12th fret neck attached strap button?

Does "...would look like crap" count? I've always like the plant-hanger extension approach a la NS Bolin.

Riis

 

You can bolt an arm onto the neck-body joint which runs parallel to the neck but only within inches of the neck margin. After the plane crash, the surviving members of LS were all "clipped in the left wing" but also had a penchant for Explorers, Firebirds, Thunderbirds, etc. IIRC, Leon had his basses mod'd in this fashion.

Riis

 

If you actually play in/above that region (I hardly ever do) it would get in the way of your fretting hand. You might get used to it, folks manage with single-cuts, but it's definitely going to make an odd spot in the neck ergonomics. It might also make an odd spot in the relief (natural curvature of the neck under string tension) due to the "lump" in the neck.

Might as well try it and see and post pictures.

Possible alternatives:

Sounds like you might be headed towards EUB ergonomics - put an endpin on it and forget the strap.

Curve the upper horn forward so it stays out of your chest.

The very old-fangled strap at headstock attachment.

 

It can be done. What ever you use as an extension could be blacked out to make it less visible. I have to question though, wouldn't the extension dig into your body as well?

 

Sorry I misread your original post. So you are talking about attaching something directly next to the side of the neck right at or about the 12th fret? If you are not a thumb wrapper then probably this would work. I would consider a thin metal piece sandwiched between the neck and fretboard sticking out enough to attach a strap to (via button or otherwise). It could also be made removeable if required.

 

@JIO has made strap extensions for more than one bass, perhaps he'll share.

 

When Pete Seeger had his banjo neck extended by three frets he experianced an unwanted amount of neck dive. Pete's solution was to simply install a big ol' screw eye in the side of the neck where it balanced to his liking.

Be more Pete-like.

On many instruments I add a flush mount Dunlop Straplok to the heel of the neck or instrument body. Nothing says you can't add one higher up the neck.

 

What the OP suggests is ergonomically a challenge - it'd get in the way for most of us moving up and down the neck. For some, it might be a good warning, though - "You're going above the 12th Fret! - what the HELL is wrong with you????" - think of it as a warning scheme to help "stay in your lane".

 

T-bird body - (pre-finish)

Satin black finished - (by Pat Wilkins) Wear a black shirt on stage and it disappears.

Tele-style body - strap button can go on either side for preference

EB/SG style

Removable for a fitted HSC - (T-bird)

Dunlop Strap-Lok's re-purposed

 

Country players can just drive a strap button into the back of the neck at the 6th fret.

 

I think he is suggesting on the side of the neck which would only impede if you wrap your thumb around the neck (which you shouldn't do anyway). i think it could work well for some problematic body styles.

 

[QUOTE="JIO, post: 24465356, member: 171973...
Removable for a fitted HSC - (T-bird)
View attachment 3992504
Dunlop Strap-Lok's re-purposed
View attachment 3992505 [/QUOTE]
Genius!

 

I believe he means to attach to the side close to the 12th fret.

 

My Jazz Bass has one on back of headstock but I have never used it!

 

I had an Epi T-bird a few years ago. It had a rather extended flat on the back of the neck where it met the pocket-an extra inch or so I think. I stuck the button there and that worked well.

 

Have fun with your tuning stability if you drive a strap button/straplock into the actual neck.

 

Worked fine for me. But it was right near the heel.