Installing a strap button on a 1957 ES350T

[aladdinsane]

I just picked up a 1957 ES350T that's in original condition, aside from replaced saddles and an old refret. I was thinking about adding a strap button on the heel, so I wanted to see what you all think about doing that. Bad idea? It's not mint by any means, but I don't want to do anything stupid. I'm mostly playing this guitar at home.

If I were to do it, would something like this work (standard 50s button for 335s, etc.)? And if so, would you have it installed on the back of the heel?



Here are some shots of the guitar:

 

[MarcB]

In my world. adding any holes to a vintage guitar is illegal.. as we are only custodians of things, not owners.. and if you are just playing at home.. there’s no need to add the strap button..
it’s a beautiful guitar.. please don’t drill any holes in it.

 

[Happy Tree]

I wouldn't have any qualms putting a strap button there. But if it were my guitar I'd wear a strap like for an acoustic and put a string around the headstock behind the nut. It worked for Sister Rosetta Tharpe!

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

In my world. adding any holes to a vintage guitar is illegal.. as we are only custodians of things, not owners.. and if you are just playing at home.. there’s no need to add the strap button..
it’s a beautiful guitar.. please don’t drill any holes in it.

I agree.

I have a vintage '68 Gibson Dove which has no upper body strap pin, and as much as I mod the heck out of most guitars I would never dream of drilling a hole anywhere on that guitar.

I simply use the length of naugahide or shoe lace that comes with most straps and tie it behind the nut for the occasions I play it standing up.

 

[aladdinsane]

In my world. adding any holes to a vintage guitar is illegal.. as we are only custodians of things, not owners.. and if you are just playing at home.. there’s no need to add the strap button..
it’s a beautiful guitar.. please don’t drill any holes in it.

Thanks! I was on the fence, but I think I may just leave it.

 

[aladdinsane]

I agree.

I have a vintage '68 Gibson Dove which has no upper body strap pin, and as much as I mod the heck out of most guitars I would never dream of drilling a hole anywhere on that guitar.

I simply use the length of naugahide or shoe lace that comes with most straps and tie it behind the nut for the occasions I play it standing up.

Thanks for your input! I needed to get some thoughts from the wise minds here.

 

[brandtkronholm]

I say "drill baby, drill!"
Here's my 1960 Byrdland. I gig occasionally with this guitar. Without a strap pin it'd be slightly less comfy and awkward. With the pin, comfy and normal.

(Bruh...that maple tho. Bruh.)

 

[brandtkronholm]

I just picked up a 1957 ES350T that's in original condition, aside from replaced saddles and an old refret. I was thinking about adding a strap button on the heel, so I wanted to see what you all think about doing that. Bad idea? It's not mint by any means, but I don't want to do anything stupid. I'm mostly playing this guitar at home.

If I were to do it, would something like this work (standard 50s button for 335s, etc.)? And if so, would you have it installed on the back of the heel?



Here are some shots of the guitar:

View attachment 28013

That case lining got shrunked up reel good!
It's like that on my old '50s cases too - but I don't think there's that much play around the wide part of the guitar in my cases.
I assume it's the correct case?

 

[garywright]

beautiful finish, I’d leave it As Is ..it’s made it this long without one.

 

[aladdinsane]

I say "drill baby, drill!"
Here's my 1960 Byrdland. I gig occasionally with this guitar. Without a strap pin it'd be slightly less comfy and awkward. With the pin, comfy and normal.

(Bruh...that maple tho. Bruh.)

View attachment 28028

You talkin’ ‘bout my maple or your maple? Nice Byrdland!

 

[aladdinsane]

That case lining got shrunked up reel good!
It's like that on my old '50s cases too - but I don't think there's that much play around the wide part of the guitar in my cases.
I assume it's the correct case?

Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s the original case. I had one other Byrdland/350T case that I stupidly sold, and it seemed to be the same.

 

[charliechitlins]

I tried liking my '58 ES175 with the strap tied to the headstock and just couldn't.
I have cleanly put strap buttons in upper bouts (it needs to be backed up with a glued-in block) and that's the way the guitar hangs best, but I did the less invasive way on the heel.
The finish is so dark there, the hole could easily be filled and hidden if one desired.
If anybody asks, I tell them I got it that way

 

[charliechitlins]

I just read the OP more carefully.
I'd give it some time and consider.
I only put the button on mine because I play it out.
If it were only for home use...I'd probably have left it alone.

 

[brandtkronholm]

You talkin’ ‘bout my maple or your maple? Nice Byrdland!

I was talking about the maple on the back of the neck and body of my Byrdland at first - but then noticed you’ve got it going on with the back AND front with the ES350! Awesome!

 

[aladdinsane]

I was talking about the maple on the back of the neck and body of my Byrdland at first - but then noticed you’ve got it going on with the back AND front with the ES350! Awesome!

Hahaha. I was just kidding. You're maple is INSANE. Beautiful guitar.

 

[Joe's Vintage Guitars]

I just picked up a 1957 ES350T that's in original condition, aside from replaced saddles and an old refret. I was thinking about adding a strap button on the heel, so I wanted to see what you all think about doing that. Bad idea? It's not mint by any means, but I don't want to do anything stupid. I'm mostly playing this guitar at home.

If I were to do it, would something like this work (standard 50s button for 335s, etc.)? And if so, would you have it installed on the back of the heel?

View attachment 28012

Here are some shots of the guitar:

View attachment 28013
View attachment 28014
View attachment 28015

I just picked up a 1957 ES350T that's in original condition, aside from replaced saddles and an old refret. I was thinking about adding a strap button on the heel, so I wanted to see what you all think about doing that. Bad idea? It's not mint by any means, but I don't want to do anything stupid. I'm mostly playing this guitar at home.

If I were to do it, would something like this work (standard 50s button for 335s, etc.)? And if so, would you have it installed on the back of the heel?

View attachment 28012

Here are some shots of the guitar:

View attachment 28013
View attachment 28014
View attachment 28015

A 1957 ES350T is a true piece of history, and its understandable to want a strap solution without altering the guitar. Instead of installing a button, consider using a vintage-style strap that wraps around the headstock, just behind the nut. Its a secure option that works beautifully for home play and ensures the guitar remains in its original condition.

 

[brandtkronholm]

A 1957 ES350T is a true piece of history, and its understandable to want a strap solution without altering the guitar. Instead of installing a button, consider using a vintage-style strap that wraps around the headstock, just behind the nut. Its a secure option that works beautifully for home play and ensures the guitar remains in its original condition.

This was addressed in post #3 of the thread.