A craftsman explains why your soundhole cover won't fit and how to attach it correctly

Struggling because your soundhole cover "won't fit"?

"I bought a soundhole cover for late-night practice, but it just won't fit..." "I'm afraid of scratching my guitar if I force it in." Have you ever had an experience like this?

Soundhole covers are incredibly useful items for reducing the volume of an acoustic guitar and preventing feedback. However, many people are surprised to find themselves confused when it comes time to install one, wondering, "Wait, is this the right size?" or "It's just not going in."

In this article, I will carefully explain the causes of why a soundhole cover might not fit and how to resolve them, from the perspective of a guitar strap artisan.

3 Main Reasons Why a Soundhole Cover Won't Fit

1. The soundhole diameter and cover size do not match

The first thing to check is the diameter of your soundhole. While the soundholes on standard acoustic guitars (Dreadnought or OOO sizes) are typically around 100mm in diameter, there can be a margin of error of a few millimeters depending on the manufacturer and model.

Naturally, the sizes for ukuleles and guitars are different, and even if both are labeled as "for guitar," classical guitar soundholes are slightly larger (approx. 86–90mm) than those on steel-string acoustic guitars.

Your first step should be to measure the diameter of your instrument's soundhole with a tape measure.

2. The material is too stiff and lacks flexibility

Commercially available soundhole covers are made of silicone, rubber, or plastic. These can sometimes have inconsistent levels of hardness or elasticity, leading to cases where they are "too stiff to fit in cold weather" or "too soft to provide a proper fit in the summer."

Depending on the material, forcing it in can cause the cover to crack or scratch the finish around the soundhole, so please be careful.

3. Incorrect installation method

This is surprisingly common. Most soundhole covers are not meant to be "pushed in while flat"—the correct method often involves tilting it slightly to insert it. Some products also have "wings" or "tabs" on the back that must be lifted before insertion.

If you try to force it in without reading the instructions, you might end up damaging your instrument instead of getting it to fit, so always check the structure first.

The Option of a Leather Soundhole Cover

If you are wondering, "Which one should I choose in the end?", I highly recommend considering a genuine leather soundhole cover.

The greatest advantage of leather is its moderate suppleness. It is neither too hard nor too soft, allowing it to naturally conform to the shape of the soundhole. It is also less prone to changes in stiffness due to temperature, making it reliable for use all year round.

At 708works, we offer leather soundhole covers that are handmade by artisans one by one.

For those using acoustic guitars, we recommend our Soundhole Cover | For Acoustic Guitar [Genuine Leather]. It suppresses volume perfectly, making it ideal for late-night practice. Furthermore, for live performances using electro-acoustic or nylon-string guitars, it is effective at reducing feedback and howling.

We also offer a Soundhole Cover | For Ukulele [Genuine Leather], allowing you to enjoy playing during ensembles or night practice without hesitation.

Tips for Correct Installation

Installing a 708works leather soundhole cover is very simple.

1. Lift the "wing" parts on the back of the cover.
2. Insert it into the soundhole at a slight angle.
3. Gently push it down so that the wings catch on the edge of the soundhole.

There is no need to apply excessive force. It will slide in and fit so smoothly that you might be surprised by how easy it is.

Summary: Choose the One That Fits Your Instrument

The reason a soundhole cover doesn't fit is almost always due to the size, material, or installation method. It is important to first measure the diameter of your instrument's soundhole and choose a product that matches it.

If you want to "practice at night without worry" or "avoid being troubled by feedback during live shows," a leather soundhole cover will surely be a dependable ally.

To enjoy a long relationship with your precious instrument, please be sure to find the perfect one for you.