Anyone else actually prefer attaching a strap with a shoelace?

[RalphH]

I've just put my Taylor on a shoelace too! Much Better

Wonder what uncle Bob would say...?

[619TF]

This is a timely thread for me as I planned on taking my beater guitar on a trip soon. I put the strap in the case and then realized the guitar has no strap button and my old strap is "stringless". I was wondering if an old shoelace would work and then this thread pops up today. Thanks OP....gonna give it a try!

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by RalphH

push the loop through under the strings

Bring it back bhind the neck

Drop the strrap through the loop (well, feed it though end-pin end first)

Done

Takes 2 seconds to get the strap on and off. No quick release or untieing needed

cunning eh?

Oh, okay, thanks! .

Still, I think I'll stick to the slide the shoelace under the strings & tie it in a loop every time technique. I'm not on that tight a schedule.

[Gordon Currie]

I did that with my first guitar at age 9 - it had no neck button. And in the Sixties, EVERYONE did it (or so it seemed).

But I hated how the guitar hung. When I tried someone's guitar with both strap buttons - I was instantly converted. It felt balanced AND secure.

I also have seen a number of cracked headstocks over the years, and it occurred to me that the headstock is not the most strong point on a guitar. So no way do I want to count on that to keep my guitar from crashing to the ground.

So a shoelace is even more breakable. Yuck. Next thing, someone will suggest using dental floss to attach their strap (to a top of the line new guitar)...

To those who don't want to take a drill to their guitar - might I suggest taking it to a luthier/repair person? They have ways to minimize the pain to your precious, er, guitar.

[guitar george]

I've never used a shoelace but have used straps with a "tie" on guitars that don't have a strap button. Most straps used to come with ties and some still do. I presume they would be as strong or stronger than a shoelace. I play mostly sitting down and don't use straps much anymore.

[k_russell]

So I'm not a heretic.

[Sonics]

The shoelace method will balance any guitar. I'm surprised more Gibson SG players don't utilize this method. Doesn't look 'cool' I guess...



The main problem with the above solution seems to be if you're using a wide strap, then the strap itself could potentially get in the way of your fretting hand when it is in first position.

Most new straps come with shoelaces, and they come with shoelaces for a reason.

[RalphH]

She looks pretty cool to me.

Maybe shoelace plus the Martin leather thing. Might be best of both. Be easy to hook the lace onto it. No untieing needed.

[Sonics]

Originally Posted by RalphH

I've just put my Taylor on a shoelace too! Much Better

Wonder what uncle Bob would say...?

"Don't worry, I think I have it covered"

[Kev O)))]

Love the trick that RalphH suggested, wish I had seen it earlier.

I've tried the Planet Waves Quick Release option but that seemed to long for me, & I don't like the idea of drilling extra holes into a guitar unless it's done naturally like Willie Nelson's Trigger.

Decided to go with a simple waxed shoelace and for me it makes the guitar sit at just the right angle. Easier now for Cowboy & Barre Chords.

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by Kev O)))

I don't like the idea of drilling extra holes into a guitar unless it's done naturally like Willie Nelson's Trigger.

Many years ago, I felt that way too. Then a player-buddy pointed out that, once you’ve screwed the strap-button in the hole you just drilled, there’s no hole there any more! I was immediately cured! Since then, every new guitar gets a strap-button on the heel the day I receive it.

Which is a long way of saying, “No, no shoe-laces for me!”.

[Joe Sustaire]

I've tried using straps both ways, tie on the headstock and using the heel button, and much preferred using the heel button attachment........... then since I've been playing a rack mounted harmonica while I play, I've found that attaching the strap to the headstock gives me more room for the harp rack without the strap interfering and moving the rack. All of a sudden it's the only way to go for me!

[The Bard Rocks]

I used to tie them with a shoestring but found it harder to walk.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by RalphH

I've never had a guitar without a front strap button, having mostly grown up on electrics.

Last week I got a vintage hummingbird with no strap button on the heal. I considered adding one, but couldn't quite bring myself to take a drill to my new guitar.

So today I found an old shoelace to tie the strap to the headstock, and OMG, I like it better than a heal button!

It moves the guitar backwards a bit so it's less on my belly (better for breathing for singing), but most importantly, it brings the headstock end of the fretboard nearer making it more comfortable too!

I feel like we've gone backwards with heal strap buttons. I may change all my straps to shoelace attachments!!

Am I the only weirdo that find this??

Also, I looked at various quick release headstock strap attachments, and then relised all i have to do is push the shoelace loop through under the strings and back round, then drop the strap through the loop and it's attached. No need to untie it or take off the strings to get the strap on and off! Why is everyone else tieing to the headstock! Madness!

You're REALLY not gonna like mine...

[musicman1951]

I don't like the way the guitar balances when the strap is attached at the headstock. But whatever floats your boat is good.