Sterling Strap locks

rarutz · #1 10-29-2007, 07:26 AM

Hey guys!
I got myself a MM Sterling, I got myself a strap, all I need is straplocks. In Romania (where I am from) thomann cyberstore is the way to go and they basically present me with 4 options: Schaller, Dunlop, Marvel and Warwick. I'm thinking about choosing between Schaller and Dunlop (see pics). I know there are previous posts on strap locks but since I can get stuff from thomann only indirectly every few weeks I was wondering if any of you MM owners can help me make the choice that suits best my Sterling?
Thanks.

rduckwor · #2 10-29-2007, 07:32 AM

I prefer the Shallers. More secure in my experience.

rarutz · #3 10-29-2007, 08:16 AM

Any Sterling or MM users that had/have any of these straplocks on their basses?

bluestarbass · #4 10-29-2007, 09:07 AM

I have both kinds on different basses. Im not convinced one is better than the other, mine have both been great. I will say i put the schallers on everything I can. I put the dunlops on my warwick becuase those are the only ones that would fit the recessed holes. The advantage of the dunlops is if you forget the strap with locks on it you can still use a normal strap.

In summary, either would be fine.

i_got_a_mohawk · #5 10-29-2007, 10:32 AM

I like the schallers.

Havent gotten round to putting them on my rays yet, but there wont be any issue im sure.

salcott · #6 10-29-2007, 10:39 AM

I've used the Dunlops for 20+ years with no problems; just tighten the retaining nut once in a while. Being able to use a regular strap is an advantage as well.

rarutz · #7 10-30-2007, 09:35 AM

Any tips on putting the straplocks on? Use original screws or the ones coming with the locks, that sort of thing...I've seen posts that show that this might be trickier than it seems. Even trickier for me as I have to get them through somebody else from Germany. I would obvoiusly prefer to buy some straplocks that suit my bass better. And since I have to buy them without seeing them, any help is great.
So are there any tricks -especially Sterling or MM related- that might help?

ihixulu · #8 10-30-2007, 06:16 PM

When I put the Schallers on y MM SR5, I wanted to use the original screws as they were longer and threaded differently than the Schaller screws. I found that I had to grind the edges of the screw heads a little bit to get them to fit into the strap buttons. Very slightly - it was not a major operation.

Most importantly, make sure that you tighten the nut onto the strap VERY WELL. If you don't it will fall apart and you will drop your bass. I like to use two pliers to tighten the lock onto the strap, and also use a drop of medium strength loc-tite just to hold it together. Probably overkill but hey, why not.

newfuture · #9 10-31-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rduckwor

I prefer the Shallers. More secure in my experience.

+1

Also, allparts makes replacement straplock buttons for Schaller, so you don't need to buy a full set for each new instrument; just move the strap to a different bass. Saves about $20us + strap cost.

**DeanT** · #10 10-31-2007, 07:38 PM

I've got Schallers on my Sterling.

erochelle77 · #11 10-31-2007, 11:09 PM

I've been converted by these...

nad · #12 10-31-2007, 11:31 PM

Ernie Ball has some straplocks coming out. Someday, not sure when.

I'm not really a fan of straplocks (have two unused sets of Dunlops) and have never used them on my Sterling, but when these come out I'll give a set a try.

punkbassistfc · #13 11-01-2007, 09:48 AM

The ernie ball ones look sweet. kinda in between the schaller and the dunlop.

I have used both and I have settled on the jim dunlop ones. I found the schallers screw on the strap side kept coming undone. Now im jim dunlop all the way. Had it on all my sterlings and other basses.

Baird6869 · #14 11-01-2007, 03:44 PM

I have Schallers and Dunlops. They are straplocks. They both work fine.

The Dunlops are harder to install (you might need some needlenose pliers for 5 secods) but easier to release the strap from the bass.

I just buy the ones that are on sale as all of them seem to do what they are supposed to do.

Word of advise.... cram the screw hole with a wooden toothpick or two to add more grip to the screw.

Gubna · #15 11-01-2007, 04:07 PM

Schaller.

GeoffByrne · #16 11-01-2007, 04:55 PM

Dunlop has the better screw - and they are only as good as the screw holding them in.

rarutz · #17 11-25-2007, 05:11 AM

I went with Schallers. I am more than satisfied. Thanks everybody!