Les Paul strap screw keeps loosening

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johnnymegabyte

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I just got a used Epiphone Les Paul Custom (Birds Eye maple top) and the top strap screw keeps loosening out of the post.
I am using a soft leather strap, and I know the guitar is somewhat heavy. Also, here is stretching on the strap on the hole for this top location

Any ideas what I should do ? Recommendations ?
 
johnnymegabyte said:
I just got a used Epiphone Les Paul Custom (Birds Eye maple top) and the top strap screw keeps loosening out of the post.
I am using a soft leather strap, and I know the guitar is somewhat heavy. Also, here is stretching on the strap on the hole for this top location

Any ideas what I should do ? Recommendations ?
Click to expand...



Ummm, glue
 
johnnymegabyte said:
I just got a used Epiphone Les Paul Custom (Birds Eye maple top) and the top strap screw keeps loosening out of the post.
I am using a soft leather strap, and I know the guitar is somewhat heavy. Also, here is stretching on the strap on the hole for this top location

Any ideas what I should do ? Recommendations ?
Click to expand...

Take the button screw out. Get a round pointed toothpick and insert it into the hole. Tap it in with a hammer as far as it will go, and break it off flush. Get another toothpick and repeat until no more will go in (one may do it). I don't recommend putting any glue into it; you may want to remove the screw some day. You won't need it, anyway.

While you've got the button off, replace it with a strap lock; I dropped my LP a couple of times from the button pulling through the strap hole before I installed strap locks. I was lucky not to have broken the headstock. You can get a set of Schaler knockoffs from Guitar center for 10-15 bucks, and it's cheap insurance.
 
this is what my grandfather would have done. he would have taken a bit of sawdust and mixed it with white carpenters glue. then he would have put enough in to fill about a quarter of the hole. then screwed the screw back in, wiping off any excess. then he would have left it alone for a couple of days before playing it. ,
 
I have an Epi LP with the same problem. I tried a bigger screw the first time (not recommended :D) and ended up drilling it out, dropped some woodglue onto a wooden dowel, tapped it in, let it set for about 4 hours and then redrilled the hole.

Also a +1 on the strap lock. All mine are getting them.
 
Another vote for the toothpicks and wood glue. Been doing that on guitar repairs for years. Never had a complaint.

-Kev
 
I had this problem. I did exactly what has been suggested here with the toothpick, (I used matchsticks and PVA) But I also permanently attached my strap to the guitar! by screwing through the strap. It's now been there for over 25 years.
 
Thanks everyone -- I'll try toothpicks and invest in straplocks, which I already have on my Ibanez strat for 25+ years (which has similar problem with top strap connector, even though it's straplock ... I'll toothpick it) I already have 3 places I connected, so a few exposed holes.
and a Precision bass, where the straplock is only on the bottom, cause of the strap itself. That's been working for 27 years.
 
I have 4 Epis of different models and all are higher end Epis
Every single one of the has this problem.
Don't know why that would be but they just don't stay tight.
The toothpicks and woodglue is the easiest answer.
 
I ususally use an appropriate sized hardwood dowel, glued in and cut off flush. Then redrill to suit your screw.
 
Myriad_Rocker said:
Two words...

Toothpicks, wood glue
Click to expand...

Excellent advice, sir.


Cut the tooth pick off to the appropriate length, and then put it in the hole with the point out. You can drill it out and dowel it, but really it doesn't make a huge difference. It is a better repair, but not one that is worth the extra effort.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
Light said:
Excellent advice, sir.


Cut the tooth pick off to the appropriate length, and then put it in the hole with the point out. You can drill it out and dowel it, but really it doesn't make a huge difference. It is a better repair, but not one that is worth the extra effort.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
Click to expand...
I use locktite and Schaller Strap Locks. Schallers never wear out so I don't have to worry about ever removing them.
 
I picked up a 60's Japanese guitar from a little pawn shop in a little town in southern Idaho once... They fixed the strap button by simply hammering a nail in there!!!!!!

I had to fix their fix with the drill/dowel method that Light mentioned. But it did work :)
 
I did it !!!
Dripped a bit of carpenter's glue in the hole first, then added about 8 toothpicks. Broke the ends off.
Re-screwed the strap holder knob back on about 5 minutes later.
Works like a charm. Seems to be quite tight now.
 
Next time it happens, lift it above your head and smash it into the stage...

You'll feel much better, and you can pretend it's a relic...
 
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