to the surface at the drill point, so I was drilling straight towards the center of the "meat".
Hello! Another fantastic video Randy! This is my current little project with my old 80's model 5038 cutaway Alvarez. Just making sure I get this right the first time! Lol this is a definite must for me adding a strap button in the right place. Thanks again, cheers
Hey Randy, I love watching your videos. I have a Martin 0018 and have been thinking of putting a strap button on. I watched the video from Dave Doll from Martin and they put the button in the middle of the heel. I went to a local Taylor Guitar store in Key West and they had all there strap buttons in the same place. What is your opinion on their placement. By the way, I loved your reasoning for a strap button as opposed to the placing the strap at the end of the neck
Thanks for the quick tip. All my guitars have two strap buttons on them except I just came across a cheap Yamaha classical guitar someone must have left at my house years ago that doesn’t even have one on the bottom. I’m thinking of getting some strings for it to check it out but doubt I will bother to put strap buttons on it.
Does it even have a hole on the bottom end of the body for a strap button? Just a few days ago someone was talking about a Fender classical guitar and they said it didn't have any buttons and there wasn't even a hole in the bottom to put one. I don't think I've ever seen one that didn't come from the factory with at least a hole pre-drilled there.
There aren't any holes drilled anywhere. Maybe they just don't spend the money to do it on these cheapie beginner classicals. This is a Yamaha CG-40MA and as far as I can tell they didn't even bother to give it a serial number.
Hi Randy, no, we don't celebrate the 4th here in Italy because this is the Independence Day of the United States. We celebrate the 2 of June as Republic Day. Happy week end and happy 4th to you and your family :-) Cristina
that seems to be wrong as it is in the way when playing high notes. The same with cutaway guitars. That seems to be the reason why manufactures do not install one. Any other option?
Hey from Alabama....thanks for showing me how to put my strap on. You are very educated in the guitar and I can tell you love it like I do. Like to watch you play and see how much you feel your music. This is Cody's mom.....he will probably be mad at me.....oh well that's what ya have to deal with when you leave your account up on MY computer.
Well Randy! You can always count on me to say something...way too much most times. =D I would love to get a strap button put on my Martin but Martin (company) has a hairy if you don't get an authorized Martin person to do it for you. So I might just have to make another trip up there & see if they can do one for me. I hate having the strap string tied around the headstock! You would not believe where the strap button is placed on my Guild!!! Horrifying...they drilled it into the body of the guitar!!! Yup! Right beside the heel & into the shoulder of the guitar. I'm actually afraid to use it because of pull on the body of the guitar but since I don't stand to play, I don't rally need a strap. I'm hoping to hear something on that guitar...yes? I hope you're drying out there...maybe just get some really nice weather for a change? You've earned it I'd say! TTYS ~G~ ♪
I've got a video coming soon about that, tieing the strap to the headstock that is. :D WOW! Drilled into the body? What were they thinking? I don't blame you for never using it, I think I would even remove it and seal the hole. I've seen it done like that before. Yes beautiful weather the past few days and drying out nicely! :D Very happy about that. Happy 4th to you and yours! :)
Randy Schartiger Re: strap button in body - I know! I've *never* seen it done before & it would make you cry on this guitar because the finish on the body is so gorgeous! Like glass it's so shiny & smooth. There are feathery microscopic cracks appearing in the body now if you look really close but it's still in like new condition. I'm so happy to hear you're getting our nice weather too... I hope you all have a happy & safe Fourth as well!!! ~Ginger~ ♪
This is old I know, but I thought Guild (and others) put a block of wood inside the guitar to hold the screw. Still, not a good idea. Randy's way is the way to do it.
They are awesome guitars for the money! I have a Blueridge BR160 and it sounds right up there almost with my Martin's, they are well built too. 5 out of 5 stars from me!
Hi my old friend - you’re right it did only take five minutes to drill and fit but two hours to get a piece of felt and the correct drill bit - sure Randy I’m sure in your distant past you have started a five minute job and completed in just over two hours - Also for your viewing public check the drill size I used a 7/64” for my Ernie Ball lock strap. Thanks Randy
Greetings! This is just the video I was looking for. I am going to be a beginner player and am interested in the small details like this. I'm just over 50 and wish I had picked up a guitar sooner.
It didn't work with only one strap button?? The other end of my strap had no here to go and I kept dropping my guitar when I stood up??? I finally gave up when my head-stock broke off...what happened???
Thank you for learning me right Randy! Whenever I approach a project that I'm lacking education about, I read a bunch of forums and watch a few videos. The timber of your confidence convinces me of your wisdom on any given video, and the drawl of your wise guy shenanigany antics keeps me chuckling while I'm becoming more intimate with my old Alvarez, tucked away in the garage accompanied by a healthy does of Yuengling. Keep 'em coming my brother! Cheers!🍻🎸
Hey Randy, Diggin’ the videos! I just bought a barely-used beginner guitar, a Seagull S6 Original. It was never set up - hell, until I began watching your videos recently I had no idea “set up” was even a thing. The S6 is at the guitar tech’s shop now. Oh check this out… I asked him if he’d jot down for me the set up specs. He paused, smiled, nodded and said, “Yeah, I can do that for you.” I sensed he may not get that request from many beginners. Point is, the strap button was placed by the previous owner on the guitar’s side of the body, above the heel, instead of IN the heel. Now, I don’t see myself needing a strap for quite some time, but when I do want one, what are my options for that hole? Peace, Steve
The shop owner just called and my guitar is ready. So, I asked about the button. He said he looked at it, and found that someone had attached a "substantial" block of wood inside to support the button screw. He said that's what his shop does when customers don't want heel placement. Now, to learn this thing!
very cool! to properly fix the hole would go into a lot of detail, if you're not worried about the looks of it I would just fill it with thick CA glue, this will also seal it from anything getting under the finish and getting worse. but as I said to make it invisible would take a lot more work.
Thanks Randy you are a great tutor.
This is the best video on this. Thank you.
great energy! super helpful
Hello from Leeds, UK! Great video, super helpful. Thank you. Stephen
hello! and thanks so much Stephen!
Great tip, thanks!
Great video mate thanks for the help!
I've watched two other strap button videos, and Randy's always the best.
Thanks I enjoy your style of presentation.
I will get er done today kind sir
Nice to see. Thanks sir!
I like the idea of adding the tape to the drill bit to know how deep I should go.
You encouraged me to install it as I have only one pin lock and the other is missing same like yours before installing.
Thanks
Thanks
great to hear George! thanks for checking out my videos!
Easy as hell when they show you how thanks man just did mine may your God bless you
great to hear! thanks man for checking out my videos!
I also put a little bit of paraffin on the screw before inserting it.
That's a good idea! Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks....just got my first acoustic electric and wondered if the button was missing by accident. I trust your experience and advice on this. Now lets get the tools out!
Thank you
Great quick clips tips video, Randy! :-) Thumbs up! Have a great day....Jenny 🌻🌻
Thank you for having a look Jenny! Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday! :)
New subscriber here... love acoustic guitars
Glad I found ya
Nice sharing! Thanks my friend greetings :-)
Thank you my friend greetings and cheers to ya! :)
Hello! New subscriber. Great videos, I get to learn and laugh. Thank you.
another great.......quick....clip...tip! I've seen strap buttons in all kinds a locations....that they shouldn't be! Have a great 4th Randy!
I've seen them in some strange places before too, I have to ask myself what in the world they were thinking lol Happy forth to you as well my friend! Thanks for watching!
Thanks! Just got-er-done in a few minutes. The only thing I might add as a cautionary tale for anyone is to find out - if possible - where the bolts might be, depending on your own instrument. For example, it took a 60-second search to get a pdf that showed where the bolts were in my Seagull S6. Anyway, much appreciated, kind sir!
good call! drilling into a bolt would be a major error! glad to hear you got it done, cheers my friend and thanks for watching!
Thanks a lot man I was about to put my button in the wrong place Keep On Rockin in the Free World
Cool n stable fix to a common problem. Waaay back when I worked in that music store I wish I'd known this. What I used to tell acoustic players was use 1 of those leather or suede shoe laces since the store was 2 units down from a shoe repair in the mall. Was a temporary fix since could tie it around headstock under the strings.
hahaa I was just thinking after I made this video I'm going to make another tips video about straps, and using them that way (tied to the headstock) and whether it's a good idea or not. lol I bet you generated a lot of extra business for the shoe store! :)
Randy Schartiger Yeah some of the stores in that mall tried to help each outer out since making a living with the insane lease rates was rough. These days there hasn't been any music stores in malls since the late 90's. most are in either downtown or rundown areas. But thats another story.
I used to love going to those big malls, only because about all of them had music stores, I'd always spend my time there while the wife did her shopping lol It's amazing now days how many people shop online, I don'y know how sure I'd be about buying a guitar tho that I could hold and look at and play.
Randy Schartiger Yeah that's what I like about music stores I can actually go into, also avoid shipping, not just the costs but having to waiting for it to arrive.
What's up man u saved my ass with this video my brotha thanks
Thanks for your help
I am a father that can not carry a tune in a bucket but I am trying to encourage my daughter in her interest in the guitar
Thanks Brother
Man that guild sounds fandamtastic
thank you brother! yeah it was indeed a great sounding guitar, it may be back soon for a neck reset. thanks again brother!
Hi Randy excellent video. What a great idea by testing it on another bit of timber first. That is going to save my new guitar when it turns up next week. Masking tape will also help to not slide all over my neck when drilling in. Excellent tips. Hi from Australia.
thanks Henry! and thanks for checking out my videos!
Hey Brother, love your videos. HOLD ON!
Hello brother, great as always
Thank you Kevin! :) Cheers!
I put these on some old hundred dollar camp fire guitars couple years ago. I’m getting ready to put it on my D 18, your video was very helpful in jogging my memory .Nice shop, I like it, Reminds me of what my dad‘s shop used to look like when he was still around. Nice Guild.
I just drive a nail in the neck and use a peace of bail hay string for my strap.Good video🎸🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊
hahaha that works too! Thanks for viewing Steve!
Finally, I've found an interesting knowledgeable person that can advise me on instrument adjustment and repair. Thanks for your help.
Thanks Randy, with your help I didn't destroy my guitar! The tape was a smart idea.
Glad it helped! thanks for watching!
Yet another excellent lifesaving video. Thanks again Randy!
you're welcome brother thank you for checking it out!
You can't beat those classic guitars no mater if it's a guild gibson Martin or broomstick they all sound good.
I agree totally! :)
New Subscriber here. Love the videos keep up the good work!
thank you my friend! and thanks for subscribing! welcome aboard the madness! :)
Happy 4th of July Mr Randy! I like the white strap button, looks great with the binding on the body and the neck. Hooold Oooon! :)
I thought so too! I didn't have any metal buttons on hand but I think this looks better than a metal one on this guitar. Happy 4th Suzanna! Hold on! :D
Thank you Randy. I see where a lot of people around my neck of the woods attach the strap to the tuner plate? Board? OHOH! Dammit I hope I used the right word cuz I really have been paying attention....I forget little things sometimes!;)
The headstock you mean? I see a lot of them doing that too, I'll have a video coming soon on that as well. Thanks for checking it out Mike!
;) Headstock....Thanks.....;)
By the way, have you heard of the Samantha Fish Band? You probably have but if not, you should check em out, very good blues/rock/country, a bit of everything. I like em!
Always Good Thanks Randy
Thank you George for checking it out and commenting!
Well that was easy! Greetings from Louisville, childhood home of Mary Travers and site of the world theatrical premiere of "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980).
I put mine on the fretboard get a good buzz
Great videos, Randy! Where's your home?
Heju thanks,.
Nice job. That's how I do it also.
Thank you Jerry! I've seen some people put them into the body! Not a good place IMO.
Nice clip Randy hope all is well sorry you had to send the guild home but she will be back!!Happy 4th for you we had our cad day yesterday and it rained!!Hollld!Onnnn!!
Yep sent her home a few days ago and really been missing her ever since! Rain lol it seems to be doing that alot everywhere lately! Hope all is well your way mate! Cheers! Hold on!!! =D
Randy, love your channel man! Love the way you say git-tar and really value your wise and down to earth advice on guitar maintenance and repairs. Hope you and you're neighbors are getting back on your feet after those dreadful floods- all the best to you from Melbourne, Australia.
Thank you my friend! Yeah we are finally getting cleaned up and digging out, man what a mess still tho. Thanks for checking out my videos! :)
Randy a good video. I always did not like the idea of putting strap Pen's on my guitar's like that, lol. Something about putting that screw into my guitar turned my stomach. My brother use tell me I was silly for feeling like that. He bought a new D45 a couple of years before he died. First thing he put a strap pen on. I guess it is dum. But I can't change the way I feel. Sorry I always post to much I guess. But a thumbs up to your video. I will glad you are looking rested today. God Bless my friend.
Feeling much better! :) I know what you mean and can relate, it's not easy to take a drill to a D45! Thank for checking it out bro, happy 4th to you and yours!
I'd also say to anyone doing this: check very carefully that you're drilling in at the correct angle, otherwise the base of the strap button won't sit on the neck heel properly, and there will be an uneven and unsightly gap. I notice that you use a felt or similar washer between the button and the guitar - a good idea.
Thanks for your videos I'm working on my guitar an your videos help a lot thank you
Thanks man, I did it wrong the first time but caught it before damage was done. Wish I found you sooner but at least I found ya. Thanks for the educational & entertaining vids!
Good video Randy. But here's a couple more tips for beginners who may make the dreaded mistake of using a drill bit that is slightly too large in diameter, resulting in the screw not being secure enough when installed: #1.......never........EVER......"glue the screw in place". This is the worst thing you can possibly do, because now ya have a screw glued into your neck heel, making it near impossible to remove it without severely damaging the neck heel of the guitar. #2: The very best way to install the screw when you've made the mistake of drilling the hole slightly too large in diameter, is to simply use a wooden ROUND toothpick. Insert the tip of the round wooden toothpick as far as it will go inside the hole you drilled. Leave the toothpick in the hole and break it off inside the hole. Now your strap button screw should have enough added wood to fasten securely. #3: If the screw still doesn't secure nicely, simply remove the screw AND the toothpick, and start with a fresh toothpick, only this time, BEFORE inserting the tip of the toothpick, break the tip of the toothpick off by hand & throw away the tip, because you're now going to be using the thicker part of the toothpick. ( If the toothpick seems to be too large, use sandpaper & carefully sand the section of the toothpick you will be inserting in the hole, to get a better fit for the strap button screw. ) Repeat the step of inserting the modified toothpick into the hole and break it off inside the hole. Now, your screw should definitely be secure when installing. #4: When using the toothpick method, some people will use a drop of wood glue, and here's how: Break the toothpick off inside the hole as normal. Next, VERY CAREFULLY use a single drop or 2 of wood glue on the side of the toothpick that will be smashed against the inside of the hole. Use another toothpick as a tool to push the inserted toothpick against one side of the drilled hole and REMOVE "the toothpick tool" before the glue sets up. ( Wipe off any excess glue immediately. ) LET THE GLUE DRY COMPLETELY BY WAITING UNTIL THE NEXT DAY TO INSTALL THE STRAP BUTTON/SCREW. Do NOT install the screw/strap button until the glue is completely dry.......or else you will be gluing the screw in place too.......and that's a big NO NO. Lastly: anytime you install a strap button, be sure to use a felt washer inserted onto the screw, beneath the strap button, to protect the finish of the guitar. When you buy new strap buttons, always make sure that they come with the felt washers.
Hi Randy
Love your channel, looks like quality work being done. Always liked the small shops. Just starting to play again, been away for 20 years, life gets in the way. So I'm back and your Makin it a lot easer.
THANKS AGAIN KEN G ALBERTA CANADA
P. S. REMEBER YOUR ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST JOB
Thanks Kent and welcome aboard! I quite playing for over 20 years too! I quite everything lol started back working on guitars and playing in 2009. Happy to hear my videos are helpful! Thanks again!
Nooooooooo ! don't let her go lol !! Great stuff mate,rock on.
Thanks mate! She's already left here, it was a sad good bye lol
I've bought the strap button and I have the Sigma GJA-SG200 Grand Jumbo down and ready to go but I only have a high speed drill that plugs into the wall socket nah bugger it I'll take it down to Leo's.
Enjoy all your vids my man. Entertaining and very educational. Thank you
Great info. I've got to install one and this is helpful.
Thanks for viewing, I'm glad the video is helpful.
What about the rear of the guitar?
Randy, can't wait to hear that guild sing. great tip about the strap button. Hope you and your family are safe. Saw the flooding and know how it is, we had it in Texas not long ago. keep up the he true good work. Peace!
Hey thank you Soapbox for the kind words and thoughts, we're still shoveling and digging out but it's finally starting to look a little better now. It's been a rough week here. Thanks again my friend for checking out my video! :) Cheers!
hello from donegal ireland lol
Hello can u please help me can u show me where to put hole in the back for starp
I was frightened initially because there was no exact measurement given, but after you explained WHY the button goes where it does, I was able to follow your instructions. I marked two different places about a 3/16" apart and stared at them until I was happy with one of 'em. Worked first time. Thanks especially for the advice on marking the bit with tape so that you know how deep to drill. I didn't go in at any sort of angle, but tried to hold the drill exactly perpendicular (normal) to the plane tangent to the surface at the drill point, so I was drilling straight towards the center of the "meat".
I'm doing this to my Martin very soon, thanks for the great video.
Hello! Another fantastic video Randy! This is my current little project with my old 80's model 5038 cutaway Alvarez. Just making sure I get this right the first time! Lol this is a definite must for me adding a strap button in the right place. Thanks again, cheers
Hi Randy
I enjoy all your videos Ive seen Keep up the great work !!!
Thank you my friend! More to come! :)
Why there and not on the base of the neck?
Almost the same way I would do it, however I use a hand drill. It cuts down the chances of slipping off and marking the rest of the guitar. BEER!
That's a good idea, I'm just so used to using this heavy duty drill I do everything with it lol More beer! Cheers! :)
Thanks randy your a gent
I found this very helpful and informative. Thank you.... and hello by the way...
Hey Randy, I love watching your videos. I have a Martin 0018 and have been thinking of putting a strap button on. I watched the video from Dave Doll from Martin and they put the button in the middle of the heel. I went to a local Taylor Guitar store in Key West and they had all there strap buttons in the same place. What is your opinion on their placement. By the way, I loved your reasoning for a strap button as opposed to the placing the strap at the end of the neck
Thanks Randy. My friend built me a beautiful D28 and I was terrified of getting it wrong. Now I am confident about where to place the pin. Cheers man.
Over here in Northern Ireland and finding your videos fascinating and your tips a great help. Thank you and best wishes
Thanks for the tips brother, big help!
Thanks man, you're a professor of the KISS principle.
Thanks for the quick tip. All my guitars have two strap buttons on them except I just came across a cheap Yamaha classical guitar someone must have left at my house years ago that doesn’t even have one on the bottom. I’m thinking of getting some strings for it to check it out but doubt I will bother to put strap buttons on it.
Does it even have a hole on the bottom end of the body for a strap button? Just a few days ago someone was talking about a Fender classical guitar and they said it didn't have any buttons and there wasn't even a hole in the bottom to put one. I don't think I've ever seen one that didn't come from the factory with at least a hole pre-drilled there.
There aren't any holes drilled anywhere. Maybe they just don't spend the money to do it on these cheapie beginner classicals. This is a Yamaha CG-40MA and as far as I can tell they didn't even bother to give it a serial number.
Excellent video Randy. Particularly like your advice about practicing this operation on some scrap wood first. Cheers from Carolina!
Interesting job, Randy!
Have a nice week end,
Cristina
Thank you Cristina! Happy 4th to you and yours! I just remembered you probably don't celebrate the 4th there lol Anyways happy weekend my dear friend!
Hi Randy, no, we don't celebrate the 4th here in Italy because this is the Independence Day of the United States. We celebrate the 2 of June as Republic Day.
Happy week end and happy 4th to you and your family :-)
Cristina
Thanks again randy .I love your videos man.I can't wait to see what's next at "The house that never sleeps".peace brother.
It's hard to tell what might be next on this channel lol thank you for viewing and commenting Stephen is it greatly appreciated!
Just what I needed. Thanks Bro!!!!!!
You always give clear demos on how to do something. Thanks!
that seems to be wrong as it is in the way when playing high notes. The same with cutaway guitars. That seems to be the reason why manufactures do not install one. Any other option?
Hey from Alabama....thanks for showing me how to put my strap on. You are very educated in the guitar and I can tell you love it like I do. Like to watch you play and see how much you feel your music. This is Cody's mom.....he will probably be mad at me.....oh well that's what ya have to deal with when you leave your account up on MY computer.
Well Randy! You can always count on me to say something...way too much most times. =D
I would love to get a strap button put on my Martin but Martin (company) has a hairy if you don't get an authorized Martin person to do it for you. So I might just have to make another trip up there & see if they can do one for me. I hate having the strap string tied around the headstock!
You would not believe where the strap button is placed on my Guild!!! Horrifying...they drilled it into the body of the guitar!!! Yup! Right beside the heel & into the shoulder of the guitar. I'm actually afraid to use it because of pull on the body of the guitar but since I don't stand to play, I don't rally need a strap.
I'm hoping to hear something on that guitar...yes?
I hope you're drying out there...maybe just get some really nice weather for a change? You've earned it I'd say!
TTYS
~G~ ♪
I've got a video coming soon about that, tieing the strap to the headstock that is. :D
WOW! Drilled into the body? What were they thinking? I don't blame you for never using it, I think I would even remove it and seal the hole. I've seen it done like that before. Yes beautiful weather the past few days and drying out nicely! :D Very happy about that. Happy 4th to you and yours! :)
Randy Schartiger Re: strap button in body - I know! I've *never* seen it done before & it would make you cry on this guitar because the finish on the body is so gorgeous! Like glass it's so shiny & smooth. There are feathery microscopic cracks appearing in the body now if you look really close but it's still in like new condition.
I'm so happy to hear you're getting our nice weather too...
I hope you all have a happy & safe Fourth as well!!!
~Ginger~ ♪
This is old I know, but I thought Guild (and others) put a block of wood inside the guitar to hold the screw. Still, not a good idea. Randy's way is the way to do it.
That was nice! So important to choose the right bit so yer heel don't split...
Hello..
new to your channel ....I was wondering what you think of blue ridge guitars ?
They are awesome guitars for the money! I have a Blueridge BR160 and it sounds right up there almost with my Martin's, they are well built too. 5 out of 5 stars from me!
I got a Blueridge 43 a few weeks ago, and it is wonderful - not so high spec as Randy's but probably my go to guitar at the moment.
Hi my old friend - you’re right it did only take five minutes to drill and fit but two hours to get a piece of felt and the correct drill bit - sure Randy I’m sure in your distant past you have started a five minute job and completed in just over two hours - Also for your viewing public check the drill size I used a 7/64” for my Ernie Ball lock strap. Thanks Randy
great tip about testing the drilll size in a block of wood first. Also used the tape and it worked perfect
Greetings! This is just the video I was looking for. I am going to be a beginner player and am interested in the small details like this. I'm just over 50 and wish I had picked up a guitar sooner.
I was scared to do this operation on my father's old Gibson, but it went well, thanks to you!
Happy to comment to you my friend, thanks for the video, going to do it to my guitar, rock on!!!
It didn't work with only one strap button?? The other end of my strap had no here to go and I kept dropping my guitar when I stood up??? I finally gave up when my head-stock broke off...what happened???
ouch are you serious? alot of folks still tie their strap to the head stock, it makes for bad news! thanks for watching!
Seems the hole got a lot bigger then the drill bit hole
Hi Randy, Thanks for the video. I'm gonna use your tip on practicing on a board! Cheers
Good tips brother,new subcriber
many thanks brother! welcome to the madness! :)
Thank you for learning me right Randy! Whenever I approach a project that I'm lacking education about, I read a bunch of forums and watch a few videos.
The timber of your confidence convinces me of your wisdom on any given video, and the drawl of your wise guy shenanigany antics keeps me chuckling while I'm becoming more intimate with my old Alvarez, tucked away in the garage accompanied by a healthy does of Yuengling.
Keep 'em coming my brother!
Cheers!🍻🎸
HI.
Hello! :D
fantastic, thank-you for showing exactly where to put the button!
Should I put alittle wood screw on the screw?
What guitar is this?
guild f50. thanks for watching!
Well done and explained. BTW - I think you are going to miss that guitar, Randy
Thanks my friend! Yeah I sent her home a few days ago and really been missing her ever since! I wanted to play it more lol
Hey Randy, Diggin’ the videos! I just bought a barely-used beginner guitar, a Seagull S6 Original. It was never set up - hell, until I began watching your videos recently I had no idea “set up” was even a thing. The S6 is at the guitar tech’s shop now. Oh check this out… I asked him if he’d jot down for me the set up specs. He paused, smiled, nodded and said, “Yeah, I can do that for you.” I sensed he may not get that request from many beginners.
Point is, the strap button was placed by the previous owner on the guitar’s side of the body, above the heel, instead of IN the heel. Now, I don’t see myself needing a strap for quite some time, but when I do want one, what are my options for that hole?
Peace, Steve
The shop owner just called and my guitar is ready. So, I asked about the button. He said he looked at it, and found that someone had attached a "substantial" block of wood inside to support the button screw. He said that's what his shop does when customers don't want heel placement. Now, to learn this thing!
very cool! to properly fix the hole would go into a lot of detail, if you're not worried about the looks of it I would just fill it with thick CA glue, this will also seal it from anything getting under the finish and getting worse. but as I said to make it invisible would take a lot more work.