your opinion of the OTHER straplock brands?

bongomania · #1 04-09-2011, 07:39 PM

Yes, everyone and their uncle will testify that they've used either Schaller, Dunlop, or Grolsch strap locks for the last 35 years and never had a failure.

But what about all the other brands, like Planet Waves, Hennessey, Fender, Ernie Ball, or Q Parts? Are they truly not as good as the "big three", or are they just less commonly used because everyone sticks with the ones "everyone else" is using?

christle · #2 04-09-2011, 07:58 PM

Around here you can only get the top three so what is readily available affects my choices. EB's are special order and only one guy I know gets those...he really likes them though.

LeonD · #3 04-10-2011, 02:27 AM

Usually I use Dunlops but I have used Ernie Ball strap locks on a couple of basses.

I'd say they are just as good functionally. And because of the way they attach to the strap, they are easier to put on a thick strap than the Dunlops.

**superdick2112** · #4 04-10-2011, 03:08 AM

I prefer Schallers, & the one time I bought Schaller knockoffs from GC (ProLine brand), I regretted not spending the few extra bucks. The lock heads are fine, but the screws they supply are poop - they are brittle, & one snapped during final tightening. I had to grind off the exposed end & drill a new hole next to the broken screw.
Avoid the ProLine locks, they are very poorly made.

Unrepresented · #5 04-10-2011, 04:34 AM

I'm happy with the Warwick strap locks I have with the exception of the locking mechanism being a little testy as of late. Takes a few attempts to get it to actually click and settle into place.

KsPiNeSh · #6 04-10-2011, 07:14 AM

Been using Warwick locks for years with no issues.

bongomania · #7 04-10-2011, 09:25 AM

FWIW I have seen many posts about the Warwick ones wearing out and becoming unreliable over time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by superdick2112

the one time I bought Schaller knockoffs from GC (ProLine brand), I regretted not spending the few extra bucks. The lock heads are fine, but the screws they supply are poop - they are brittle, & one snapped during final tightening. I had to grind off the exposed end & drill a new hole next to the broken screw.
Avoid the ProLine locks, they are very poorly made.

Good to know!

PJSShearer · #8 04-10-2011, 09:42 AM

I personally don't trust straplocks - I've never used a set that didn't fail at some point (and I;ve tried 3 or 4 difeerent ones over the years). I currently use extra large strap buttons and always have one hand on the Bass when I have it strapped on...

paparoof · #9 02-14-2012, 11:15 AM

I do a DIY thing. All my basses are basswood - I pull the screws and insert a couple wood glue-coated toothpicks. Then I just replace everything in this order: felt, strap, little rubber washer, factory strap button, screw.

Holds like a dream and only sucks if you wanna use that strap on another instrument. I just have a dedicated strap for each bass.

BurningSkies · #10 02-14-2012, 11:19 AM

Anyone tried these?

Home - LOXX USA

MatticusMania · #11 02-14-2012, 11:25 AM

There isnt a brand of straplock that keeps the screw post firmly secured to the bass that Ive seen.
My strap coming off the button has never beeen an issue, its always been the entire button coming out of the horn, straplock and all.

**bassman314** · #12 02-14-2012, 11:33 AM

I've only used Dunlops.

Prior to Dunlops, I had issues with either strap coming off, or the screw coming loose, so I started putting epoxy putty in the screw hole prior to assembly.

I continued the practice when I switched to strap locks, and have never lost a strap-lock yet.

paparoof · #13 02-14-2012, 11:47 AM

I just realized I committed thread necromancy.

Sorry.

stratovani · #14 02-14-2012, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paparoof

I just realized I committed thread necromancy.

Sorry.

Nah, this thread is still under a year old. You're good!

Anyways, this is what I use on my guitars and basses. Insanely cheap, and I've NEVER EVER lost a guitar or bass because of it.

STEWMAC.COM : Gripper Strap Buttons

Tin Cadillac · #15 02-14-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

There isnt a brand of straplock that keeps the screw post firmly secured to the bass that Ive seen.
My strap coming off the button has never beeen an issue, its always been the entire button coming out of the horn, straplock and all.

Well, it goes without saying that you do not strip out the screws that hold in your strap button! This only happens when you are constantly removing/reinstalling or are replacing the screw with one that is smaller than what was removed!

If you have stripped out the hole where your want your strap button fastened, you can add a few toothpicks and glue (has already been mentioned here) or you can get really fancy with a dowel plug and then re-drill where you want your strap button to go.

As for me, I use Dunlops on my bass and Schallers on my guitars. Don't really know exactly why - just sorta worked out that way.

**bassman314** · #16 02-14-2012, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paparoof

I just realized I committed thread necromancy.

Sorry.

Thread Necromancy indicates that you have mastered the secret, arcane science of thread divination better known as Searchology

ksandvik · #17 02-14-2012, 01:41 PM

I don't like taking out the original strap holder as there's a lot of wear and tear unscrewing and screwing it back in, especially with basswood bodies. I prefer none or then the new Planet Waves lock straps. Wish there was a 3" version with padding for bass players of the Planet Waves one, though. For guitar the 2" work really well, unless you have a Les Paul or a similar model where the lock system for the strap can't be properly inserted.

Tin Cadillac · #18 02-14-2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

Anyone tried these?

Home - LOXX USA

What I DON'T like about these are that you cannot just use a regular strap with these as you can with a schaller or Dunlop system.

I guess a downfall of the Dunlop system is once it is installed on the strap, it is difficult to remove (E-Clips, not something you want to mess with during a gig) which makes adjustment of the leather strap (loop-strap) difficult. Schallers tend to come loose but I have never had this problem with a Dunlop.

If I let someone play my bass, they either have to live with the way it is adjusted or they can use another strap. with the strap removed, these look and work pretty much like conventional strap buttons (a big plus).

**baba** · #19 02-14-2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

There isnt a brand of straplock that keeps the screw post firmly secured to the bass that Ive seen.
My strap coming off the button has never beeen an issue, its always been the entire button coming out of the horn, straplock and all.

Yes, I've had the screw gradually loosen a few times, but fortunately I saw it in time. If you don't catch it, the thread wears the hole out pretty good and it continues to loosen. Just stick a piece of toothpick or other wood splinter in there, break it off flush, and screw everything back in tightly. Fixed.

paparoof · #20 02-14-2012, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman314

Thread Necromancy indicates that you have mastered the secret, arcane science of thread divination better known as Searchology

Hey yeah - at least I started on the right path....

Also looks like my little idea of wood glue and toothpicks isn't exactly new information to TB. So I'm just gonna back away quietly and order myself some new strap locks from allparts.com.

Y'all have a nice day.