Do I really need Straploks - possible with washers?

[ForestThump]

One of my basses always gets played with the same strap which does not get taken off of it.
Is it possible to just put a washer that is considerably wider than the hole on the strap with a hole in it that is smaller than the width of the screw that screws the strap button into the bass and use this instead of a Straplok?

Hope my description is clear enough.
Would like to know if anyone else is doing this.

[SVTDOUBLEBUCK]

I thought about doing this for a while because I was having some problems with my old straps, but then my guitarist introduced the cliplock strap system, bought it, and never turned back since, for the 20 bucks, it really doesn't move at all, and is super convenient! think about getting one, they are tough as nails!

[jaywa]

The washers-and-big-screws thing worked for Billy Sheehan, it should work for you. Just don't go nuts with oversized screws or you could split or splinter the wood.

But honestly, if you have a high-quality strap and aren't flinging the bass all around the place, you really shouldn't need anything to keep the strap attached to your bass.

[SVTDOUBLEBUCK]

agreed to the previous statement, but I throw my bass around like crazy, so its up to your music style and how you play it

[Trevorus]

Dunlop has these little strap lock things that I like a lot.

[John Wentzien]

If you wanna go cheap....just save a couple of plastic clips from a loaf of bread and clip them on the outside of the strap button...

[jaywa]

I remember reading an interview with Sheehan where he said the only time he really regretted doing the washers thing was after his strap had gotten just nasty dirty and he was going to take it off to wash it and he was wondering if his bass would fall apart when he undid those screws (and if you've ever seen a picture of his original "wife" bass you'll know exactly why he said that).

[thirtypoint87]

Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.

Screws and washers work too, but a clinking washer may be audible through the amp.

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by thirtypoint87

Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.

Screws and washers work too, but a clinking washer may be audible through the amp.

It really is worth the investment for proper locks!

[Loel]

I don't jump around but i use
rubber gaskets that come from
Grolsch premium beer,they work
well to protect bass from falling..

[mrkreuzschlitz]

Washers work well,

but +1 to cliplocks. After I got them, all of the guitarists in my band ended up getting them. In the end, they're cheaper than straplocks. ($20 vs $10-$15 for strap and another $15 for the locks)

[John Wentzien]

Attachment 141120

and don't cost a penny.

[jaywa]

Originally Posted by thirtypoint87

Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.

I remember watching another bassist at my church drop his MINT 58 P-Bass to the hardwood stage floor from waist height because something let loose on his strap. I thought he was gonna have a breakdown right there on the spot. It was painful enough just for me!

[ForestThump]

Originally Posted by thirtypoint87

Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.

Screws and washers work too, but a clinking washer may be audible through the amp.

Why would the washer clink if the screw is tightened properly?

[ForestThump]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

Attachment 141120

and don't cost a penny.

Unfortunately, bread does not have those clips here in France.
Packaged bread has those plastic covered wire twist ties.

[jaywa]

Originally Posted by ForestThump

Why would the washer clink if the screw is tightened properly?

That, and why would it be audible through the amp even if it's loose? If you wear your bass high, and you sing, then a loose washer may pick up through your vocal mic. But if everything's screwed down tight I really don't see a noise issue happening.

[ExaltBass]

Washer sure... but why Straplock are convenient, versatile and proven solutions. Pick a brand and go for it. Cheap insurance and looks better than a clunky USS (wide flange) Flatwasher

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by ForestThump

Unfortunately, bread does not have those clips here in France.
Packaged bread has those plastic covered wire twist ties.

Man...I miss fresh French bread from the bakeries over there!
I'm coming over for a visit again soon!

[SoonerMatt]

Originally Posted by Loel

I don't jump around but i use
rubber gaskets that come from
Grolsch premium beer,they work
well to protect bass from falling..

Hey, if it worked for Tim Commerford....

[jaywa]

Sorry I like the Grolsch idea better. Drinking beer's more fun than eating bread.