Neccesity of strap locks?

[bassbenj]

I own several basses and dozens of straps. I've done fender washers for years. Somehow, I don't have any of these problems.

...and I'm not adding $40 or so to the cost of every strap I want to be usable.

You own "dozens" of straps and several basses and you need to whip out a screwdriver every time you want to change a strap? Surely you are joking! How many button screw holes have you stripped out?

Where do you get $40? It's just $15 or so for each bass and strap combined or if there are extra straps or basses you can get the lock parts separately cheaper.

Now if you said that you don't use Dunlops because they sometimes don't fully lock for you, or Schallers because sometimes the nut unscrews itself off them and in either case the bass still can drop, then I'd say, sure that makes sense. But when you say you WANT to take your straps on and off with a screwdriver to save a couple bucks... ???

 

[Roger Ford]

Even with Dunlops the pegs will come loose. I believe that instrument maintenance might catch that before they become a problem. The instrument should be looked at at least every few gigs. Don't you think?

 

[Jeff K]

^ Yep. Any strap lock is worthless if the wood is loose and the screw comes out. I like the neoprene washers. Personally, I have a dedicated strap for each bass; but they are easy on/easy off if you do need to take them off, and immediately revert to their original shape when you put them back on.

They work very well and are very inexpensive. But if the screw strips out of the wood, you're screwed no matter what you use. It's imperative that you test the tightness of the strap buttons regularly. All you have to do is try to twist them a bit. If they're at all loose, do the toothpick fix and you're good to go again.

 

[Jefff]

I would like to point out that even though I screw my strap on, I occasionally check the strap for wear and frayed or loose stitching.

I have had a strap break on me in the past.

 

[tastybasslines]

Where do you get $40? It's just $15 or so for each bass and strap combined or if there are extra straps or basses you can get the lock parts separately cheaper.

I just have one strap with Schaller locks on it. So all I have to do is buy the bass buttons only for all my basses for $6.99 a set and move the strap around.

 

[DigthemLows]

There not a necessity if your bass has never crashed to the floor. If it has.....well, you get the picture.

all the folks saying this?? Basses aren't made out of glass, if it drops, pick it up and play it..........I tried strap locks for a bit, but found them to be more hassle than worth it..........30 years of playing and I've never dropped a bass, if I did, i'm quite sure it would be fine..............but I use basses as tools, not worrying about them is a good thing

it's obvious it's a matter of preference though!! Enjoy your locks, or not!

 

[NicJimBass]

I find them a necessity, for my playing style, or rather, my stage style. I move around, and I move my bass around, a lot. If the bass were to ever break loose, I'd be in major trouble. I've been using Dunlop straplocks since I first started playing, and have never had a single one go bad on me. I've used the same set for several years with no issues whatsoever. They are absolutely great!

 

[TinIndian]

Cheap insurance for 15 bucks!

 

[EricMordus]

Schaller, just do it. There's no good reason not to insure that your instrument will stay securely on the strap. Its inexpensive insurance.

 

[Ender_rpm]

Pretty much any bass I buy gets a new strap, a D Tuner and a set of Dunlops. Yes, its expensive, but in my mind and experience, its worth it.

 

[Fat Steve]

I own several basses and dozens of straps. I've done fender washers for years. Somehow, I don't have any of these problems.

...and I'm not adding $40 or so to the cost of every strap I want to be usable.

Been doing the fender washer strap lock myself for the last 10 years, after having a strap slip off and destroy a nice Schecter guitar I had. I very recently changed over to strap locks on my newer basses and guitars as I bought a nice leather strap, and I'd like to use it on all of my basses and guitars.

The fender washer mod is great though if you have a dedicated strap for each instrument.

 

[bigsnaketex]

All the guitars I own have strap locks. . . .why not? Better safe than sorry.

 

[coughiefiend]

My cat's breath smells like cat food

 

[Mktrat]

Most of my basses have locks (I prefer Dunlop)
I do have two basses with straps that the ends are so stiff that they are really difficult to intentionally get them off the bass let alone "slip" off. I do love my locks, I do get a little rambunctious, and I do not want to damage any of my basses.

k bye.

 

[davidhilton]

To me it appears that the general consensus around these parts is that strap locks are a necessity. Personally, i wear my basses pretty high and i honestly don't see any way the strap could slip off the button. Is there anyone else who just dosen't see the need for strap locks? Horror stories of basses dropping welcome

Ive never used strap locks...ever.
www.basslessonslosangeles.com

 

[SJLee]

The reason for strap locks.....

 

[tastybasslines]

The piece of mind that strap locks provide me, is worth every penny of the $6.99 the buttons for a new bass cost.

 

[robbyray]

This is such a minor thing, but does anyone else hate the 'squeak' that strap locks make?

Some are worse than others.

 

[dukeisdog]

This is such a minor thing, but does anyone else hate the 'squeak' that strap locks make?

Some are worse than others.

Yup, it can be very annoying. I usually leave my strap off unless im standing, and they don't really move too much when you're standing with the bass so it's not a big deal.

I have the Schaller strap locks on my basses and alternate between 2 straps. I always look over the hardware/screws before I use my strap to make sure there wont be an issue and I've always been okay.

 

[Bigmuffdiver]

The squeak? Lol, never hear 'em make any noise I think
I use Schallers, other brands wore off after some time. I think they are very necessary; specially when playing live (for me at least).. You don't want your guitar crashing to the ground then. Saw it happen, ain't fun.