Getting rid of straplock squeak

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I know most of us fall into two camps of straplock users: Dunlops and Schallers. I have and personally prefer the Schallers, but the one thing I do not like too much is that they can often squeak. I have one particular set on one bass that seems to be worse than the others.

My question to you Schaller users (and anyone who might know) is: how do you get rid of the squeaking? Do you have a specific favorite lubrication that is not too messy and gets the job done? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[20db pad]

Just the teeniest drop of Armor All worked for me.

[lunarpollen]

I'm gonna recommend that to my roommate, he has this old Silvertone gumby-looking guitar with a very microphoinic pickup, and half of what it seems to pick up is the creaking of the strap against the body of the guitar. It sounds like the timbers of an old tall-masted ship creaking in the waves

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Interesting. I would have never expected that. I was thinking I would get WD40 or Vaseline suggestions (which may work too).

[MIJ-VI]

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

I know most of us fall into two camps of straplock users: Dunlops and Schallers. I have and personally prefer the Schallers, but the one thing I do not like too much is that they can often squeak. I have one particular set on one bass that seems to be worse than the others.

My question to you Schaller users (and anyone who might know) is: how do you get rid of the squeaking? Do you have a specific favorite lubrication that is not too messy and gets the job done? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Hi Smallmouth_Bass.

I used to use Strap Locks until they fell apart.

I then switched to P/J Bass string retainers like these, along with a thick & wide leather strap (for good instrument weight distribution), 20 years ago and haven't looked back.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Interesting idea, although I don't like the idea of having a strap permanently attached to a bass. I take it the strap can come on and off with those retainers?

[The Golden Boy]

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

Interesting idea, although I don't like the idea of having a strap permanently attached to a bass. I take it the strap can come on and off with those retainers?

There's guys who use $100,000 guitars that trust an old strap with the little red rubber washers that come on Grolsch beer bottles.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Yeah, I have seen that. I wouldn't be one of those guys!

[MIJ-VI]

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

Interesting idea, although I don't like the idea of having a strap permanently attached to a bass. I take it the strap can come on and off with those retainers?

Yes the strap can be removed.