So, I ended up finding a Trinity College zouk at a shop nearby and bought it but now I need to install a strap button somewhere around the neck joint (at the body). Any suggestions and instructions would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Best to contact Trinity. Neck joints differ from maker to maker, and often from model to model. You don't want to sink a screw into the wrong place (it can split a dovetail joint, or interfere with bolt on systems, etc.). Most makers are more than happy to give you the specs--distances from the body and fingerboard--for you to triangulate a proper position for the strap button. And be sure to pre-drill the hole with a bit sized to allow the screw to anchor without splitting the wood.
You might actually want to try just tying the strap off at the headstock before you install the button. Zouks are pretty neck-heavy and you might like the added support.
The luthier at my local music shop charged me $10 to put one on my octave mandolin a few years ago. I was happy to pay that (1) for his experience regarding placement and (2) so if the job was botched it wasn't my fault. He put it on the underside (i.e. nearest the E strings) of the neck joint, and I've been very happy with it.
JS is right enough, it's a very cheap operation to have done by a professional, and if you have any worries about doing it yourself, you might as well ease your mind and hire a pro.
However, it's not a difficult job to do yourself - you sink a pilot hole into the heel of the neck, on the lower side, and then, working slowly and gently, turn the screw until the button fits tightly. Nothing to it.
If you want more detail, Frank Ford of Gryphon Stringed Instruments runs it down at his web site, frets.com, with pictures and everything. This site is a really great resource if you need to know anything about repair and maintainence of guitars and the like. Go to the index page and search for the word "button", it'll bring you right to it. .
Installing a strap button on my zouk
Installing a strap button on my zouk
So, I ended up finding a Trinity College zouk at a shop nearby and bought it but now I need to install a strap button somewhere around the neck joint (at the body). Any suggestions and instructions would be most appreciated. Thanks!
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by New Zouker
Re: Installing a strap button on my zouk
You can try this system http://www.heritageguitar.com/Strap%20Button%20location%20for%202nd%20Strap%20Button%20-%20JAZZ%20Thick%20Body.jpg
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by SILVIO 64
Re: Installing a strap button on my zouk
Best to contact Trinity. Neck joints differ from maker to maker, and often from model to model. You don't want to sink a screw into the wrong place (it can split a dovetail joint, or interfere with bolt on systems, etc.). Most makers are more than happy to give you the specs--distances from the body and fingerboard--for you to triangulate a proper position for the strap button. And be sure to pre-drill the hole with a bit sized to allow the screw to anchor without splitting the wood.
Beyond that, it's an easy enough procedure.
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Will Harmon
Re: Installing a strap button on my zouk
You might actually want to try just tying the strap off at the headstock before you install the button. Zouks are pretty neck-heavy and you might like the added support.
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Steve L
Re: Installing a strap button on my zouk
The luthier at my local music shop charged me $10 to put one on my octave mandolin a few years ago. I was happy to pay that (1) for his experience regarding placement and (2) so if the job was botched it wasn't my fault. He put it on the underside (i.e. nearest the E strings) of the neck joint, and I've been very happy with it.
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Jameson Stew
Re: Installing a strap button on my zouk
JS is right enough, it's a very cheap operation to have done by a professional, and if you have any worries about doing it yourself, you might as well ease your mind and hire a pro.
However, it's not a difficult job to do yourself - you sink a pilot hole into the heel of the neck, on the lower side, and then, working slowly and gently, turn the screw until the button fits tightly. Nothing to it.
If you want more detail, Frank Ford of Gryphon Stringed Instruments runs it down at his web site, frets.com, with pictures and everything. This site is a really great resource if you need to know anything about repair and maintainence of guitars and the like. Go to the index page and search for the word "button", it'll bring you right to it. .
# Posted on February 14th 2008 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Installing a strap button on my zouk
Thanks everyone. The instructions on Frets.com are great and I'll get right to work once I get a strap button!
# Posted on February 14th 2008 by New Zouker