Headstock or heel pin for strap?

thomasross20 · June 2016

What do you prefer?

Our rhythm guitarist attaches a little leather thing to her headstock and attaches her strap to that.

I always thought about getting a pin fitted to the heel like on an electric.

Thoughts?

octatonic · June 2016

Tying it onto the headstock preserves the originality of the guitar- can be important if you have an old, valuable guitar.

I don't like how the guitar balances with it though.

For all other situations I would go for a screw into the neck heel.

There are 5 places you can do it- have a look here:

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Hardware_Installation/Wheres_the_best_spot_for_your_strap_button.html

I prefer number 5.

Are you planning to do it yourself?

If so there are some best practices- I always drill a pilot hole through a piece of masking tape.

I almost always do this with a hand drill.

It helps prevent finish cracking.

xSkarloey · June 2016

I prefer a heel pin because I find the balance better and it feels more practical and comfortable.

But on my guitar that didn't come with a pin I do attach the strap to the headstock. I'm happier leaving it untouched. It's a bit hippyish/ Sunday School teacher like but it's no big deal.

thomasross20 · June 2016

Don't think I'd do it myself...
Must admit I fancy trying some high end models with everything attached (including electrics)

stickyfiddle · June 2016

Much prefer the heel myself. Haven't drilled my Dove yet as I'm not gigging, but wouldn't hesitate if I wanted to take it out.

thomasross20 · June 2016

Although I have a drill... I'd rather pay a tech to do it.

BigLicks67 · June 2016

If I do this I use a Gimlet (twist) a bit like this :

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-29517-Twist-Gimlet/dp/B0001K9RXU

it's basically a hand tool for creating a screw hole without splitting the wood.

ICBM · June 2016

octatonic said:
There are 5 places you can do it- have a look here:

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Hardware_Installation/Wheres_the_best_spot_for_your_strap_button.html

I prefer number 5.

I would always go for 4 if the heel shape allows it, and 5 if not, although on a cutaway guitar you have to be careful to keep it low enough down so it doesn't catch your hand when you play up there.

Just_chillin · June 2016

A newbie to this site so coming in a bit late on this topic.

On my guitar, the strap button is situated in position 2 as depicted in the link provided by Octatonic above.

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Headstock or heel pin for strap?

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