Best straplocks?

[seedokebass]

I prefer Dunlops over Schaller. Used Schallers for many years but had more issues with them wearing out.

For something cheap, I found some pseudo Dunlop style locks at Deal Extreme that seem to work. Under $6 too.

 

[seedokebass]

The DiMarzio locking straps are okay too, but I didn't like how slick the strap is. If your bass neck dives at all, it feels accelerated with the DiMarzio.

 

[Burwabit]

At one point, all my basses had Schaller. Got tired of the pin getting loose so I switched them all to Dunlop. Never had to adjust any after that. Easier on and off too.

My only problem with Dunlop is you need to make damn sure it's initially connected by giggling back and forth. I didn't seat it good once and a bass came off at band practice. Luckily no calamities.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

The best strap lock is no strap lock, but instead over-sized buttons:

These are shaped better as well, like a mushroom top.
Those ones Fender use are built to slip off:

 

[mkrtu9]

Lots of good advice here. The washer type I always had a problem with due to my hardshell cases don't accommodate to leave it on very well, so I have to take the strap off in order to shut the case. Therefore, the washer idea is out for me. If not using a case this is a good way to go.

I have used Dunlop, but they seemed too bulky to me. So I'm in the Schaller camp as well. As for the "Con" listed above about the nut coming loose, I use loctite on them and they don't seem to come loose easily. I only check them during string changes. Don't have much issue that way.

 

[secondbestcody]

Has anyone ever tried the Lock-It straps? It's got a lock built into the strap end which looks like it could work.

 

[Gaebrial]

I prefer Schaller

I Prefer Dunlops

Schaller.
Always.

Dunlops without question.

Let the games begin!

 

[Gaebrial]

Has anyone ever tried the Lock-It straps? It's got a lock built into the strap end which looks like it could work.

My friend has them, and I borrowed one of his for a tiny bit. They do work, even if they were a little tricky to get on and off if you plan on doing that a lot. About the same as a new, stiff leather strap, so it isn't worse than your typical strap, but maybe more inconvenient if you are used to a different type.

My other friend has a DiMarzio strap where the ends are bolted to the guitar and the strap itself is held on by clips. That one has seen years of use and works great, too.

 

[Charlzm]

For some reason I've been using the default Warwick straplocks for over ten years now.

They work as straplocks just fine, but the washer spins around and makes little jingly noises, which I've grown tired of and want to upgrade.

Any suggestions on the most solid pair of straplocks on the market right now?

Lucky you! My Warwick straplocks broke within 2 years. I have been using Dunlops on all my basses ever since. It takes a little effort to get them assembled at first, but in almost ten years on 5 basses, I have had no issues with them at all. Plus, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]!

 

[Big John66]

I prefer Dunlop. The guy I work for prefers Schaller. With proper installation, use and maintenance, either kind should work fine and last a long time.

 

[Stevorebob]

Really surprised there are no other Loxx users chiming in here. They are the bomb for me.

 

[stevenA800]

Dunlops work for me, although I've had to modify my thick leather straps for them to fit.

 

[izpak]

Dunlop dual straplocks for me. I bought three sets of Schallers about six months ago, two of the three sets had a broken plunger(?). It just wouldn't pull out AT ALL, even with pliers they just wouldn't budge.
The Dunlops on the other hand, I haven't had a single problem with apart from the washer being a little tough to put on although at least you know it isn't going to come off easily.

 

[ptleftybass]

Have Dunlops on all my basses except my Ric that came with Schallers, so I kept them.

 

[EastCoastThump]

I've used Grolsch washers before today but..When they sit concave, like in the photo above, they tend not to actually be all that secure and the strap can lever them off the button. They are better than nothing!

Agreed about the Grolsch. Standard rubber washers from the local hardware store are a much better solution—not as soft & bendy. They're available in a range of thicknesses and center-hole diameters, so you can get ones that fit over the end pin without a huge battle but that won't slip off accidentally.

Shaller,
Pros: works great, easy to take on and off, easy to install.
Cons: the nut gets loose from time to time, and must be checked regularly.

Two other Schaller cons, both related to the length of the locking tip:

• The design will chew up the inside of even well made gig bags; when upright, the instrument's weight all bears on the tip of the extended lower strap lock.

• The Schaller's long profile requires the locks to be removed for the instrument to fit in some molded cases.

 

[fhm555]

Agreed about the Grolsch. Standard rubber washers from the local hardware store are a much better solution—not as soft & bendy. They're available in a range of thicknesses and center-hole diameters, so you can get ones that fit over the end pin without a huge battle but that won't slip off accidentally.



Two other Schaller cons, both related to the length of the locking tip:

• The design will chew up the inside of even well made gig bags; when upright, the instrument's weight all bears on the tip of the extended lower strap lock.

• The Schaller's long profile requires the locks to be removed for the instrument to fit in some molded cases.

I've got a bass that came with Fender (Schaller) straplocks I've had since I bought it new in the early 90's I'm on my third strap with the same locks and so far I've never had a single issue with them. Granted, I always remove the strap when I case the bass so there is that, but in all those years of taking the strap on and off, plus changing out the locks to three different straps and zero problems, makes them pretty good in my book.

 

[Garret Graves]

Dunlop uses a push button to release, it's not hard to press the button if you have a jumpy stage presence.

However, it doesn't come out when you press the button, you have to push button in, hold it in while you PULL out. I've never seen someone with a jumpy enough stage presence to get all that done.

 

[crucislancer]

However, it doesn't come out when you press the button, you have to push button in, hold it in while you PULL out. I've never seen someone with a jumpy enough stage presence to get all that done.

I’ve been using Dunlop Straploks for so long I can’t even remember when I started using them LOL. Never had a problem with them popping out no matter how much I jump around. With proper care, they will last for a very long time.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Schaller

Dunlops

Schaller

Dunlops

Schaller

I've used Dunlops and Schallers on lots of guitars and basses over the years. Rubber washers FTW.

^^^This. I still have one bass with Dunlops. I will never again use Schallers. But I've got red rubber Grolsch beer washers on most of my instruments, and I find them superior in almost every way.

 

[FingerDub]

Yeah, Grolsch washer's for me too. Never had one fall off and I got 100 of them years ago for $10 and will probably never run out.

Added benefits of rubber washers are:

No taking straplocks on or off, ever.
No need to switch straps ever, unless you wanted to.
No swinging straps with metal on the end to swing and hit stuff, or damaging your bass. If you've had straplocks, you know how easily this can happen.
Less weight on your bass.
You can put you bass down on the floor or lean against your cab, because with the washer on, there is no pointy end that makes the bass unbalanced while the washer sits flush with the floor.