The RIGHT Way to Install a Strap Button on Your Acoustic Guitar

[@kevinmoulton2480]

I performed this major surgery on my Yamaha today. Thank you for the useful tips. The patient is recovering comfortably.

[@eddieloid]

Which model and how did it go? I'm planning to install a button on the neck of my Yamaha acoustic so I'm keen to know how easy others found the job.

[@kevinmoulton2480]

@@eddieloid I went with the Dunlop strap lock. Worked great.

[@jasonc3803]

I have wanted an extra strap button on my acoustic for literally 25 years. I never had the guts to drill into my guitar. Thanks to the pandemic and this video, I got it done. Great video.

[@Rilez616]

I practiced on an old guitar I had and I just drilled a useless hole into the guitar, thank god I didn't try on my new one....

[@KevinCGleason]

Thanks for the great information delivered with humor. I would install the button today, but it will take months to grow the beard which I am required to get out of the way 1st.

[@offbrandplanb]

I would never be able to because I don't have the ability to grow a beard lol

[@biancamacias7476]

😂😂😂

[@robertlaube574]

@@offbrandplanb i guess women with beards werent as common 2years ago as they are today

[@edwardebel1847]

How's that beard-growing going?

[@metalman2943]

LOL

[@ukuleleeddie1953]

Thank you! I purchased an older Fender guitar that only had one strap button. I don’t like tying a string to the strap, so I decided to add a second strap button. I was a bit worried since my Fender has a very glossy finish. Following your directions, I had the button installed in a few minutes. Very easy.

[@utub333]

Things to consider before installation: 1. Will the guitar still fit in its case if it has a new strap button installed? Some cases are so snug they cannot accomodate a strap button without be altered. 2. Do you like playing guitar with a strap and is it comfortable to you? Maybe try someone's else guitar with a strap, or hit your local guitar store and try one there -- just to be sure.

[@duxxxhm]

My guitar came with strap button in similar position from factory, and I hated it. I just realized that once I removed it.

[@DominguezMusica]

Thank you for explaining it so clearly. In case it’s helpful for people who read this comment, I think I never used a drill before and just following the instructions shared in the video I got it! 😍 Now is going to be much more comfortable to play with the guitar in my gigs! 🤩

[@nicolasaldunate7894]

Thanks bro! Recently i found my grandma's old acoustic guitar and i'm trying to fix it, and because of your tutorial i was able to put a strap on it. Keep rocking, man

[@FromMyEyesToYours]

What amazes me is how many people mount a strap pin on the bass side of the neck, which, as Tony says, "does you no good whatsoever". Like, none. It creates the entirely wrong angle and causes the strap to pop off of the pin almost instantly. Fortunately, for those who are attempting do add a neck pin, this instructional shows the correct position for it. Nice video, Tony.

[@kevinmoulton2480]

One of those rubber stoppers would help if the button is on the wrong side.

[@zant5721]

Just finished installation myself. Was a little squeamish at first, but as I moved forward, got er done. Thank you for the clear and easy instructions. Now I can concentrate on playing my guitar. Again, thanks👍🏽

[@ryancox5775]

I just added a strap peg to my baby, a Martin 00028-EC. Your guidance made it easy, THANKS. With calm and confidence, I added a peg in 5 min. Love it. Thanks again.

[@SP4313]

I laughed when you went though the first step... putting the button on the high E side of the neck. Great job on this video. I once had a pickup installed professionally on my very first acoustic guitar when I was a kid. When I picked it up the input jack was drilled on the top side of the body. I tuned in to see the proper location of the top button and you answered my question. Thanks.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

The only caution is to first take a peek into the sound hole and see if the neck is installed with threaded steel fasteners. Many guitars these days use one or two hanger screws with washers and nuts, or bolts with threaded anchor sleeves to secure the neck to the body. If there is steel hardware in the neck joint, you do not want to drill into it. Even if your guitar is made this way, you can still install the strap button by measuring before you drill so you don't drill into steel.

[@arnolddealiii4259]

I would make one suggestion. Get some wax or some soap and coat the threads of the screw by scraping the threads across it. This will coat the threads of the screw and will act as a lubricant so that the screw goes in easily. I have seen stripped screw heads because the didn't lubricate the treads. The screw will not back out. I have also seen screw heads twist off as a result of too much friction. It's a major step and I wouldn't put any screw into a piece of wood without some type of lubricant to help the screw along the path.

[@tacguitar]

+Arnold Deal Great tip thank you for sharing!!!

[@Rehdman6444]

Very good advice. I have used that trick many times. I think that a novice might want to take the time to practice on a piece of scrap hardwood before installing the strap button on a good guitar and, YES, use the strap button screw to practice on.

[@PastorMike02]

Yes, use some wax or soap!

[@ALayne08]

@Arnold Deal Great tip, thanks

[@arnolddealiii4259]

Waters soap and wax has worked for me. I don't have a problem with your method but I've installed screws in hundreds of instruments and never had a problem or for that matter a return.

[@sandsedge]

I always wondered how to do this, as I had left over strap button hardware from a locking kit I put on another guitar. This video made it super simple... done in 5 minutes to my Washburn Acoustic, so now I will play it more!

[@damonking3435]

sandsedge I also have a Washburn Acoustic! 😁

[@chriswareham]

"Keep your beard clear of the drill bit". There speaks the voice of experience :-D More seriously, thanks for the succinct guide to fitting a strap button. Just followed your steps and installed one on a Loar archtop and it went fine despite my apprehension about being anywhere near my guitar with an electric drill!

[@rafaelsmdc]

I was amazed for a second on how fast he used the screw driver lmao

[@LonestarLunkers]

Rafael Rei lmaooooo💀

[@Diorluiss]

😭😭

[@ericgugliuzza4789]

John Petrucci came in to do that part I think.

[@klllbIlly]

😂 fast as hell til i realize it was fast as hell forwarded

[@penguinpie5056]

couple of protips for you. be careful about the tape on the drillbit as it can get pushed up when you get to depth if you keep pushing too much and second, use a brad point drill bit for minimal breakage at the hole. a third point is to use a drill bit that's around the size of the screw shaft. too large can let the screw get too loose but too small can also cause the wood (at the body strap button location) buckle a little and come up or break off altogether..

[@JohnShalamskas]

Great tips!

[@brntrssll]

Regarding the 3rd point, for anyone who isn't sure: yes, the drill bit should be the diameter of the screw shaft... not the outer diameter of the screw threads. The threads will cut into the wood but the shaft needs a clean hole. If the hole is too large, the threads won't have anything to hold onto. If the hole is too small, the shaft will be forced to splinter the wood.

[@LANSPERADOmusic]

the real pro tip is not placing the button where it will directly interfere with your fingers lol

[@mattpolapink1520]

Great video - just got my second button and your instructions worked like a charm. I prefer this quite a bit over connecting other end of strap with string.

[@JohnShalamskas]

I agree, the string or leather strap at the head of the guitar gets in the way of my left hand, so I much prefer a strap button on the heel of the neck. But on a guitar with light body and heavy neck, using a cheap nylon strap that's slippery, the neck is always rotating towards the floor if I use my preferred method, so on this guitar I use the shoelace at the head to attach the strap. I did install a button on the heel so I can use it with a leather strap that has enough grip to resist the heavy neck's tendency to swing down.

[@georgelang7023]

Very good point, and for more than just one reason. I've played electric guitar professionally for many years (too many to want to mention here). I only recently started playing Live with an electric acoustic and the strap at the neck end tends to affect the tuning of the instrument as well as make the position difficult. Thanks, for this great instructional video! ...g

[@Lancefrei]

This method worked for me. I practiced on a scrap piece of 2x4 to make sure the bit was the right size for the screw. For 53 cents I bought 2 strap buttons from China and now can use a strap on my J Reynolds acoustic.

[@Tr0llHunt3r]

Thank you so much, this was a life changer. I've never owned a guitar that didn't have a strap button on the heel until my first Martin. I hated how it would always slide around and put so much pressure on my neck. Now it feels locked in and I can cant it slightly like I'm used to! Also, no, this was not at scary as I thought it would be.

[@keckojones3324]

Excellent video! I just took the plunge and popped it into my guitar. Came out perfect. Much more enjoyable to play this way.

[@honourrolle]

Thanks, I don't have a drill but a still managed to get my strap buttons properly installed by screwdriver. It was very easy. Especially after learning the proper placement. Thanks again.

[@ynreflect]

Thanks, I just installed the extra button today using your instructions. I was careful about the beard, but I learned the hard way. I was drilling holes (with a 120 volt plugged in kind of drill) in a wall to install some mirrors. I got a little too close and the next thing I knew, my beard got caught in the chuck and the drill was pulled up against my face. I was afraid to look at the damage - I thought that it had ripped a chunk of my cheek off. But it only ripped out some of my beard. It took a few minutes to untangle it from the chuck.

[@ccarter302]

Tony, you have the skills to build...your capable and you already are ahead of the game because of your knowledge of acoustic instruments. I've been building for sometime now and I kno a builder when I see one..take that next step

[@julietissue8528]

Thanks!! It worked great. I had to use a 3/32 bit for the strap buttons that I had. I can't believe I have been paying for this all these years. Couldn't have done it without your help! This stay-at-home situation has really showed me that I can do more on my guitar than I knew. I even installed a K&K pure mini in my new 000-18. However, the store drilled the endpin out for me, so I didn't do it all on my own!! But I will the next time! Take care and be safe.

[@stevepolaski5643]

I just did it tonight and am really happy with the result. Thank you for the instructions -- really spot on!

[@robertwalsh1032]

Perfect results following you Tony. I'm also a student at TAC which has GREATLY improved my playing and enjoyment! Thanks Bro!

[@SantaClaw]

Thanks, I just started learning how to play the guitar. I bought a cheap beginners guitar, put on a set of quick disconnect buttons, and this video of yours was of great help, just knowing where to install it.

[@stephaniewayward6336]

Great vid, but one thing forgotten/missing… this size of the drill bit… when I do these, I measure the screw, then use two sizes down for the drill bit… so, a screw measuring 9/64”, I will use a bit that is 7/64”… conversely, one screw measuring 1/8”, I will use a 3/32” bit…

[@ffhorrorfan9722]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!

[@Bliggick]

I think that sometimes those felt washers cause more problems than they prevent. It's like you can never get that strap button locked up tight against the guitar body and it always works it's way loose. I think the right material would a plastic disc that is slightly flexible or rubbery, maybe one can be made from a guitar pick.

[@charlie-obrien]

A very short piece of surgical tubing, like they now use on electric guitar pick up adjusters is exactly what you described there. Don't run out and buy 12 feet of tubing though. Guitar Center will have what you're looking for.

[@JosephPhillips-r5c]

Tony, thank you for the tip. Just finished adding a strap button to my Washburn and it worked perfect !

[@stuartdocherty8409]

I likes the cut of this guys jib..... I'd also advocate marking the hole location with a scratch awl or similarly pointy object, applying that tape to your trouser leg a few times, to consolidate the low tac of the adhesive, starting the drill in reverse, to centre the drill and crease the timber in the area you want to drill and... using a leather washer... You can make a bunch from a scrap of leather with a hole punch and a blunt nail.....

[@TommySG1]

I love your videos Tony, you crack me up at times. I'm planning to retire next year God willing, first thing I'm planning to do is join your acoustic crew since I'll have all the time in the world then! Thanks for all the great content man.

[@kevinmoulton2480]

Nice. I have a Martin with a strap button just where you indicated, and I bought a second hand Yamaha with no strap button. I thought I could live with the strap tied at the headstock, but I hate it. The guitar moves all over the place. I will definitely be attempting this surgery.

[@robertclarke4587]

Thanks for the video! Knew what to do, but lacked the confidence. Did it yesterday and it looks and works GREAT!

[@PriyanshuBharadwa]

Thank you!! 4 years after you posted, I just installed the strap lock. Your video helped a lot and saved me from a lot of anxiety. 🫶❤️

[@crashputer]

Simple, straightforward, thorough. Thank you.

[@JoeKrol]

The only thing I would ad is to take a nail set or even a finish nail and tap it with a light hammer so the drill bit is less likely to slip when you are starting. But GREAT VID.

[@dudeman1455]

This is the first thing I thought. I use a scratch awl and make a dent for the drill bit pretty easily with that. That way the drill bit won’t walk around on the surface.

[@wagnerrichard2043]

You have fantastic subtle sense of humor. Love it! Thank you for the lesson..

[@xaptronic]

thanks to you, I repurposed the strap buttons from my bass which I replaced with a locking system and added them to both my acoustics! :D

[@mygirlzrock652]

Thanks Tony - I was having some serious anxiety about drilling into my pristine buddy . . . and I didn't want to resort to the old string-around-the-headstock option.

[@DavidCriner-i7i]

Tony, this is David Criner I totally by accident. Just found your video because I am attaching a strap to my Gibson. Thanks so much!

[@benjaminwells2985]

already knew how to kinda do this, but watched your video to triple check. was pleased with the subtle humor. thank you sir!

[@ekids.bassment]

I knew something was up the first time i watched an instruction video how to do it. Even in the guitarshop they told me, "just screw in the middle". luckily i watched your video before installing. thnx

[@Marc_Schuster]

Followed the instructions and it worked perfectly! Thank you!

[@michaelorgera181]

Great Instructional Vid! I looked at a few and yours just streamlined the entire process. I have a very old Gibson J45 and doing it right was critical. Thank you for the tips! Awesome, Simple and to the point!

[@luisangelsmusic]

Thank you so much for this guide. I was about to mess this up so bad if I didn't watch this. I was going to put it on the butt end of the neck hilt, like an SG guitar. Also, it took me 3 pilot holes on another piece of wood to find the correct depth before I drilled my guitar neck. Also another tip to find the right spot to drill. Get someone else to help you mark on the piece of tape the spot where the hole of the strap is against the neck of the guitar while you hold it and have it on you like you would normally use it. Makes it easy to get a really good mark.

[@bennyshaversmusic590]

Tony *all* of your links and input are incredibly useful.

[@clarkbarcelo4694]

How bout the other strap end?

[@ianatendido]

Normally, the other end already has it.

[@JS-oi5jt]

Doesn't answer the question. I'm here for the other end as well..

[@Andrew-ii8dl]

For the other end you just want to find the exact middle of the bottom of the guitar and do the same thing there.

[@nicolasaldunate7894]

@@Andrew-ii8dl exactly, i did the same and it works great

[@larry6686st]

The other end doesn't need it. That one button hangs on the beard

[@lvl99raidboss]

Outstanding tutorial. Very helpful. Only caveat is that if you don't have a gnarly beard on hand, find a skirt of any length and put it on before you begin work. Otherwise, no issues encountered and I am very happy with my strap button.

[@MrVinny873]

Great instructional video.. especially when you caution to get the beard out of the way.. experience is a great teacher isn't it? lol!

[@JohnShalamskas]

"I wonder how he knew about that tip?"

[@steved4677]

Excellent video. About to install a strap button on a very expensive archtop & just needed a quick sanity check

[@ingresskerensky6957]

Being a bearded man, I appreciate the advice my brother.

[@philipaklonis7906]

Hi Tony, I followed along and installed the strap button! Yes! Success. Thank you for a great video! Phil

[@Ocean8881]

Thanks for sharing with such clear explanation! I was wondering why you did nt continue with the installation of the button at the bottom then I noticed It s pretty self explanatory and my guitar already has one at the base.

[@El_Dean_M]

Thanks...clear and simple instructions that just reinforced what I thought I'd need to do.

[@kevdadd1976]

Very informative, I just acquired a new Martin and for some odd reason Martin doesn’t have the strap button at the base of the neck like my other acoustic does. Bit of a let down, no worries you tube to the rescue. Thanks

[@pointblankeloquence9578]

How to put one on the other side? My guitar has a seam right there. Do I Put it in the seam or somewhere to either side?

[@jaynormal]

Followed the directions and my guitar now has a strap. Thanks for the easy to follow directions. I used electrical tape as my non tack tape.

[@Intheshed123]

jaynormal, At times when you dont want tape of any sort to be very sticky, Just stick it to your jeans once or twice first. If you look at the tape after you rub it on your jeans you can see the lint on it. It works well for many projects when the tape is only being used as a protector. You can put a few layers on top of the first lint piece for extra safety. The lint will allow it to pull right off without peeling the finish off. Try it, you will like it. :) PEACE...

[@davidreitnecht7348]

Thanks for the vid. A StewMac vid showed several other locations but not the way you installed. Your method makes sense to me.

[@Gongasoso]

My Takamine came from factory with a strap button a bit off from that spot, but I don't think it's a flaw. Because the placement of the strap button showed here could get in the way of the hand when playing in the higher frets

[@charlie-obrien]

I put the strap button on the low "E" side. Because when I tried the setup (before drilling anything) the button did impede the reach on my cut away and it caused the guitar to tilt slightly away from my body when standing. So I put the strap button with a lock, onto the low "E" side and it cured that. After all that is said, I will still use a strap attached to the headstock by a cord most times. Yes, I'm that old.

[@jimdoner3443]

I was trimming really tall grass today with a gas powered weed tracker. Of course grass wrapped around it and I had to stop and clean it out. Made me think of you Tony.( that was supposed to be whacker not tracker.)

[@arthurneeman]

Thank you for the tips. Your video encouraged me to do this first surgery. I installed both buttons on a white Kirkland using D'Addario buttons. A package comes with a little bit thicker screws, so I used 3 mm drill bit. Did you made felt protector by yourself? Is it a rubber or what? I used two layers of dermatin that I quickly found at home.

[@AntonthebantoN]

Really appreciate this video, thank you! It gave me the confidence to go at this myself and it got me out of a pickle too. Thanks again 👌

[@jeffweaver955]

Beard tip was a good one!

[@robtoma5650]

I just installed on my D28, Simple to do, but nice to have a guide.Thanks!

[@danr5105]

I need to do this on my new Yamaha FG 830. Why no button? I am a beginner (65 with arthritis) Making the G Major chord is so difficult. I think if I add a bit of standing practice it will be beneficial. The strings still feel like wires cutting into my finger tips.

[@catherineanne1097]

Thanks! Useful video and fun to watch, too! Q... The peg on the lower bout of the guitar that holds the other end of the strap, what can I do since mine is loose? Would you advise glueing it in? Thanks!

[@adammiller3774]

Followed your directions - worked perfectly. Thank you, Sir!

[@locar12]

Sorry for asking, do you have a video for the 2nd strap button? (The one on the body/bottom) I liked how you demonstrated the 1st button here 👍🏽

[@Ronjesse1]

i know in all his vids he explane everything pefectly even a child can do it but i say" hurray another good man that helps others and save them money.. and that is a good thing.. u go man thanks for all the video's greetzz RJ

[@ChavisFlagg]

Yes to the intro tune

[@knguye11]

Thanks for the demo. I installed this on mine new Martin M00-15M.

[@michaelmassaro3483]

Great video! I know this is 7 years later, but do you happen to know which brand of strap button you used here specifically?

[@markstrain8989]

Great. Gearing up. What is the correct name of the object/device that is supporting the guitar neck, please? Thank you.

[@nickalmand]

Just bought a Collings CJ and they forgot to install the strap button for me...thanks to this video I didn't completely FREAK OUT when I had to do it myself! *OH MY GOD I'M DRILLING INTO MY NEW COLLINGS!!! WTF IS WRONG WITH ME!!!* Thanks!

[@markspencer352]

Sure appreciate your videos...clear and helpful!

[@GarethRidout]

Thanks. Even though I've done this before it still was helpful to review.

[@ALayne08]

*Running With Guitars* I think you coined a new phrase, lol I needed this info for a mandolin. Thanks

[@hatemmegaly9613]

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

[@jimdoner3443]

I had to put one on a Martin 00015M you'd think for that much money it'd be standard.(I bought it used ) VERY EASY I thought about putting a little wax on the screw but didn't.

[@Cyx_T9]

Can you put a strap button on the bottom of the guitar as well? Or is that not recommended. I have a nylon string Cordoba that doesn't have any buttons at all and would like to know if I can do this or not.

[@popoaggie]

Drill Baby Drill! Was waiting for that bit to pop up through the finger board.

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

Probably a good idea to use a drop of Super Glue as well just to ensure that the low cycle fatigue of placing the strap on/taking it off, tension/ untensioning >>> does not allow the screw assembly to move at all

[@mannycalavera1998]

What about the one at the buttom of the guitar body. The one that goes into the acustick rasonans chamber? The one you are showing is the easy one, cause you know you have somme wood therer to support the pull from the strap.

[@todtodster2133]

Just done it now, thanks for your video, it definitely helped my confidence. 👍🏻🙂

[@richardstones6445]

Thanks. This makes me (a little) less nervous about treating my guitar like my wife's curtain rods... But one question: It looks like your location is a little high and might really interfere with your ability to reach frets above 14. Is it too dangerous to install the button lower in the heel?

[@zjedinite]

I just got the Cordoba mini 2 Bass MH-E and it comes with ONLY ONE strap holder on the same location you use. You also only install one as well, what gives? Is there a way to use a strap with only one strap button that I’ve never,EVER seen before!? Or did you only install one bc there was no point on showing second one, if so WHY THE HECK DID MY BASS ONLY COME WITH ONE!? It makes no sense to Me. Installation is not even an issue for me, just looking to understand why only one shown and my bass came the same way as this video. I’m I missing something regarding “one strap button use” here? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Tks!

[@peterspears1]

Thank you - this was very helpful. Love the beard - no visible evidence of past experiences of getting it wrapped up in the drill bit 🤣

[@sorathehydratebutton]

I was gifted a guitar from a friend for my birthday as her dad fixes and sells them. I find him odd and I feel uncomfortable around him, so I dont want to ask him about it. The guitar I was gifted has a pin near the neck, but only has a hole (big enough for a finger to fit) at the bottom part of it. would this same concept be used to put a pin on that part or is there anything different you would wanna do?

[@EdGloss]

Great video. Cost me $3.50 for the button and installed it perfectly myself. Sam Ash wanted $40 to do it.

[@truthfulrobot9295]

I've done the same tape measuring my accident. I couldnt find a sharpie and used a new band aid tape to mark it off. But never knew everyone does it also lol

[@bryanwoodring3547]

ive got top and bottom of my guitar A10 Penco acoustic guitar s locks gold

[@commonfilms9678]

Thank You So Much! Doing This To My 3/4 Acosutic Guitar, Ppreciate It!

[@kberwager]

Can I put two strap buttons on the bottom? Since I use the Ernie ball super locks on my strap I won’t be able plug into a PA system or amp when using the Ernie ball super locks. Hope this makes sense?

[@stephensmith1034]

I had one installed on my brand new D-28 today. They put it on the wrong side. I’m livid! Can there be any advantage of having this button on the top side? The guy at Guitar Center said that he’s installed many of these and that’s where he suggest they go. I had even told him earlier just where I wanted it mounted. I think he made a mistake and then wouldn’t admit to it. I’m just waiting for my new strap to start coming off, as it’s not too secure. Unreal!

[@SuperUpgrades]

Thanks - why is it underneath / bottom of the neck rather than at the top?

[@j11smith]

3/32 worked better for me but all else I did same as you and turned out great

[@maybebabs]

my dad helped me do this on a j45 i saved up for when i was a teen. find it sometimes interferes with the higher frets 13-15 impossible to reach with it in the way. wondering if id cause more harm than good relocating it and how to go about that

[@atocox166]

Lol with the beard joke, because I actually have a beard now.I purchased my first ever guitar strap today (Tuesday, May 9th 2017, after nearly five years since first purchasing and playing a guitar) and, although it turns out my "Hohner" acoustic cutaway guitar already has the strap button on it now, this video is still good to know for a future purchase. I was originally searching for/double checking how to put a strap on(I assume the part with the brand "Levy" goes to the back/body/other side that already has the button when purchased on your guitar) then this video came up instead, so I watched it.