strap buttons on acoustic

[tubenit]

Guys,

I got a beautiful Koa Larivee for my birthday from my wife. How cool is that!

I love the guitar.  It has the K&K pickup in it so it has a strap button on the tail, but I'd like it to hang more like and electric guitar. In other words, I don't like using a string at the head stock.

Is it OK to put a strap button on the side of the heel/neck similar to what the Taylor guitars do?  Just checking before I drill. Any known downside?

Thanks, Tubenit

[ThermionicEngine]

Guys,

I got a beautiful Koa Larivee for my birthday from my wife. How cool is that!

I love the guitar.  It has the K&K pickup in it so it has a strap button on the tail, but I'd like it to hang more like and electric guitar. In other words, I don't like using a string at the head stock.

Is it OK to put a strap button on the side of the heel/neck similar to what the Taylor guitars do?  Just checking before I drill. Any known downside?

Thanks, Tubenit

Hello Tubenit,

Way cool about the gift, lucky guy!!  It should work just fine going on the side of the heel as you describe.  (string at the headstock is bad idea anyway)  Not to be a master of the obvious but... Select a bit that is as close in diameter to the screw shaft (not the threads).  Tape your drill bit the length of the screw that stcks out from the strap button.  Check to be sure you aren't too low on the heel such that the screw goes through and out.  When you drill, stop when the tape is even with the wood.  (You probably knew all that- as I said, master of the obvious...) good luck with the new axe!  Larry

[G._Hoffman]

Yeah, it's fine.  For the standard strap buttons you see most places, you can use either a 3/32" bit or a 7/64" bit.  If it is a maple neck, use 7/64".  Either way, a bit of wax on the screw helps it go in better. 

The one thing you will need to look out for is the neck bolts.  I pretty much know where they are (because I've run a couple bits into them  ), but you might want to take a small magnet and see if you can find it before you drill.  Make sure you use a pokey thing (an awl, or a scribe of some sort) to mark the spot, and ALWAYS use a brad point bit.  Also, I always like to use the little felt washers with strap buttons.


Buttons & Screws

Felt Washers



Gabriel

[ThermionicEngine]

All good advice.  L'Arrivee Guitars don't have any neck bolts to worry about, hand fitted dovetail joint.  Very nice guitars.
Lucky guy...

Larry

[G._Hoffman]

All good advice.  L'Arrivee Guitars don't have any neck bolts to worry about, hand fitted dovetail joint.  Very nice guitars.
Lucky guy...

Larry

Doh!!!


Yes, indeed.  For some reason, I was mistaking them for Breedlove's, which makes no sense at all, as they are totally different guitars.

So, ignore the bolt advice, but the rest of it is still pertinent.


Gabriel

[tubenit]

Gentleman,

Thanks for the advice and information!

Best regards, Tubenit

[HotBluePlates]

Congratulations on the awesome gift! Larivee guitars are wonderful works of art!

And happy belated birthday!

[tubenit]

Thanks my friend!  Hope we can get together and jam & get caught up on one of your trips to Charlotte.

Best regards, Jeff