• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Neccesity of strap locks?

#221
Templar said:
That's pretty much what's required to believe any mechanical strap lock can't possibly fail someday. That, and a dollop of faith.

Metal on metal...eventually friction wins and a device wears out.
Click to expand...

No faith required, I described first-hand experience over 30 years of bass playing. Again:
  • In all the years I used no locks, I had the strap come off multiple times.
  • In 10 years I used Schallers, I had multiple failures.
  • In 10+ years I've used Dunlops, I've had zero failures.
Obviously it's silly to conclude that Dunlops will never fail. But based on the evidence, they are clearly the best choice for me.

The Loxx do seem like a sturdy reliable design, but they are useless with an unlocked strap. So, I'll stick with the Dunlop Dual Designs.
 
#223
TTPbass1 said:
I'm going to put it simple in my perspective: without strap locks I've had 4 near falls due to straps getting loose with use. With strap locks (Dunlop dual design) I've had ZERO issues so far...
Click to expand...

I love the bass in your profile pic. Just bought an AS Jazz white/tort/maple last week in fact - and installed Dunlop dual designs forthrightly.

To the previous question - we are still discussing because this is TalkBass. The verb requires we do so.
 
#224
I used to use straps which had the sort of clips you'd get on a rucksack. I short section went on each end, and could only be attached by removing the existing strap button. The other section then clipped in as required. Secure, but you had to watch fingers clipping things together. With the same brand all the clip in sections were compatible. The other downsides were ensuring that the clip wasn't somewhere annoying and the fact that only relatively thin straps were available. With the ubiquity of man bags there might be better options available now, but just a simple clip for a standard chunky manbag strap would do these days.

I'm now using Planet Waves with the section you turn, although that's sometimes a pain to get on and off (don't try to do it whilst putting the bass on) so I may look again at the option above.
 
#225
bassbenj said:
Me neither. I've had a few basses hit the deck without strap locks but I"m sure not as many as if I had them on my basses! Four string Fender basses, flats, tort pickguard, and beer washers. Nobody needs anything else!

I'd rather have instruments hitting the floor than be seen with stupid looking strap locks on my basses!
Click to expand...

I don't think It's stupid looking. And I'm sure I'm not the only one

Link Removed
 
  • Like
Reactions: JonesJones
#226
Personally, I don't use them. But I have had plenty of close calls with my basses, as I am a fairly "active" player. Maybe if I had a bunch of straps that I liked instead of one, I could do it, but I like to be able to switch fairly seamlessly without having to mess with locks and junk. Also, I don't really want to spend the money...
 
#227
wild4oldcars said:
Personally, I don't use them. But I have had plenty of close calls with my basses, as I am a fairly "active" player. Maybe if I had a bunch of straps that I liked instead of one, I could do it, but I like to be able to switch fairly seamlessly without having to mess with locks and junk. Also, I don't really want to spend the money...
Click to expand...

I have a strong opinion about what's right for me... strap locks are a necessity for me, but I'd never declare that they should be for anyone else. So: I'm not trying to change your mind, I'm only giving you food for thought.

I keep strap locks on all my basses and all of my straps: a half-dozen of each. All of my basses are Fender-style, and all the locks are the same, so any strap can work with any bass, no adjustment necessary. Locking and unlocking a strap quickly becomes as easy as attaching and detaching an unlocked strap -- even easier with some designs IMO. Also, I use Dunlop Dual Designs, which have a fairly hefty button that works as well as the vintage Fender button with an unlocked strap. Many other locking designs will not work with an unlocked strap... if you forget your locked strap, you must play seated.

Again... go with whatever works for you, whether this lock, that lock, or no lock.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back