You can get generic ones from local beer making stores / wine stores.
I purchased a bag of 20 for $3.
I purchased a bag of 20 for $3.
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Strap locks for the cash strapped
- Thread starter bassman_al
- Start date
I've been using the rubber ones for several years. (They're actually called "Neoprene" washers at the hardware store where I buy them.) Sold all of my Schaller's. I have a strap for every bass I own, so they just stay on. But they do go on and off very easily; and I've never had one rip.
As far as fitting in the case, I can leave my straps on while the bass is in the case. With the Schaller's, I would have to remove the strap in order for the bass to fit into the case. I even convinced one of my guitar players to use them. He asked me what they were one day. After I explained what they are and how they work, he called me a couple days later. "Hey, do you think you could get me a couple of those washer-strap lock thingies?"
I would think if you can afford the two beers you need for the washers, then you can instead use that same amount of cash to buy a set of straplocks.
I would think if you can afford the two beers you need for the washers, then you can instead use that same amount of cash to buy a set of straplocks.
haha that's what I was thinking
Do what works for you for strap locks -- just DONT use duct *DUCK* tape! Gawd I HATE that crap! Whoever started that needs kicked.
I have drilled out dimes for permanent strap mounting, use a small plastic or rubber washer or spacer under the strap, or it will eventually wear off the finish on the tip of the horn.
For those who are really cheap, you could use pennies or nickels, but dimes are just the right size.
For those who are really cheap, you could use pennies or nickels, but dimes are just the right size.
Personally I've got Dunlop straplocks on all my basses and guitars. One reason is I started getting them from Carvin before GC had them. And the deal is that once you make a decision as to what kind of button and what brand of lock you tend to get pretty much stuck with it.
Straplocks come in two kinds. There are the one's that just look like a normal button. The dunlops have a hole in the center where the strap pin goes and locks while the Schallars sort of slip around the outside of a rather angular button. BOTH these types allow you to use a normal strap in an emergency. I think it's the Dunlops that also come in a recessed model. These are the one people are talking about drilling. There is NO button on the bass and you can ONLY use a straplock equipped strap. But the end of the horn and bottom of the bass is smooth with no protrusions. And yes, you have to drill to install them.
As for me I like to play it safe so starting with button Dunlops I continued with them which in case you can't figure it, runs into considerable cash as your bass/guitar collection grows. And there's even more because I like for each instrument to have it's own strap but still be compatible with all the other ones so if I had to I could switch straps. And finally as a last resort I have a few cheapo straps thrown around just in case all else fails.
So while I do like the straplock thing I have to admit that when you multiply that plus a bunch of decent straps by your instrument collection the cost of Fender Washers starts to look really good! But once you start down the straplock road it's really hard to go back.
Fixed.
You are totally right. I saw a ad for a G&L bass with a guy that had duct taped it all up. Murder to a nice bass.
Dimarzio Straplocks ftw. Especially in the new NEON colors! I've got a lime green one.
I've used the red grolsch washers for years and never once had a problem, i highly recommend this method. There are a few other beers that have similar washers in slightly different colors as well, if color coordinating matters to you at all.
Grolsch = bright red
Fischer (french beer) - faded pink (like a pencil eraser)
and i swear some company makes one with a white washer too. of course you COULD go out and buy just the washer somewhere, but the beer washers make for better stories IMHO. and, from what i can tell (not that it matters), the possible origin of the beer-washer-locks may have been Johnny Marr (guitarist of the Smiths) who famously used Grolsch washers. I'm all about tradition :-D
Grolsch = bright red
Fischer (french beer) - faded pink (like a pencil eraser)
and i swear some company makes one with a white washer too. of course you COULD go out and buy just the washer somewhere, but the beer washers make for better stories IMHO. and, from what i can tell (not that it matters), the possible origin of the beer-washer-locks may have been Johnny Marr (guitarist of the Smiths) who famously used Grolsch washers. I'm all about tradition :-D
I meant to say DUCT and DUCK... cuz DUCK is a brand for DUCT ---- Therefore, for my purposes, DUCK is interchangeable with DUCT 
I don't know why they just don't put bigger ends on the regular strap pins. Would save a lot of trouble. They could easily be a the size of a nickel and would fit any strap. But maybe that just makes too much sense. 
