I prefer the Ernie Ball Super Locks. They work great and I have them on all of my guitars and basses.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Can anyone educate me about straplocks?
- Thread starter bassnyc1
- Start date
scottbass
Bass lines like a big, funky giant
+ 1. Me too. All of the above!
The biggest difference I have seen is that the half of the Schaller lock that installs on the strap is secured by a nut. This nut has been known to come loose. The suggested remedies are serious tightening (using a vise and a wrench) and/or thread sealing compound, like LocTite.
Dunlops use a snap ring instead of a nut. They never come apart accidentally. And their dual-design system acts just like a "normal" (non-locking) strap button if you want to use a strap without locks.
But why would you ever use a strap without locks?
I used Schallers for a decade, but switched completely over to Dunlop Dual Design around Y2K. As others have said, I feel the Dunlops are far more secure: the Schallers failed me multiple times, Dunlops never! Plus they are better when using an unlocked strap because of the bigger flange.
Others have mentioned possible complications with using strap locks: sometimes you have to widen the holes on the strap; it is sometimes a challenge to install the button if the existing button screw is very large. But I've been able to work around all issues on the few occasions I encountered them, with little difficulty.
Again, for me it's a no-brainer: Dunlop Dual Design.
I've seen people drop their instruments due to straps falling off. The most recently was Steve Kilby of The Church. You'd think after 30 years of playing he'd have that figured out by now.Bass fell off mid-song, a tech had to run on stage and fumble trying to re-strap his bass back onto him while he sang. Crazy stuff.
I always just use two washers to permanently hold my strap to my instrument. Considering the retail cost of new strap locks (almost $20 for some) you can put that cash towards a nice strap ($30 for a swanky Italia leather on sale) to permanently bolt to your instrument.
PROS: Cost $0.50, your strap literally will not come off without unscrewing the screw.
CONS: Your strap literally will not come off without unscrewing the screw. Cannot easily swap strap from instrument to instrument.
Yep, can't see the use or expense of strap locks. The washer works like a charm, so the the Grolsch beer gromits, and they come free with the beer!
I prefer the rubber washers about the size of the one you picture here. Just as cheap and easy to remove the strap when you want by just flipping the washer off first.
I'm using ernie ball right now. They work, but they're ugly and kind of cumbersome!
Next bass, I'm going with the washer method.
Next bass, I'm going with the washer method.
I should mention that I usually use a longer screw on my Schallers than the ones come with them.
A little grinding with a Dremel on a larger screw head and it fits.
What I also like about Schallers is that the strap holds your cord snugly.
With Dunlops it can move around a lot.
A little grinding with a Dremel on a larger screw head and it fits.
What I also like about Schallers is that the strap holds your cord snugly.
With Dunlops it can move around a lot.
yep, I use Dunlops too, the schallers cause too much rotation on the screws and eventually work them loose
The Dunlops rotate inside on ball bearings, so no excessive torque on the screws themselves.
Was all Schallers, switched to all Dunlops 10years back, because of surprise failures on the Schallers. No problems now!
I use round plastic locks that you put over the strap/holder then turn to tighten. A previous post from before (I Got A Mohawk) shows a good picture of this. No strap/bass mods needed! Been using them for over 20 years and never a problem. Plus they are only about $5. each I believe. I bought 6 more a few years ago so they are most likely still around. Hope this helps
Schallers for me. I have them on all my instruments (three basses and four guitars); I've never had a failure and all my straps are interchangeable.
I use the Ernie Balls,if only because I play a couple balls.
I used to have both the Schallers and the Dunlops and they would work loose the little retainer nut if your strap was thicker than average. I still have a couple of each lying around because I would lose that nut on a dark stage and they were useless afterwards.
There really should be a way to lock those suckers on your strap better than a washer and a nut!
As far as multiple staps. I almost always just put one on each strap and only replace the top peg. I have way less issue with the bottom end of the strap coming off. And if it does it isnt as much as an issue. Now when the top end of your strap comes off and it neck dives to the floor! Yikes.
I used to have both the Schallers and the Dunlops and they would work loose the little retainer nut if your strap was thicker than average. I still have a couple of each lying around because I would lose that nut on a dark stage and they were useless afterwards.
There really should be a way to lock those suckers on your strap better than a washer and a nut!
As far as multiple staps. I almost always just put one on each strap and only replace the top peg. I have way less issue with the bottom end of the strap coming off. And if it does it isnt as much as an issue. Now when the top end of your strap comes off and it neck dives to the floor! Yikes.
Thanks everyone for the replies! Lots of useful information here. For most of my playing life I have used the cheap Ernie Ball nylon straps. They lasted for years with only a few mishaps. My bass never fell to the floor but it has come loose a few times and I was lucky to catch it. For the past 6 months I have been using a Neostrap from Sadowsky. It's a great strap and actually does make my basses feel lighter. Weight never used to be a factor for mr but now I'm 42 and I guess ...things are changing! Anyway, I like to use the same strap for all my basses so I guess if I were to us any of the straplock systems mentioned in this thread, I'd have to install them in all my basses? The Dunlop dual design seems cool as well as schallers.
+ 1. Me too. All of the above!
The biggest difference I have seen is that the half of the Schaller lock that installs on the strap is secured by a nut. This nut has been known to come loose. The suggested remedies are serious tightening (using a vise and a wrench) and/or thread sealing compound, like LocTite.
Dunlops use a snap ring instead of a nut. They never come apart accidentally. And their dual-design system acts just like a "normal" (non-locking) strap button if you want to use a strap without locks.
But why would you ever use a strap without locks?
I started with Dunlops and then tried Schaller but still keep buying Dunlops and have them on all but one of my basses.
I use the ones that are dual. The idea is that in the event of a major strap emergency hopefully I could borrow a standard strap from a guitarist etc. and get by. Let me say that I've never had to do that, but I still remain a bit paranoid. On the other hand, you CAN buy Dunlop recessed locks that really look great and sometimes come on boutique basses. But you can't use standard straps with them.
Let me say that BOTH Dunlop and Schallers can fail. The main failure mode for Schaller is the nut coming loose. Locktite is the answer to that. The lock is rather large and klunky and hard to lock/unlock. But they are much more positive a lock than Dunlops.
I've had Dunlops fail too. The locking ring/washer system never fails but IF you fail to completely get the lock engaged the bass can can fall. The fix is to keep a layer of lithium grease on the lock and use care in making sure it's completely locked each time. The story about "bumping" the button and unlocking your bass seems pure imagination to me! I've never even came close to such a thing happening.
I've never had to expand a strap hole. I just force it.
Rule: if it sticks, force it! If it breaks, it was probably bad anyway!
I try to have a strap of some kind for every bass for cosmetic reasons (match the personality, color etc. of bass) but with locks you can always use any strap from any other of your basses.
No need to sew the strap slots smaller. I use the "poor man's straplocks". Go to the hardware store and buy black rubber washers. Mine are 1-1/2" diameter and are punched with a 1/8" hole in the center, and the rubber is about 1/16" thick. I just put on my strap over the bass button, and then stretch a washer onto the button over the strap. Voila! The washer ain't coming off, and it secures your strap all night long. No problem. Total investment for a pocketful of rubber washers: just a few bucks. Save your hard earned money for something else.
I'm not sure if anybody has mentioned this Key Point, but...
...Schaller locks look %*^&$%# classy.
...Schaller locks look %*^&$%# classy.
ive used schaller locks for 20 years. there are 2 key steps to install that most people skip ...
1) make the strap hole the right size. it literally takes 10 seconds with a razor / x-acto™ / sharpened stick ... whatever. just do it.
2) tighten the freaking nut. don't need a vice or anything - just a simple adjustable wrench. get it as tight as you can, holding the lock in your hand - and if that comes loose, you either skipped step #1 above, or you need to quit spinning your guitar around your body. show off.
i have 2 straps, 2 basses, and a guitar all outfitted. and if you didn't know, you can get schaller compatible strap buttons pretty cheap - Fender american standard strap buttons. like $3 a set at sam ash or musicians friend.
1) make the strap hole the right size. it literally takes 10 seconds with a razor / x-acto™ / sharpened stick ... whatever. just do it.
2) tighten the freaking nut. don't need a vice or anything - just a simple adjustable wrench. get it as tight as you can, holding the lock in your hand - and if that comes loose, you either skipped step #1 above, or you need to quit spinning your guitar around your body. show off.
i have 2 straps, 2 basses, and a guitar all outfitted. and if you didn't know, you can get schaller compatible strap buttons pretty cheap - Fender american standard strap buttons. like $3 a set at sam ash or musicians friend.
