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12th fret neck attached strap button?

I

InternetAlias

Dec 16, 2010
1,937
1,817
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#1
So, I have a question that has bugged me for a while.

A lot of people suggest making the body big enough (if it's a single cut) or making the horn long enough (if it's a double cut) to support having a strap button at the 12th fret's location.

I understand the reasoning for this, but I am wondering why nobody is suggesting to simply add an extension to the side of the neck, such that there's a protrusion at the 12th fret, and a strap button can be attached there?

This would make it possible to have a perfectly balanced thunderbird or similar design of a bass.

Thoughts?

What would be the main risks/problems associated with this?
 
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#3
Zooberwerx said:
Does "...would look like crap" count? I've always like the plant-hanger extension approach a la NS Bolin.

Riis
Click to expand...

It counts for general purposes, but not for mine. I don't care what it would look like, I just don't want any body in that general area, horn included.

Basically, there's a limit to how vertical your instrument can be when you have a horn since it's distant from the neck itself, and more to that point, on literally every guitar that wasn't a thunderbird, I'd have trouble with the upper horn cutting into my chest whether I sit or stand while placing the neck in the way I find comfortable.
 
#4
InternetAlias said:
It counts for general purposes, but not for mine. I don't care what it would look like, I just don't want any body in that general area, horn included.

Basically, there's a limit to how vertical your instrument can be when you have a horn since it's distant from the neck itself, and more to that point, on literally every guitar that wasn't a thunderbird, I'd have trouble with the upper horn cutting into my chest whether I sit or stand while placing the neck in the way I find comfortable.
Click to expand...

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
 
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#5
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.
 
#7
Slidlow said:
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?
Click to expand...

It wouldn't because I would put the strap button behind the extension. I already did this to some guitars and it reduces the issue, but since those guitars still have hefty fender-style upper horns, it doesn't completely fix it.

T_Bone_TL said:
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.
Click to expand...

Curving the upper horn sounds fun, I would think about that actually.

EUB is a no go as I actually want to be able to walk with my instrument. Also I am designing it to be exceedingly light (4-5lbs) so that it is easy to carry.

Playing in that region (12th fret+) always causes me to move my thumb forward, so I wouldn't even feel the extension.
 
#8
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.
 
#10
InternetAlias said:
It counts for general purposes, but not for mine. I don't care what it would look like, I just don't want any body in that general area, horn included.

Basically, there's a limit to how vertical your instrument can be when you have a horn since it's distant from the neck itself, and more to that point, on literally every guitar that wasn't a thunderbird, I'd have trouble with the upper horn cutting into my chest whether I sit or stand while placing the neck in the way I find comfortable.
Click to expand...

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.

gEVCVnp.jpg
 
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#11
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".
 
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#12
Beej said:
@JIO has made strap extensions for more than one bass, perhaps he'll share. :)
Click to expand...

T-bird body - (pre-finish)
upload_2020-9-22_8-13-44.jpeg

Satin black finished - (by Pat Wilkins) Wear a black shirt on stage and it disappears.
upload_2020-9-22_8-27-7.jpeg

Tele-style body - strap button can go on either side for preference
upload_2020-9-22_8-36-47.jpeg

EB/SG style
upload_2020-9-22_8-21-39.jpeg

Removable for a fitted HSC - (T-bird)
upload_2020-9-22_8-23-44.jpeg

Dunlop Strap-Lok's re-purposed
upload_2020-9-22_8-24-54.jpeg
 
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#14
micguy said:
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".
Click to expand...
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.
 
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