All About Resonator Guitar Straps and Strap Buttons

In this video we look at resonator guitar strap button placement and also straps.
So many want to know how to install a strap button on their Dobro, National or Resonator.
We look at them all and share hints and tips.
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Thanks for looking!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Help us by clicking the description above and... 🎯Put something in the tip jar. 🎯Subscribe to the mailing list. 🎯Find us on other social media. Thanks all! ❤️❤️❤️

[@b.p.7153]

Not boring at all . . . as a matter of fact, your timing was perfect. 👍 Thanks!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks!!!

[@tomguitaronline]

I've had so many guitars, trading, buying selling, keeping the ones I like etc. This is a great video Martin! I just got my first Dobro an 80's omi with single plate and Hawaiian scenes etc. No strap button other than where the tailpiece meets. So I was concerned about attaching one just anywhere. I was very pleased to see that someone actually had a video about that. One note, if one is going to attach a button into the neck heel or side etc please drill a pilot hole with a small bit first lol. Very nicely done lad!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Glad this was of use! 🎼🔥🎼

[@SavaKalbachou]

Great video, very underrated! I guess I'm one of those handful people who finds it useful later on. When I practice on my metal-body reso, muscles on the right side of my back are very tense and it very quickly becomes painful. So I've started looking for a possible solution to get a better balance for my reso and this video basically sums up everything! Thank you, Martin!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Pleasure! Hopefully it helps!!

[@danakellenbenz9222]

I’m just getting started on dobro after cutting my fingers on my left hand and after 64 years of playing guitar, I can’t anymore. I bought a dobro and strap, and couldn’t figure out how the strap went on. Anyway I put it on wouldn’t allow my left hand to play the lower frets. Thanks for clearing it up for me. I for one, am thankful that you posted it. Thanks again. Dana K. Easton, Maryland

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s all a learning curve. Keep on going!

[@geoffpeck1043]

I was waiting to see what your preferred option was . Phew ! So relieved that you do exactly what I do on all my acoustics and resos 🙏The schaller straplocks are fantastic and installing them is the first mod I do to any guitar I get. Totally secure and you can mix and match straps. 👏👏

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It just works great! 🎯🎼🎯

[@michealsmith1817]

This helped so much, Not boring at all!! I was worried about damaging the guitar so great to know the best options, thanks Martin!!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

No damage as such. 90% of players want a strap now so adding a button should be okay for resale etc.

[@Hawleysmithmusic]

@@TheWashboardResonators I don't know what it is, I'm still wary 😄😄!! I'll talk to my guitar guy and see if he'll install 👍👍 thanks again!

[@marknewell7893]

this is actually a super helpful video, at least for me. Just got a Gretsch Honeydripper and it only has the rear strap button so I wanted to add another one. This video was just what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Very niche video but I spent years unsure and getting conflicting advice. Put all the options here and people can decide for themselves!

[@J.Dove3D]

Cool download. I have always used a leather strap, strap button underside neck 12th fret with rubber washers. Fender makes rubber washers for straps also. My Mule steel tricone came with button on underside of neck, I think that is where Matt places them on all his builds. The placement does not hinder me from playing past 12th fret. Also, remember if changing the end pin for a lock type etc, that the long neck/body tendon board be kept in line for replacement of end pin.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

This all makes best sense. Matt know what he’s doing! 🎯

[@gerhardhollmann1799]

Thanks for all your interesting videos. I own several vintage Dobro and National resonator guitars from 1929 to 1936 brass, steel and wood ,12 - und 14 fret modells and a 2015 tricone preowned. On the New one the strap Button is mounted slightly aslant in the curvature of the headstock like is shown in "how to install a guitar strap button". This is the perfekt place good balanced probably made by National ex works. Now to the old ones. I never would drill a whole in a headstock or anywhere in a vintage guitar .But the resonator guitars are slippery and not good balanced, especially the 14-fret modells, they have a shortened body . So left thigh right thigh nothing is perfekt. A strap is a must to stabilize.So l thought about it and practiced. And here is what works for me the best for slotted headstocks. I bought a Harley Benton strap Button Thomann 5.90 € ,I sticked it through the space between the 1. and 2. tuner mechanic !!! ( e and b -string ) from above, so that you can close the loop with the Black button between the tuner knops, and here you can fix your normal strap (l prefer a suede one) and hard to believe nothing bothers. The advantage of mountening between e and b tuners is, that the lower part of the guitar is pressed slightly against the belly and with the forarm as a counterforce it is stabilized. I can play bodleneck or normal standing or sitting without force. Now you can cut the leatherloop a little smaller and scrape away the Harley Benton logo and it's perfekt. Perhaps anyone can use my tip. Again, thanks for your great videos

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I’ve seen people do the E & B string thing. Will try that now to see if the stabilisation works. Thanks for sharing this. It’s really useful!! 🎯

[@dgrebin]

I recently purchased a used Dean Cutaway Resonator. I added a strap button on the neck and it's working well for me!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Excellent! That’ll do it!!

[@abloke8834]

Great video. I needed this. No one else talks about it. Cheers

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hope it helps.

[@ericjames7680]

Thank You very much for taking the time to explain and show all the strap methods. I think I will pass on the Reso Rocket because with the cutaway, the person who ever installed the strap button put in in such a place that it sticks straight out in a 90 degree angle and with a strap install because of this placement, it looks like the strap material at the end will extend farther out and really get in the way. A big thanks to you for the help. I have chosen the National Delphi Deluxe that has no modified strap buttons so I will decide if I even need one or not. Oh and its funny that now I understand a little more when I look at the picture of the button install that you added to the video on the Reso Rocket, right where the wear mark is from the strap rubbing, is right where most people recommend putting the button. If it was in that location I think it would be out of the way and in a better position.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

No problem. The position of the strap button on the resorocket is perfectly fine. It wouldn’t cause any issue. The material will run the finish a bit but because the straps on you wouldn’t see it. It’s a normal part of putting a strap button on. If you’re giving it a miss don’t let it be the strap button that causes it. However, the Delphi is a good choice. Steel body so it will have a lovely ‘ring’ to the sound. Good luck!!

[@TomO.3678]

That is a beautiful Triolian! I have a '30, myself and National was able to do some repairs to set it up for another 100 years of playing! Also very cool that Rory Gallagher played one! Really enjoy your vids, brother! 😎✌🏻🎶👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻☘

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks! This is a 31 Triolian just like his. They’re killer instruments when dialled in! ☘️

[@АндрейЮрич-ф3ц]

thanks a lot! it's VERY useful (and it has a kind of calming effect on reso-owners )))

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks!

[@professorwhoopee]

It's not boring. It's what I wanted to know today ta

[@TheWashboardResonators]

🎼🎯🎼

[@alanhooperEX2]

Well presented video for us guitar nerds. I've had too many guitars over the years and invariably located guitar strap buttons on the treble side of the heel of the neck. I'm currently in the process of buying another wooden bodied resonator and have had detailed correspondence with the vendor about the siting of the strap button. I've also fitted rubber tap wahers to all my guitars strap buttons. One thing I hadn't given much thought to (till I saw your video) was the smoothness of my guitar straps. No good having a well secured strap if it slides around my shoulders. I need to do some research and find a guitar strap with some 'grip' in it. The never ending search for perfection!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s true we’re always searching. Even if only for the right strap material! 🤘🏻

[@dankemarx8125]

Thanks Martin for share this interresting Video! All good wishes from Black Forest/Germany

[@TheWashboardResonators]

🎯🎯🎯

[@patrickfarley8036]

Martin, just a tip for you and your viewers too of course, when using the strap connector on your Triolian (spelling?). Sandwich thr strap end in the connector! This will give you a sort of strap lock effect. Not very likely to drop the guitar from that end. So then, put the connector bracelet around the head stock and attach the strap end, and then close it with the other end of the bracelet. Ezpz!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Of course! 🎼🎯🎼

[@shkibby1]

I put one in the heel of my Honey Dipper. Really like that spot. Did the same with a parlor I picked up. Please remember to drill a pilot hole before installing, and if you mess up, wood filler works wonders. I got a Jaguar that someone installed strap locks poorly on, cleaned the holes out, filled them, redrilled, and then installed the screws with additional filler and they're working like a charm.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

That’s it. Preaching the truth right here. 🤘🏻

[@JamesWasHere31]

It’s very good information it’s not boring

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks. 🙂

[@the-northern-light]

Thank you for making this video.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hope it helps!

[@Hikaru109Ichijyo]

Thanks, love your reso videos, its helping me out a lot since resos are fast becoming my main acoustic guitar. I have the ones with button use the straps like old school acoustics with a separate strap w/ button like the one you mentioned, or the loop knot (with strap that has a end loop instead of a button at one end), plus I can move it around like Johnny Cash. Daddario planet waves has a quick release headstock loop. I've used thick shoe laces (like the ones SK8rs use as belts), leather loops, thin parachute chord . . . I don't tie over the strings as it can pull on them and mess with intonation, so I loop it under. I play classical method, and it doesn't slip out but when I play usual position (right leg), it is more slip happy. The resos I have are the grestch (both metal spider and single), republic and recording king tricones, but hoping to get nationals and mules in the future as they sound awesome and play well, but the problem with the cheaper china reso is they either sound good and hard to play or play good but sound is lackluster . . . while mules and nationals do both but are more than triple in price . . .

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Everything here makes sense. All very good ideas so thanks for sharing. The Chinese resonators can be so up and down but to be fair, all resonators can be. New or old. Thanks! 🎯

[@nationalduo4945]

Another insightful video…enjoyed it…. Thanks 😊

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Many thanks!

[@jameskurvers]

this was very nice info thanks

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks!!

[@Gray_bffs]

I enjoyed the video.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

A dry subject but important and often asked.

[@MiniShowProductions]

Not boring at all just what I was looking for I’ll probably go with the heel for Micheal messer reso I just got

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Excellent! Good purchase!! 🎯

[@MiniShowProductions]

@@TheWashboardResonators I ended up getting one of the little leather strap button things works great 👍

[@whodunitpros8555]

We’ll done Thanks!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@pedigreegudgeon]

Ta for this. A quick glance down the side & I don't see any vids on how to affix a strap button to the various positions you've suggested. Might you consider uploading one pls? (ta for all the great vids)

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Cheers!! Nobody needs a video showing how to do that. It’s just installing a screw. If it’s scary then get a tech to do it. 🎯

[@pedigreegudgeon]

78k (+1 now) clearly beg to differ according to Banjo Ben Clark's post 'How to Install a Guitar Button'.

[@leewaite789]

Interesting video, my new Royall parlorator came with a nice leather strap and that little leather thingy for the head stock but it’s too thick and there’s not enough clearance under the strings to use it. I might think about taking the plunge and fitting a button on the neck heal like yours. I had seen the end of the headstock used but I’m a little concerned about that placement. Thanks for the video 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheWashboardResonators]

You could cut it down, get another or have the strings pulling into the material. All would work. Otherwise I think a strap button installation is a normal reasonable thing if done right. 95% of players want to use these with a strap so resale isn’t affected. Thanks! 🎯🎯🎯

[@paulrouse1813]

Hi Martin, does the strap button in the heel make the guitar tend to lean away from you at the top? Does the location on the end of the heel (pointy bit) reduce this effect? Great video, very informative!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Both work great! Both are well balanced!

[@henrycoopermusic5094]

If you’re old Duolian didn’t already have a strap button installed. Would you put one on? What are your thoughts on adding a strap button to the heel of a vintage national resonator guitar? Thanks!!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

On vintage ones I wouldn’t add one to the neck but use a leather headstock thing as shown. You’ll never get rid of the hole in the neck if you do.

[@albertaadv6221]

I would also love one of those braided old style guitar straps - is there anyone out there making modern ones?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Retrofret in NYC sell modern repro’s but they’re ridiculously over priced for what is essentially a curtain tie. $80 or something. I’ve seen old ones for less. I’m still looking funnily enough. Think it has to be vintage for me!! 🎯

[@lyndygrover5686]

I have a resonsator ukulele with no hole on it body for a button, I've tried a hook strap but she's to heavy & falls forward , i obviously don't want to drill into the body. I've looked everywhere online for an alternative with no results. As she's heavy my arms ache after a long gig & sit cross legged just to support her. live in the Uk and would like some advice if you have any. Cheers Lyndy from East Riding of Yorkshire Uk. 😃👍🎙🪕🎶

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I drilled my National Resophonic Uke for a strap pin with a wood block glued to the inside. Cant imagine how else to do it. Maybe apart from a loop around the body that then goes around your neck like a necklace.

[@NuttinbutdaBlues]

D'Addario/Planet Waves quick release system. No holes, no playing issues. You can swap out guitars in seconds if you've got a favorite strap.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

There’s an idea! 🎯

[@robgerety]

I've been through pretty much all these solutions. Here are my thoughts, FWIW. First, I would not drill into the neck of a vintage guitar, best to find another solution. But, my preferred location is a well placed pin on the underside of neck heel. If done well, this placement does not interfere with playing at all and it is VERY secure. I don't like a pin screwed into the neck heel plate protruding back further than the back of the guitar itself because #1 it makes the guitar rotate away from my playing position a bit which I don't like and, #2 I don't feel it is as secure as the underside of the neck heel position. The pressures tend to pull the stap off the guitar instead of pulling it tighter onto the guitar like the underside of the neck position. I don't like using the headstock if I can avoid it because I just have never been able to ignore the pressure that puts on the neck especially with a very heavy resonator guitar. It worries me. Can't help it. Finally, as much as the metal strap lock systems really do work well, I don't like storing a strap with such an attachment in the case sitting up near the headstock for fear it will cause finish damage to the headstock. So, for me, its a matter of getting really good strap with a tight attachment point and keeping an eye on it rather than using metal strap locks. Plastic? Sure.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

All good preferences!

[@juderandall703]

Hi Martin, I've recently bought a National Resonator Ukulele style 2 & was wondering if fitting a strap to it would be at all possible? The stock end doesn't present a problem, but where to fix a strap button for good balance obviously does. Any suggestions please? 🤔 🙏 thank you 😊

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I have a leather ukulele strap on my Uke and it loops around headstock. 🎯

[@juderandall703]

@The Washboard Resonators thanks Martin, yes, I already have a leather strap for the headstock, it's the other end that's vexing me 🤔

[@nahuelhandpan]

Mucho dices poco se aprecia la comparación. Gracias

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Gracias!