Oversized round strap buttons (instead of straplocks)

[FretRiff]

Has anyone replaced their strap buttons with oversized circular strap buttons to use instead of straplocks? If so were there any problems using the included screws - screwing them in, or the quality of the screws?

I recently watched this Warmouth video on the top choices for straplocks and I was surprised that the Warmouth solution wasn't the top choice - the two top options given were Schaller S and round (not oval) oversized buttons.

 

[mcnach]

I like the Diago 'twistlock' strap buttons:

 

[Hawk620]

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I've been using D'Addario Elliptical End Pins for years and never had one come loose or a strap come off. All I ever do is check them every once in awhile to assure they're positioned so they cross perpendicular to the slit in the strap end when the guitar or bass is held in playing position. It only takes about 30 seconds to check to make sure they're secure.

IME a bigger problem tends to come when the leather ends have become worn and lose some rigidity. Then if the strap itself ends up twisted they will pull right off any end pin no matter how well designed. I find this far more true of inexpensive cotton strap than I do with ones like Levy's that have stiffer more substantial leather ends.

 

[ardgedee]

Set it & forget it. Cheaper than replacement strap buttons.

 

[2saddleslab]

The only time I've had trouble w/ straps disconnecting from basses was w/ strap locks. Never had an issue w/ standard issue strap buttons.

 

[aproud1]

I've used most of the strap lock options. Most work fine, Some can be a little fiddly. I ended up going all oversized strap buttons on all my basses. Probably for 8 or 9 years now. Never have a problem and am using the same old leather straps.

That said, I have let others play my basses and they seem to push the strap magically off the button on the regular. Not sure what kind of dark magic this is.

Just like so much else it's experimenting and finding what works best for you.

 

[Ggaa]

Ditched straplocks(multiple brands)for the std button and rubber washer. I don't remove strap unless bass going in the shop. Check the screw occasionally.

 

[M-Mittlesteadt]

.10 cent large metal Fender washers. Funny how they're called "Fender" washers used as strap locks.

 

[FretRiff]

View attachment 7298647
Set it & forget it. Cheaper than replacement strap buttons.

Thanks, but I'm not asking about alternatives (there are tons of those threads), just about oversized buttons which I saw discussed in the above video.

 

[FretRiff]

I've used most of the strap lock options. Most work fine, Some can be a little fiddly. I ended up going all oversized strap buttons on all my basses. Probably for 8 or 9 years now.

Do you remember which brand? Amazon sells ones by Vintage and Gotoh

and Warmouth sells its own too.

And I'm sure there are others...

 

[brianrost]

I had Schaller locks on two basses I bought new and both of them had issues where the button was worn down over the years from friction and had to be replaced.

I use the plastic locks like ardgedee posted above.

 

[FretRiff]

've been using D'Addario Elliptical End Pins for years and never had one come loose or a strap come off. All I ever do is check them every once in awhile to assure they're positioned so they cross perpendicular to the slit in the strap end when the guitar or bass is held in playing position. It only takes about 30 seconds to check to make sure they're secure.

Good to know. The above video reviewer disapproved of non-round buttons, even the Warmouth buttons that resembles the D'Addario

saying that with an oval shape the ends can grip and start spinning which in turn can spin and loosen a screw. So he recommended round oversized which doesn't have that supposed problem.

 

[FretRiff]

I use the plastic locks like ardgedee posted above.

I've got D'Addario locks which also have a cable guide. But I'm looking for something perhaps less plastic and more permanent.

 

[aproud1]

Good to know. The above video reviewer disapproved of non-round buttons, even the Warmouth buttons that resembles the D'Addario

View attachment 7298748

saying that with an oval shape the ends can grip and start spinning which in turn can spin and loosen a screw. So he recommended round oversized which doesn't have that supposed problem.

Tried those and really didn't like them. Generally annoying and they do tend to spin.

Do you remember which brand? Amazon sells ones by Vintage and Gotoh

View attachment 7298744

and Warmouth sells its own too.

View attachment 7298745

And I'm sure there are others...

All I've tried have worked great. I currently use Gotoh. I like most of their hardware.

 

[60bass]

The only time I've had trouble w/ straps disconnecting from basses was w/ strap locks. Never had an issue w/ standard issue strap buttons.

You must've not been using Dunlop's. I've been using the Dunlop Straplok's for decades and have never had an issue Connecting or disconnecting them. I mean, when you first put on your strap you push the button, insert the lock. Then release it and give a slight tug on the strap to make sure it's securely connected and then stop worrying about it . To remove, you push the button and the strap pulls out of the lock. What could be easier? Absolutely super low maintenance and requiring only a small drop of oil or other lubricant once a year. If I had to find a fault with the Dunlops, it would be that you have to have the correct screwdriver in order to screw the screw in to secure the lock . The screw is deeply recessed and you have to make sure that the driver fits the screw and also that it clears the opening in the lock to allow you to tighten it up .

I have used Dunlops in temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees in Canada to 115 degrees in Arizona. Never ever a problem. I have also used just about every brand of strap locking device and none are as easy to use and secure as the Dunlop ones.

 

[FretRiff]

The honor of Dunlops has been upheld!

(The reviewer in the video at top goes after Dunlops at 4:30 by the way. But this thread is about buttons not straplocks so I'll leave it there.)

 

[Stranger Danger]

You must've not been using Dunlop's. I've been using the Dunlop Straplok's for decades and have never had an issue Connecting or disconnecting them. I mean, when you first put on your strap you push the button, insert the lock. Then release it and give a slight tug on the strap to make sure it's securely connected and then stop worrying about it . To remove, you push the button and the strap pulls out of the lock. What could be easier? Absolutely super low maintenance and requiring only a small drop of oil or other lubricant once a year. If I had to find a fault with the Dunlops, it would be that you have to have the correct screwdriver in order to screw the screw in to secure the lock . The screw is deeply recessed and you have to make sure that the driver fits the screw and also that it clears the opening in the lock to allow you to tighten it up .

I have used Dunlops in temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees in Canada to 115 degrees in Arizona. Never ever a problem. I have also used just about every brand of strap locking device and none are as easy to use and secure as the Dunlop ones.

Dunlop dual design is the perfect solution and I will never ever use anything else

 

[ThudThudThud]

Ibanez used to have V-shaped buttons that worked really well.
I use the Fender rubber rings when I use certain straps. My main strap I made from think leather, and it's as hard to get the buttons through to put it on as it is to get it off! Plus, on one bass I have a strap button jack, so it's going to have to get past the barrel to fall.

 

[jnewmark]

You must've not been using Dunlop's. I've been using the Dunlop Straplok's for decades and have never had an issue Connecting or disconnecting them. I mean, when you first put on your strap you push the button, insert the lock. Then release it and give a slight tug on the strap to make sure it's securely connected and then stop worrying about it . To remove, you push the button and the strap pulls out of the lock. What could be easier? Absolutely super low maintenance and requiring only a small drop of oil or other lubricant once a year. If I had to find a fault with the Dunlops, it would be that you have to have the correct screwdriver in order to screw the screw in to secure the lock . The screw is deeply recessed and you have to make sure that the driver fits the screw and also that it clears the opening in the lock to allow you to tighten it up .

I have used Dunlops in temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees in Canada to 115 degrees in Arizona. Never ever a problem. I have also used just about every brand of strap locking device and none are as easy to use and secure as the Dunlop ones.

My experience also, 30+ years of use.

 

[FretRiff]

Looking for experience with oversized buttons. As much as you might luurrvve your straplocks and Grolsch tabs etc, I'm trying to hear about experience with oversized buttons.