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When did Gibson change the strap button screws?

madformac

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Feb 24, 2013
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Only recently noticed Gibson changed the front strap button screw from the smaller one, to the larger one that is still on the tail strap button. Small change but interesting.


Up until this year Gibson still used the 1 small, 1 big, screw set on the USA guitars from what I recall.

I wonder if too many front screws were getting loose on the Historics? Seems better safety with the large screw at the front but a step back for the vintage accuracy brigade.
 

markguitar

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Nov 27, 2001
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2,375
They have been that way for at least 3-4 years now. Easier for them, they only have to order and buy one size screw!
 

madformac

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Feb 24, 2013
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They have been that way for at least 3-4 years now. Easier for them, they only have to order and buy one size screw!

Yeah, I guess. Strange that it's been the Historics and not the regular USA line if it were cost saving etc.

From a physics point of view, the bigger screw must be far better for strength. I had a Turner Model 1 that had the large/small combo and the small screw was forever working loose. Replaced it with a large one in the front and never had a problem again.
 

Uncle Gary

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Oct 15, 2006
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I've never had a problem with the small/large screw combo. Looking through the B of the B book, I see most original bursts have the small screw, but a few have the large screw in the front button. I always assumed they were replaced when the original screw stripped out.

Probably was present on some original burst that Gibson "blueprinted", so they assumed it was correct, just like the slot head pickguard screw that was used on some originals, but by no means most.

For the record, my '10 R4 Custom has the large screw, so it's been a while.
 

Red Rogue

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Mar 9, 2009
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166
Did Gibson changed the screw material??
Normally I file the screw head to fit into the Schaller Security Locks. So I did with the straplock screws on my CR8. What happened?? Worst scenario. The top of the screw broke! The broken screw looked like nickel plated brass? Is this possible?
 

bluesjuke

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Feb 6, 2005
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7,007
Gibson has new larger strap buttons too in 2014.....at least for some models.


2014Campaign_straplock.jpg
 

Uncle Gary

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Did Gibson changed the screw material??
Normally I file the screw head to fit into the Schaller Security Locks. So I did with the straplock screws on my CR8. What happened?? Worst scenario. The top of the screw broke! The broken screw looked like nickel plated brass? Is this possible?

I just checked the screws on my '12 R0 versus some older Historics with a magnet, and you're right-the older screws are magnetic, the new ones are not.

Can't explain why Gibson would do this.
 

Red Rogue

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Mar 9, 2009
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I just checked the screws on my '12 R0 versus some older Historics with a magnet, and you're right-the older screws are magnetic, the new ones are not.

Can't explain why Gibson would do this.


Surely they did it just to annoy me! You couldn`t believe how pale my face went, when the screw broke on a brand new guitar, I`ve bought a few hours before. Now there`s only a small part visible.
 

Black58

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Oct 28, 2005
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10,139
Since 1980, Schallers are an "automatic" on ALL of my guitars.
.. an' that screw is ALWAYS replaced with a longer, thicker one!

:2cool
 

madformac

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Feb 24, 2013
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Waiting for the reply wondering if the change to brass affects the tone :rofl

The bevel in the top is different to the older Historic screws but only slightly.

Change in material may be a cost saving measure Gibson were hoping we wouldn't notice.. :couch
 

Uncle Gary

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If anything, brass screws are usually more expensive than steel because of the copper content.
 

Fornax

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Apr 20, 2011
Messages
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My 2011 R9 came with two #8 screws, 1-1/2" long. Stainless steel. I bought replacement screws (buttons and screws, screws are not sold without buttons) from Gibson to modify to fit my strap locks, turning down the head to fit the countersink hole in the button. These were stainless also, but only 1-1/4" long. So far so good, and I tend to drop the guitar on to my shoulder.

Also, consider that the mechanical strength of steel is far greater than brass or bronze. I would not trust my guitar with brass screws.
 

Pearly Grapes

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Jul 20, 2001
Messages
2,332
Did Gibson 'screw' up? :rofl
Sorry, couldn't resist.

FWIW, I often replace the small screw with a larger one. Especially if/when the smaller one strips out.
 

dragonfire

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Oct 18, 2013
Messages
212
I put strap locks on mine and reused the Gibson screw because they were much longer than the ones that came with the strap locks. I don't like to gig without strap locks - for any reason!
 
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