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Are strap locks actually terrible or is it just me?

#41
Thanks for the feedback folks :) Looks like I might have to look into Dunlops and Schallers as they get a lot of love (with a few exceptions). By the looks of it, the Dunlops have a different locking mechanism which seems like it would be more secure.

Normally, I'd just stick to the washers, as they've worked well for me and I don't really swap straps around, but it's not possible with this particular (fancy) strap that I'd like to keep on my bass. As for not using anything...I've had too many close calls to go that way, maybe I'm just clumsy :D
 
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#42
bass12 said:
I have Dunlops on all my basses except for one and I've never had an issue with them. On the one bass I own that doesn't have strap-locks I use washers. The washers work but they can be a bit annoying if you remove your strap regularly, which reminds me of that time in Switzerland... I was in a rush to hit the stage and I didn't want to fuss with the washers. I figured, "I'll be fine just this once". Well, wouldn't you know it: between songs I reach for my water bottle and... KLANGGGG - my bass hits the floor. Intimate room with a seated, attentive festival audience - and I just broke the silence. The sound of that bass connecting with the stage filled the room and I instantly felt like an idiot. An experience I'd rather not repeat. So, yeah, some kind of strap lock/washer is not a bad idea (though I have to say that I don't like the look of those Fender locks at all).
Click to expand...
Yikes that hurt to read :dead:
 
#43
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#44
Jeff Scott said:
I have no problems with straps on my basses; I sit to play, no strap required.
Click to expand...

I practice standing up. I just got a 6 string that weighs more than my car so I am re-thinking that strategy....

When I'm seated I still use a strap.

I store my guitars and basses in their hardcases, and I remove the strap and store it in the case so frequent removal makes strap locks a necessity.

Dunlops for over 30 years.... Recently gave away my baggie of collected schallers, the stap mechanism is too finish gougy for me.
 
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#45
Jeff Scott said:
I have no problems with straps on my basses; I sit to play, no strap required.
Click to expand...

But you wear a seat belt, right? I would...
Yel_wink.gif
 
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#46
in for a penny, in for a pound, for me. i've used schallers: i know them, their limitations, their advantages. all of my axes have the schaller buttons and my several straps each have the locks. no failures. 30+ years.

i'm brand-loyal out of convenience. any method which works is a good one! protect your instrument! ;)
 
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#48
BakedMaple said:
Can Schaller and Dunlop fans ever coexist?

Maybe not in our lifetime, but I am hopeful for future generations....

Pbass is far superior to the Jazz.....
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I've used both Schallers and Dunlops. I prefer the Dunlops but can see why some would prefer Schallers. As I see it:

Dunlops

Pros:

- the strap-mounted portion of the system stays assembled and in place;
- no noise;
- with the dual design you can still use a regular strap attachment.

Cons:

- if the bearing lock system fails then there's nothing keeping the strap attached to the bass.


Schallers ("traditional" type - not the more recent "S" variety)

Pros:

- with the U support the locking mechanism is not as crucial. If the lock mechanism fails you still have a backup.

Cons:

- The strap-mounted portion of the mechanism has a tendency of loosening on its own. This can result in the rotating of the U or, if not caught in time, the total unscrewing of the nut;
- the system can be surprisingly noisy;
- regular strap attachments are incompatible (so if you have to borrow a strap it will have to be one fitted with Schallers).
 
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#49
bass12 said:
I've used both Schallers and Dunlops. I prefer the Dunlops but can see why some would prefer Schallers. As I see it:

Dunlops

Pros:

- the strap-mounted portion of the system stays assembled and in place;
- no noise;
- with the dual design you can still use a regular strap attachment.
Click to expand...

Not if it's done as a recessed mount on the instrument. But the fact that it can be done as a recessed mount is kind of nice IMO.

Tradeoffs, always tradeoffs.
Yel_wink.gif
 
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#50
Passinwind said:
Not if it's done as a recessed mount on the instrument. But the fact that it can be done as a recessed mount is kind of nice IMO.

Tradeoffs, always tradeoffs.
Yel_wink.gif
Click to expand...
Yes, the dual design is not the same as the recessed mounts. I was referring specifically to the dual design as they seem to be much more prevalent than the recessed option.
 
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#51
bass12 said:
I've used both Schallers and Dunlops. I prefer the Dunlops but can see why some would prefer Schallers. As I see it:

Dunlops

Pros:

- the strap-mounted portion of the system stays assembled and in place;
- no noise;
- with the dual design you can still use a regular strap attachment.

Cons:

- if the bearing lock system fails then there's nothing keeping the strap attached to the bass.


Schallers ("traditional" type - not the more recent "S" variety)

Pros:

- with the U support the locking mechanism is not as crucial. If the lock mechanism fails you still have a backup.

Cons:

- The strap-mounted portion of the mechanism has a tendency of loosening on its own. This can result in the rotating of the U or, if not caught in time, the total unscrewing of the nut;
- the system can be surprisingly noisy;
- regular strap attachments are incompatible (so if you have to borrow a strap it will have to be one fitted with Schallers).
Click to expand...
These points, that bothered some people, were corrected with the new version and, when a bass arrives with installed strap-locks, it is usually Schallers type ones. ;)

Moreover, we can use very thick straps with it, now. :)
 
#53
Vinny_G said:
These points, that bothered some people, were corrected with the new version and, when a bass arrives with installed strap-locks, it is usually Schallers type ones. ;)

Moreover, we can use very thick straps with it, now. :)
Click to expand...
I don't know where you're based but Dunlops seem to be the strap lock of choice amongst builders in the U.S. (possibly because Dunlop is a U.S. company). I'm guessing that in Europe the Schallers might be more popular. I remember reading some criticisms of the newer Schallers but I don't remember what those criticisms were.
 
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#56
bass12 said:
I don't know where you're based but Dunlops seem to be the strap lock of choice amongst builders in the U.S. (possibly because Dunlop is a U.S. company). I'm guessing that in Europe the Schallers might be more popular. I remember reading some criticisms of the newer Schallers but I don't remember what those criticisms were.
Click to expand...
I had basses made in Asia and North America, all those who arrived with strap locks were Schaller type. I currently have a bass made in Canada mounted from factory with Schaller type strap buttons. I don't know where you see Dunlops as the industry standard. :unsure:

I think Schallers are more popular worldwide, but I don't know for the US specifically.
 
#58
I switched from schallers to dunlops specifically for this reason. I really liked how the pin sat inside the cup on the lock, but the hex nut was a failing point. Those s-locks are very interesting though.
 

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