Installing a strap pin on trinity college 'zouk...

[SiFi]

Hi all,

I recently acquired a Trinity College bouzouki and want to install a strap pin in the heel of the neck, like I have on my mando (slightly blurry image below).

My question is: before I start drilling can I be confident that the heel is solid wood? Neck and heel seem to be one piece. Are there any dealers out there who carry the Pac-Rim instruments that can confirm? Failing that, is there any way I could check for sure?

Thanks (and hope this all makes sense!)

Simon

[Markelberry]

I am not a builder,but Im sure where the neck attaches there is a solid block of wood,you should see it thru the sound hole and the heel of the neck is also solid. Mark

[Fretbear]

Mine is over a decade old, but I have a button installed and it is fine. You really do need one and a good strap to play it even if you are sitting down. I installed mine not centre but more underneath the heel, like a guitar where the strap has to curl under a bit and stays secure. If you do it yourself the drill bit should still allow the screw threads to show at the sides when you hold it up against the strap button screw that you are going to use. Put a tape stop on the bit to avoid drilling deeper than necessary.