Strap pins on classical guitar

Jeff D · #1 10-20-2009, 12:33 AM

Hey ya'll, I was wondering if it's okay to install strap pins on a classical guitar. I have a Cordaba C5 which I play as my main guitar with a pick and without a pick. It's very comfortable and it suits my voice better than other guitars. I want to eventually put a pickup and strap pins on it as I love the sound. I just don't want to have to constantly be sitting down.

Thanks

Jeff

aragorn · #2 10-20-2009, 05:57 PM

I dunno, why not?

I've had the same thought myself, but haven't gotten around to it.

-brian

Jeff D · #3 10-20-2009, 07:50 PM

Thanks, yeah I should probably talk to my local shop. I just don't have time to go there and ask which is why I'm asking here.

Thanks,

Jeff

jackstrat · #4 10-20-2009, 07:58 PM

Or you can use the Aaron Shearer classical guitar strap. I kid you not, it employs an eye screw screwed into the side of the guitar neck..

http://www.aaronshearer.com/htmpages/guitar.htm

Brilliant man, but this is just silly

JackL

Jeff D · #5 10-20-2009, 08:17 PM

jackstrat I'm not sure about that. I was just thinking regular strap pins as I won't be playing classical when I'm strapped in. I play a little classical but mostly I use it to strum, flatpick, and fingerpick.

aragorn · #6 10-21-2009, 12:08 PM

Wow. Patent pending?

He could at least use a shiny brass eyelet...

Not happening on my guitars.

-brian

jackstrat · #7 10-21-2009, 12:40 PM

Second time I have posted the Aaron Shearer stupid idea of the century and FINALLY someone gets the humor in it!!!!

Coming from someone as astute and guitar savvy as Shearer, I still can't believe he came up with this. Oh well, RIP Aaron, still love your books...

jack

Opa John · #8 10-21-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackstrat

Or you can use the Aaron Shearer classical guitar strap. I kid you not, it employs an eye screw screwed into the side of the guitar neck..

http://www.aaronshearer.com/htmpages/guitar.htm

Brilliant man, but this is just silly

JackL

Geez!! That should be declared the 8th deadly sin!!

As far as installing standard strap buttons on a classical guitar, I see no problems. Thinking about doing it to one of my own. BTW, I also play it with a flat pick on occasion....I think it they make a great little "Blues" box. I even added a tortoise shell pick guard to it......doesn't look as bad as one would think.

#9 10-21-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff D

Hey ya'll, I was wondering if it's okay to install strap pins on a classical guitar. I have a Cordaba C5 which I play as my main guitar with a pick and without a pick. It's very comfortable and it suits my voice better than other guitars. I want to eventually put a pickup and strap pins on it as I love the sound. I just don't want to have to constantly be sitting down.

Thanks

Jeff

It's your guitar, isn't it?

You can attach a Washer and a Dryer to it if you like. It's your axe!

Jeff D · #10 10-21-2009, 04:03 PM

I just wasn't sure if it would structurally be okay for me to put some strap pins in. I guess that was a dumb question, I haven't slept much in the past few weeks.

knowspicker · #11 10-21-2009, 07:36 PM

Why not a classical guitar strap?

They wrap under the guitar and hook at the soundhole. All the marichi bands seem to use them.

#12 10-21-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowspicker

Why not a classical guitar strap?

They wrap under the guitar and hook at the soundhole. All the marichi bands seem to use them.

And Willie!

#13 10-21-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff D

I just wasn't sure if it would structurally be okay for me to put some strap pins in. I guess that was a dumb question, I haven't slept much in the past few weeks.

Structurally, it's fine to put strap buttons on a classical. A lot of classicals don't have them because the guitar style that the instrument is made for generally requires sitting. Knowspicker's idea is very good, too, and is easier . . .

Auriemma · #14 10-22-2009, 08:40 AM

If you are adding a strap button (via drill and screw), be very careful.

The other day a bought a Dean EABC (inexpensive acoustic bass) with the same problem as yours, no neck strap button. So I think, how hard can it be to add a strap button? Dean recommends putting it in the neck heal (big flat spot). I buy Fender strap buttons (gotta be better than Allparts - right?). Check the screw size for the pilot, drill the hole, drive the srew in... *SNAP* The screw breaks below flush and cracks the heal cap binding. No way to get it out. I gather my thoughts and try again with a bigger pilot hole behind the other one. Drive the screw in... *SNAP*!!! Now I'm pissed and there is a sharp nub sticking out, big enough to cut skin, not big enough to grab. I pull out the Dremel and carefully grind it flush. I dig up another screw (chrome drywall screw). Drill...screw...success...kinda. A hollow victory at best. We will see how long that screw lasts. I'm truly pissed at Fender for their poor quality of hardware.

Call your manufacturer's CS and get their recommendation. The heal of the neck would seem to be the easiest spot. But if you are using a standard strap button, consider getting Dunlop Straplocks (plastic locking keepers), just to be safe. or use real Straplocks. If you decide on the lower side of the neck, be sure you are not drilling into anything like a bolt (hence calling CS first), upping the screw size might be wise as well (as long as it fits the button).

The moral to the story: Make sure you know exactly what you are doing and be sure your installation hardware is up to the task. Worst case, take it in and let a Tech or Luthier do it. Good luck.

aragorn · #15 10-22-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auriemma

If you are adding a strap button (via drill and screw), be very careful...

...The moral to the story: Make sure you know exactly ehat you are doing and be sure your installation hardware is up to the task. Worst case, take it in and let a Tech or Luthier do it. Good luck.

Sounds like sage advice.

Thanks for the tips.

-brian