Straplock Trouble

[ElizabethC]

I recently picked up a Dunlop Dual Design Straplok System for my G&L Tribute L-2500 Premium and tried to install it today. However, I ran into a couple of problems when it came to replacing the standard G&L screws and strap buttons with the Dunlop Straplok screws and buttons.

On the top screw/button (near the neck), the screw would go in a few turns, but no farther. This left me with about a good centimeter (give or take) on the screw sticking out of the body. For the bottom screw/botton (near the bridge), the screw would go in a bit farther; however, this one still stuck out quite a bit too.

Now, the strange part is that, when I tried switching the standard G&L screws around (placed the bottom screw on the top hole and the top screw on the bottom hole), it wouldn't fit. (The bottom screw would go no further after a few turns in the top hole.)

So, a few questions:

1. Does G&L use a different screw size for each strap button hole on the G&L Tribute?
2. A few of you mention before that you use Dunlop Straploks on your G&L basses as well...did you have to modify the holes or did you run into any problems?
3. Are there any "tricks" out there to installing these straplocks on G&L Tributes besides those involving re-shaping the hole, buying different screws, etc.?

[vindy500]

its quite amazing how screws can self tap

[spideyjg]

Originally Posted by ElizabethC

So, a few questions:

1. Does G&L use a different screw size for each strap button hole on the G&L Tribute?
2. A few of you mention before that you use Dunlop Straploks on your G&L basses as well...did you have to modify the holes or did you run into any problems?
3. Are there any "tricks" out there to installing these straplocks on G&L Tributes besides those involving re-shaping the hole, buying different screws, etc.?

Since you are in New York call Matt at Guitar Man. He is one of the sharpest G&L dealers around and see what he thinks of it.

Are the screws the same length from the original and Dunlop?

Jim

[TomB]

Try putting either candle wax or a small amount of hand soap on the screw threads and try again, being careful to use the correct screwdriver and not let it slip. The screws should seat just fine if you're determined and careful.

[ElizabethC]

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Since you are in New York call Matt at Guitar Man. He is one of the sharpest G&L dealers around and see what he thinks of it.

Are the screws the same length from the original and Dunlop?

Yes, I did a side-by-side comparison; and they're the same length.

Thanks for the referral. I'll give him a call or email if, after all is said and done, there still isn't a fix to this problem.

Originally Posted by TomB

Try putting either candle wax or a small amount of hand soap on the screw threads and try again, being careful to use the correct screwdriver and not let it slip. The screws should seat just fine if you're determined and careful.

I tried putting a small amount of bar soap at the tip of the screw, but, even after doing this, the screw wouldn't go past that certain point in the hole. I don't want to turn the screwdriver forcefully for fear of damaging the screws or the holes, but could it be that I'm just being too gentle?

[Jimtoonz]

I have the Dunlop locks on 3 different G&Ls(one of which is currently in the For Sale section of TB). There was never any issue replacing the factory screws with the Dunlop-provided ones. I suspect that you may just need to apply a little more force. Should there be anything that is really causing the screw to "bind" or stop, you will be able to detect it by feel. I can't imagine that there is anything in the body wood that would prevent your being able to correctly seat the screw.

I would suggest that you take something of very small diameter(toothpick) and use it to gauge the depth of the hole compared against the Dunlop screw. If all appears to match OK, then just turn up the torque a little and proceed slowly, paying attention for any change that would indicate a hard stop.

[Infernal Affair]

I usually just screw harder.

From the G&Ls that I've changed to straplocks on, the Dunlop screws are usually a little longer and a tiny bit wider. Just use some force and screw it in all the way as Jim said. I find a hand screwdriver to be easier in this case since my power drill is bulky. Just don't strip the screw and take it slow. Otherwise you can use the toothpick trick to measure the distance and drill a guiding hole a tiny bit deeper so that it's easier.

[ElizabethC]

After switching to a screwdriver with a bigger handle, applying a bit more bar soap to the tip of the screw, and using a greater amount of force, I was able to seat the new screws into the holes. They are now nice and snug and don't show any sign of moving anytime soon. So, thanks for the responses!