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Strap locks

#21
I used to use the Schaller ones until I got tired of tightening the nut that holds it to the strap. Yeah, OK, Loctite..........Bah.
The 20¢ washer works just as well, and it doesn't make creaking noises that sometimes show up in the studio.

If you REALLY don't ever want to take the strap off, use Fender style string trees. Bulletproof.
 
#23
I installed Schaller buttons on two basses and the Schaller locks on one strap for a gig last night. I use one wireless transmitter and move the strap to a differently tuned bass for each set. I have Dunlops as well, they work great. Not sure why I grabbed the Schallers, but I think it's a coin toss between the two. I use a socket wrench and tighten the Schaller nuts so tightly they will never come loose. And the screws for the buttons were just slightly larger than the stock screws and holes, so I got a good bite.
 
#25
paf77 said:
I'm not getting strap locks so that I can "de-strap" my bass. I want strap locks to make sure my bass wouldn't ever take a fall. I would trust dunlop or schaller strap locks much more that a 20 cent washer.
Click to expand...

So you prefer the $20 washer from dunlop or schaller? Because thats all it is. Youre paying the extra money for a mechanism that allows you to remove the strap without having to unscrew anything.
 
#28
paf77 said:
I'm not getting strap locks so that I can "de-strap" my bass. I want strap locks to make sure my bass wouldn't ever take a fall. I would trust dunlop or schaller strap locks much more that a 20 cent washer.
Click to expand...

Yeah, as someone else pointed out, if you just want to securely attach your strap to your guitar, you don't need quick-release strap locks. You just need a washer and a screw that bites nicely into the hole. Quick-release strap locks (Schaller, Dunlop, etc.) are for people who prefer to remove the strap at will.
 
#29
electracoyote said:
Yeah, as someone else pointed out, if you just want to securely attach your strap to your guitar, you don't need quick-release strap locks. You just need a washer and a screw that bites nicely into the hole. Quick-release strap locks (Schaller, Dunlop, etc.) are for people who prefer to remove the strap at will.
Click to expand...

Yes. I'm not saying strap locks are bad. I'm not saying you shouldn't get them. There are two different objectives with two different solutions here. If you want to be able to take the strap off easily, but still have it very securely attached to the bass, you should buy straplocks. But, if you're the kind of person who puts a strap on and leaves it on basically forever, you should just save yourself the money and get the washer, or the rubber gasket if you can find them (they are better because there is less chance of rattling). They will secure the strap JUST as securely, if not more, to your bass, but can't be removed easily and obviously if you take the screws out a lot you can damage the mounting holes.
 
#32
yellofury said:
+1
or a good Schaller set
I use both
my only concern with Marvel/MM locks
are that sometimes the thumbscrews can get loose
and for some reason the screws themselves seem to get lose at times
Click to expand...

I put a dab of Elmer's white glue on the threads of the thumbscrews, and haven't had a problem since. Still easy to remove by hand, without heat (unlike some Loctite), but strong enough to keep it from backing out. As for the screws, I went with the toothpick/Elmer's glue trick I read on TalkBass...again, works great.
 
#34
All my basses get Dunlop Dual-Design locks right away, with the exception of the Warwicks I owned that came with the Warwick straplocks (which also worked quite well, but have the same issue with the nut coming loose like the Schallers do).

I've been using the Dunlops for many, many years and have never had a problem.
 
#36
troy mcclure said:
I just bought another set of dunlops yesterday.... I only use 1 strap and all my stage basses have dunlops..how I wish you didn't have to buy a complete set every time you get a new bass.
Click to expand...

You don't. You can buy just the button part that attaches to the bass pretty easily. Both the local guitar stores keep a selection of Dunlop button in stock- different colors, and both the original and the dual desing versions.

John
 
#38
1 good strap: Hard to find and expensive
1 set straplocks: about $15
3 extra sets compatible buttons from shops junk drawer: about $3

= cheaper than multiple straps.

And on the other side, $.20 worth of washers are plenty safe and reliable. No moving parts, good solid mechanical connection.
 
#39
dunlop...i had the schaller ones and like others have said they just fall apart, i was having to tighten the nut all the time.
got the dunlops and love em.
also i drilled out the two button places and dropped the buttons down to where they set flush with the body....i think it looks better
 
#40
Each bass weighs differing amounts and feels best at slightly different playing positions, so I use different strap widths and lengths, therefore I have a dedicated strap for each bass.
My strap locks cost 20c per bass: a dime drilled just large enough for the threads to pass through and placed between the strap and the bottom of the strap bolt (Ricks) or screw (others).
I also place a small drop of glue on the threads before reinstallation to prevent them working loose.
Simple, cheap, and bulletproof. Never had an issue in 20 years.
 

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