How to Install a Strap Button on an Acoustic Guitar (Safely)

This is how to install a strap pin on an acoustic guitar, without damaging the neck heel!
▶ Get a new strap pin for your guitar here: bit.ly/3RdlMkh
▶ Get all the tools you need to clean and care for your guitar HERE: bit.ly/4bDBZaC
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Strap button placement on an acoustic guitar can be a polarizing topic. Is the best placement at the end of the heel or on the side? Don’t worry; Gibson’s Master Luthier Jim DeCola is here to walk you through the pros and cons of each option and to show you how to install it yourself on this episode of “Gibson’s Guide to Guitar Setup and Maintenance.”
If you want to change the location of your acoustic guitar strap button or move the acoustic guitar strap pin elsewhere on the guitar, it can be daunting trying to figure out where to place it and how to install the strap button safely, without damaging your guitar.
In this tutorial, Jim shows us some tips and tricks on the safe installation of acoustic guitar strap buttons and how to drill in into the guitar heel in a way that ensures the guitar’s neck heel doesn’t crack. Watch as he shows you which types of drill bits to use, how to make sure the screw fits correctly and the correct angle to drill in so that your neck heel is protected using this J-45 as an example.
If you want to move the guitar strap pin on your acoustic guitar, or install a new one, this is the tutorial for you, brought to you by the Master Luthier at Gibson guitars, so you KNOW it’s going to be the best way to do it!
For more detailed information on guitar setup and maintenance, or more complicated DIY repairs, be sure to check out Gibson’s FREE Virtual Guitar Tech service at www.gibson.com....   
 
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[@gibsonguitar]

▶ Get a new strap pin for your guitar here: bit.ly/3RdlMkh ▶ Get all the tools you need to clean and care for your guitar HERE: bit.ly/4bDBZaC ▶ Get the T-shirt Jim is wearing: bit.ly/3X6oegn ▶ Shop Your Gibson Guitars HERE: bit.ly/454Y5jX

[@joeappel1]

Thank you! I followed your instructions when installing a button on my J-45. It all worked out just fine. I almost dropped my drill on my guitar bringing tools into my cluttered office, so folks find yourselves a nice clear area to do the job!

[@markusbaldingen7248]

I'd recommend doing it where we usually do the most important things in life: in your bed. 😉 This is the most no-nonsense description I have seen so far. Well done, Jim!

[@neilwalter6260]

Just got a Songwriter J 45 and panicked when I realized it had no strap button. When I looked in side the case I found one. However, I am a klutz when it comes to installing, fixing, and repairing. Thank goodness for your excellent video. I followed your instructions to a tee and didn’t screw anything up. ❤😊

[@TeamCray1]

Thanks it worked for me! After owning my Hummingbird for 12 years I finally got the nerve up to do it!

[@gibsonguitar]

Glad we could help!

[@Bliggick]

Before you do anything I think it's a good idea to check out the end of the strap you intend to use. Is the leather end short enough, thin enough and flexible enough to fit up against that corner it will be up against where the neck joins the side? I've had nice straps that I could not use on a strap pin that had been installed this way. There simply was not enough room in that corner for the end of the strap.

[@mikebaruffa5308]

Just followed this confidence building instruction.Results! A flawless installation on my Hummingbird! Thank you for the great instruction!

[@BlackTreasureMap]

I just bought a new hummingbird yesterday! Did you go exactly one inch up and exactly on the crest? It seems 1.5 inches up would be better centred. Thanks

[@nickhendrix6243]

Wow, great timing! I just got a new J45 and was planning on installing a strap button this weekend. Thanks Gibson!!

[@kmickp1166]

Dear Gibson, make this problem go away by installing the second pin during the production process! Thanks!

[@f3uibeghardt522]

They can put electronics in their acoustics, but not a simple strap button. I guess installing a strap button at the factory just isn't historically accurate enough, but the electronics they put in 95% of the acoustics they make somehow are.

[@arthurmurfitt7698]

lol not everyone wants a strap button...

[@kmickp1166]

@@arthurmurfitt7698 pro or semi pro musicians would disagree!

[@jefflevy3557]

Would be great if they would glue a shaped block inside the upper bout at the factory. Invisible from the outside to please the vintage fetishists but ready to drill in a standard (Les Paul) location for those who desire.

[@Harrisabd]

@@f3uibeghardt522 lmao, this exactly

[@guitarunt]

Thank you! Worked like a charm!!! Just bought an acoustic and there wasn't the 2nd strap button. So this video was perfect for DIY!!!!

[@shanecohen1850]

Thanks for the help. I was crapping myself, but it came out great. Cheers!

[@you0nlylivetwice]

I've been postponing isntalling strap locks on my epiphone masterbilt, this video arrived just in time

[@tomaszgruszewski1520]

Just installed strap button on my acoustic - great tutorial and valuable details, thank you Gibson team 🎸

[@geirandreassen2894]

Great! Did this on my dobro, became much easier to play with a strap. Many thanks!

[@musicsucks6969]

Very nice of you guys to make this video, very informative, but I ain’t touching any Gibson with a power drill lol😂

[@adamdelarozza1985]

Thanks for the wax tip, it came in handy. Waverly button strap comes with a Gold color screw and its probably brass and not as strong as other metals. I still used it but drilled with a 0.08 " bit one inch @ forty five degrees then bigger bit ~0.11" for an inch at forty five degrees. That's where the wax was used and it's snug and doubt it will break now...🎼🎸

[@martinjohnburton1556]

Thanks for the instruction. Very useful. One question I have recentley bought an epiphone B.B King Lucille which has the strap button on the heel and was wondering if it is possible/wise or not to install an extra strap button on the top shoulder

[@baynesstreetblues]

One caveat about going ahead with this lock pin installation, if you have an electro acoustic (as I do) be aware that repositioning the nut on the heel of the guitar causes the strap to obscure easy access to volume and tuning slide adjustments. It’s doable with the strap lifted. Overall moving the nut to the bottom of the neck is a neater outcome I believe, after having had a shoelace around the headstock for two decades!

[@DHJ81]

Hi Jim-quick question for you if you have a sec…why the 1” or 1 1/4” rule measuring up from the bottom of the heal? I agree with this placement, but I’m just curious if my reasoning matches up with you :) Ps-thank you for ALL OF THESE INCREDIBLY INFORMATIVE VIDEOS! They’re wonderfully clear and super effective.

[@thomaswelborn6615]

Thanks for that, I didn't notice either til I went to put a strap on , I'll have it on soon enough

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

changed the strap buttons on my lpb-2. to schaller strap locks. ,schaller bridge ,keys ,strap locks ,knobs. great bass. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@hatemmegaly9613]

Thanks, I see various screws on Amazon, 12mm, 14mm and 17mm, etc. Which one should be better for classical guitar?

[@monoposto2285]

Would like to see the guitar with strap installed being worn to reassure me that this is the position I want for my Gibson Blue Ridge guitar strap.

[@thomasfritsch3536]

Wow just when I need it too thanks man good 👍 Job

[@fmboulevard59]

Hi Jim ! I own a J 45 deluxe Rosewood. The guitar had already placed strap buttons. My issue is that the Gibson ASAC-TAN Montana Strap Tan *belt, while I play it produces leather screeching sounds, at the neck of the guitar. Is there a way or a compatible strap link that can hold the strap away from the necks' surface ? I hope my issue was clear enough... Many thanks in advance for your expert insight!

[@vtbluzplyr]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you !!!

[@aanstadt]

Remarkable you can spend thousands on a guitar and we’re expected to drill into the wood of the guitar to add something as minimal as a strap pin. Historically accurate is not an excuse. If someone doesn’t want it it’s a lot safer for them to remove it as it is form me drilling into my brand new hummingbird, and chance messing it up. Unreal!

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

can you post something on how to keep a Gibson Flying in tune?

[@f3uibeghardt522]

Check the nut slots or get a string butler.

[@Anthony_Williams1216]

Great info man, thank you!

[@mandoist]

Some close-ups would be nice, too

[@TheRrgilm]

Great Advise. Thank you very much!!!

[@georgespencer3973]

If you had a Banner 42 reissue, would you install a 2nd button?

[@gibsonguitar]

If you are planning on playing it onstage, add the button

[@georgespencer3973]

@@gibsonguitar Thanks for the input. Very nice guitar, by the way. I’m super happy with it.

[@cbiltz75]

Great video Jim!!!

[@melancholyman96]

Why the hell doesn't Gibson install them at the factory?

[@i.m.22]

Depends on the Model. My j15 has a strap button at the heel of the neck from factory.

[@melancholyman96]

@@i.m.22 And my 2008 hummingbird doesn't have one, which is why I'm outraged.

[@arustydodge2111]

Always love these segments with JIM DeCOLA. The man is a Craftsman; explains everything in a easy to follow format.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@fix135]

@@melancholyman96 Outraged? Try a Valium dude. Annoyed, maybe. But outraged? You're gonna have a stroke from high blood pressure.

[@melancholyman96]

@@fix135 I'm interested in guitars, not drug addicts with their idiotic advice.

[@petiottauru2608]

Thanks Gibson

[@JuanTorrance]

I would move to Montana only to be a part of gibson. Masterpieces.

[@boyddustin]

Thanks!!!!!!!!

[@kevinmartin4787]

Thank you!!! 👍👍👍

[@SamLowry_DZ-015]

How to get rid of a buzzing string on an acoustic guitar?

[@johnvalderrama9339]

chk your neck relief

[@frogblues]

Remove the buzzing string and it will no longer buzz 😂

[@SamLowry_DZ-015]

@@frogblues 🤣

[@rjaquaponics9266]

Why didn't you demonstrate how to properly use a strap on the installed strap pin?

[@ultrakool]

jim has the perfect shaped head to shave it completely bald, unlike some lightbulb heads out there trying to pull off bald 🙄 sry. couldn't help noticing and now back to our regularly scheduled programing...

[@rockman49er]

Just looked on sweetwater luthier prices and omg its 50 bucks just for this and other prices are more than my guitars are worth lol i should of became a luthier

[@polygonalmasonary]

If you need to measure the diameter of the drill bit and screw with callipers, DON’T do this job yourself, you don’t have enough experience working with wood, or these tools. Hold the screw up then hold the drill bit up against it. The drill bit should be just a little thinner than the thread diameter. Doing it by eye means less opportunity to make number mistakes. 👍🇬🇧🙏🌈♥️

[@albertmorgan9021]

I personally don't like this and won't have it done to any of my guitars i place them in the body right above the neck where it curves in the center . I drill a small hole and on the inside of thebody , i place a small wooden block glued in place i use a screw with a nut to hold strap button it works extremely well and looks the way it should does not change tone looks professional most people will tell you don't drill a whole in your neck as you can easily do a great deal of damage to your guitar some one said this guy is a master luthier and I mean him no disrespect I'm merely stating my preference and what I've been taught in my 55 years of life I cherish my guitars and I've had them for a long time and kept them playing and in great condition all on my own no I'm not a master luthier I'm a player at any rate good luck no matter how you decide to put your strap button in I think even this master luthier will tell you enjoy your guitars have fun play lots life is good and thanks for the lesson even if some of us have a different preference and been taught different good luck God bless play on

[@fix135]

The guy in the video is a master luthier. I think I'll take his word for it.

[@smagow2320]

Что за модель гитары, что за голова????

[@zimmee]

My J45 came with a cheap nasty aluminium strap button and wood screw like the ones from a pound store. Come on Gibson?

[@dkies]

집에서 할 수 있는거였구나

[@billwinter6417]

Do mean unbalanced?

[@petiottauru2608]

Maurice TAURU

[@michaelyolch79]

Okay...stand back...just bought a brand-new $3K J-45. I'm going in! Maybe not. Yes! No. Ugh!

[@manuelpachuca4222]

♍️🤘📐

[@pletonicsolids]

I'm so fucking scared

[@bobdekett]

...lol...don't even try this at home...just go to your local 'luthier' who will install it while you wait...

[@fix135]

I did it on my Hummingbird years ago and was easy as pie. I did it the exact same way as he did in the video. I got the idea from the way the button was installed on my Baby Taylor. No big deal.

[@frogblues]

Most people can follow these simple instructions, and it's exactly what a local luthier would do.

[@bobdekett]

@@frogblues yes - my local luthier made it look simple...prolly because he does more than most people...I didn't want to chance it on my custom shop 000-28...

[@frogblues]

@@bobdekett I get it. I was just messing with you. Always smart to hire an expert if you're not sure.

[@Bestsmurf]

Cringe! This guy is a good mechanic, someone with less experience might not want to be waving the guitar and drill around. try laying the guitar face down and covering the body with a towel.