How to Put a Strap on a Seagull Guitar

Although a guitar player doesn't need a strap to play while sitting, it is necessary when playing while standing up, as in during a show. Many guitars have two strap buttons installed---one for each end of the strap---but Seagull guitars have only the strap button, called the end pin, at the base, and none at the heel. There are two ways to install a strap: by tying one to the guitar's neck or by installing a strap button to the guitar's heel--which is a process that requires caution, so you don't damage your guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shoelace or leather tie Marker, pen or pencil Electric drill Drill bit Strap button Screwdriver

How to Tie a Strap to the Top of the Headstock/neck

1. Slip a strong string (like a shoelace or leather tie) through one of the guitar strap's button holes (if there are no strings already strung through).

2. 
    
   Tie the string just behind the nut and under the strings.

   Tie the string to the guitar's headstock with a strong knot, under the strings and between the nut and the first set of tuners.

3. Test your knot with a tug.

4. Attach the other end of the strap to the end pin at the guitar's base, making sure the rounded part of the strap buckle is on the outside of the strap, facing the correct way.

How to Install a Strap Button to Your Guitar's Heel

5. 
    
   Mark your button placement halfway between the bottom of the heel and the bottom of the guitar's neck.

   With a marker, pen or pencil, mark the side or bottom of the heel, halfway between the back of the guitar and the neck, where the button or final strap placement won't interfere with your playing.

6. Carefully drill straight into the heel.

7. Carefully screw the strap button into the heel.

8. Attach the strap to the guitar's base, making sure the strap button comes all the way through the button hole so the strap won't slip off.

9. 
    
   Always slip your strap all the way over the button so it won't slip off.

   Attach the strap to guitar's heel, again making sure the strap button comes all the way through the strap's button hole so the strap won't slip off.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a tapered drill bit to make sure you firmly plant your button into the wood, and make sure the bit is not too big and not too small. Too small, and you can crack the heel; too big, and the button can slip out. Wax the strap button's screw to help it screw in smoothly. If your guitar's finish seems to chip while you are drilling or screwing in the button, you can use a countersink to scrape away some of the finish so it doesn't chip away. If you're afraid of damaging your guitar, you can find a professional luthier through your local music store for help.
• Never attach to the top of the heel so that the button faces upward, because the button can pull out while you're playing. Watch carefully while drilling and screwing in the button, so you don't chip your guitar's finish.

Resources

• More ideas on how and where to install strap buttons