Strap button position question

crnazz · #1 07-31-2022, 09:47 PM

This is a Martin J-65M that has a strap button positioned as pictured. It’s problematic for me as I am a small person and need to play, using a strap, while standing for our church services. Due to its location, the guitar hangs a bit away from me … more-so than it would if the strap button were located on the side of the neck where it joins the body - where most strap buttons are located.

I would be fairly comfortable re-locating it on the side but am concerned that the original hole left, in combination with the new hole for the re-location, would weaken the wood too much.

Do you think it would be structurally adequate to fill in the original hole with something substantial before drilling a new hole? (and not sure what that might be).....Or am I over-processing this issue?

I would appreciate any suggestions that might be offered here.

Thanks in advance!

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Horsehockey · #2 07-31-2022, 10:20 PM

You might consider re-posting this question in the build and repair forum. Lots of luthier expertise hanging around there.

crnazz · #3 07-31-2022, 10:22 PM

Thanks! Will do.

Turtleneck · #4 07-31-2022, 10:25 PM

You can relocate it. A good luthier could put a new heel cap on there and nobody would ever know.

Personally, I would run the strap to the headstock, but that’s me.

You won’t screw up your neck heel by relocating it there.

gmel555 · #5 07-31-2022, 10:31 PM

While it's not a totally unusual button placement I also prefer mine on the side and if the current situation doesn't produce a comfortable playing position I'd move it. If you're not confident doing it yourself I'd think it would be an inexpensive charge from a luthier. That hole should fill in fine with the right material.

perttime · #6 07-31-2022, 11:14 PM

I like the button on the lower side of the heel, about mid way between fretboard and heel cap.

The heel on this guitar is pretty skinny. I wonder if the screw would go all the way through the heel and into body structure - and what exactly is there in the neck/body joint, on this guitar.

Russ C · #7 08-01-2022, 04:07 AM

I think you’re safe to shift that screw if you want to.
As a Aussie who grew up with Matons I have no aversion to pins in that location. I much prefer that to something screwed into anywhere where my left hand may want to go while I’m playing, but there’s many thousands of happy owners of Martins and other American guitars who don’t agree. I suppose it’s no real difference to playing a 12 fret neck.

Kimb55 · #8 08-01-2022, 04:32 AM

My D45 had the strap button there. I got a Schaller strap lock and it worked quite well.

ssstewart · #9 08-01-2022, 09:47 AM

you could get creative yourself if the guitar is a keeper that you dont intend to resell...something like this

i wasnt covering anything up on the heel, just wanted to add my dads ring mounted on a pick but something like that would work in your situation as well... food for thought.

crnazz · #10 08-01-2022, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssstewart

you could get creative yourself if the guitar is a keeper that you dont intend to resell...something like this

i wasnt covering anything up on the heel, just wanted to add my dads ring mounted on a pick but something like that would work in your situation as well... food for thought.

I love that Don!

Thanks for all the suggestions AGF! I'll give this some serious thought.