Adding a strap button on an SG cutaway.

[ch willie]

I've actually been thinking about this situation with an SG even though I don't own one. Love them. I just got an Explorer with the strap button at the heel too. I moved it almost immediately because I was fighting the pull-away.

I'd be so afraid of put a strap button on the tip of your SG, but just on the inside of the horn, maybe. It was no issue with the Explorer because of the build, but the SG is a challenge.

 

[Vics53]

I've actually been thinking about this situation with an SG even though I don't own one. Love them. I just got an Explorer with the strap button at the heel too. I moved it almost immediately because I was fighting the pull-away.

I'd be so afraid of put a strap button on the tip of your SG, but just on the inside of the horn, maybe. It was no issue with the Explorer because of the build, but the SG is a challenge.

I agree with you. While I think it looks better cosmetically on the tip of the SG's horn, I believe structurally it would be safer on the inside on the horn. But this is something I would not begin to attempt myself. There's a tech I've been taking my guitars to for years and he would know exactly how to do this. Whatever he says I'd go with.

Edit: Just had an afterthought. Looking at the pictures sent by JB Abides on page 1, I think the easiest, safest and most practical way to do this would be as shown with the strap button installed on the back of the upper horn. I do believe this is it! This would also keep the guitar "cosmetically intact" as well. I saw a picture somewhere where someone put a strap button on the front side of the guitar at the upper horn. I would NEVER do that but if it worked for whoever did it then more power to them.

 

[jb_abides]

I'd opt for the Gibson USA location, back side of upper horn, especially to solve the issue you are most concerned with.

Going on the inside curve of the upper horn will cause strap wear on the tip and surrounding areas.

While the Iommi location allows lots of swing freedom of movement, it concentrates forces on a smaller area of wood, so if you are a big mover, that's incurring risk.

It's all down to preference ... good to see that you are being really considerate in your move!

 

[Vics53]

I'd opt for the Gibson USA location, back side of upper horn, especially to solve the issue you are most concerned with.

Going on the inside curve of the upper horn will cause strap wear on the tip and surrounding areas.

While the Iommi location allows lots of swing freedom of movement, it concentrates forces on a smaller area of wood, so if you are a big mover, that's incurring risk.

It's all down to preference ... good to see that you are being really considerate in your move!

Again I thank you for your help with this. Thinking about it, I'm sure there's a reason why Gibson never went full tilt with putting a strap button on the tip or on the inside of the horn curve on all SG's. On the back of the horn makes sense.

 

[Vics53]

Finally did it! I was very busy with painting the outside of my house the last few weeks. Yesterday I finally made it to my local music store, got some strap buttons and just installed one on the backside of the upper horn today. Problem solved!

Attached are the before and after pics. At first I used a nylon strap and it was instant neck dive. Grabbed the cloth strap I normally used (has more grip on the shoulder) and the guitar stayed in place. Well, there was a touch of neck dive but very, very little. Think I'll get another strap that's a bit wider and has a bit more grabbing power on the shoulder area.

Thanks again to all for your collective help as it was much appreciated!!