Best straplocks?

[AEVAREX]

Zombie thread!
My answer to straplocks, low cost and the only method that has yet to fail me.

 

[Stan_da_man]

Dunlop Dual design, and don't attach your strap to the actual locks.

The dual design lets it be rigidly held in place by the strap button like any bass without the button on. If it slips off, the button holds it. If you somehow get the button to fall off (I've never had that happen), the strap won't come with the button. It also keeps the strap at a normal distance away from the body.

The only problem is that these are a little long, so it may make fitting in a case a little difficult.

Don't know how I slept through this.
Standard strap attachment with the Dunlop locking hub being used to keep the strap on the strap button.
The strap stays in the original position and the lock doesn't stick out any further than normal.
Plus, there is no extra force on the screw or lock assembly.
Very clever!

How does this work - still a little confusing. I take it the strap pin still needs to go on the bass?

 

[ihixulu]

Since this zombie is alive....

After reading about Loxx, I tried them out and I am absolutely sold on them. Easy to install, smooth action, and keeps the strap close to the body.

 

[Stan_da_man]

Since this zombie is alive....

After reading about Loxx, I tried them out and I am absolutely sold on them. Easy to install, smooth action, and keeps the strap close to the body.

How do they compare to Dunlops (if you have used them) ?

 

[Stevorebob]

How do they compare to Dunlops (if you have used them) ?

I’ll jump in here, as I’m a fan of Loxx.

Dunlop’s are very good, but Loxx are better. They fit flush and are less bulky, they pop on easier (without the need to line up the insert and push a button), they remove faster with just a pull of the button (rather than a push and a pull), and they feel just as secure.

Also, if the Loxx threaded flange somehow comes unscrewed, the strap still holds, and the threaded flange remains; if the Dunlop flange retaining clip somehow comes loose, the strap will hold, but the retaining clip will be lost.

Negatives are 1) the Loxx sometimes require enlarging the strap hole, otherwise the strap can pucker badly and attachment can be difficult, and 2) Loxx are harder to get nowadays — Dunlop’s are everywhere.

 

[BakedMaple]

Standard TB reply list.

Dunlop straplocks, Precision bass (not P/J), Prescott Niles, anything but sunburst and tort, extra heavy pick, active, no ramps.

Did I miss anything?

 

[micguy]

Dunlops stick out too far, imo. Schallers for the win!

I use flush mount Dunlops - they stick out about .05" from the body (far less than a typical strap button) - when I'm practicing sitting down (with no strap on the instrument), it's like they're not there at all.

A guitarist in a band I was in years ago used Schallers. I saw his guitar fall a couple of times in a year and a half. So I tried Dunlops. So far, 7 years in with those, I'm good.

 

[ihixulu]

How do they compare to Dunlops (if you have used them) ?

I did use Dunlops once. I didn't like how far they stuck out, otherwise they were ok. I did consider the flush mounted versions but I didn't really want to go through that mod. The Loxx feel smoother, as if they have less friction on the button, and make less noise, but that might be placebo.

FYI, I used Schallers for many years but stopped after having the nut on the lock come loose and almost dropping my bass too many times. I found that I didn't have to enlarge the strap hole as much to get the Loxx on as I did for the Schallers.

 

[Stan_da_man]

Cheers boys, a pair of Loxx chrome locks on the way to me...

 

[ihixulu]

Cheers boys, a pair of Loxx chrome locks on the way to me...

Congrats! I did find it easier to install the button into the bass using a socket wrench (9mm) rather than with the little tool they give you. Let us know what you think.

 

[Stevorebob]

I did use Dunlops once. I didn't like how far they stuck out, otherwise they were ok. I did consider the flush mounted versions but I didn't really want to go through that mod. The Loxx feel smoother, as if they have less friction on the button, and make less noise, but that might be placebo.

FYI, I used Schallers for many years but stopped after having the nut on the lock come loose and almost dropping my bass too many times. I found that I didn't have to enlarge the strap hole as much to get the Loxx on as I did for the Schallers.

I agree; Loxx feel smoother and quieter.

Congrats! I did find it easier to install the button into the bass using a socket wrench (9mm) rather than with the little tool they give you. Let us know what you think.

Yes! Use a socket, or at least a box wrench, to install the screws. Using the including tool is maddening!

 

[Stan_da_man]

Can I ask, how long have you been using Loxx? And have you had to do any maintenance along the way?

 

[Stevorebob]

Can I ask, how long have you been using Loxx? And have you had to do any maintenance along the way?

I’ve used Loxx for about 6-8 years on all of my basses but three — one that came equipped with Dunlops and a couple that I just don’t play live. That’s something like 15 different basses and straps over the years. I have had zero failures. The only maintenance is to occasionally (maybe twice a year) check that the flanges on the strap are tight. They have never needed more than an eighth of a turn, and I’m not sure if this is because the flange has backed off or the leather strap has compressed. I do punch out the strap holes for a better fit and easier installation.

 

[ihixulu]

Can I ask, how long have you been using Loxx? And have you had to do any maintenance along the way?

I've been using them for only about 6 months now so I will not call myself a veteran with them. So far, they've been brilliant, 0 failures on the three basses that I put them on, despite regular vigorous use. I'm sure I'll be a loudmouth about it if they ever fail but seeing @Stevorebob's post makes me think my satisfaction with them will be long lived.

 

[mikewalker]

Schaller (with loctite on the nut!) for me.
Nearly 40 years with no failures. My straps are hole-punched to the correct (over)size for Schaller; all of my straps are bespoke-made by Jodi Head - each is custom-color-coordinated to its own bass (or guitar)...

 

[Samatza]

Dunlop, Schaller and even EB are all pretty good. I would steer away from the cheap copies, I've managed to break a couple of those.

 

[Stan_da_man]

My Loxx strap locks arrived today so I will try and install them at some point this week.

I remember when I installed my Dunlops and they were a female dog to get on. I think the problem was I didn't want to drill a hole in my bass for the bigger screw so just went straight in and put the strap pin on. It took a lot of turns to get it tight and secure but it hasn't shifted in ten years!