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FAIL!! Schaller Strap Locks

#141
Fail is a verb, not a noun. Damned inter webs.

That said the strap sandwich very likely could have come apart. I never make the sandwich because I have never seen them stay tight for more than 5 minutes of use.

I just keep the whole cap/lock unit assembled, put the strap on the bass as you would over regular strap buttons, and then fasten the lock unit over the locking button and strap. Works great and gives me much more peace of mind.
 
#143
bass12 said:
I wasn't the one who installed them but regardless, the stripped wood was the least of my worries with those strap locks. Between the self-loosening nuts, the moving U cups and the irritating noise they would make, those locks were way too high maintenance for my liking.
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Yeah I forgot about the noise actually.. It's all good though.. too each his own.. The Loxx things look cool... but what I don't like about them is the pin is so small.. For me the Dunlops do the job and until they fail that is what I will be using. Just because someone else decides they want to use something else does not make either of our choices "wrong" as long as it is "right" for us....
 
#144
stingrayK said:
... Sometimes "stuff" just happens. Please understand that these locks were recently installed, maybe a week old. They were installed using tools, the correct size open end wrench. No I didn't use Loctite. They didn't have time to work loose.
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It was probably because of the new install that the strap mat'l compressed under the tension from the nut, letting the tension off the nut. Then, it fell off. Any soft, pliable mat'l like leather, plastics, etc compress over time when pressure is on them, and the connections need to be re-tightened to keep up with it. This is req'd less often over time. Same with hose clamps and hoses on cars/trucks.
 
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#146
Teijo K. said:
20+years of using Schaller, and not a single problem with them. I use proper tools to tighten them and dont have to keep looking at them after that.
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This. I have the same experience and method of install. I also trim a very small amount of the strap so it fits around the lock without puckering. Then I tighten the bejeezus out of it with a socket and pliers. Never had a problem. Of course, I also regularly check the torque on my tuning machine screws, the neck/body screws, bridge screws, strap pin screws, etc.
To the folks equating that they should require no maintenance or periodic adjustment: do you perform no maintenance or periodic adjustment on your basses? I don't know of a single piece of machinery that is completely maintenance free...if it has moving parts, they WILL need maintenance and adjustment.
 
#147
I use Schaller strap locks since the 80's and just had a problem with a cheap copy I bought unknowingly, never with the originals. Like any mechanism, shall be installed and used properly, and should receive maintenance and attention because they are safety devices. I know many musicians who don't like these locks because they don't use it properly.

There are other very good locks, all needs to be installed and used properly, in addition to maintenance. It is a matter of preference.
 
#149
Means2nEnd said:
Dunlops however I have had the little ball bearings wear over time and loose their grip and this is an equipment fail. This happened to at least three of the inset locks. No more Dunlop locks for me ever.
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Good point, I've seen this (again, you have to inspect your bass and its components from time to time). But I respectfully disagree that wear constitutes a fail, unless you meant the user failed to notice.

FWIW, the Schaller pins (the ones screwed to the instrument) will also wear down to the point the U cup will no longer be a secure hold. I have purchased used basses with Schaller systems where half the pins had worn away. Unbelievably, the previous owner didn't notice or change them out.
 
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#151
David Jayne said:
The OP is not explaining it very well, but from his description there are two possible answers: the nut/washer came off, possibly due to poor manufacturing as found by kzr750r1(loose threads) or the plunger button came off the locking pin.
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or the nut/washer came off, possibly due to not tightening them tight enough or the plunger button was not locked in place connecting to the bass.
 
#153
David Jayne said:
Well I never have to check my strap locks because I don't have them. Strap always seems to work fine. Cables work until they don't, then I change them. My bass is passive so no batteries. Simple really. Now, I do have to make sure I actually BRING them to the gig.....
I'm an old fart btw. So you might as well give up now. :D
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The point was if you have strap locks and you check them before use, you will be less likely to have one fail........ one old geezer to another :roflmao:
 
#154
bolophonic said:
I use washers to attach my straps permanently to my basses after having several different strap failures over the years.
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this. Never fails.

Otherwise the only strap locks i have ever liked have been warwick security locks and dunlop flushmounts. Mainly because they have to be physically pushed down to disengage the lock then be pulled out. And with pressure provided by the basses own weight and the strap, that wont ever happen.
 
#156
I've been using the Schallers for 25 years with no problems at all. The new ones even come with a set of extra long screws so they won't back out. The squeaking problem can be solved by wiping out the U shaped saddle and the strap button connector with a wet paper towel now and then. Installing them correctly is the key for them working correctly. I've never had one fail on me.
 
#159
I have Dunlops on all my basses except the Rickenbacker I have Schallers. I have a strap in all my gig bags so I never forget one and when I take the Ric I swap straps with the Schallers. My Taylor acoustic and my Hofner I use the Fender washers over the straps. My Sadowsky and MTD NYC basses came with Dunlops. I use Mono Betty straps for the most part I also use a leather MTD strap and a Taylor Cotton strap for acoustic guitar. I did use a touch of green Loctite on my strap with the Schallers. I've been playing for 5 years and no issues (knock wood).
 
#160
Sorry for being too lazy to read all the posts. Feel bad for the OP and it's kind of useless to say I haven't had a problem yet when the poor guy had an accident. As a Schaller person that's never had a problem it does cause me concern. I had the round end pin you pull out loosen and fall out a couple times and replaced it rather than use Loctite but if you install the strap lock like its a cup, where gravity keeps it resting in the cup, I'm not sure I understand how it would still fall out?
 

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