Would you pass a guitar with a strap button on the heel cap?

[rstaight]

I wouldn't pass it up. I have guitars with pins in positions 2 and 5. I have added pins in position 2 and 5.

You will see reasons for and against each. But I have seen no problem with either position.

[Scott of the Sa]

When I first got my Martin HD28 I put the strap button on the bottom of the heel. I never liked it there. I moved it to the back side of the neck and it works great. I had the hole in the heel cap filled with a small black dot.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by theblues88

Found a guitar I want to purchase in great condition but unfortunately the owner installed a strap button on position 2:



I never had a guitar with a strap btn on this position but I've read that folks don't like it very much.

Thoughts?

Thoughts, from way back in January:

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...ghlight=button

[Aspiring]

In general I definitely wouldn't pass for two main reasons

1) not that big a deal to change the location if needed
2) different guitars balance differently and you may not know how the location works on that guitar until you try it

I prefer position 5 and play with a strap 100% of the time. I have a few guitars that have come into my possession with buttons mounted in positions 1-4. On those guitars my reaction ranges from don't even notice the different position to mildly dislike of the position. It's never been enough to warrant me putting the effort in to change it.

[Bridgepin]

That would not phase me in the slightest. If you like the sound and feel of the guitar that is what's important

[Goat Mick]

I actually like position 2 as it allows the strap to go straight down your chest without twisting. I really don't care much for position 5 but that's where most of mine are because Martin, Taylor and several others use a pointed heel. The Gibson style of position 4 is my 2nd favorite because that's what I grew up with.

[Aahzz]

Originally Posted by jim1960

If I really loved the guitar, no, I wouldn't pass on it but I would relocate that strap button to the #5 position.

This right here.

[marciero]

I suppose it is preference, but I'm sorry, #3 should not qualify. Just yesterday I saw this and it made me cringe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaRwthlUI-w

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

I actually like position 2 as it allows the strap to go straight down your chest without twisting...

Same here, and unless the construction of the guitar prohibits mounting through the heel cap (as with pre-NT Taylors) it's been my go-to for the last 40+ years...

[HogsNRoses]

I wouldn’t pass on such a guitar. It happens my favorite strap is an old single-ply Lock-it leather strap with a reverse end for this strap button location.

With the current double ply Lock-it leather straps, you can just flip it over for use in this location. The strap is secure and holds a light acoustic guitar in place.

Please note I’m not passing judgement on one button location over another. It’s just that I’m always pleased to use my favorite strap.

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by jim1960

If I really loved the guitar, no, I wouldn't pass on it but I would relocate that strap button to the #5 position.

Same^^^for me, but I would relocate the button to position #4. I have a Guild 12 string and a John Greven custom 6 string with that broad/wide Guild style heel, and I have the strap button at position #4 on both guitars and it works perfectly great!

On these broad/wide heel designs, it is much easier to put the strap button at #4 and it works perfect.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Railroad Bum]

Honestly, the location of a strap button would not matter in any way possible if it was a guitar that I liked.

[sinistral]

Originally Posted by mcduffnw

Same^^^for me, but I would relocate the button to position #4. I have a Guild 12 string and a John Greven custom 6 string with that broad/wide Guild style heel, and I have the strap button at position #4 on both guitars and it works perfectly great!

On these broad/wide heel designs, it is much easier to put the strap button at #4 and it works perfect.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

Position #4 works for a flat heel like the ones you describe. I bought a phenomenal sounding, 1993 Martin J-40 last year, and the previous owner had installed a strap button at position #4, of all places. As Goat Mick noted, Martin necks have a pointy heel, so position #4 is probably the worst position for a strap button on a Martin. I had a luthier relocate it to position #5, and fill and refinish the hole so that it’s barely visible.

So to answer the OP’s question, sure, if the guitar is nice enough, it’s no big deal to move the strap button and either fill and refinish the hole or just replace the heel cap. Easy peasy.

[Italuke]

Better than patching the hole, might cost a little more but on that guitar just buy a new cap. Done.

[Brent Hutto]

Like most of the other responses, I'd have no problem buying it but I'd move it to the correct position as soon as I got it home. Just plug the old screw hole after the move.