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Strap Buttons & End Pins
https://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=37646
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Author:  Spyder [ Wed Sep 05, 2012 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Strap Buttons & End Pins

OK, another aesthetic question here. Thinking of end pins and strap buttons for my first two, since I'll be placing an order soon. What do most of you do? I like the idea of a strap button, but do you put them on the base of the neck of a hand built guitar? Or on the end only and tie the strap to the head block? Or, for a small parlor like I'm building, is it more appropriate to think of this guitar as a lap instrument only, mostly played while sitting? That sounds a bit odd, just thinking out loud here. And what is more appropriate, chrome or wood? I'm guessing a wood end pin will work as a strap button.

Thanks for the input, now if I could only quit making mistakes I might actually get something done on these. (Cut a back brace a half inch too short from contacting the side today while fitting the back on no. 2. Bummer. Again.)

Thanks,

Author:  bluescreek [ Wed Sep 05, 2012 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap Buttons & End Pins

I set the strap button on the neck heel on the treble side and use a screw on button there and the strap pin from the bridge pin set for the tail

Author:  Bryan Bear [ Wed Sep 05, 2012 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap Buttons & End Pins

A guitar is meant to be played and enjoyed, I would hate to limit its use to only seated musicians. I like the strap button on the treble side of the neck heel. I have been making my own strap buttons lately. I take a wood screw of suitable size and insert it into a countersunk scrap of wood (matching the FB), glue it in to lock the threads and glue on a second scrap piece to cover the screw top (actually I like to use a thin laminate of another wood from the project to separate them). I chuck the screw into my drill press and turn the buttons using files, saw blades, sandpaper. . . polish while spinning. Then I can just screw the whole thing into the appropriate pilot hole.

Author:  Spyder [ Wed Sep 05, 2012 11:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap Buttons & End Pins

Thanks, I appreciate that. And I really like the idea of making your own buttons, that sounds like something I would enjoy doing. Well, before the motor went out on my small lathe. Not sure I'm up to trying on a drill press. Do you start with square pieces and turn them round? Looks like it would be hard to keep the tools from flying across the shop. Well, for me anyway.

Author:  Dave Stewart [ Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap Buttons & End Pins

You could cut a plug with a plugcutter, center drill & tack in a mandrel (to be replaced later by a screw) & file/sand to shape on a drillpress. I use this method often for knobs.

Author:  Bryan Bear [ Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap Buttons & End Pins

Acctually the last set I did on my drill press because the switch went out on my RAS (that has a drill chuck attachment). I rough them round on the bandsaw (carefully) first. Then I round them up with a file (light touch). They are so small it is not so bad.

Author:  Tom West [ Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap Buttons & End Pins

Phil: I default to a tail jack instead of a wooden end pin. Then either tie off at head stock or metal button on the lower heel of the neck.
Tom

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