Installing a strap button on a Martin guitar

[@WSBM]

just phenomenal complete teaching on the art of installing a strap button.

[@WSBM]

My favorite aspect is that he explained the position he puts his strap button and the reason why. And his reason makes complete sense.

[@artv4nd3l4y]

Yeah you can tell this guy does it for a living. Much better than listening to someone who just has an acoustic and has installed one or two.

[@thepokerpilotapp]

My first thought was I don’t need to watch this and I’m only watching it because I like Bryan. I’m surprised but I shouldn’t be but I found myself learning quite a few things. Anyone who can make a strap button install video and make it that informative is the Real Deal.

[@terrywebb5380]

This video is gold dust. Thank you for sharing. In my opinion the position that you recommend for a Martin Style guitar is perfect. I was lucky enough to choose this exact position without any previous knowledge. You see on some guitars where the strap pin is put too close to the heel cap in an attempt to get it away from the neck but completely missing the fact that the cupped hand means your position is absolutely correct to have the pin nearer the fingerboard.

[@fatdaddo]

Thanks for posting some new videos, Bryan. Must be a bit of a hassle for you, but I appreciate it😎

[@michaelmcinnis911]

Thanks for confirming that I've been doing this right (well - actually "left" - because I am a lefty player).

[@RyanTipps]

How do you feel about attaching strap to headstock with a strap tie? downsides I'm aware of: 1) gets in the way of yoke-style capo storage behind nut 2) it makes a big lever arm to accidentally apply torque/force on the neck

[@Bryankimsey]

I personally can't stand them that way. The balance is off. Besides all that, though.... I was once tuning a Tele with a strobe tuner. I'd remove my hand from the tuner and check the open string... flat. Put my fingers on it to turn it and... in tune!!! The touch of my hand on the headstock was changing the pitch enough for the strobe (maybe not our ears) to pick up!!! So... hanging a guitar off of the strap? I'd rather now, really. Plus you have wear/tear of the attachment method.

[@chawkinz]

The first one I did on a 1970 D-28 without drilling a hole (because I didn't know better). Fortunately, no damage.

[@rogerroger5585]

Great video. I feel very confident now that this is something I can do. I'll be installing one on my Martin D18. Is there a particular brand that you would recommend? I haven't been able to find any Martin strap buttons. I have low faith in the cheap one found on Amazon.

[@Bryankimsey]

Martin doesn't make strap buttons. Check Allparts www.allparts.com/collections/strap-locks-buttons/products/ap-0670-gotoh-strap-buttons

[@brianhudson818]

Thanks!

[@billdedrick1914]

Bryan I have a question about nut slot heights..on one of my Martin dreadnoughts, when I install a capo between the 2nd and third fret and measure the clearance between the 1st fret and each string I get .005"-.006" is this typical or is it too much? What should that clearance be for optimum play ability with out string buzzing?

[@Bryankimsey]

Way too high. When fretted between the 2nd and 3rd frets, each string should just absolutely barely clear the 1st fret. String buzzing is up to you, but study the capo!!!! You have a capo on the 3rd fret, right? Does the guitar buzz? If so, assuming your neck relief is nearly flat, you need to raise the saddle- changing the nut will do _nothing_ in this case. Move the capo back to the 2nd fret. Does the guitar buzz? Yes- raise the saddle. No- good to go. Move the capo to the 1st fret. Does the guitar buzz? Yes/No? Move the capo back and set it on the nut. Now explain to me why the nut slots should be any different from any other "fret". I watched Dan Crary play his long neck Taylor using a capo almost the entire set. How high was his "nut"? Go here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIioiaCdZdCCq9k

[@billdedrick1914]

@@Bryankimsey Totally Understood.. Very good Bryan.. Thank you.

[@billdedrick1914]

@@Bryankimsey Bryan, I just lowered all nut slot heights and all strings now measure .001" or slightly less above the 1st fret w/capo just behind fret #3. No buzzing anywhere when played hard and no buzzing using capo on any fret when played hard. Much easier to play and finger. Neck relief is right at .004".