Putting a strap on a classical?
 

Hey guys,
I'm thinking of trying an inexpensive Spanish classical guitar.
Obviously no end pin for a strap on these. My issue is I have back problems and and can't bend over a guitar even a little (not for long anyway). I have to wear a guitar on a strap so I can lean back straight while playing.
Has anyone else put a strap on a classical guitar? And in what way?
Mostly just curious since I feel like I'd be the odd-man-out doing this.
Thanks! ;)

Hi,

I wouldn't go with a strap. I would suggest trying out a NeckUp guitar support. I was introduced to them on this forum and tried one out... now I have one for all my guitars. The NeckUp is made of a soft leather that attaches to the guitar with suction cups, or you can attach one end of the strap to the endpin.. this is how I use it on my steel-string. I have a classical as well and I use two suction cups.

It is very comfortable and allows you to have the guitar's neck elevated to a comfortable height (adjustable). You can even elevate the neck all the way up to the standard classical position. The great thing is you achieve the classical position while having both feet planted on the ground (no need for foot rests and having one leg elevated, causing even more back discomfort).

The NeckUp is flexible enough that you can angle the guitar pretty much however you want while still functioning how it is meant to do (something most guitar supports don't allow for). I ALWAYS play leaning back in my designated guitar chair (old student, armless, desk chair with cushioned back support). I lean back and have my guitar elevated and right where I want it!

Check them out, ask around the forum... but beware.. they seam to multiply like rabbits.. I started out with one, now I have three, lol ;)

http://www.neckup.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

They sell models specifically for classical guitars with about an inch more height to them, the 6" model. But I had gotten used to my 5" versions, so I just stuck to them.. besides, I don't like my guitar raised that high. I find using the NeckUp to be very comfortable and I wouldn't be without one again (my guitar teacher has one now too after seeing mine, lol)

Here is a quick picture of me leaning back with my classical.. just got home from work, so I'm grubby and my wife rolled her eyes at me when I asked her to snap it, lol. (cruddy cell phone pic)

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps870dd752.jpg

I've done it on a cheapo, no big deal - just run the right size pilot hole with a super sharp drill bit. I put tape over the site before drilling, some people think that helps avoid any cracking of the finish or flaking. There is usually a felt washer to keep the thing from getting over-tightened into the finish, just don't screw it in super violently and you shouldn't have any trouble. And don't do this to a good classical guitar, unless you're really comfortable with it.

Check out Guitar Works inc. they have several inexpensive classical guitars
That comes with a strap, and a bag. Price is right.

if you can sit on a flat chair straight without back pain the you can play the guitar using a foot stool or a guitar support as Wasper mentioned.

I use a Gitano support that fits in my case. Love it.
http://bigmo.com/gigusu.html

I tried one of those when I was looking (co-worker had one). It is very nice and compact, but it was harder to get the guitar angled the way I like it. After being assured that the NeckUp folds up and can fit in a standard case pocket or in the headstock area, I went with that instead (which they do fit easily). The Gitano was a close second though, because my co-worker was able to keep it on the guitar and still fit it in the case (neck up only takes 10 seconds to put on, but I'm a lazy person, lol)..

i use this
http://www.stringsbymail.com/store/e...lack-1321.html
you can adjust the hight and also the angle towards the body

You can add a pair of strap buttons with no problem. I did on the inexpensive classical that was my first guitar and it is still doing fine.

Bob

It will cost a few shiny nickels, but Kenny Hill makes a very nice stand-up classical guitar.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps1d7d717e.jpg

The Luthier Strap from Luthier Music works very well. I have one and have used it, but I usually play sitting down. It's just a bit difficult to figure out how to wear it and hook it up, but after one or two times, it's no problem. It holds the guitar quite steady, though not as steady as holding it in your lap. I don't really like attaching the two clips to the soundhole, but I don't believe they have ever done any harm. They are well padded. Its biggest advantage is that you don't have to drill any holes in the guitar to insert strap buttons.

http://luthiermusic.com/index.php/lu...ier-strap.html

-Bob

Just wanted to note that the strap buttons go in the end block and the heel, so the odds that they'll have any structural effect or affect the sound in any way are slim to none. And if youre talking about an inexpensive guitar, this is about a $5 process, 10 minutes if you've ever handled a drill before. That is all I have to say about that.

Right you are, dosland. My comments about installing strap buttons were made strictly because I believe many classical-guitar owners probably prefer not to have them, due perhaps in part to their being so non-traditional for classicals or perhaps to the fact that they may reduce resale value.

-Bob

Putting a strap on a classical?
 

Thank you for the great suggestions guys!
I probably will, at least on a cheap one, just put a strap button on the bottom and tie the other end behind the nut on the headstock like my steel-string acoustic.
On a nicer guitar I would look at some of these other alternatives. I didn't realize there were so many options!

It is my opinion that tying a strap to the neck up by the headstock can have an effect on pitch. There's always a chance that you'll put pressure on the instrument and bend the neck slightly while playing and holding it. So that's something to remember - your classical is unlikely to have a truss rod, and may be a bit more springy than the neck on your steel string.