How to Put a Strap on a Vintage Martin Guitar

Guitar straps are essential if you play standing up.

Straps on acoustic guitars traditionally attach to the strap button on the butt end of the guitar and to the headstock. Many acoustic guitar manufacturers now add a second strap button at the heel of the neck, making the guitar more balanced and easier to play. Older acoustic guitars can be modified by adding a second strap button, an easy procedure that requires drilling a hole in the guitar. But if you own a vintage Martin, drilling a hole doesn't sound appealing. Martin, however, makes a simple device to solve the problem

Instructions

1. Purchase a Martin strap button, which is a leather collar with a nylon button. The collar attaches to the headstock rather than the heel of the guitar's neck. The Martin strap button is specifically designed for guitar players who do not want to drill a hole in their guitar. The device is available online and at acoustic guitar stores.

2. Attach the Martin strap button to the headstock of the guitar by sliding the top part of the leather collar underneath the strings on the headstock side off the nut. Wrap the bottom of the collar around the back of the headstock and insert the nylon button through the buttonhole to lock the strap in place. Attach the top of the guitar strap to the nylon button.

3. Attach the bottom of the strap to the strap button on the butt end of the guitar.

4. Adjust the strap so that the guitar is at a comfortable height.

References

• Learn Fingerstyle Guitar: Acoustic Guitar Straps
• Guitar Center: Martin Guitar Strap Button