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kw_guitarguy
05-11-2008, 12:48 PM
Hi everyone,

In an effort to improve my Epi Firbird VII without replacing it, I have been doing some research. One of the issues with the Epi is that it is very neck heavy, and can get uncomfortable to play. I found a review on harmony-central that had this note in it:

Other posters here obviously have more insight as to the wood and construction, but I would disagree that the guitar feels heavy. I haven't wieghed it, but it seems on a par with my American Strat. Normally, with the left strap button where Gibson and Epiphone have put it on every reverse Firebird, the guitar is badly balanced, distinctly neck-heavy.

There is a very easy solution for this, which is to remove the strap button and relocate it to the center of the heel, were the neck meets the body. This moves the point of balance only a bit more than an inch to the left, but it makes all the difference in the world. I can't understand why Gibson put the strap button where it is, and, to a lesser degree, I have the same bitch about Les Pauls. The strap button belongs on the heel, period. Yes, this leaves a hole where it used to to be, but unless you're really anal about having your guitar cosmetically perfect, you'll be very glad you moved it. I mean, did you buy it to play, or just look at?

Would someone be able to help me with a step by step for this? I think I know where he is talking about when he refers to heel, but I don't want to go drilling holes all over the place! :)

greco, if you see this and can help, I can bring it by :)

Thanks!

~Andrew

devnulljp
05-11-2008, 12:59 PM
Hi everyone,

In an effort to improve my Epi Firbird VII without replacing it, I have been doing some research. One of the issues with the Epi is that it is very neck heavy, and can get uncomfortable to play. I found a review on harmony-central that had this note in it:



Would someone be able to help me with a step by step for this? I think I know where he is talking about when he refers to heel, but I don't want to go drilling holes all over the place! :)

greco, if you see this and can help, I can bring it by :)

Thanks!

~Andrew335s have the strap button right in the middle of the heel block if that helps any.
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/4001/40u4347heelgc6.th.jpg (http://img164.imageshack.us/my.php?image=40u4347heelgc6.jpg)
I'm no expert, but it's good advice to pre-drill the hole so you don't split the wood when you put the screw in. I've heard of that happening...

kw_guitarguy
05-11-2008, 01:21 PM
Thx devnulljp!

That picture certainly does help!!

~Andrew

Grenvilleter
05-12-2008, 01:36 PM
Pre-drilling is essential. If you don't, you will end up actually twisting the screw off after it gets embedded then you have a real nasty job on your hands trying to remove the old 1/2 screw left in the neck heel.

Get a drill bit a size smaller than the screw you are using and wrap some tape around it at the right depth ( length of the screw showing after it's in the strap button).
The old hole can be filled and stained to look almost invisible.
Good Luck

kw_guitarguy
05-12-2008, 03:40 PM
Thx Gren...

The guitar isn't stained, I am not sure what you would call the finish...I am not worried about the hole though...it's worth it to get this thing more comfortable!!

~Andrew

greco
05-12-2008, 10:17 PM
Hi Andrew:

I can help you with this.

I would suggest that you consider putting on strap locks if you are going to be moving the strap button anyway.

My 335 copy has the button located as shown in the pic.

Sherwood Music (on Ottawa St.) has strap locks and I would suggest that you compare the Dunlops and Schallers* (*spelling?) ...and then buy the Schallers.

........I feel the heat of the flames as I write.

Give me a call on the phone some evening.

Cheers

Dave