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Lock it or drop it

What one?

  • Total voters
    160
  • Poll closed .
#22
GlennW said:
I don't use strap locks.

I've only dropped a guitar once, and it had Schaller strap locks...might have been operator error.

....
Click to expand...

ditto :hmm:

I find that the nuts work loose on those Schallers and you can easily end up having the bass fall off the strap, with the strap locks still attached to the bass :scowl:.

I use Warwicks, as they look more discreet and don't seem to come undone. They're really cheap too (here in Germany ;)).

Warwick.jpg
 
#24
I use washers or those black plastic clip on type washers. But those are a P in the A to the max. My Fender P Special has literal padlocks for strap locks. It takes a key to unlock them even. They are so cool. I wish I could find more of those!
And Ive dropped basses before, mainly my '92 Foundation and my '85 T40 (used to drop my '79 a lot too). I've been lucky and caught them both before they hit the floor but its not fun in the slightest when the strap pops off a button and the bass takes off without you. T40s are bad about it because they have the puniest strap buttons EVER I think. That is the /only/ thing about them that is meh; the strap buttons. Oversized buttons and washers is what its getting soon.
 
#26
StarscreamG1 said:
I use washers or those black plastic clip on type washers. But those are a P in the A to the max. My Fender P Special has literal padlocks for strap locks. It takes a key to unlock them even. They are so cool. I wish I could find more of those!
And Ive dropped basses before, mainly my '92 Foundation and my '85 T40 (used to drop my '79 a lot too). I've been lucky and caught them both before they hit the floor but its not fun in the slightest when the strap pops off a button and the bass takes off without you. T40s are bad about it because they have the puniest strap buttons EVER I think. That is the /only/ thing about them that is meh; the strap buttons. Oversized buttons and washers is what its getting soon.
Click to expand...

EBMM strap buttons are great :), if you can find any. I don't know why more manufacturers don't use them :hmm:?
 
#32
slackinatthebas said:
i use the DiMarzzio clip lock straps. all 3 of my basses. they have a screw with some plastic washers you put in place of the strap buttons, basically, two ends stay on your bass, and you un hook the strap in the middle. no problems yet, and they're supposed to be tested to like 600 pounds of force.
Click to expand...

I've got one of those that I've had for 18 years now....They used to come with brass bushings rather than plastic washers. The brass bushings are worn out on this thing but the strap is still in great shape so I'll be putting it on my new P Bass. I'll attach it to the bass with a Dunlop Straplok though so it'll have two quick disconnects on it.
 
#33
I've used the Schallers for many years... I like that you can use any strap with the posts. You do need to be diligent to check for loose nuts & strap button screws, but they are definitely secure!

I might try out those Guitarfetish locks, though (I like trying everything at least once).

My older Warwick has recessed Dunlops which look great & still work perfectly after 15 years - but you cannot use any old strap, you have to use the locks! :spit:
 
#39
I have Dunlops on two and Schallers on one and they all came that way from the person I bought the basses from. I never dropped a bass with either of them, but then again I never dropped a guitar or bass that didn't have strap locks on either.

The next time I buy a bass that didn't already have them on I'll just try the Grolsch trick and see how well it works. It would be cheaper and I wouldn't have to worry (possibly unnecessarily?) that removing one screw and replacing it with a different one might in fact be weaker than just leaving the original screw in there.
 
#40
I've used both Dunlops and Schallers. The Dunlops failed me several times and the finish began to wear off the buttons making them look very cheap. Never had a bit of trouble with the superior design of the Schallers.

The issues with screws pulling out has less to do with the strap locks themselves (it can and has happened to me with both of the systems I've used) than it has with the wood the guitar is made of and the relative size of the original screws/screwholes. When in doubt, toothpick it for a permanent fix.
 

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