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Installing a strap button on a 1957 ES350T

aladdinsane

Active member
Joined
Feb 25, 2004
Messages
140
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?

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Here are some shots of the guitar:

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Last edited:

MarcB

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2023
Messages
1,543
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.
 

Hiwatts-n-Gibsons

Well-known member
Joined
May 10, 2024
Messages
840
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

Active member
Joined
Feb 25, 2004
Messages
140
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

Active member
Joined
Feb 25, 2004
Messages
140
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

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Messages
2,848
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?
 

aladdinsane

Active member
Joined
Feb 25, 2004
Messages
140
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

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,275
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 😜
 

brandtkronholm

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Messages
2,848
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!
 
Joined
Oct 29, 2024
Messages
4
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

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Messages
2,848
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.
 
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