The ShadowMusic Web Community

If you value the neck, don't drill holes in it or add extra strain to it.

Ian.

Hi, Ecca,

I've had this problem a couple of times with Gibson acoustics.

Taylor solve the problem (they come with a button installed) like this (and it isn't bad - my son has one):

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenSetup/StrapButton/StrapButtonViews/heel.JPG

The solution I favour for Gibsons (as used on my J-50 and J-200) is this:

http://www.cottenmusic.com/images/Misc/Anotolie%20SB%20and%20heel.jpg

...though the button should be mounted closer to the "back" of the heel and the back of the guitar (if you see what I mean). The strap is kept tight to the body by the weight of the guitar (rather as it is on a Fender) and is more secure for that reason.

Whatever you do (subject to what I say below), don't use the position that Gibson do on the 335 or SG - at least, not with a tiny button like Gibson use. I guess you already know how easy it is for the guitar to fall off the strap unless locked to the small Gibson button. However, one possible solution for an ES-335-type position would be to purchase and use a Gretsch strap button, which allows secure fixing (the button screws on and off a central post and allows use of a strap with a very small aperture for that central pin).

http://www.gretsch-talk.com/forum/gretsch-discussion-forum/12446-locking-gretsch-strap-screws.html

Hope this helps,

Best of luck,
JN

Here's a pic of the factory fitted strap button location on the Guild X160 Rockabilly. The thread has approx 1/4 inch screwed into the wood, with a felt washer to prevent cracking the finish, and a small spacer to take up some of the thread. The screw is actually through the guitar side and into the block within the body into which the neck is glued. Suggest you use a small mirror to detect if a similar block is present in the L5... In any event, a pilot hole is called for and lubrication of the screw thread by rubbing it with a candle before insertion - if you see what I mean!

If this location is not appropriate, then I would install it in the neck heel cap - not in the heel side...

I agree with Jim, the heel is usually a strong place. I often also put them into the bottom of the heel (i.e. on the same plane as the back of the guitar or parallel with the fretboard if you like).
Chas.

This is what I mean.
A pointing up or B pointing backwards.



attachment=0]strappin.jpg[/attachment]

A!

JN