Cool video, thanks. As a lifelong woodworker, I'd advise against doing this if you don't have a drill. Without a large enough pilot hole you run the risk of splitting either the ends of the sides or the tail block itself. You don't want to be forcing too much wood aside as the screw goes in.
Agreed. Soap or wax. This lubricates the screw. You wouldn't really have to do this if it were soft wood, but with hard wood, there will be strong resistance to screwing the screw into the hard wood. Also, the idea of using masking tape is very good. Apply the masking tape, and then mark your hole with a pen or pencil on the tape. You don't want to choose where the hole will be with the business end of a spinning drill. There is possibility of inaccurate hole placement. If you mark it with a pen or pencil, you can check to see that the mark is in the correct place. Try to drill the hole perpendicular to the uke.
Unnecessary if you’ve pre-drilled a correctly sized hole. The biggest problem is when people make a hole that’s too small - or try to screw the button directly into the wood. This will often cause splitting in your uke - and subsequently break your heart. Plus, soap could potentially introduce (and trap) moisture into the wood which could could cause rotting. If you need a lubricant then your pre-drilled hole is too small.
Oh. That was *miles* simpler than I expected it to be! And probably isn’t going to work on the tiny dolphin soprano (I am weirdly attached to my first, cheap cheap cheap uke) as I can’t imagine it has bracing, but it’s really useful for the baritone. Thank you. I think good epoxy might be the answer for the dolphin.
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
Thanks so much, I'm going to do this after work. I have trouble holding on the the uke when I'm changing finger position,, only been playing a month 👍👍😊
So I get that it's super simple, but idc how many times I watch videos on putting on a strap button... but let me tell you... I'm terrified to do it still
Maybe because I've done so many I dont think about it - but if you go steadily, there really isn't much that can go wrong. Hanging a picture on a wall is more complicated.
I just took mine to the nearest music store. They do this all day every day and it's stupid cheap to have them do it. They have all the proper tools and it eased my mind to have them do it. I paid over $100 for my uke so it was worth it to me to pay an extra $15 for them to do it instead. I wasn't so interested in the idea of throwing that $100 + away over trying to do it myself.
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
Thanks for the video! Is there any chance this could alter the sound of the Uke? I'll check if I have that block on the bottom, but there's a part of be that's still concerned it might change the sound permanently. Thanks for the help!
Peter Chicarielli minimally if at all. Consider that some of the greatest hand made instruments on the planet offer strap buttons, or even pickups which add much more stuff to the uke.
Do you dremmel partially through or all the way through the block? Should I expect the strap nut screw to go all the way through the block for a baritone? Is that normal?
JollyGeneral I went all the way through the block so the screw met no resistance going on - all depends how long the screw is - this was a fairly heavy duty button as it came off a Stratocaster - but I like chunkier buttons for the security they give. Only sort I would urge caution with are the super strong strap lock type buttons - think that is overkill and too much weight for a ukulele.
Simples. I'd add that I aim for halfway along the join between the two side pieces and draw a cross with a pencil on the masking tape to give me a target to aim for with the drill.
How thick does the block on the inside have to be? I'm looking at mine and it seems to be fairly thin, maybe 1/4 inch? Should the screw / drill ideally not poke through to the inside, or does that not matter? Thank you!
It's also probably possible to do it without screwing into one. Just tie a strap around, right between the sound hole and the bridge, then the other side to the headstock.
When a ukulele has two piece sides (and on some that don't) - the end block is a thicker piece of wood used to strengthen the uke inside where the sides join at the base.
@@GotAUkulele does every ukulele have one? I'm pretty sure my ukulele is really cheap and not very good quality, and I don't want to risk breaking it because I can't be bothered getting another one
I've just bought a cheap ukulele, made in China, for a one off performance at a party. I bought a strap (find it hard to play it Standing up) and have now realized that it seems to be made of thick card with no block on the inside. Would it be worth dropping something in for the screw to bite onto?
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
+Summer Tiley The Planet Waves one would work - but in my view that is just a horribly overpriced version of any old strap button that has been shaped. Don't know what you mean by a rubber grip - the ones I use are just plain metal buttons held with a screw. The black washer is made of felt to protect the uke. They cost a fraction of those Planet Waves ones.
***** I thought the washer was rubber, awesome thanks. I feel you about it being overpriced but that is just an Ontario thing I believe, even if you try to get something cheaper with the dollar and shipping it's almost always a bit crazy here. Would a regular music store have one or online is the best bet? Thank you again! None of my good friends play instruments so I get a little lost with all of the info online
+Summer Tiley yeah - those Planet Waves ones are expensive everywhere - any good music store that sells guitars should be able to sell you a strap button and screw over the counter. The alternative is Amazon or eBay - they really are cheap. Amazon Canada have a pair for a dollar and 57 cents! (can't share external links here - but just Amazon search 'strap button')
+GotAUkulele +Summer Tiley Of you have got yours yet, Long & McQuade (a chain of music shops in Canada) also sell the strap buttons. I don't know the price off-hand.
Putting the button in the joint doesn't weaken it? Have you ever had one split? Just got a new Koaloha (a big jump for me). I've always used a strap and am missing it, especially since it has a gloss finish, but I'm really scared to drill into the joint on the bottom of the body. Thank you for your help.
@@GotAUkulele Yep, that what I meant. Would it be okay to put it a little off to one side of the joint as long as it's in the block? Thank you! Love your reviews.
You can - that plastic is pretty strong, just need to drill more in line with size of screw as if your rely on screw to bite it will split the plastic.
Hi Barry, Have you ever tried this on a uke with an ABS body please? I have a Flight Salamander uke I bought on your recommendation & wondered if it would be feasible to add a strap button to it but have only seen info on fitting one to wooden instruments. If you have done this successfully, do you have any tips on bit size (eg presumably the trick of using a slightly smaller bit wouldn't be right for ABS)? Thanks very much. Jeanette
Thanks a lot for those tips. I realised it would be very different to just drilling through wood. I'm visiting a mate with a drill in a couple of weeks' time & will get a strap & button for then & let you know how it goes!
Thanks. I was wondering if using sugru might be a good move (sugru.com) as it's moldable. It's specifically designed for repairs, so should stick firmly and safely (unlike some of the 'sticky fixers' type hooks I've seen people use, that I wouldn't trust). I might even be able to fashion the strap button shape from it too. Jeanette
How do you check for an endblock Baz? By tapping on the outside of a ukulele I'm pretty sure I can hear that it's there, but I'm buggered if I can actually see it.
Hi! I have an acoustic/electric concert ukulele and I'd like to attach a strap. The electrical port does not have a strap button. Is there a way I can put a button in that electrical port?
Is the jack socket in the dead centre of the ukulele or offset? If it's offset, just screw a strap button in the normal place. If it's central, that's trickier - I think all you can do is screw a button in front of it or behind it. Usually those jack sockets have integral strap buttons.
If a case is so snug it wont fit, not sure i can help with an alternative. What I will say though is I have a number of snug cases, and adding a strap button has never made them not fit. they kind of just squash the foam a litle.
Never done it, and dont't think I would ever try it personally - you would need a decent jig and precise drilling and cutting tool to do it properly I would say.
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
@@GotAUkulele Thanks so much for your reply. I just got off the phone with the manufacturer and they said there IS a block but it's VERY thin and they wouldn't suggest screwing a button into it. I'm disappointed to hear this as I wanted to use that kind of strap, but I guess I need to get one of the ones that adhere on to the center? One that goes around your neck. Do you think those work okay?
@@wendym2544 I don't like them i'm afraid - they exert pressure on the soundhole which is even more fragile. I think you need to be looking at more of a support than a strap - have a google for something called 'Uke Leash'. What brand uke is it by the way?
@@GotAUkulele okay, sorry for all the questions, but do you have an opinion on which is better: a neck strap that attaches to the top of the sound hole or a shoulder strap that has two hooks, one hooks on top of the sound hole the other one hooks to the bottom of the sound hole. Would appreciate any recomendation you have. Thanks.
Feeling a little let down that my troll companion hasn't down voted this yet and made a video picking fault with something - perhaps the size of the screw? ;-)
Yes - I was premature with my mockery - but the down votes came anyway - I think I typed that at a time I was getting down votes before enough time had elapsed for the video to actually run.. ahhhh the internet.
The screw tends to come with the button and they can vary. I drill pilot hole about half the diam of the screw. It’s just to guide it as you still need the screw to bite the wood to keep it secure
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
Thanks for this Baz! My wife got me a custom leather strap for our anniversary and I had to tell her I didn't have a button lol. Ill let her knoe Ill have one soon. 😀
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
+Francisco Torres Depends on the button - most strap buttons when you buy them come with a screw - this was a cross head screw, about 3mm gauge - but one designed for fixing in wood.
@@GotAUkulele yes, I forget to include the obvious. But sometimes its not so obvious because I have made some epic mistakes in my time. Especially shaping longboards. The smallest imperfection/F-up changes the log's performance in a big way. I learned to save the Big Big Buds for last. LOL
@@notavailable8955 to be honest - I don’t see the electro acoustic thing makes a difference . It’s just that ukes are appearing more these days with buttons than they ever did. When I started they didn’t exist at all. I wouldn’t recommend a uke just because it had them though- they are so easy to fit
On larger scale ukes you can just about look inside from the sound hole and spy them - they look like a small rectangular block inside the uke right at the base where the sides meet. On smaller ukuleles it's harder but can be viewed with a small compact / dentists mirror
Why didn't you say about the wood block before drilling?! I was following along and then after drilling you say there is this other thing you need to be aware of... Sent my blood pressure up!
A two pound machinists hammer and a large nail.....Instant hole....GUARANTEED! I tested this concept by putting my brothers Pono on the garage floor, securing it with my knee, and using a brisk swing with the hammer.... You know what? These Pono's are not as good as you might think. Are you sure those "Crunching sounds" are "Normal?"
Cool video, thanks. As a lifelong woodworker, I'd advise against doing this if you don't have a drill. Without a large enough pilot hole you run the risk of splitting either the ends of the sides or the tail block itself. You don't want to be forcing too much wood aside as the screw goes in.
Rub a little soap on the screw will make the screw go in easy and cut a nice clean thread in the wood.
Get it? CLEAN?!?!?!!
Agreed. Soap or wax. This lubricates the screw. You wouldn't really have to do this if it were soft wood, but with hard wood,
there will be strong resistance to screwing the screw into the hard wood. Also, the idea of using masking tape is very good.
Apply the masking tape, and then mark your hole with a pen or pencil on the tape. You don't want to choose where the hole will be
with the business end of a spinning drill. There is possibility of inaccurate hole placement. If you mark it with a pen or pencil,
you can check to see that the mark is in the correct place. Try to drill the hole perpendicular to the uke.
Unnecessary if you’ve pre-drilled a correctly sized hole. The biggest problem is when people make a hole that’s too small - or try to screw the button directly into the wood. This will often cause splitting in your uke - and subsequently break your heart.
Plus, soap could potentially introduce (and trap) moisture into the wood which could could cause rotting. If you need a lubricant then your pre-drilled hole is too small.
Thank you Barry! You made it look so simple and it really saved me during this lockdown! XXX
Glad it helped!
Your calm demeanor gives me confidence!
I figured that to encourage people I had to do it myself on camera! Go steady and logically and it will be ok
Thank you! It worked like a charm! I wouldn't have thought to use masking tape before drilling, relieved to see I didn't muck up the gloss finish !
Thanks for the awesome tutorial! Now i can dance and sing around the house while playing my uke!! BTW, the wood on your Uke is beautiful
Yeah, these are rather nice. Thanks!
Thank you! I was unaware of the Endblock, my uke has one. I can install this with confidence now! XD
Thanks, just added a strap button to my soprano that does have a block. Easier than I anticipated!
Glad it helped!
Very straightforward, thanks Barry.
Indeed - it's MUCH easier than people think it is
Oh. That was *miles* simpler than I expected it to be! And probably isn’t going to work on the tiny dolphin soprano (I am weirdly attached to my first, cheap cheap cheap uke) as I can’t imagine it has bracing, but it’s really useful for the baritone. Thank you. I think good epoxy might be the answer for the dolphin.
Yeah - the dolphin is a tricky one as the back and sides are composite plastic. Go careful if drilling as likely easy to crack it.
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
Thanks! You gave me confidence to install both my own buttons on my guitalele. :)
Good for you - go for it!
Thanks so much, I'm going to do this after work. I have trouble holding on the the uke when I'm changing finger position,, only been playing a month 👍👍😊
You can do it!
Really excellent, clear instructions, highly recommend
Thanks!
So I get that it's super simple, but idc how many times I watch videos on putting on a strap button... but let me tell you... I'm terrified to do it still
Maybe because I've done so many I dont think about it - but if you go steadily, there really isn't much that can go wrong. Hanging a picture on a wall is more complicated.
I just took mine to the nearest music store. They do this all day every day and it's stupid cheap to have them do it. They have all the proper tools and it eased my mind to have them do it. I paid over $100 for my uke so it was worth it to me to pay an extra $15 for them to do it instead. I wasn't so interested in the idea of throwing that $100 + away over trying to do it myself.
thanks for the tutorial Baz!! beginer here.
wondering if this would work with the plastic body of the Makala Dolphin..
Only with great care not to stress the plastic with the screw
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
This worked out perfectly for me - thanks so much!
Great to hear!
Thanks for the video! Is there any chance this could alter the sound of the Uke? I'll check if I have that block on the bottom, but there's a part of be that's still concerned it might change the sound permanently. Thanks for the help!
Peter Chicarielli minimally if at all. Consider that some of the greatest hand made instruments on the planet offer strap buttons, or even pickups which add much more stuff to the uke.
@@GotAUkulele That makes sense. Thanks for the reply!
Do you dremmel partially through or all the way through the block?
Should I expect the strap nut screw to go all the way through the block for a baritone? Is that normal?
JollyGeneral I went all the way through the block so the screw met no resistance going on - all depends how long the screw is - this was a fairly heavy duty button as it came off a Stratocaster - but I like chunkier buttons for the security they give. Only sort I would urge caution with are the super strong strap lock type buttons - think that is overkill and too much weight for a ukulele.
Simples. I'd add that I aim for halfway along the join between the two side pieces and draw a cross with a pencil on the masking tape to give me a target to aim for with the drill.
Good video. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
cool video, make sure you don't overtighten!
Lil Doggy Thanks!
Thank you so much!!
No worries!
Thanks! Good info
My pleasure!
How thick does the block on the inside have to be? I'm looking at mine and it seems to be fairly thin, maybe 1/4 inch? Should the screw / drill ideally not poke through to the inside, or does that not matter? Thank you!
¼ inch isn't much, but it should be enough - it's about avoiding drilling into only thin side wood
It's also probably possible to do it without screwing into one. Just tie a strap around, right between the sound hole and the bridge, then the other side to the headstock.
I've fitted loads of these using a bradawl. Never had a problem.
I’ve fitted buttons there, it’s easy. I just prefer them to the headstock. I do the same with guitars
can you please explain in more detail what an end block is? thank you!
When a ukulele has two piece sides (and on some that don't) - the end block is a thicker piece of wood used to strengthen the uke inside where the sides join at the base.
@@GotAUkulele does every ukulele have one? I'm pretty sure my ukulele is really cheap and not very good quality, and I don't want to risk breaking it because I can't be bothered getting another one
@@sarah_7814 No - some cheaper ukes don't
Super helpful - thank you so much for this.
My pleasure
I've just bought a cheap ukulele, made in China, for a one off performance at a party. I bought a strap (find it hard to play it Standing up) and have now realized that it seems to be made of thick card with no block on the inside. Would it be worth dropping something in for the screw to bite onto?
Yes, i'd say so - otherwise the screw is just going to work out
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
Thank you! Would a Planet Waves Elliptical End Pin work? What makes the button suitable? Any guitar button with a rubber grip and that's it?
+Summer Tiley The Planet Waves one would work - but in my view that is just a horribly overpriced version of any old strap button that has been shaped.
Don't know what you mean by a rubber grip - the ones I use are just plain metal buttons held with a screw. The black washer is made of felt to protect the uke. They cost a fraction of those Planet Waves ones.
***** I thought the washer was rubber, awesome thanks. I feel you about it being overpriced but that is just an Ontario thing I believe, even if you try to get something cheaper with the dollar and shipping it's almost always a bit crazy here. Would a regular music store have one or online is the best bet? Thank you again! None of my good friends play instruments so I get a little lost with all of the info online
+Summer Tiley yeah - those Planet Waves ones are expensive everywhere - any good music store that sells guitars should be able to sell you a strap button and screw over the counter. The alternative is Amazon or eBay - they really are cheap. Amazon Canada have a pair for a dollar and 57 cents! (can't share external links here - but just Amazon search 'strap button')
+GotAUkulele +Summer Tiley Of you have got yours yet, Long & McQuade (a chain of music shops in Canada) also sell the strap buttons. I don't know the price off-hand.
Putting the button in the joint doesn't weaken it? Have you ever had one split? Just got a new Koaloha (a big jump for me). I've always used a strap and am missing it, especially since it has a gloss finish, but I'm really scared to drill into the joint on the bottom of the body. Thank you for your help.
In the base? No, not in my 30 year experience IF there is a tail block and you mask the area first. Go very carefully of course.
@@GotAUkulele Yep, that what I meant. Would it be okay to put it a little off to one side of the joint as long as it's in the block? Thank you! Love your reviews.
@@janeeleanor4849 Yeah so long as you hit the tail block.
@@GotAUkulele thank you! I appreciate your quick response. Take care of yourself.
Thanks for the videos. Can a strap button be added to the Makala Shark (plastic body)?
You can - that plastic is pretty strong, just need to drill more in line with size of screw as if your rely on screw to bite it will split the plastic.
Thanks 🙏
You’re welcome 😊
Hi Barry, Have you ever tried this on a uke with an ABS body please? I have a Flight Salamander uke I bought on your recommendation & wondered if it would be feasible to add a strap button to it but have only seen info on fitting one to wooden instruments. If you have done this successfully, do you have any tips on bit size (eg presumably the trick of using a slightly smaller bit wouldn't be right for ABS)? Thanks very much. Jeanette
WebmasterPLUC yes - did it to a flea ukulele. Needs care though and a fat screw thread plus a careful pilot hole
Ultimately though, ABS is stronger than wood, but easily cracks . Go easy
Thanks a lot for those tips. I realised it would be very different to just drilling through wood. I'm visiting a mate with a drill in a couple of weeks' time & will get a strap & button for then & let you know how it goes!
I know some people who had success with strap buttons on ABS backs using Araldite or another hard setting epoxy
Thanks. I was wondering if using sugru might be a good move (sugru.com) as it's moldable. It's specifically designed for repairs, so should stick firmly and safely (unlike some of the 'sticky fixers' type hooks I've seen people use, that I wouldn't trust). I might even be able to fashion the strap button shape from it too. Jeanette
Do you use the same straplocks as on guitar?
Essentially - they are not strap locks though - that's a different thing. Just strap buttons or pins.
Does it matter where on the bottom middle I put the screw in? Like does this end block usually go along the whole width of the uke?
It usually does. But if you DO have an end block, putting the button square in the middle of the bottom is the best bet
@@GotAUkulele Thanks!
Is it important to have the button in the centre of the uke bottom, or doesn’t it matter?
Doesn't totally matter - but that is usually the strongest place
How do you check for an endblock Baz? By tapping on the outside of a ukulele I'm pretty sure I can hear that it's there, but I'm buggered if I can actually see it.
By looking inside with a dental mirror
@@GotAUkulele Guess I had better get a dental mirror. Thank you.
@ProbabLeiaKant Sell them in supermarkets for very little money - doesn’t need to be high quality - just something that gives a reflection
Do you have a link for that strap button? I want to make sure I get the right one.
I don't - but any guitar strap button will work - there are loads of listngs for them on eBay and Amazon etc. Any music store will sell them too.
thank you!
Hi! I have an acoustic/electric concert ukulele and I'd like to attach a strap. The electrical port does not have a strap button. Is there a way I can put a button in that electrical port?
Is the jack socket in the dead centre of the ukulele or offset? If it's offset, just screw a strap button in the normal place. If it's central, that's trickier - I think all you can do is screw a button in front of it or behind it. Usually those jack sockets have integral strap buttons.
Darn! I was hoping to avoid having to drill into my uke!
ah maybe i should just do it myself! thank youuu
It’s pretty straightforward
I would do this but I have a custom fit case for it and I don't think it would fit with it in but I would love a strap for it. Suggestions?
If a case is so snug it wont fit, not sure i can help with an alternative. What I will say though is I have a number of snug cases, and adding a strap button has never made them not fit. they kind of just squash the foam a litle.
Yeah I've just had a little look and the cushioning at the base is about an inch thick
Pretty sure it will be fine. The buttons are pretty small. The one in the video is one of the larger ones I've used (to make it clearer on the video!)
Would you know how to put in a sound port on the side?
Never done it, and dont't think I would ever try it personally - you would need a decent jig and precise drilling and cutting tool to do it properly I would say.
GotAUkulele I think I'll try that on one of my cheaper ukes
Can I do this on a KALA KA-S? I need to know before I order my bike.
+Mikayla Lawrence depends if it has a tail block in the base. Sorry don't have one to check
Are there some strap buttons that I can glue onto the uke? I don't feel like drilling into the uke or letting anyone else do it...
Not that I am aware of or that I would trust - honestly - drilling is fine - i've put strap buttons on instruments costing £1000
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
what other kind of tape could i use other than masking tape?
I’d really only use masking tape - it leaves no residue. Available widely too
How do you find out if the uke has a block to take the screw?. I can't see that far into the uke or feel it!
+Bern From Wales Mirror and torch inside the sound hole!
+GotAUkulele wats a block
It's a strengthening piece of wood that sits inside the ukulele at the base. If you look inside it will be obvious if there is one.
@@GotAUkulele if you're in the US, use a flashlight not a torch. You don't want to catch it on fire!
How can you tell if there's an end block or not? If there isn't, then what? Thank you!
Dentists mirror to look inside. If not, I wouldn't risk it - not enough strength to hold the screw.
@@GotAUkulele Thanks so much for your reply. I just got off the phone with the manufacturer and they said there IS a block but it's VERY thin and they wouldn't suggest screwing a button into it. I'm disappointed to hear this as I wanted to use that kind of strap, but I guess I need to get one of the ones that adhere on to the center? One that goes around your neck. Do you think those work okay?
@@GotAUkulele btw, great tip regarding the dentist tool.
@@wendym2544 I don't like them i'm afraid - they exert pressure on the soundhole which is even more fragile. I think you need to be looking at more of a support than a strap - have a google for something called 'Uke Leash'. What brand uke is it by the way?
@@GotAUkulele okay, sorry for all the questions, but do you have an opinion on which is better: a neck strap that attaches to the top of the sound hole or a shoulder strap that has two hooks, one hooks on top of the sound hole the other one hooks to the bottom of the sound hole. Would appreciate any recomendation you have. Thanks.
Thank you :)
My pleasure!
Feeling a little let down that my troll companion hasn't down voted this yet and made a video picking fault with something - perhaps the size of the screw? ;-)
the fact that this extremely helpful tutorial got 2 down votes is sad/lame.
Yes - I was premature with my mockery - but the down votes came anyway - I think I typed that at a time I was getting down votes before enough time had elapsed for the video to actually run.. ahhhh the internet.
Thanks by the way!
GotAUkulele meh. Trolls are all over and a dime a dozen. Keep doing what you do! Very helpful and informative.
Where did you bought this Ukulele
+Francisco Costa Omega Music in UK - review of it here - www.gotaukulele.com/2014/11/omega-music-zedro-ii-concert-ukulele.html
Have anybody done it with Yamaha guitalele GL-1?
I haven't - but if you look inside and there is a tail block - the process would be identical.
1. Size of the screw?
2. Drill head size?
The screw tends to come with the button and they can vary. I drill pilot hole about half the diam of the screw. It’s just to guide it as you still need the screw to bite the wood to keep it secure
@@GotAUkulele Thanks for the prompt and helpful reply
would it be possible to take it into a shop for a professional to do it for me instead?
I don't feel to safe trying to do it myself
Absolutely - a good shop should be able to offer this service
Okay, cool. I may or may not do that..
What are your thoughts on the straps that attach to the head of the ukulele?
Most of mine are attached that way, but that's because I've been too lazy to add a second button!
Can you do this on a plastic ukulele
Depends on the plastic. I’ve done it on a Fluke but the plastic on those isn’t brittle. I’d be really cautious on something like a Waterman
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
Thanks for this Baz! My wife got me a custom leather strap for our anniversary and I had to tell her I didn't have a button lol. Ill let her knoe Ill have one soon. 😀
Surely there are stick on ones?
Why would you do that though? Not something I would trust myself
Its so easy to fit one, and all luthiers will do it for you too.
GotAUkulele because on painted cheap ukuleles it may chip the already fragile surface finish.
Not if you use masking tape, and besides - cheap painted uke - it’s hardly going to devalue it if you do!
GotAUkulele it would devalue it to me.
For my smaller ukes (soprano, sopranino & sopranissimo) I used the smallest clear (transparent) Command hook (stick on), for the single strap end pin on the bottom of the uke. I used the adhesive strips marked for outdoors so humidity would not loosen the strips. I positioned the hook so the end where the adhesive strip will stick out, will be visually hidden by the strap itself once it's placed onto the pin. I carefully followed the directions on the Command package. When you go to load your strap end onto the hook, do it carefully. You may have to squish the end so it slips onto the hook. The strap end eventually will compress and rotate freely. The hooks then are virtually invisible (especially if you use the transparent ones.) These small ukes are so light that they don't put much pressure on Command hooks and mine have stayed on well. If or when you want to remove the hooks, just follow the directions on the package and pull the adhesive strip straight and the hook can easily be removed.
Doing this and then getting a vintage leather uke strap on mine :)
It's very straightforward - just go slowly!
Check other videos that show where to fit the strap button to the heel. I don't know anyone who ties the strap to the top with a bootlace these days.
I do - on all my ukuleles. Personal choice. Want to fit one to the heel - that's cool too!
I know lots of people who still use the ole bootlace.
size of the screw ??
+Francisco Torres Depends on the button - most strap buttons when you buy them come with a screw - this was a cross head screw, about 3mm gauge - but one designed for fixing in wood.
Is this a soprano uke
No - this one is a concert - but the process is exactly the same on any scale ukulele
Hello, mi uke inside of the box don't that piece of wood, so i don't know if i can put the button, what can i do? 😭
Sorry for english :(
No tail block - that's a problem - I personally wouldnt recommend attaching a strap button - the wood on the sides alone is not that strong
Because a friend say that i can take my uke to a music shop and a professional can do it but i don't know if it's recommend..(sorry for the english)
It doesn't matter who does it - if there is no block, the button will not be strongly attached.
Oh, okay, thanks buddy, then i'm gonna make one :D
can you ruin/alter the sound of your ukulele by accident by adding the pegs?
Nah - some of the finest high end builders offer it.
make sure you use a big enough drill bit so the screw does not split the wood
Todd Scafidi indeed - but still a bit smaller than the screw
@@GotAUkulele yes, I forget to include the obvious. But sometimes its not so obvious because I have made some epic mistakes in my time. Especially shaping longboards. The smallest imperfection/F-up changes the log's performance in a big way. I learned to save the Big Big Buds for last. LOL
what's weird is that most of the electro-acoustics under 300 don't have any pegs, yet lots of cheaper ones do
Pegs?
@@GotAUkulele i mean strap buttons sorry
@@notavailable8955 to be honest - I don’t see the electro acoustic thing makes a difference . It’s just that ukes are appearing more these days with buttons than they ever did. When I started they didn’t exist at all. I wouldn’t recommend a uke just because it had them though- they are so easy to fit
i didnt understand how to determine if my uke has a endblock :S any advice??
On larger scale ukes you can just about look inside from the sound hole and spy them - they look like a small rectangular block inside the uke right at the base where the sides meet. On smaller ukuleles it's harder but can be viewed with a small compact / dentists mirror
GotAUkulele thank you so much! I habe a soprano ukulele and i managed to look inside, i the endblock, so i’ll guess im ready to go . Thanks!
Why didn't you say about the wood block before drilling?! I was following along and then after drilling you say there is this other thing you need to be aware of... Sent my blood pressure up!
Really didn't think people would be following along
A two pound machinists hammer and a large nail.....Instant hole....GUARANTEED! I tested this concept by putting my brothers Pono on the garage floor, securing it with my knee, and using a brisk swing with the hammer....
You know what? These Pono's are not as good as you might think. Are you sure those "Crunching sounds" are "Normal?"
ha ha!
I think I’ll see how much our local music repair shop will charge to do it, I don’t trust myself to not screw it up, no pun intended.
bro the idea of the crunching sounds terrifies me
Just the screw biting into the wood