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Lock it or drop it
- Thread starter woody357
- Start date
What do you think about the Ernie Balls? I was looking at them on line but I don't know anyone that has tried them.
They're good. There is IMO one thing that sets them above the other brand that I tried (Dunlop). Where the Dunlops use a stoooopid E-clip system, the Ernie Balls simply use a threaded post with a nut. It's soooo much easier to mount and unmount a new strap than using the stupid Dunlop design.
In terms of actual functionality though, I haven't noticed a difference between the Dunlops and the Ernie Balls. It's a bit more difficult to take the Ernie Balls out because you have to squeeze both sides, but to me that's just added security.
In terms of actual functionality though, I haven't noticed a difference between the Dunlops and the Ernie Balls. It's a bit more difficult to take the Ernie Balls out because you have to squeeze both sides, but to me that's just added security.
I have no locks... my main bass (Bidsong Corto) has "Gripper T's" strap buttons that I cannot imagine my strap coming off of... I use Levis Leather straps, and the whole is so snug over the T's that it ain't going nowhere.
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
- Jan 21, 2006
- 16,223
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- fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
No Locks. Haven't ever dropped a bass (45 years). However, recently used "need washers" as an excuse to buy Grolsch beer, twice!
I use thick leather straps and oversized strap buttons.
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I have used Dunlops, but I had too many false locks. I never dropped the bass but it didn't give me a warm fuzzy having to be ready to catch it when I first put it on.
I also used Schallers for years. But they tend to rattle a bit (not noticeable live) and look clunky. They also use undersized screws which is a pain in the butt. Yes, you can do the toothpick trick, but couldn't they use a standard size screw?
The oversized strap buttons look good, are simple, and are reliable. But they do require you to own a strap for every bass since the straps don't come off.
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I have used Dunlops, but I had too many false locks. I never dropped the bass but it didn't give me a warm fuzzy having to be ready to catch it when I first put it on.
I also used Schallers for years. But they tend to rattle a bit (not noticeable live) and look clunky. They also use undersized screws which is a pain in the butt. Yes, you can do the toothpick trick, but couldn't they use a standard size screw?
The oversized strap buttons look good, are simple, and are reliable. But they do require you to own a strap for every bass since the straps don't come off.
None, yet, but the one's I'm getting soon are GFS. The guitarist in my band has them, and they're awesome.
http://store.guitarfetish.com/paofchstlost.html
http://store.guitarfetish.com/paofchstlost.html
Everyone I know uses Dunlops so naturally that's what I got. Haven't found a thing wrong with them either and they seem to lock on real well even when I'm throwing my bass around
my basses aren't locked...I only have problems with the Carvin (small buttons)...
on my electric guitar, I removed the buttons, put the strap on BEHIND the button, and put a fibre washer on top of that...works GREAT!
on my electric guitar, I removed the buttons, put the strap on BEHIND the button, and put a fibre washer on top of that...works GREAT!
Dunlop StrapLoks on my Lakland.
IMO, the StrapLok screws look a little inadequate. Thinner and shorter than the one i unscrewed off the bass. However Lakland is only slightly over 8.5 pounds and I am very static when I play so it should be okay for 4-5 years.
However I DO hold on to the bass horn while I put on the bass and jingle the front and back StrapLoks EVERYTIME to make sure the lock is true. I'm more worried about my toes (barefoot at home) than the bass.
IMO, the StrapLok screws look a little inadequate. Thinner and shorter than the one i unscrewed off the bass. However Lakland is only slightly over 8.5 pounds and I am very static when I play so it should be okay for 4-5 years.
However I DO hold on to the bass horn while I put on the bass and jingle the front and back StrapLoks EVERYTIME to make sure the lock is true. I'm more worried about my toes (barefoot at home) than the bass.
I've found that, with my (fender) basses at least, the original screw fits through the straplock pin, so I just use it instead of the schaller one - no thread problems!
The cheapest strap locks I've ever used are these ....
... the rubber washer from a bottle of Grolsch beer
.
Costs less than Dunlops, Schallers etc. and ... comes with a free beer
!
... the rubber washer from a bottle of Grolsch beer
.Costs less than Dunlops, Schallers etc. and ... comes with a free beer
!I use one of these --
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-134-Planet-Lock-Strap?sku=365215
This way I can use the same strap for all of my axes. Never dropped one, never worry about it. I think they redesigned this strap now as mine has been discontinued.
Found it! this is the new version --
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/50PLA05
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-134-Planet-Lock-Strap?sku=365215
This way I can use the same strap for all of my axes. Never dropped one, never worry about it. I think they redesigned this strap now as mine has been discontinued.
Found it! this is the new version --
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/50PLA05
I don't use strap locks.
I've only dropped a guitar once, and it had Schaller strap locks...might have been operator error.
Nowdays I sew up the top slot in the strap with Tandy Leather beeswax leather stitching thread (or whaterver it is) so it will barely fit over the strap button from the back. It's effective, next to free, and just about invisible.
I've only dropped a guitar once, and it had Schaller strap locks...might have been operator error.
Nowdays I sew up the top slot in the strap with Tandy Leather beeswax leather stitching thread (or whaterver it is) so it will barely fit over the strap button from the back. It's effective, next to free, and just about invisible.
