Ebay Strap Locks?

daveh30 · #1 04-20-2011, 08:23 PM

Wondering if anyone has any experience with the Cheap-o Chinese strap locks on Ebay. They're the Schaller/ Fender style, and going for about $4 -$6 a pair, shipped.

I recently tried both the Schallers and Dunlops on my MTD, and I've decided I like the schallers better, so its time to start outfitting my entire stable. Buying them all local would run me upwards of $120 +tax. buying schallers on Ebay from a North American seller would cut that in half. If these knock-offs from Hong Kong are of any kind of decent quality (and compatible with the genuine Schallers), I could get enough plus a couple spares for $40- $50. Anyone tried them?

GUITAR STRAP LOCK LOCKS LOCKING CHROME BUTTONS SCREWS on eBay.ca (item 300549005391 end time 21-Apr-11 22:26:46 EDT)

knucklehead G · #2 04-20-2011, 08:30 PM

Is the extra $10 / set worth what might happen to your bass if it gives out?

angrypanda · #3 04-20-2011, 08:35 PM

I have been in the manufacturing biz for almost 15 years, and let me tell you they are probably made in the same factory, I have ordered 3 of these off ebay and they work fine (yes they are on expensive basses) just inspect the ball bearings from time to time to make sure they stay tight ( this should be done on all straplocks) .

Just keep in mind that ordering stuff from China on ebay that it can take 3 to 6 weeks to get them, but I think its worth it. I own 22 instruments and it would cost a fortune to outfit them all with straplocks retail.

bassplayer8953 · #4 04-20-2011, 08:36 PM

I put a set on my Epi Tbird Pro and they've held up fine for 1 - 1/2 years so far.

The only straplocks that ever failed me were Dunlops on my Gibson Tbird. Tbird hit the floor, causing a couple of dings, the 1st imperfections on an 18 year old bass. Needless to say, I wasn't happy... The Dunlops were replaced by the ebay Schaller-style about 6 months ago. I can play the Gibson now & not worry that the Dunlops will pull a repeat performance.

michael_atw · #5 04-20-2011, 08:38 PM

Use washers. 5 cents each.

daveh30 · #6 04-20-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angrypanda

I have been in the manufacturing biz for almost 15 years, and let me tell you they are probably made in the same factory, I have ordered 3 of these off ebay and they work fine (yes they are on expensive basses) just inspect the ball bearings from time to time to make sure they stay tight ( this should be done on all straplocks) .

Just keep in mind that ordering stuff from China on ebay that it can take 3 to 6 weeks to get them, but I think its worth it. I own 22 instruments and it would cost a fortune to outfit them all with straplocks retail.

Yeah, thats was kinda what i was hoping/ expected. I've ordered some "knock-off" items from Hong Kong in the past, and while some of it is crap, a lot of it is as good quality as the brand name versions. (my last hong kong purchase, 2 replacement batteries for my cell phone + 1 external charger. cost. $.01 + $5 shipping. they both last longer than the battery that came with the phone.)

daveh30 · #7 04-20-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead G

Is the extra $10 / set worth what might happen to your bass if it gives out?

....And i definitely see your point, too. Thats why I asked first. If others have had problems with them failing, I can learn from their experiences. But if others have tried them and are happy with them, seems silly not to learn from that experience too. Anything that could save me $50 towards a new amp is at least worth looking into...

Skyblue977 · #8 04-21-2011, 04:37 AM

Well I've just bought 4. They do look identical the Schaller's and for $13 AUD for 2 sets, well they've gotta be worth a go.

T-Bird · #9 04-21-2011, 05:25 AM

Hi.

They must be good, every metal is the same and every manufacturing method is the same.

IMHO and IMHO only, but if someone's so piss-poor that they can't invest on $10 straplocks, washers and a screwdriver works wonders. Since they probably can't afford a hard-case either, the screwdriver isn't necessary, the strap can ruin the finish/strings/knobs just fine.

Regards
Sam

michael_atw · #10 04-21-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

They must be good, every metal is the same and every manufacturing method is the same.

Not true. Metals can be made much weaker at the whim of the manufacturer.

Besides, the straplocks aren't all metal to break. They are decently complicated little contraptions with many other parts that will give out much earlier than the metal itself.

Lazerrus · #11 04-21-2011, 08:16 AM

I have purchased and use many sets of the Schaller knock off buttons (not the complete set) and they are fine. I was skeptical at first because you can see a mold line that runs up the side of the button and on my real Schaller buttons there is no line. However they work just fine.

steelhead2 · #12 04-21-2011, 09:39 AM

thick rubber washers over the pins?,,stumbled on to that trick,the straplocks i tried i didn't like the outboard mounting of the strap from the body,if you're a big guy it might improve the fit but i'm narrow shouldered.

anyway try some fat washers on top of the strap pins i'm amazed how well they hang on in fact jamming here a couple weeks back i forgot i installed one on the bottom pin and kept struggling to pull the strap,sure! i could have(pulled it) but realizing i added a washer for THAT jam session it really dawned on me how great it works,and i'll never worry about chipping the finish either,it's only a dollar out the door if you don't like themblahblah

T-Bird · #13 04-21-2011, 09:45 AM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael_atw

Not true. Metals can be made much weaker at the whim of the manufacturer.

So You have wrenched Harleys as well

.

Actually I forgot the code for

while typing the quick reply.

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael_atw

Besides, the straplocks aren't all metal to break. They are decently complicated little contraptions with many other parts that will give out much earlier than the metal itself.

The Schaller knob for example is threaded and so the parts can be replaced/tightened if necessary. The cheapo imitation I once saw "in action" had a pressed-in knob that gave away and sent the plunger and the spring flying. Never to be found either. The guy wised up and bought a set of Schallers the next day.

The Zinc alloy some of the cheapo manufacturers like to use, does crack in strap-lock use, which will drop the instrument at the most inconvenient time. Obviously.

Regards
Sam

Caca de Kick · #14 04-21-2011, 10:19 AM

So evidentally on the Ebay search feature recognizes the word strap and includes elephant thongs in the related suggestions.....nice.

evilt70 · #15 04-21-2011, 10:23 AM

I would avoid them. 20 bucks a set (or so) but Ernie ball strap locks are the best IMO. Others would fall off/send the bass for a dive.

Peepaleep · #16 04-21-2011, 10:24 AM

I have two sets and they have worked well so far, but I don't thiunk I will be purchasing straploks at all for any future basses I acquire. I'll just screw the strap to the bass and leave it there.

Andyman001 · #17 04-21-2011, 11:06 AM

http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/m/mMgq...W4eB8Q/140.jpg

and the thing came apart the first time I played them, haven't tried the others

zeroncali · #18 04-21-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael_atw

Use washers. 5 cents each.

This is my advice as well.

daveh30 · #19 04-21-2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peepaleep

I'll just screw the strap to the bass and leave it there.

I, personally, would never do that. Yeah, it would work fine, and its definitely the cheapest option, but it just seems a little ghetto to me (and i honestly don't mean that as a knock on anyone who's done it, because i probably wouldn't even notice. But i'd notice it on mine, and it would bug me.) Besides the fact that I like being able to switch my straps around, I like the look of the schaller locks as well. This wasn't so much an issue of being cheap and/ or unable to afford some proper strap locks, just trying to be a wise consumer. No real sense in spending three times as much locally if i can get the same thing online. Any money saved on this purchase is money that can be put towards my next toy, the next time G.A.S. strikes....

T-Bird · #20 04-21-2011, 12:35 PM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveh30

Any money saved on this purchase is money that can be put towards my next toy, the next time G.A.S. strikes....

OR, You can spend a bit more for the repairs on the current instrument if the crappy straplock fails and your favourite instrument hits the floor.

Regards
Sam