First build Explorer EXM-1

[Simon Barden]

I'd always suggest looking at how the original guitars have them placed. The factory position on an Explorer is normally in the position you mentioned, but you will see pictures of them with the strap button on the front of the top shoulder. The downside of the shoulder position is the slope of the shoulder means that with a standard strap button and strap, the button is being pulled forward out of the strap slot by gravity, and with a soft strap end, you're likely to have the guitar drop off the strap at some point. So if you do fit one there, I'd really recommend that you use some form of strap lock. I always fit strap locks to my guitars, but if you don't, then the back of the neck is a safer position, even if it can intrude slightly on upper fret access.

[Alexej]

I'd always suggest looking at how the original guitars have them placed. The factory position on an Explorer is normally in the position you mentioned, but you will see pictures of them with the strap button on the front of the top shoulder. The downside of the shoulder position is the slope of the shoulder means that with a standard strap button and strap, the button is being pulled forward out of the strap slot by gravity, and with a soft strap end, you're likely to have the guitar drop off the strap at some point. So if you do fit one there, I'd really recommend that you use some form of strap lock. I always fit strap locks to my guitars, but if you don't, then the back of the neck is a safer position, even if it can intrude slightly on upper fret access.

Actually I have seen different placing of the strap buttons. Gibson for example has it both ways. Also on new guitars which Ive seen at Thomann. So it is maybe more of a personal taste and use.

I also thought about the strap coming off at the button placed on the upper corner when not using lockings. On my LP it's not a problem, but the Explorer shape Is harder to handle...And for I do not like lockings, maybe I tend more to the version at the backside/neck placing...