Neccesity of strap locks?

[wyattharris]

To me it appears that the general consensus around these parts is that strap locks are a necessity. Personally, i wear my basses pretty high and i honestly don't see any way the strap could slip off the button. Is there anyone else who just dosen't see the need for strap locks? Horror stories of basses dropping welcome

[goldenglory18]

I move/rock out WAY too much to not have strap locks...

[guy n. cognito]

I would do a search. This topic has, honestly, been beaten to death.

[iovar]

I used to have them for many years on my primary bass. I stopped using them about 9-10 months ago, after the strap that had them on was stolen.

Pros:
They provide a sense of security and freedom of motion. I've never had a bass fall to the ground without them, but I've caught it mid-air quite a few times. So when I used them my mind was more at ease and I could concentrate on the music without worrying. Plus, they allow you to hold your bass at any angle you like. Also I Iike things that go 'click'.
Cons:
Minor: If you have basses without strap locks you are going to need a separate strap for them.
Major: The tight hold the have on the pin makes its screw go loose on the body a lot more often and faster, than when you are not using strap locks. So you have to check it and fix it often.


Your thread reminded me that I need to order a set again.

[WilliamSandoval]

Originally Posted by iovar

I used to have them for many years on my primary bass. I stopped using them about 9-10 months ago, after the strap that had them on was stolen.

Pros:
They provide a sense of security and freedom of motion. I've never had a bass fall to the ground without them, but I've caught it mid-air quite a few times. So when I used them my mind was more at ease and I could concentrate on the music without worrying. Plus, they allow you to hold your bass at any angle you like. Also I Iike things that go 'click'.
Cons:
Minor: If you have basses without strap locks you are going to need a separate strap for them.
Major: The tight hold the have on the pin makes its screw go loose on the body a lot more often and faster, than when you are not using strap locks. So you have to check it and fix it often.

Your thread reminded me that I need to order a set again.

Who the hell steals straps?!

[iovar]

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

Who the hell steals straps?!

Out of topic, but :

Same guy that steals picks, probably?
A ten year old leather strap, shortened to my preference, that had only sentimental value and some "decorative stitches" on it...

I forgot it on a university studio. It's the most frequented studio in town, but there is supposedly some control on who get the keys and when. So I was sure that I'd find it again... I went asking around but even though some people definitely knew, they didn't tell me who got it, to avoid any 'incidents'.
I hope whoever stole it, has thrown it away and forgotten about the stupid thing that he did, because even though I don't go there often anymore, if I happen to see someone wearing my strap I'm simply going to go berserk.

Sorry, for the rant, it's just that there are very few occasions in my life that I truly got mad about something and this was one of them.

Like you said: Who the hell steals straps?!

[ObeyGiant]

Before I started using strap locks I use to drop my bass at least every other show... Strap locks are a must for me.

[Cookye]

If it comes off the strap and hits the floor anything can happen, broken neck, Bent tuners and the shock could mess the internals up. Seen way too many guitars slipping off their straps and hitting the floor. Spending $15.00 to prevent your bass from having an, unwanted, facelift, it's a no brainer.

[TRichardsbass]

During a gig, a must. I use Dunlops and for basses without them I use the plastic lock made by Dunlop.

[Bassist Jay]

They are such an inexpensive cost for an expensive investment. I buy them with all of my basses. Never had one fall yet.

[Bert Slide]

I put straplocks on any new basses immediately after purchasing and before I would ever use them in a live setting and always check that the hardware on the strap and the strap post screw in the bass is tight before strapping on.

[bassguitarthund]

Ok was just going to post this on another thread about locks. Will ask here instead. What do you all think about the "proline" brand? They have the "u" shaped saddle with the pin lock. I bought to sets, was going to buy the dunlops, but got these instead.

[Geroi Asfalta]

Originally Posted by wyattharris

i wear my basses pretty high and i honestly don't see any way the strap could slip off the button.

You'll know how it can happen once it does. You might not think you need them now, but wait until your favourite bass hits the floor.

I wear my bass kinda high (lower mid ribcage), and it hass slipped from the strap more times than I want to count.

I prefer these locks over most others- http://www.hennesseyguitarparts.com/NSL7200_List.pdf

I've seen (and heard) other straplocks (those with a "U" latch) can sometimes spin off the pin and fail. The hennessey locks grip tight (the site says they're pricey, but I found them new for $17.

[jweber76]

I put them on every bass and guitar I own. Had a bass slip off its strap once in high school...it did far more damage to my foot than the bass. I swore that would never happen again! My brother's guitar dropped in the middle of a gig over the winter! Guess what I got him for his birthday? Three sets of strap locks!
I prefer the Schaller (or proline) style with the U shaped lock to the Dunlop ones. They are smaller and less conspicuous, I personally feel that they are more secure. I've used both and just didn't like the look or feel of the Dunlop ones. Ymmv.
I will agree that they have a tendency to loosen up faster than regular strap buttons, to counter this I put loctite on the threads that go through the hole in the strap and crank it down good. I also dip the screws that go into the body in wood glue when I install them, being careful not to overtighten them.

[placedesjardins]

I use strap lock on my electric guitar. For bass, I wear the bass pretty high and I'm not dancing or spinning around while playing, so it's not going anywhere. But, I do stay away from junky straps because I've had the strap release.

[mmbongo]

Yeah there's also no real reason to wear a motorcycle helmet until you crash into the guardrail.

[ObeyGiant]

I wear my bass kind of high too and like I said it use to love to take a dive for the floor. Maybe I just had a crappy strap. But I would not risk it.

+1 for the Dimarzio Clip Locks. Cheap and they work (not recommended for people with weight/back/shoulder issues; they are kind of narrow)

Originally Posted by Geroi Asfalta

You'll know how it can happen once it does. You might not think you need them now, but wait until your favourite bass hits the floor.

I wear my bass kinda high (lower mid ribcage), and it hass slipped from the strap more times than I want to count.

I prefer these locks over most others- http://www.hennesseyguitarparts.com/NSL7200_List.pdf

I've seen (and heard) other straplocks (those with a "U" latch) can sometimes spin off the pin and fail. The hennessey locks grip tight (the site says they're pricey, but I found them new for $17.

[mellowinman]

I have never had an issue. Never used a strap lock in my life.

[jgroh]

Honestly I never used them until the Ric I bought a couple of years ago came with them. Since then, I have put them on all my basses because I like the security while gigging.

[C.Linton]

Necessary? Maybe yes, maybe no. I just know I feel more secure about my instruments with them on.