Strap pin

[bealsibub]

I apologise if this is a stupid question, but I don't know the answer and thought I'd ask your expert advice.

I'm going to pick up my handcrafted acoustic guitar on Saturday that I've been patiently waiting for over the last few months. I've been asked if I want a strap pin fitted and It's something I've never thought of before. All my other "off the shelf" guitars have one fitted, but I never play standing up and never use a strap. The luthier tells me that 50% do have them fitted and 50% don't! Apparently it's only a 5 minute job and so he will fit one, if I wish, when I go to pick it up.

Can anyone offer any advice? Does it have any affect on the sound? If I'm not going to use a strap is it better without? Does it not make no difference at all, and therefore it is better to get it fitted by the luthier at the time, even if I don't use it?

I can hear you saying: "Why didn't he ask the luthier that's built it"? But it seemed a stupid thing to ask at the time!

Beals

[Scanbran]

As far as I know, it will make no difference to the sound.

When I bought my guitar, I didn't even notice it had a strap button until I got it home

Then, I wondered why someone would screw the thing into a perfectly good Brazilian mahogany neck (ok, the heel specifically)

BUT, it was the luthier who had installed it, so it was structurally sound, and included in the guarantee (in case it came loose or whatever).

Personally, I did not want it, but now I don't really bother anyway.

You can always tie your strap to your headstock if you need to play standing up, but you may prefer the convenience of a strap button.

[andrewjw]

I'm sure it won't affect the sound...

I tend to play using a strap even when sitting down so I'd always get one put on.

If the luthier is offering to do it for you I'd say go for it ...next question is where to put it!

The traditional place is in the "base" of the heel but many people seem tp prefer it on the lower side of the heel ...Taylors come that way for example.

Personally I don't find it makes any significant difference...

Be great to see some pics when you pick it up!

[Scorpiodog]

Originally Posted by Scanbran

You can always tie your strap to your headstock if you need to play standing up, but you may prefer the convenience of a strap button.

Not just convenience, Scanbran. If you play standing up the guitar falls into a different place with a strap button compared with the strap on the headstock. I'm sure there are some who prefer each placing, but for me, with the strap attached to the headstock, I spend so much effort shifting the guitar to the right place that I get tired quickly and make (even more than usual) mistakes.

In fact, the reason why I habitually use a strap is because it makes the guitar sit in the same place whether I'm standing up or sitting down and, if sitting down, on any chair, no matter how high or low. Every little helps!

[bealsibub]

Thanks guys for your advice and comments It's really appreciated.

After a lot of thought and further discussion with the luthier, I've decided not to have a strap pin fitted. I have never, except on electric, played standing up, will be unlikely to do so in the future, and like you Scanbran I like the wood too much to unnecessarily "spoil" it. I don't think I could ever get used to a strap after all his time.

Anyway, the bad news is that I can't go to collect it on Saturday (orders from her indoors) so I will have to wait another week before heading 100 miles up your way Martin and meeting Jimmy. Still good things are worth waiting for.

Cheers

Beals

[Rodders]

Originally Posted by bealsibub

Anyway, the bad news is that I can't go to collect it on Saturday (orders from her indoors) so I will have to wait another week before heading 100 miles up your way Martin and meeting Jimmy.

I know someone who could arrange a quickie divorce if you like.

[Scanbran]

Originally Posted by bealsibub

Thanks guys for your advice and comments It's really appreciated.

After a lot of thought and further discussion with the luthier, I've decided not to have a strap pin fitted. I have never, except on electric, played standing up, will be unlikely to do so in the future, and like you Scanbran I like the wood too much to unnecessarily "spoil" it. I don't think I could ever get used to a strap after all his time.

Anyway, the bad news is that I can't go to collect it on Saturday (orders from her indoors) so I will have to wait another week before heading 100 miles up your way Martin and meeting Jimmy. Still good things are worth waiting for.

Cheers

Beals

Torture


I see from his ad in the new mag that Jimmy has a new model, the CZ-3.

Can't find it on his site, so I might need to go and see him as well to see if I can get a wee shot

[bealsibub]

You know how fatal doing that can be Martin!

I'm looking forward to a chat and a tour - I'll keep an eye open for the new one.

Actually that's partly why I agreed to postpone it a week because he's away at some folk thing at Ullapool or somewhere this weekend so there's method in my madness!

Beals