Cheap strap locks

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Does it worth it to install cheap strap locks on the bass? It's kind of frustrating for me paying 17-20$ for some screws just because it has a brand name on it. And there are a lots of cheap strap locks on ebay

I've had my strap locks since my first bass. Everytime I get a new main player, I switch knobs. Cause my main strap is worn out as hell, and falls off everything without them. Thus, my main players get the hand me down locks. It's worth it to spend the 20. Trust me. The last thing you want is cheap junk that won't last, or hold your strap on.

 

[lz4005]

I've started using these:

View attachment 3153796

They are neoprene washers. I had a Dunlop strap lock fuse itself to the strap pin on a guitar strap. Since then I've sworn off strap locks. I just use the regular strap pin and put the strap on, then slip one of these over the pin. Get the ones with a small hole and some are larger than others in size. The ones I use are about an inch or so across. I have them on all of my basses and the straps wont come off.

BnB

I use those for most of my gigging basses. A few really bad ones (including one with the strap button facing the ceiling) get a metal washer over the button, so the strap can't come off unless the screw is removed from the wood. Less than $1 and they never fail.

 

[saabfender]

I enjoy using proper Schaller locks. So they are 17 bucks - so what? It’s one of the least expensive parts on a bass.

Oh, look. I just got a notification for some for my parts P Bass.

 

[Duder]

I've started using these:

View attachment 3153796

They are neoprene washers. I had a Dunlop strap lock fuse itself to the strap pin on a guitar strap. Since then I've sworn off strap locks. I just use the regular strap pin and put the strap on, then slip one of these over the pin. Get the ones with a small hole and some are larger than others in size. The ones I use are about an inch or so across. I have them on all of my basses and the straps wont come off.

BnB

I have Schaller's on my basses, but I got these for my guitars and they work great. Plus, if/when they wear out you just get some more for $.12 or whatever it was from the hardware store.

 

[MoeTown1986]

Dunlop strap locks can be had for roughly $15 a set. I bought a couple sets to have all my straps properly equipped and then purchased enough strap buttons for all of my basses. I hardly call that expensive considering the price of a bass.

 

[Pilgrim]

Ish strap lock rubber washers. Cheap and very effective. Link Removed

 

[electracoyote]

I've used Dunlops and Schallers for over 40 years, I find them convenient and reliable. Never had a bass or guitar fall off with those. Like anything in this world, you have to install them properly and check the installation from time to time. Nothing is infallible, but skipping routine maintenance always increases the possibility of failure.

I came to the realization a few years ago that a rubber washer works on my basses and guitars that don't have a high risk of falling off. Some guitars (ES335 style) and some basses have too great of an angle and make a rubber washer too risky for me, but for many of my Fender style (Tele, P and J basses) the good old Grolsch style washer works just fine.

Plus, I'm not bouncing around quite as much these days. Back in the day, I'd have ripped off the rubber washers in the first 20 seconds.

 

[tedious1]

Pretty happy with these, I'll suggest if you aren't climbing the lighting rig and base jumping your own stage they seem to cut the mustard.

Pretty cheap too.

 

[96tbird]

Anybody else feel weird about unscrewing and screwing back in parts? Myself I just use a good strap. Are those planet Waves Straps with the lockable hole any good?

I have one. Nylon webb which I dislike but the lock ends work great but on shorter buttons may mar your finish in time because the lock is plastic with a rubber face on the guitar side. There are screw heads below the rubber that MAY dig in if its a short button.

I tried the Schaller knockoffs, one button broke in a short time; good thing it was at home and I didn’t drop the bass.

But these are cheap, great, go on behind the strap so the leather only contacts the body, and transferrable bass to bass without mods.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Rubber fender washers.

But what if I have a Gibson?

 

[Luka]

I've purchased dunlop ones, for 15.2$. Can't wait till it comes ^_^

 

[gjohnson441496]

Anybody else feel weird about unscrewing and screwing back in parts? Myself I just use a good strap. Are those planet Waves Straps with the lockable hole any good?

Yep. But they don't fit on every guitar. They fit on Fender style guitars for sure. On my other guitars I use those rubber Fender washers. Works for me.

 

[JRA]

I just need to choose between schaller and dunlop now

schallers are better if you don't believe in tonewood...i inferred it from another thread. good luck with your VS. issues!

 

[Dwight Trash]

Buy a 4 pack of Grolsch beer. The kind with the wire trap holding the top. The red washer found under the top is the perfect size for locking the strap to the strap button. It will be a tight fit and if you keep the strap on the bass all the time it will never wear out. Plus, you get to drink two beers per bass lol

Some of you have posted alternative methods of the same thing. While I do appreciate every post, I must reiterate: buy the 4 pack, then drink 2 beers per strap.
It's kinda like getting free beer.
My 3 favorite kinds of beer are:
Bottled beer
Draft beer
Canned beer
But, I'm exceptionally partial to free beer.
Please, carry on.

 

[BigBasserino]

Yep. But they don't fit on every guitar. They fit on Fender style guitars for sure. On my other guitars I use those rubber Fender washers. Works for me.

Heh, I just heard about those the other day! I'm thinking the washers might very well work.

 

[gjohnson441496]

Heh, I just heard about those the other day! I'm thinking the washers might very well work.

For a few bucks they're worth a try. They're working for me

 

[fhm555]

The rubber washers work great if you want to leave your strap on all the time or don’t mind a major PITA every time you take your strap off and put it back on.
But don’t worry, after a few rounds of off and on the rubber washer will be so stretched as to be mostly useless as a straplock. I use them on an old beater bass i take to jams because it keeps people from borrowing my strap. I just leave the strap on that bass all the time.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

^^Me too. In my case they are Daigo twistlock strap buttons.^^
View attachment 3152502

Darn you! Now I want them.

The search starts this Monday.
Most likely Tuesday.
Wednesday for sure.
Maybe Thursday.

Friday traffic is horrible so definitely not then.

Well it is Wednesday and after 12 local shops no one carries them Daigo Twistlock buttons.
Music shop crawls are usually fun, unless you want something specific.
Did not bother trying the 4 Guitar Centers as they are not listed on their website.

Ooooh I just remembered Old Town Music, will give them a call tomorrow.

 

[sissy kathy]

Well it is Wednesday and after 12 local shops no one carries them Daigo Twistlock buttons.
Music shop crawls are usually fun, unless you want something specific.
Did not bother trying the 4 Guitar Centers as they are not listed on their website.

Ooooh I just remembered Old Town Music, will give them a call tomorrow.

I have an extra set in chrome. I bought them for my Hofner and decided not to use them. PM me with an address and they are yours.