Question for the Guitar Players

[mikethompson]

I'm looking to get back into playing the guitar. Call it a New Years resolution if you want.

One of my main reasons for putting it down was that it was just uncomfortable to hold. To that end I had bought a guitar strap. But where it mounts on the body of the guitar, there was just a plastic peg. It doesn't hold in place at all.

Is there a different 'mounting screw' or something that I should be using?

 

[Sigmund]

The "Peg" supposed to be locked in place.

Finding the right chair helps too

 

[AcesAndEights]

Strap locks! I put these on all my guitars.

 

[beetlejockey]

Heavily agree with the strap locks, they make life so much easier especially if you move around a lot when you play.
Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference, so try out lots of different positions and ways of holding the guitar. What helped me a lot was practicing in front of a mirror, it really helps you point out weak spots in your technique. I found that a lot of the times I was experiencing discomfort whether it was in my shoulders or arms, often times linked back to my wrist position or neck position or even my leg positions. If you still find it uncomfortable to play guitar even after it's strapped in securely, I recommend finding a teacher who will be able to critique your technique and posture. Classical teachers are great for this.
I play guitar for roughly 6 hours a day (I'm a music student and play frequent gigs), so being comfortable while playing is a very big deal for me, and I found that adapting a classical position to my own body was the most comfortable.
Again take all this with a grain of salt as it all depends on your technique and what works for you, but as a jazz guitarist that's all the stuff I'd think about

 

[mikethompson]

Strap locks!

Yes, but the hole where that white peg fits is too large for the screw of that lock. Is there a different type?

Good advice @beetlejockey thanks!

 

[Auxsender]

As far as strap buttons go, google something like “large acoustic guitar strap button” or something similar.
Strap locks are cool but might be overkill for your application.
There are many options out there that aren’t locking but will do a much better job of holding that strap in place than the stock button you currently have.

As far as discomfort or whatever, suck it up, guitar hurts.

 

[Mikerr]

Where the strap button is not designed to be a permanent fitting it's usually a tapered hole fit. If yours is like that you may need to find a button with the correct taper. Martin acoustic guitars use this system. I believe it's to save damage to the base of the guitar when in transit
Or if you want a permanent fit I'd be more inclined to glue the button in place. Assuming the button is not too loose a fit. If you look inside the hole can you see the thickness or evidence of a wooden block inside the hole? If so there is plenty of surface to make a decent glue joint.

 

[AcesAndEights]

Yes, but the hole where that white peg fits is too large for the screw of that lock. Is there a different type?

Good advice @beetlejockey thanks!

There’s lots of types. That was just the first image google pulled up!
The white button will be removed. The ‘button’ included with the strap lock system will replace it. Easy peazy.

 

[tracerbullet]

You could also try a different guitar size.Most of mine are dreads. However my Taylor mini is a delight. I just ordered a concert size to try.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I found putting my guitars on the roof for winter sorted this issue out

 

[sardonicus87]

D'addario makes a strap lock that's a plastic piece that doesn't involve replacing your existing pegs or modifying the guitar (I use these personally, never had an issue with them):

DualLock Strap Lock | Accessories | D'Addario

The D'Addario Dual-Lock Strap Lock provides a low-cost alternative to strap security for additional instrument protection. Without need of modification, the Dual-Lock clips onto your existing strap button to prevent your strap from releasing accidentally. Additionally, the Dual-Lock can be...

www.daddario.com

Ernie Ball and Fender both make these silicone strap block things that also don't require modification (I also have a set of these, they're not as secure as the above, but they seem to work, btw, one guitar I use these on is heavy as hell, mahogany 7-string multiscale electric, if they can hold straps on that, they can hold your acoustic):

Strap Blocks

Securely fasten your strap to any instrument with Ernie Ball rubber strap blocks. Fits most strap button types and provides a tight fit without any modification to your guitar. Made of flexible, durable rubber that will slip over existing strap buttons for a secure connection.

www.ernieball.com

 

[tmc]

Is the end pin coming out of the guitar, or is the strap coming off the pin? I use a similar leather strap on my guitars and it’s secure. I’ve had it on there for 6 years without taking it off at this point. Maybe a heavier leather strap would hold better. I prefer narrow leather straps that attach to the headstock.

 

[mikethompson]

There’s lots of types. That was just the first image google pulled up!
The white button will be removed. The ‘button’ included with the strap lock system will replace it. Easy peazy.

I must be looking at them wrong then

Is the end pin coming out of the guitar, or is the strap coming off the pin?

It's just sliding off the guitar, no issues with it coming off the strap.

 

[mikethompson]

I found putting my guitars on the roof for winter sorted this issue out

Alas, this is one thing roof exposure can't fix.

 

[n_irwin]

If I’m understanding correctly, that the end pin is loose at the end of the guitar and the screw doesn’t have enough material to bind to, you can snap off some toothpicks in the hole and then screw the pin back into the guitar. Then, if you care to, you can install another strap button on the heal of the neck, like in this picture.

 

[Bassman65]

I bought gf t these for my son. He says they work.

 

[anotherbob]

Strap locks! I put these on all my guitars.View attachment 360022

A must if you move when you play. After almost knocking the drummers teeth out during practice... leads to an opinion of pro strap locks.

 

[Infantry23]

I find it easier to just not move when I play. 1) I'm lazy and 2) it's easier to smoke my pipe while playing guitar

 

[Snook]

Step 1: Buy Fishman Rare Earth pickup for $350
Step 2: Install in guitar and replace plastic pin with cable jack
Step 3: Attach strap as desired

Problem solved and as an added bonus you can now start playing live gigs!

 

[sardonicus87]

I bought gf t these for my son. He says they work.

View attachment 360213

Yeah, those are similar to the Fender and EB options.

If you look here, I'm using the D'addario plastic ones I linked earlier, you can clearly see how well they work, look at the front horn and the extreme angle the strap has to the button and it holds just fine:

Meanwhile, I have a much older video from when I was fat, pre-strap locking, at around 19-22 seconds in on this one and you see the same strap come flying off from this same guitar: