Dunlop Straplocks

Joronamo · #1 02-13-2010, 05:46 PM

Hi,

I have a USA Fender Jazz bass and ever since day one I have had strap button/strap lock issues. Firstly, because my bass is made from a softer wood, the buttons keep coming loose. I constaly got it repaired with wood chips and glue but it wouldnt budge.

I then took it to a professional luthier and he installed Schaller strap locks and really did a professional job. The buttons wouldnt move and everything was sweet. THen a year later to my horror the button came loose again. Not only that but my schaller strap locks started failing.

I then did some research and realised people were having similar problems and recommended dunlop strap locks. I also remember seeing a live band and then talking to the bass player and he showed me his system which from memory looked alot like the dunlop ones. THe stand out was that his bass didnt have strap buttons, instead he had these fitted cavities (holes) installed into his horns, and then had the locks in his strap that would fit right into the cavity like a plug. I WANT THEM! People say schaller is good, and whilst they may be good for normal guitar, for bass or any heavy instrument they are shocking as basically all the weight is being applied to the small screw from the button which sticks out of the horn of your bass.

It doesnt even look remotly secure. Not only that, it creaks and rattles while your standing up playing. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could confirm that this plug system is infact the dunlop straplocks before when I google and youtube I cant tell from the stock photos of the product. There are no photoes of the actual cavities in peoples instruments, just the actual mechanism. PHOTOS AND CONFIRMATION/CORRECTION PLEASE!

lowfreq33 · #2 02-13-2010, 06:00 PM

The Dunlop straploks are what Ken Smith basses have - with the recessed channel. I've been using these for years with no problem, although I've never had them recessed. I use the dual design straplocks that can be used with the locks or without.

gjbassist · #3 02-13-2010, 06:06 PM

I have used Schaller strap locks in several basses and never had an issue. There is a chance for problems with any strap lock system that uses it's own strap buttons. The screws supplied with the buttons can be smaller in diameter than the ones originally on the bass. Many people, including myself, will simply fill the screw holes in with tooth picks or small wood shims before attaching the new strap buttons.

ModuMan · #4 02-13-2010, 06:13 PM

No photos, but my Modulus Q6 has the recessed Dunlops. Never had an issue. All my basses have Dunlops (the "regular" kind) except my Warwick, which is pretty much the same thing.

My only (very minor) complaint about the recessed type is that I like to loop my cable over the the strap button. Easier to do with regular locks.

Joronamo · #5 02-13-2010, 06:20 PM

Hi,

Can any of you show me pictures of the recessed Dunlop locks. Also what is the full official name of them so I can tell my luthier what to order exactly/ do my own research on the net.

@Moduman:

I also like loop my lead around too as a lead lock and that is a very valid point raised. How do you rememdy this with the recessed locks? Cant you still loop the lead in between the strap and your bass though?

@ gjbassist:

I have tried tooth picks and glue, larger screws basically anything a luthier can think of to remedy the problem, still won't budge after a while. Hence I wanna give the recessed locks a go.

ModuMan · #6 02-13-2010, 06:25 PM

Yes, you can still loop the strap there but it's held by friction rather than "resting". Not really a big deal I guess.

Here's the Dunlop site showing the flush mount locks:

http://www.jimdunlop.com/index.php?p...ts/accessories

Keep in mind this is something you can't really undo since you're drilling a wider hole in the bass.

Joronamo · #7 02-13-2010, 07:08 PM

Thanks mate. If you wish to undo it can you use wood chips and glue? What do you mean held by friction instead of resting, can you elaborate?

ModuMan · #8 02-13-2010, 07:18 PM

I think it would take more than chips, you would be filling it with a plug, most likely. The recessed part isn't that deep but it's wide compared to a strap button.

What I meant by friction is that since the cable isn't resting on the strap button it's essentially held in place by the strap itself against the body. Maybe "pressure" would have been a better choice of words.

queevil · #9 02-18-2010, 03:14 AM

Never had a problem with Schaller's. I hope whatever you end up using works out for you.