Club Sadowsky!!!

[heinpete]

very nice! i basically have the same thing in an older nyc and love it! only one problem... you have the wrong strap locks on it.

...regarding the Strap Locks first: I love to rely on German hardware, hence I have Schallers on it, second: it makes my straps interchangable between my Rick, my Spector and the MV5.

 

[Fuzzbass]

...regarding the Strap Locks first: I love to rely on German hardware, hence I have Schallers on it, second: it makes my straps interchangable between my Rick, my Spector and the MV5.

That is logical. If Schallers work for you, that consistency is important.

Gotta say though: I used Schallers for many years, but while better than no lock, they were a pain point -- requiring constant maintenance, especially back in my days of heavy metal posing. Then around Y2K I got a bass with Dunlop Dual Design locks. I was skeptical, but discovered that they just work... and no constant retightening of that hex nut because there isn't one! Dunlop locks can be tricky to install, especially on thick leather straps that aren't pre-drilled for locks (fortunately many strap manufacturers now offer this option), but once they're on, they've been worry free. The only issue I've had was very early on: I didn't insert the lock all the way into the button so it popped out (no harm done). Lesson learned, I've had zero issues since, and now all my basses and straps have Dunlop Dual Designs.

Seems weird to rave about a strap lock, but yeah, it's that big a deal to me.

 

[mmbass21]

That is logical. If Schallers work for you, that consistency is important.

Gotta say though: I used Schallers for many years, but while better than no lock, they were a pain point -- requiring constant maintenance, especially back in my days of heavy metal posing. Then around Y2K I got a bass with Dunlop Dual Design locks. I was skeptical, but discovered that they just work... and no constant retightening of that hex nut because there isn't one! Dunlop locks can be tricky to install, especially on thick leather straps that aren't pre-drilled for locks (fortunately many strap manufacturers now offer this option), but once they're on, they've been worry free. The only issue I've had was very early on: I didn't insert the lock all the way into the button so it popped out (no harm done). Lesson learned, I've had zero issues since, and now all my basses and straps have Dunlop Dual Designs.

Seems weird to rave about a strap lock, but yeah, it's that big a deal to me.

I'm with you on this too. It always drove me nuts that Schallers squeaked whenever I moved and even though I couldn't necessarily hear it live on stage I could feel it putting the sound of it in my head. It's as bad as nails on a chalkboard for me.

I stopped using strap locks for a long while and just used the rubber grommets which have worked well but when I picked up a used NYC PJ my world changed with the Dunlops. 1 by 1 they're getting installed on my other basses but that's been a slow process since I can't put my Sadowsky's down.

 

[bass12]

Roger describes it like this:

I've been gigging my Modern lately and what always comes to mind is, "This bass sounds like what you get on a well mixed, hi-fi production". It's tight and punchy and focused and sits beautifully in a dense mix (the reason I started bringing it out to gigs again was that one of our regular sound guys kept insisting that I bring his "favourite"). For standards/cocktail fare I generally roll off the VTC and the result is a warm, round, smooth, clean and distinct tone that lets every note speak. I love it.

 

[Joeykun]

Thanks Vic! The Schaller vs Dunlop war is reignited!

 

[Vic]

...regarding the Strap Locks first: I love to rely on German hardware, hence I have Schallers on it, second: it makes my straps interchangable between my Rick, my Spector and the MV5.

Yeah, consistency is king, but you can have all your basses on either locking system of course.

for some of the same reasons others have cited, I standardized on the duals... taking both regular buttons as well as Schallers off to do so. Another point not yet made, at least regarding the duals from dunlop (they also sell non-duals and integrated versions), I've had a few (thankfully rare) situations where I've somehow forgotten my strap. In that situation, the duals work way more reliably than trying to get a regular strap to stay in that tiny groove on the schallers. another, albiet minor, point is the schallers tend to get "dirty" from lock system wear on the outside, so the metal/metal "contact residue" can get on your fingers, where the dunlops are internal, so that doesn't happen.

that said, go with what works for you. as long as you're using a decent locking system of some kind, especially on fine instruments like these. schallers simply did not work nearly as well for me.

 

[Vic]

Thanks Vic! The Schaller vs Dunlop war is reignited!

LOL! hopefully not! so far it's just been facts/preference, non-judgmental, which is cool.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I've had a few (thankfully rare) situations where I've somehow forgotten my strap. In that situation, the duals work way more reliably than trying to get a regular strap to stay in that tiny groove on the schallers.

When gigging I always use locked straps, but at home I have a couple of unlocked straps, and they work great with the Dunlop Dual Designs. I'd *never* try to use an unlocked strap with the Schallers.

I've read about workarounds for the Schallers: put lubricant (graphite, maybe?) in the cup that holds the button to prevent squeaking and/or loosening of the button from friction; use Loctite on the hex nut so it doesn't loosen and fall off (which allows the strap to fall off). But I've been using the Dunlops for two decades now -- no workarounds required.

 

[Vic]

I've read about workarounds for the Schallers: put lubricant (graphite, maybe?) in the cup that holds the button...

Yeah, but then it gets in your bag/case, on your fingers, etc., because whatever you put in the cup, is also on the outside of the button. That's one of the things I was talking about having issues with.

 

[Holdsg]

I find the fewer things I have to worry about, the more sane I become.

That goes for keys, bass, and life in general.

 

[SadowskySteve]

When gigging I always use locked straps, but at home I have a couple of unlocked straps, and they work great with the Dunlop Dual Designs. I'd *never* try to use an unlocked strap with the Schallers.

I've read about workarounds for the Schallers: put lubricant (graphite, maybe?) in the cup that holds the button to prevent squeaking and/or loosening of the button from friction; use Loctite on the hex nut so it doesn't loosen and fall off (which allows the strap to fall off). But I've been using the Dunlops for two decades now -- no workarounds required.

Totally ditto for me. Once I started gigging I quickly realized the importance of a strap locking device and started using Schallers. Switched over to Dunlops about 20 odd years ago and haven't looked back.

Had to install some on my Metro and was very happy to see my Satin Deluxe came ready to use dunlops.

 

[kevk]

.....Dunlop locks can be tricky to install, especially on thick leather straps that aren't pre-drilled for locks (fortunately many strap manufacturers now offer this option), but once they're on, they've been worry free. The only issue I've had was very early on: I didn't insert the lock all the way into the button so it popped out (no harm done). Lesson learned, I've had zero issues since, and now all my basses and straps have Dunlop Dual Designs.

Seems weird to rave about a strap lock, but yeah, it's that big a deal to me.

Agree regarding Dunlop DD’s...I’ve had to pound a few thick leather straps, using a 32oz waffle-face framing hammer on concrete to get them installed...but once they’re on, no maintenance!

We’ve probably all had that “one” experience—not doing the rattle test to make sure they’re fully locked...fortunately my bass fell on thick carpet. That incident is fully cemented in my memory—last time I’ve ever forgot to test them!

 

[red_rhino]

Thanks Vic! The Schaller vs Dunlop war is reignited!

LOL! hopefully not! so far it's just been facts/preference, non-judgmental, which is cool.

Oh thank goodness! Because I couldn't decide between stoning or burning the heretics who don't agree with me. I mean, stoning's got that vintage old-school mojo, but burning is the more modern approach. Maybe we need a poll, Stoning vs Burning. No wait, that will just devolve into its own argument, with Stoners stoning the Burners, and Burners burning the Stoners.

 

[600 Ohms]

Oh thank goodness! Because I couldn't decide between stoning or burning the heretics who don't agree with me. I mean, stoning's got that vintage old-school mojo, but burning is the more modern approach. Maybe we need a poll, Stoning vs Burning. No wait, that will just devolve into its own argument, with Stoners stoning the Burners, and Burners burning the Stoners.

I'm sure there's a Life of Brian quote in there somewhere.

 

[Joeykun]

I’ve been using Schallers for 30+ years. I had maybe 2 issues during that time. Like everything I own they get maintenance too. Not a hassle and they work for me. So you all must be wrong! (Joking)

They are both quality strap locks and just use what you like. There is no right or wrong with either.

 

[Vic]

Oh thank goodness! Because I couldn't decide between stoning or burning the heretics who don't agree with me. I mean, stoning's got that vintage old-school mojo, but burning is the more modern approach. Maybe we need a poll, Stoning vs Burning. No wait, that will just devolve into its own argument, with Stoners stoning the Burners, and Burners burning the Stoners.

you sound like a monty python fan. if so, good for you.

 

[SadowskySteve]

you sound like a monty python fan. if so, good for you.

In Canada, It's mandatory to be a Monty Python fan!

 

[Vic]

In Canada, It's mandatory to be a Monty Python fan!

Canada! double-win! my girlfriend's family has a cabin in Ontario we visit 1-2/year. we love it. it's over by vermillion bay on blue lake... WAY northwest of you.

 

[SadowskySteve]

Canada! double-win! my girlfriend's family has a cabin in Ontario we visit 1-2/year. we love it. it's over by vermillion bay on blue lake... WAY northwest of you.

Yep that is a bit of a canoe ride from my place for sure.

 

[heinpete]

That is logical. If Schallers work for you, that consistency is important.

Gotta say though: I used Schallers for many years, but while better than no lock, they were a pain point -- requiring constant maintenance,...

Meanwhile the Schallers are considerably improved, specially the strap part, no issues here anymore.