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Strap locks: what kind, if at all?
- Thread starter bassdrummer
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- dunlop schaller straplocks
Well... Since I learned to play bass in 1968, I've just used a strap and the stock buttons - and never had a problem. I tend to stand very still when I play. Especially compared to the 2 ants-in-their-pants guitar players, and a drummer who thought he was Keith Moon. "Is your bass player DEAD?" or "Is the bass player just a mannequin?" were questions we heard more than once...
So, strap locks were something I just never felt any need for. If a strap felt like it might possibly come off while I was playing? I just used a different strap... Lately, though, I've been... experimenting... with the Fender rubber washers on my new Hofner 500/2 Sunburst Club bass. Since I'm left handed, I had to get the German one, and I'm kinda nervous about that much money heading for the floor. After I've had it for a while, they might come off (they are kind of a pain); but, 'till then? They'll stay on the Hofner. As for all my other basses - and guitars? Just the stock buttons and a strap...
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I just started using these last year. I wish I would have moved to them sooner, they are great!
The only thing to consider is that you have to have room for your strap in your case since the strap won't easily come off/on when you put it in the case.
The only thing to consider is that you have to have room for your strap in your case since the strap won't easily come off/on when you put it in the case.
I was using rubber washers on my old adjustable single ply straps, but recently had three 2-ply non-adjustable leather straps made by Gecko Leather Works. He'll accommodate any strap lock design mentioned, including the originals. Mine are all Fender.
It was a bear getting them all on, and likely won't come off unless put in a case for travel.
It was a bear getting them all on, and likely won't come off unless put in a case for travel.
I have moved to the straps with the built in locks the one I use has a ratcheting wheel and it stays where you put it 
After using just about every brand, I went back to washers. They're secure, they don't rattle, and they don't wear out my cases or Mono bags.
I had been getting them with various thickness, stiffness, and hole diameters from hardware stores.
Finally, I bought a bag of 100 of Grolsch-style rubber gaskets (washers) from a brewers' supply house for about $8. These work great, so I should be set for a while.
I had been getting them with various thickness, stiffness, and hole diameters from hardware stores.
Finally, I bought a bag of 100 of Grolsch-style rubber gaskets (washers) from a brewers' supply house for about $8. These work great, so I should be set for a while.
I've become a big believer in using a quality strap at least 3 inches wide; especially for those long sets. It does make a difference.
I never thought about straplocks. Then 10 years ago, my custom Valenti came with Dunlop dual designs. I was sold, particularly because you can use them with a strap with no strap locks or the one designated for it. I have converted all my basses to Dunlops and I think some of the fail claims by others on here are funny. I've never had a problem.
Recently I got a Rickenbacker. I love it. However it comes with Shallers. I was going to replace them with Dunlops but someone on here told me not to do it. I decided to try the Shallers. I ordered a set for my strap.
When on, they feel more secure than the Dunlops but putting on/taking off the strap is a not so easy and not very smooth. In conclusion, I prefer the Dunlops.
I never thought about straplocks. Then 10 years ago, my custom Valenti came with Dunlop dual designs. I was sold, particularly because you can use them with a strap with no strap locks or the one designated for it. I have converted all my basses to Dunlops and I think some of the fail claims by others on here are funny. I've never had a problem.
Recently I got a Rickenbacker. I love it. However it comes with Shallers. I was going to replace them with Dunlops but someone on here told me not to do it. I decided to try the Shallers. I ordered a set for my strap.
When on, they feel more secure than the Dunlops but putting on/taking off the strap is a not so easy and not very smooth. In conclusion, I prefer the Dunlops.
I generally use the Schallers on most basses but I have also used the Daddario locks as well..they work quite well for a simple quick design and not overly expensive. Got them from ebay if I recall.
Dunlop makes washer style strap locks, similar to what you can get off a Grolsch beer bottle. Cheap, effective. I've always been afraid of the strap locks that have the hardware sticking way out of the wood. Probably faster on and off, but I've also seen some of those ripped out of the wood. How do you beat simple and cheap.
^ This. I always found it distracting with the rattling caused by 'systems.'
If I'm using a standard strap, I'll add a Fender washer. Simple, quick, and works great.
I also made myself a strap from a length of leather from a leatherworking store (oiled, and worked for flexibility). It's the right length for most FSOs, and has no buckle, or adjustment slots. It's also thick enough that the exercise of putting it on a standard button makes it almost impossible to get off without pulling a muscle.
Back in the wired days I used to like a decent loop of lead between the jack and the strap button. Sort of a safety buffer b4 undue stress goes onto the jack. Sadly that's not an option with Schallers. Or even a requirement with X-Vive.
Jst saying.
Brilliant!
I've been buying the rubber washers from music vendors. IMHO it's worthwhile even at some ridiculous price like 50¢ or $1 per washer. But why do that when you can get a lifetime supply for the whole band for $8!
I used to just buy the beer, but it's getting hard to find - and I didn't actually like Grolsch that much.
Does anyone have experience with the different sizes of the Schallers? They sell them in S, M, & L sizes (the screw size is the only difference). I assume that M would fit most existing holes but would love to hear about it if that has not been the case. Thanks.
I used to prefer the Schallers, but I've since converted to the Dunlop dual purpose (or whatever they call them) strap locks. The mechanism is really easy to use, and the buttons can be used as regular strap buttons as well.
The Schaller strap buttons are also dual prupose, but I had some issues with the strap part twisting around, to where the "U" suddenly was pointing downwards. I never had a mishap because of it, but it didn't feel quote as safe. I also kept losing the set screw that held the nut in place, which was annoying.
The Schaller strap buttons are also dual prupose, but I had some issues with the strap part twisting around, to where the "U" suddenly was pointing downwards. I never had a mishap because of it, but it didn't feel quote as safe. I also kept losing the set screw that held the nut in place, which was annoying.
