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Do I really need Straploks - possible with washers?

F

ForestThump

Jun 15, 2005
419
1
Paris
#1
One of my basses always gets played with the same strap which does not get taken off of it.
Is it possible to just put a washer that is considerably wider than the hole on the strap with a hole in it that is smaller than the width of the screw that screws the strap button into the bass and use this instead of a Straplok?

Hope my description is clear enough.
Would like to know if anyone else is doing this.
 
#2
I thought about doing this for a while because I was having some problems with my old straps, but then my guitarist introduced the cliplock strap system, bought it, and never turned back since, for the 20 bucks, it really doesn't move at all, and is super convenient! think about getting one, they are tough as nails!
 
#3
The washers-and-big-screws thing worked for Billy Sheehan, it should work for you. Just don't go nuts with oversized screws or you could split or splinter the wood.

But honestly, if you have a high-quality strap and aren't flinging the bass all around the place, you really shouldn't need anything to keep the strap attached to your bass.
 
#7
I remember reading an interview with Sheehan where he said the only time he really regretted doing the washers thing was after his strap had gotten just nasty dirty and he was going to take it off to wash it and he was wondering if his bass would fall apart when he undid those screws (and if you've ever seen a picture of his original "wife" bass you'll know exactly why he said that).
 
#8
Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.

Screws and washers work too, but a clinking washer may be audible through the amp.
 
#9
thirtypoint87 said:
Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.

Screws and washers work too, but a clinking washer may be audible through the amp.
Click to expand...

It really is worth the investment for proper locks!;)
 
#10
I don't jump around but i use
rubber gaskets that come from
Grolsch premium beer,they work
well to protect bass from falling..
 

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#13
thirtypoint87 said:
Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.
Click to expand...

I remember watching another bassist at my church drop his MINT 58 P-Bass to the hardwood stage floor from waist height because something let loose on his strap. I thought he was gonna have a breakdown right there on the spot. It was painful enough just for me!
 
#14
thirtypoint87 said:
Speaking as a guy who's reglued a few dozen busted off headstocks over the years, installing straplocks is the first thing I do when I get a new instrumnet. It's a $15-20 investment to not have to ever worry about my bass falling to the floor while I'm playing it.

Screws and washers work too, but a clinking washer may be audible through the amp.
Click to expand...

Why would the washer clink if the screw is tightened properly?
 

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