What I use for straplocks

whoapower · #1 11-28-2007, 03:47 PM

Hopefully this is the best place to put this thread. After searching for straplocks, I found that the informative ones were here.
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I've used a few versions of straplocks over the years and there's always a few things that bugged me about them:

1) when I remove one end of the strap or even both ends of the strap, there is a chance the bass will get a ding from it being whipped around if not careful or if it is still connected to the bass when I put it in the gig bag. there are times when I am packing up after a gig and I don't have time to put everything into their proper places.

2) the lock is usually not tight because the locking part itself rotates. this gives me a false feeling of the actual screw that is in the bass - is it tight? has it loosened up?

3) I don't like the extra ounces of unnecessary weight.

So... years ago, I went to Home Depot and came out with a handful of these for my basses and guitars. It is just a rubber grommet. Works quite simple.

Put strap on.

Place grommet over edge.

Works great!

Even on other basses where it doesn't quite match up to the pleather... it still looks fine and acceptable to me.

Hope this helps for anyone out there looking for a cheap solution. Of course, comments & critiques are welcome.

Steelpulz · #2 11-28-2007, 04:00 PM

I'm in Los Angeles and saw a bassist using something very similar. Are those rubber washers?

whoapower · #3 11-28-2007, 04:05 PM

That's all they are. Maybe a quarter a piece or so. I don't swing my bass around like Sheehan or anything, but they have never failed me.

Pilgrim · #4 11-28-2007, 04:15 PM

It has been done before - with rubber washers from Grolsch (if I recall correctly) beer bottles. Good, simple idea.

Manndreas · #5 11-28-2007, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

It has been done before - with rubber washers from Grolsch (if I recall correctly) beer bottles. Good, simple idea.

+1

Works perfectly. Cheapest straplocks you'll ever find, and you get two free beers with every pair.

TrevorOfDoom · #6 11-28-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manndreas

+1

Works perfectly. Cheapest straplocks you'll ever find, and you get two free beers with every pair.

now that's a deal!!

Pilgrim · #7 11-28-2007, 09:22 PM

Beer - the gift that keeps on giving in so many ways!

Manndreas · #8 11-29-2007, 05:37 AM

...Like headaches and bad breath?

CincyBassMan · #9 11-29-2007, 06:19 AM

What a novel idea!! I'm gonna try it 'cause I'm a cheap ***! Thank you Woapower!!

202dy · #10 11-29-2007, 06:24 AM

A bit more expensive but creates a positive lock:

Dunlop Straplok

They've been around for at least a decade. Used to be a disc but now shaped like a giant pick.

Shiro · #11 11-29-2007, 03:37 PM

A sturdier alternative to using rubber washers (if you need it) is to find a large metal washer instead (about the same size as those rubber washers), and install those in place of the rubber ones (you have to unscrew the strap button to get it on though). That's what I have on my bass.

mkrtu9 · #12 11-29-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiro

A sturdier alternative to using rubber washers (if you need it) is to find a large metal washer instead (about the same size as those rubber washers), and install those in place of the rubber ones (you have to unscrew the strap button to get it on though). That's what I have on my bass.

I used to do this until I started to gig frequently and needed to take my strap off before i put it in the case.

Strap never fell off though.

OmnitzGarima · #13 05-08-2010, 07:24 PM

Great idea.

Stingray89 · #14 05-08-2010, 08:54 PM

That's a good idea, I'm going to Home Depot tomorrow and investing in these.

froovs · #15 05-08-2010, 09:04 PM

not actually such a great idea

if you move around a lot they can un-screw the strap button screws...

cheers
froovs

stratovani · #16 05-08-2010, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiro

A sturdier alternative to using rubber washers (if you need it) is to find a large metal washer instead (about the same size as those rubber washers), and install those in place of the rubber ones (you have to unscrew the strap button to get it on though). That's what I have on my bass.

That's what I use.

joeyl · #17 05-08-2010, 09:12 PM

what's wrong with these? That's what I use and I usually pay 10-15 dollars for a set, worth every penny

**bassman_al** · #18 05-08-2010, 09:31 PM

I just discovered this myself, and started a thread called "strap locks for the cash strapped." the washers you mention fittingly called "fender" washers and are made of rubber. Several sizes, all well under a dollar each. I believe the rubber is called "neoprene."

M0ses · #19 05-08-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyl

what's wrong with these? That's what I use and I usually pay 10-15 dollars for a set, worth every penny

What's wrong with the rubber washer? I'll tell you what's wrong with yours! the price tag. I really just can't understand why people insist on wasting money on those.

joeyl · #20 05-08-2010, 09:41 PM

well I use only one strap, and with the quick release I can move it from bass to bass really easy. And I have never had the straploks fail on me in the 12 years I've been using them. I don't feel it's a waste of money, have you ever used Dunlop straploks or the Schaller ones for real? 10 bucks is like a trip to the mcdo, skip it once and there you go, money to get straploks.