Strap Lock system

[WCHIII]

Got my Schallers in last night and put them on my strap. Question: The piece that attaches to the strap comes with a nut and thick washer. Has anyone using these been able to only use it without the washer and only the nut? I dont see where my strap is that thick but I cant get the washer on with enough threads exposed to start the nut. Im going to have to go with just the nut...seems to all be pretty snug though...

[walldaja]

I actually use Dunlop's but the main reason I like having them is the quick release feature when I put my bass in the form fitting case--no room for a strap. Trying to pry a leather strap off those typical buttons is a pain, with the Dunlop's I just push the release button and it's off.

[WCHIII]

Schallers I have are the same way...push button/instant release...

[carl h.]

Schaller + loctite (Clear fingernail polish works the same and is invisible and available 24/7 from wally world)

Never loose unless you want it that way.

WCHIII squeeze that washer down a bit and it should go without issue. I use them on some pretty fat straps and it took a bit of squeezing and some trimming with a sharp knife to open up the strap so it fit properly. Small amount of trimming!

[Fullback32]

Originally Posted by fivestringgecko

A very good point and another reason I switched away from Schallers. Kept having to tighten/adjust them.

5sg.

I learned that almost the hard way with my Fender strap locks. I was able to catch my bass in time thankfully. I now check them every time I play to ensure they are still tight.

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by WCHIII

Got my Schallers in last night and put them on my strap. Question: The piece that attaches to the strap comes with a nut and thick washer. Has anyone using these been able to only use it without the washer and only the nut? I dont see where my strap is that thick but I cant get the washer on with enough threads exposed to start the nut. Im going to have to go with just the nut...seems to all be pretty snug though...

I do that with a stiff leather strap that I made. I don't know if I would trust a nylon strap without the washer unless it's brand new.

You could also try a thinner washer, but it sounds like you probably have a tight enough fit. Just make sure to use a dab locktite or clear nail polish on the threads to keep that nut from coming loose.

[WCHIII]

locktite...ah yes!! thanks all

[fivestringgecko]

Originally Posted by Fullback32

I learned that almost the hard way with my Fender strap locks. I was able to catch my bass in time thankfully. I now check them every time I play to ensure they are still tight.

I don't like having to check, I like having my preflight checklist as short as possible. The Dunlop locks are one less thing for me to think about, you know?

5sg.

[rapidfirerob]

Schallers are my preference. Tightening them really well keeps them on. Loctite sounds like extra insurance. I may check it out.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Itzayana

50 years of playing, mostly pro, thousands of gigs, never used strap locks, never had a bass come off of the strap. I move a lot on stage but not what would be called dramatic gymnastics. Now at 61 years old moving a lot might translate to lifting my foot on occasion. Been thinking about inventing a system to bolt my bass to the aluminum walker!

Now yer talkin'. When you invent that system I want one. It'll look good parked beside my motorized wheelchair with the ape hangers and knobby tires, lol. I'm 63 tomorrow, and that'll make 50 years here, too, playing guitar and bass.

As for straplocks, I use Schaller, but I must say they can unscrew in soft wood like basswood. (Do other brands do that?). But I just keep gluing the screw back in with some toothpicks. I might try some graphite or teflon in the cradle and see if that helps. Washers would work, but I like being able to take the strap off.

[walterw]

+1 to using a drop of loctite on the schaller nuts, and having the "cup" facing up

those two things and they're good to go.

that said, i ditched all these years ago for grolsch washers and have never looked back! secure, silent, nothing to wear out or break, nothing to oil or tighten, strap is still removable, and is still nice and close to the body.

the strength of the screw into the wood is an entirely separate issue, except that having the strap close to the body reduces excess sideways torque on the screw.

[Kmonk]

I never, ever play without strap locks. Only guaranteed way to keep your bass from hitting the floor. This is what I use.

[Willie Dizon]

This is what I'm using and I'm very impressed.I love the fact that I don't have to change out my strap buttons:

[bigdbass]

I've been using Dunlop strap locks on all my basses for 15+ years. Never leave home without it. Pretty much just use one strap and move it between basses, but have plenty of spare hardware to add to a new strap if need be.

Had my first bass, a Kramer, fall down while playing once. Started using strap locks immediately thereafter and never looked back.

I always liked the flush ones, but would not want to give up the space to loop cable through. (similar lesson. First time I had my cable yanked out during a gig was the last.)

[bassman10096]

It's not so much "makes a difference" as "prevents possible catastrophe."

This is the bottom line. I know several guys who've experienced substantial damage to expensive instruments and have had more than one near miss myself. Since then - Schallers on everything. My bandmates and I periodically ask each other at rehearsal if all their screws are tight (didn't sound that weird till I wrote it ). Lots of good info and observations here. I hope at least one bass is saved by this thread .

[60bass]

I ONLY use Dunlop's, the original long models. I like the long model because I have room to run my cord up and over the lock and then to the input jack.

In over 25 years I've "never" had a failure! Or a cord end busted off or pulled out either.

For maintenance just a very tiny drop of 3 in 1 or sewing machine oil on the ball bearings once a year and the occasional screw check for tightness. My straps wore out but not the Straplock's!

Tried Schaller's once but went back to Dunlop's real quick.

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by Abner

The Grolsch washer method is not a permanent attachment. You put the strap on normally, then put the tight rubber washer on top. It may be little difficilt to put on, but then that's the point, isn't it? To make it hard to come off accidentally. But it is removable. And requires no modifications to your bass or strap.

As will the washers. Don't knock 'em til you've tried 'em.

I've tried 'em and I knock 'em even though they seem rather popular (because of the price, I presume)

The problem with the washers is exactly that they are hard to put on. Yes, it stops an accidental drop, but makes quickly changing straps a pain. If you want cheap safety just screw the straps permanently on your bass. And it's worse than that. most straps that you didn't have to sell your car to buy have a problem that the hole elongates over time. They become looser and looser until the instrument is falling off the strap all the time. The washers help stop the falling but still don't solve the loose strap hole problem.

I've got both Schallers and Dunlops and Dunlops are my "standard" lock. Both have some problems. Schallers tend to come loose and rotate around. Plus they are big, bulky, and rather hard to use in a hurry. Also the button is sort of squarish so using a standard strap in an emergency, while possible, is less than optimum

Dunlops mostly solve that problem. Recessed Dunlops REALLY look cool on a bass, but then you can't use a normal strap in an emergency, which is why I don't use them. I like the belt and suspenders idea. Dunlops lock positively on the strap (with some effort, but you only have to do it once) and don't come loose. Lots of plusses. The negative is that unless you make SURE they are postively locked, they can SEEM locked but are not. And the bass can drop! My solution for that is to coat the locking mechanism with lithium grease. Makes them MUCH more prone to locking correctly.

I try to make sure that each bass has it's own strap in it's case, but you know how life is. Somehow it's been good that virtually all my basses have Dunlops and I can switch straps in an instant or even borrow a standard strap in a pinch.

This is what I know.

[Pilgrim]

This is all I have ever used. No problems. I only use them on the top strap button on most basses, because the strap stays on the bottom button really well.



Part 2: don't jump around like a goof or toss your bass around.

[Red_Merkin]

Best strap lock I've ever used, period. Also, I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but this method not only eliminates any rattling from mechanical strap locks, but it brings the instrument into a more natural position and allows you to feel it more, if that makes any sense.

Plus, it comes with beer!

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by DwaynieAD

used dunlops, schallers, hennesy's, and most recently 5/16 rubber washers. dunlops have been functioning perfectly for 12 years now. schallers come undone weekly, hennesy's crapped out in about 6 months. rubber washers are my current favorite. 40 cents for strap locks. held my (very heavy) bass by the strap right above the horn over my bed and shook the $h!t out of it. didnt come unhooked with the washers.

Rubber washers? . . . . . link?

Thanks