Ukulele Strap Button – Installation Guide + Top 3 Models!

Ukulele Strap Button – An installation guide, Models, and more!

The very first thing many players do with every ukulele they purchase is to install the strap buttons. Strap buttons are metal bits that you can hook a guitar strap on. Sadly, most ukuleles don’t include strap buttons.

The standard way to hold a ukulele has it squished between your right arm at the bend of your elbow and chest. In case you find this awkward and uncomfortable you’ll need to use a strap and you can see some of the best straps made here!

Ukulele Strap Button

For a standard guitar-style ukulele strap to work, you need two attachment points. These are generally known as strap buttons; little metal or wood circles held onto the ukulele with a screw.

You will need a button on the base of the neck and one on the “butt” end of the ukulele. Holes in the strap then slip over every button to create a fabric loop that you just put your body through.

A pickup jack can also double because of the button on the end of the ukulele. The placement of the ukulele button at the end of the ukulele is pretty simple. However, the one on the heel of the ukulele may be installed in several locations.

We are familiar with three placement choices on ukuleles:

Straight back on the end of the heel

This selection pokes towards you and sticks out from the uke. It’s not as secure as other attachment points because the balance of the instrument tends to fall forwards.

It’s additionally in the way when you attempt to set your uke down on a flat surface.

Underneath the heel pointing toward the floor

We like this option because it seems best for most applications. It brings the center of gravity closer to you so the ukulele is not losing its balance forward as much as in the previous example. It is also mostly out of the way.

Depending on the instrument, strap button style, and exact placement it’s possible that chords high up the neck will create clearance issues, however, it shouldn’t be too bad.

Above the neck, mounted directly into the side pointing left

This way is probably the most secure of all. When slung like this the center of gravity is well under the attachment points so there’s no probability of the uke falling forward. The only drawbacks here are appearance (it’s not as hidden) and strength.

The sides of a ukulele are only like an eighth of an inch thick and you will need some kind of additional reinforcement inside the uke to make this a stable option. Otherwise, you might rip the strap button right out of its hole. This added material may not be wanted because of its weight and sound.

This placement style is just something we have seen on Blackbird ukes and electric guitar copies – both designs are strong enough to accommodate this placement without any alterations.

Ukulele strap buttons are one of the easiest modifications you can make yourself to your ukulele. All it takes is a drill to make a small pilot hole to prevent the uke from cracking and a screwdriver in order to install the strap button on the ukulele.

In case you have never done any DIY projects before and don’t have the necessary skills to operate these tools, it’s most likely best for you to have a music store install buttons for you.

However, if you have some knowledge and you are familiar with installing buttons, especially on the ukulele, it’s probably something you can do yourself. Just be patient and remember to drill pilot holes!

Here is some DIY video for you:

In addition as a bonus, we have a list of great ukulele strap buttons.

1. Schaller S-Locks Security Strap Locks – Black Chrome

Use Schaller S-Locks, and you will never have to worry about a ukulele mishap again. S-Locks feature strong, 1-piece, hardened-steel strap buttons for max safety against breakage, while self-tapping wood threads guarantee simple installation.

S-Locks accommodate super-thick straps, courtesy of extended thread lengths, and slanted, stainless-steel locking bolts that provide you with permanent precision, reliable performance, and a wear-free finish.

Additionally, because of S-Locks’ revamped pull-up balls, you’ll enjoy easy-grip lock and release. S-Locks are dead silent on your uke — regardless of how you move, you will enjoy the noiseless performance. You additionally get high-grade felt washers to safeguard your guitar’s finish.

Schaller makes premium accessories to provide the greatest playing experience possible, and S-Locks is a stellar example.

S-Locks employ solid, 1-piece, hardened-steel strap buttons that are more than twice as thick as their predecessors. In short, these strap locks are powerful!

These buttons include 5/32-inch screws — they’re a direct alternative for most existing strap buttons. And because of their self-tapping wood threads, they’re a breeze to install.

2. Dunlop Straplok Dual Design Nickel

The Dunlop Straplok Dual Design Nickel strap retainer makes use of a 360-degree groove-and-ball design to allow freedom of movement for your strap without the worry of catching or releasing.

The Dunlop Straplok Dual Design Nickel features case-hardened steel skin for long life, and you can use the same strap with a number of ukuleles because the strap button is interchangeable.

Do not be concerned about this system being able to take your onstage abuse; it is tested at up to 800 lbs. of pull!

Do yourself and your ukulele a favor and set up the Dunlop Straplok Dual Design Nickel for peace of mind onstage!

3. Fender Infinity Strap Locks – Chrome

Stage diving could be fun — for concertgoers. But it is not fun for your ukulele. That’s why you need Fender Infinity strap locks.

These must-have ukulele accessories will safeguard your instrument throughout even probably the most strenuous of stage acrobatics, preventing embarrassing (and potentially uke-destroying) dropping.

These sturdy strap locks are created from hardened steel, sport eye-grabbing “F” logos, boast 360 degrees of rotation, and have a unique side-pinch release mechanism for simple adjustments.

We’re all about relic’ing instruments here, however, letting them fall onto a stage isn’t the best way to go about it. So, get Fender Infinity strap locks instead. With them, you can make relic’ing a voluntary decision.

Conclusion

This was our guide on how to install strap buttons and also some of the best button models that you can get for your ukulele.

As we already mentioned before, you need to be sure that you are doing your job properly and that you have enough skills and tools to install strap buttons on your own.

In case you are not feeling comfortable doing it on your own you can always go to your nearest music shop so they can do this job properly for you.

Happy Strumming!