Neccesity of strap locks?

[the wako kid]

I find that buying a high quality strap will prevent you from going dubstep and dropping the bass.I use an iron maiden strap and a fender strap that I paid 20 and 24 respectively,I jump around and rock out quite a bit and have had more problems with the screw getting pulled out than anything else.

[jweber76]

"going dubstep" ahahahaha!

[Sav'nBass]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

When I use them, I use these Dunlops....

LOL.. I bought some of those.. they are terrible.. maybe my strap was too thick..

The Jazz I use came with a set of Schallers (They were $12 for one set when I got them.. ) so I bought a set (the guy I bought it from kept the one on his strap because all of his other basses used them as well.. I just bought a set of the Dunlops though.. I don't like the Schaller design because you have to pull the pin to get it on or off.. and the U bracket has a tendency to move on my strap so I sometimes have to loosen the nut and and re align it. I look at it this way.. For $16 I don't have to worry about it.. That is about the cost of a movie and some pretzels at the morning matinee... Well worth it to keep my bass from getting dinged or worse. I have had a strap slip a few times...

[Dan B]

So after reading horror stories of both Dunlop and Schaller straplocks failing, are there any other brands I should look for? I heard Hennessey straplocks grip great but apparently are squeaky.

One of my basses is equipped with the beer gaskets that everybody knows about but I would like to take off my strap once in a while.

For the record one of my basses has Schallers in it but the upper lock did strip out. Put some Gorilla Glue in the whole, screwed it back in (hole was too small for a toothpick) and it's holding quite fast but I am just worried; that's all.

[DownhillWillie]

Nobody needs strap locks! Nobody!
I dont need no stinking strap locks!
Untill, ....your axe bounces off the floor, then you'll never ever go out there without 'em again.
Tough lesson to be sure!

[millsbass5]

Originally Posted by 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

How about this. Go out, and buy a Fodera, or Alembic (Top of the line, of course!!). And, then let it hit the floor, while I tape your facial expression. Then, you can watch my handiwork of filming you, and then, decide for yourself as to whether you need them, or not. Deal?
Coll!!! I'll have the camera ready. PM me for plans to meet somewhere. Lookin' forward to it!!

[rfslick]

It really is not an argument. They only make sense. $15 insurance for even a $150 bass or guitar is a no brainer!!

[Gvernon]

I have always used strap locks but I make my own. I take the strap pin off and take it to the local hardware store and find a steel washer that will fit over the bottom of the pin and not the top. I then take some felt (black) and cut it a little bigger than the washer. Then I take a lighter and melt the edges and clear out the center. Now I just screw it back on. The felt keeps the washer from vibrating.

[sbpark]

I'm sure it's already been mentioned, but I use the red rubber washers that come on Grolsch beer bottles. WAY cheaper than strap locks, and you get a tasty beverage to boot!