I don't want to drill into my guitar ....

[S-L-A-C-K-E-R]

So I don't get to buy new guitars too often. I have used the same acoustic for 10 years before I recently broke down and bought myself something nice. I got a Takamine Acoustic that was used. It was around 600 bucks and I found a similar model for $1,200 brand new.

I have been really happy with the purchase but I noticed something that sucks. When I play standing up, the strap pulls on the neck and tightens up the strings enough to change the pitch enough to be out of tune. The strings are still "in tune" with each other, but they are off pitch. Also, certain frets will buzz horribly when playing standing up. I imagine this is also due to the strings tightening up and closing up the action too much. I have my strap tied to the top of the neck. The guitar doesn't have a strap "button" thing on the body on the side near the neck. So I don't have any other options of how to strap the guitar up. I was thinking of putting a strap "button" thing in there myself but I am absolutely terrified of the thought of drilling anything into the body of my new best friend.

So right now I am just considering playing sitting down at gigs when I use my acoustic. That would be ok, but I really sing better standing up. So I would like to be able to play standing up. The guitar sounds great when I sit down.

Anyone have any ideas of how to fix this problem? Is attaching a strap button the end of the world? I guess I will do it if it's not a big deal. I'm just a little scared of screwing it up or having someone else screwing it up for me.

[trisonic]

My one and only acoustic (an original Gibson Gospel from 1973) has a strap button at the heel of the neck, kind of just on the side, works fine

Best, Pete.

[tac5]

It's really not a big deal. The only concern is that some guitars (Taylors in particular) have a bolt on neck, and one must be careful as to the placement of the strap button. And always drill a pilot hole for the screw. If not you may very well split the wood. I have had Martins with strap buttons on the bottom of the heel of the neck. My Taylors have the button located on the lower side of the heel. Consult your manufacturer or a good luthier. If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, a luthier can do it for probably ten bucks or less.

[RustyAxe]

I got a Takamine Acoustic ... I was thinking of putting a strap "button" thing in there myself but I am absolutely terrified of the thought of drilling anything into the body of my new best friend.

Don't put ANYTHING into the body of the guitar. :nono Strap buttons go on the heel of the neck. Sometimes on the bottom, sometimes on one side or the other. Placement is critical, since neck-body joints vary.

1) Email Takamine support via their website, give them the model and serial # of your guitar. Ask them for the recommended placement of an additional strap button. They'll reply in a day or two with instructions specific to your guitar. This step is VERY important (see above).

2) Bring your guitar to an experienced repair shop (ask around). If done incorrectly you can severely damage your ax (like a too-small pilot hole for the screw causing the heel to split!). I doubt you'll pay more than $25 for the button and installation.

[S-L-A-C-K-E-R]

Thanks guys.

That's all really great info. It's a big help. I really appreciate it.

I think I'm definitely going to e-mail Takamine and see where I should put another button and then I'm going to find a good place to take it. I don't think I'm comfortable doing it myself.

[tholmes]

Read this: http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenSetup/StrapButton/strapbutton1.html

It's really an easy job, I've installed strap buttons on the "passenger side" of the neck heel on all of my guitars that didn't have one from the factory. But if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, definitely take it to a pro. It won't cost much.

Tom

[r9player]

Not hard to do, but you must determine the right spot, after that .. a little masking tape, drill pilot and then remove tape, screw in strap button.
I'm surprised though that just by hanging from the neck it goes out of tune.

[Joe Boy]

I can relate, I dreaded drilling for the same reasons on my nylon...
..I had the boss at Blue Guitar explain why I shouldn't really worry to much as it wasn't a $5000 concert level instrument. And like you I wanted to be able to play standing.

So, on with the button and the rest is as they say...history dude.

[jyee]

remember the old adage "measure twice, cut once" (or in this case, drill once)... i remember the first time drilling a pilot hole on my taylor for a strap button. it's a bit scary, so just remember to measure and plan well, always use masking tape so you don't chip your finish... and if you're like me, mask off the entire thing so that if you slip, you won't scratch anything.

that first strap button gave me the courage to start doing it to more guitars (4 and counting) and even started drilling and reaming endpin strapjacks and installing pickups (3 and counting).