noisy strap lock

[pcollin]

I put a new set of Schaller strap locks on my Fender Jazz and I'm noticing a lot of "noise" coming from them when ever I move/strap moves. a grinding/metalic rubbing noise/vibration that can be heard right through my amp and felt through the body of the bass. I tried using a little soap on where the strap knob connects but it didn't work for very long. Is this common? Is there a better brand of strap lock out there? thanks.

[Ampeg SVT]

I had that problem as well, I switched to Dunlops after a while.

Also check into the Ernie Ball locks, I have heard a lot of good things about those.

[Dr. Feelgood]

I've heard of noisy straplocks. We all have! But for the grinding sound to come through your amp is very unusual... I use these same straplocks and have had no trouble with them, other than the occasional squeak, so maybe you've bought a dodgy pair? You might want to return and replace them. Give them the benefit of the doubt!

Otherwise, I've also tried Dunlop straplocks, but I've got to say, I think the Schallers are better. You could always use the age old trick of using Grolsch lager rubber washers, which would definitely eliminate any sound issues you're having.

[wvbass]

I've had this problem with schallers. Good strap locks, just noisy. Depends on the bass whether its a problem. Some basses/pickups/electronic seem to really pick this noise up, and some don't. At any rate, here's how I fixed it:

I went to the local pharmacy - RiteAid, Walgreens, etc. - and looked for the foot care section. I bought some mole skin. Its a tan, adhesive cloth. I cut a narrow strip of it and lined the inside of the strap part of the strap lock with it. The strap locks fit together a bit tightly at first, but soon, I had noiseless schallers.

[Rick Auricchio]

+1. All Dunlop now.

I switched when I actually heard the squeaks on a recording with my P-Bass about 15 years ago.