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Kubicki... straplocks?

ModuMan

ModuMan

How many is too many?
Supporting Member
Feb 23, 2007
3,525
4,605
Bristol, CT
#1
First, is there a Kubicki Club thread I should be in? If not, maybe we should make one? Anyway...

I have a lovely '86 Ex-Factor that I will be gigging. So I would like to put some straplocks on it.

Upper horn, no problem. But... as I only just now realized, the bridge side uses a machine screw to attach to the bridge section.

The machine screw is a little larger than the opening on the Schaller. And even if it was a perfect fit, the head of the screw is too large. Same with a Dunlop.

I can't be the first person to want to put straplocks on this bass. Any suggestions?

Kubicki straplock.jpg
 
#2
Kubicki club, part 2

I've seen it. Personally I dislike straplocks. Not sure how the owners got around the machine screw issue.
Could go with the custom John Taylor edition and install it on the other side of the bridge cavity. Or you could open the hole on the bung and turn down the screw head both operations on a lathe. I'm a machinist by trade. I've done it for a friend.
 
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#3
I had a similar problem when I bought a Greg Curbow Petite 6 earlier this year and wanted to install straplocks.

I asked on the Curbow Facebook forum and most of the suggestions were to insert/glue toothpicks in the hole so the wood screw of your Straplock has something to grip. I tried their suggestion and I haven't experienced any problems (yet, anyway).
 
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#4
saltydude said:
Kubicki club, part 2

I've seen it. Personally I dislike straplocks. Not sure how the owners got around the machine screw issue.
Could go with the custom John Taylor edition and install it on the other side of the bridge cavity. Or you could open the hole on the bung and turn down the screw head both operations on a lathe. I'm a machinist by trade. I've done it for a friend.
Click to expand...

Yes, there is the club thread. I figured there must be one. Heck, I've even posted in it. Just didn't come up in a search for whatever reason.

I don't think I want to drill a new hole in the bass. Yes, it would work but I also a feel a sense of keeping the bass as stock as I can.

As for machining... maybe if I can come up with another screw. For when I mess it up.
 
#6
TolerancEJ said:
I had a similar problem when I bought a Greg Curbow Petite 6 earlier this year and wanted to install straplocks.

I asked on the Curbow Facebook forum and most of the suggestions were to insert/glue toothpicks in the hole so the wood screw of your Straplock has something to grip. I tried their suggestion and I haven't experienced any problems (yet, anyway).
Click to expand...

I've done that before with other basses, and had pretty good luck. I think because this thing is kind of... unique I want to be as careful as possible to preserve it. I believe I've identified the type of machine screw. If I get a new one and file down the head/open up the strapock then I think I will be good. Will make an interesting project anyway.
 
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#8
ModuMan said:
I've done that before with other basses, and had pretty good luck. I think because this thing is kind of... unique I want to be as careful as possible to preserve it. I believe I've identified the type of machine screw. If I get a new one and file down the head/open up the strapock then I think I will be good. Will make an interesting project anyway.
Click to expand...
I felt the same way, not wanting to change my Curbow. It was the only common solution the Curbow group offered. They suggested this same work around would be the result if I brought it to a luthier.
 
#10
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#13
saltydude said:
Kubicki club, part 2

I've seen it. Personally I dislike straplocks. Not sure how the owners got around the machine screw issue.
Could go with the custom John Taylor edition and install it on the other side of the bridge cavity. Or you could open the hole on the bung and turn down the screw head both operations on a lathe. I'm a machinist by trade. I've done it for a friend.
Click to expand...

That's what I did on my Factorbird - works great

fullsizeoutput_31f.jpeg
 
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#16
CaseyJ said:
A good hardware store will have Machine screws. Once you match the thread size, you will just have to find a screw with a head that fits within your strap lock. Worst case scenario, you have to grind the head of said screw to fit. You could also pay a Machine shop to do it=$
Click to expand...
and I just saw that @casa de Kick said the same thing. I need to read all posts before answering lol.
 
#17
Why not just put the strap lock button in a vice and drill it out? You can probably even countersink the head and use the same machine screw.

If it fails, you've only killed the button and not your bass. Worst case scenario you just put the old button back on and use rubber washers.

ModuMan said:
Could work. But then you'd have to add/remove them every time you put the strap on or took it off, right?
Click to expand...

It's not that hard. Those rubber washers are available in any hardware store for a buck per handful. If you can manage a button-up shirt, you can operate a rubber straplock.

...Or simply not remove the strap. All of my basses can lay flat in cases or gigbags with their straps neatly layed in behind them. I've seen folks use metal washers for straplocks the same way. Too much rattle and clang for me though. The rubber washers are a really great and simple solution to this age old problem.
 

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