Strap button for a gibson A

[Bob Schmidt]

I have a Gibson A with the strap tied around the headstock. It was recently sugested to me to try putting a button on the body to make the mandolin more stable. I considered this years ago when I bought the mandolin, but never could figure out where to put a button on it. Does anyone have a suggestion on where to place one?

[seankeegan]

[fatt-dad]

I've heard the same thing, but. . .

I hate strap buttons!

I do like going about the peghead.

my advice? Don't do it!

Other's think differently!

f-d

[Ray(T)]

As seankeegan illustrates. My Kimble also came with a button on the side of the heel from new. There are those who are strongly opposed to fitting such a button but it's your mandolin not theirs.

[Br1ck]

I don't know if I'd put a button on my vintage Gibson. I put one on my Silverangel, but a nice turned wood one that cost me a bunch more than I wanted it to.

[rowka]

Ken had one on my Fantasma when I got it.

[Ray(T)]

I don't know if I'd put a button on my vintage Gibson. I put one on my Silverangel, but a nice turned wood one that cost me a bunch more than I wanted it to.

I haven't put one on my vintage Gibsons either but they're on everything else; including a very nice one the folks at National Guitars sent me to match the other one on the bottom end of my RM-1.

[Ivan Kelsall]

If you play high up the neck as i do on occasion,i wouldn't recommend putting a strap button on the lower side of the neck. My 'used' Ellis came with a huge bass guitar strap button screwed to the neck,which was totally in the way of my left hand - i removed it & i now use the Strap under'' style of fitting a strap. If you can use that method,that's what i'd personally recommend = no 'damage' to the mandolin - but it's down to personal choice,
Ivan

[Eric Platt]

I use strap buttons on both of my Gibson A models. However, neither is a) stock, b) pristine, c) a high level model. I also use a wider strap than many folks.

Just more used to it that way from my years of playing guitar.

[Eric C.]

If you play high up the neck as i do on occasion,i wouldn't recommend putting a strap button on the lower side of the neck. My 'used' Ellis came with a huge bass guitar strap button screwed to the neck,which was totally in the way of my left hand - i removed it & i now use the Strap under'' style of fitting a strap. If you can use that method,that's what i'd personally recommend = no 'damage' to the mandolin - but it's down to personal choice,
Ivan

Pretty sure this is an older Gibson A model (per thread title). Those do not have elevated fretboards.

[fatt-dad]

Here's a pair of my oval-hole a-model Gibson mandolins. I've kept the white one. I used the same approach on both; however.



f-d

[Mark Wilson]

As much as I like the functionality of a heel button I would not be inclined to put one on an old Gibson oval
and I want a white one..

[Bob Schmidt]

It is an oval sound hole A model. It is not pristine, but has a wonderful sound. Putting it on the bottom side of the neck seemed the most logical place, but i was wondering if it would interfere with the left hand which is why I have never done it. The strap under looks like a good solution, but it is not an elevated fingerboard. It may still work but look clumsy so I may try it, but it looks like keeping it where it is on the headstock is still the best solution. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Bob Schmidt

[pops1]

I like them on the headstock, but not at the nut. I go thru the tuners to keep the strap away from my hand when playing in the first position.

[drooartz]

After almost 20 years playing my '23 Snakehead, I finally had a strap button put on it on the side of the heel. Prior to this I used a strap that wrapped around the headstock just behind the nut.

For me, it is a big improvement to have the strap on the heel. Gets it out of my way by the neck, and I don't find it in my way when playing up the neck. I also find the instrument hangs with better balance now. My snakehead is a player (also has a slightly radiused fretboard and a pickup) so I wasn't worried about originality, just usability.

I have not found the strap to be in the way up the neck -- but that's a personal thing, and your experience may vary.

[Ray(T)]

Same here, the button on my Kimble doesn't get in the way. I don't have them on either of my Gibsons because they've both managed without them for around 100 years. I can already see the wear on the top of my two year old mandola from the leather under-the-fretboard thong.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Hi Ray - Does the strap on your mandola move around enough to cause some wear ?. I've had the 'strap under' on my Ellis for 3 years. The strap is almost 'jammed' under the f/board extension & doesn't move at all. Likewise - there's absolutely no sign of any wear on the scrolls of my Weber & Lebeda,& they've had leather straps on them for close to 10 years,
Ivan

[Ray(T)]

Hi Ivan
Yes, it moves around - it isn't "jammed" under the fingerboard. You can just see the wear on the very top edge of the top/side. It's not a big issue as I doubt I'll still be around when it becomes noticeable You know where the strap came from.
Ray

[mandroid]

With my 1922 A 4, I use a Chair. and sit in it to play, with my friends..

My 'plastic' Mix A 5 came with a strap button on the side of the neck heel as shown above,

in 2nd reply..

[multidon]

Sigh. I have posted about this more times than I can count. And inevitably people respond and argue against me vehemently. But I fortunately have facts on my side. So here we go, one more time.

1. It’s NOT a “strap button”. It’s an end pin. It was never intended to be used with a strap.
2. Then what’s it for, you ask? Answer is, nothing in particular other than looks. It is a leftover from elements of violin design that Orville, and then Lloyd, incorporated into their revolutionary mandolin design. Other more well known elements include F holes, scrolls, and carved backs and tops. The end pin belongs with those.
3. On a violin, the end pin serves the function of anchoring the tailpiece in place, using a length of gut or nylon. Perhaps the original intention was for the end pin to function the same way on a mandolin. Why else would the end pin go right through the tail piece? But I would be willing to bet the metal sheared through. Thus we have the 3 screws.
4. Just because people keep insisting on using it like a “strap button” doesn’t make it one, no matter how many say so. Think about this. Why would a strap button be designed to slip out so easily, with dire consequences? And if it really was intended to be used with a strap, why was one not supplied for the other end? Every other aspect of the Gibson design seems meticulously planned.
5. It is essential on a violin to be able to remove the end pin so that he sound post can be visually oriented. Even without a sound post, removing the end pin gives you an excellent view of the mandolin’s interior. You can use it to find loose braces or other problems. Also great for repair access in certain cases, like adjusting neck bolts if present.
6. I decided long ago to play seated, without a strap. Good enough for classical mandolinists, good enough for me.

[mandroid]

End block, I expect was not what the OP had in mind, but the neck button,

yes, long ago , Gibson began using violin tapered end pins in the big end, end block of mandolins
and guitars..

when people install pickups, that tapered hole is reamed out removing the taper ,
and fitting a combination strap button and jack for the cable plug.

and the F , Florentine, Scroll is for many, a fancy strap hanger..

Old Folks, not classical, but playing in a chair near a table , keeps my beverage in a handy, nearby, location.


..

[multidon]

I apologize. My previous post was intended for a completely different discussion. Pay no mind.

[multidon]

Moderators, if you could remove post #20 for me, I would appreciate it. I posted it here by mistake. I have re-posted essentially the same thing where it belongs.

[Steve Ostrander]

I used to tie my strap under the FB extension on my MT.

My only advice is--and I got this from a luthier who knows his bidness--avoid the neck heel cap for a strap button. Drilling a hole there is just asking for the wood to split, either now or later.

[dan in va]

I've passed up mandolins because of the strap button on the neck and have found a more stable place to tie the end of the strap on the peghead between the g and e tuners. There isn't a place to attach that everyone likes and IMHO the value takes a hit.