Straplock Questions

[MarMar]

How exactly do straps, straplocks, and straplock buttons work? Do you use straplocks? Is there any disadvantage to straplocks?

Can you remove straplocks from a strap once they are applied or does that strap become sort of permanent with those locks? Would it make more sense to use a nicer strap with straplocks rather than a lower quality or cheaper one?

Would you ever replace straplock buttons on a bass with regular strap buttons?

 

[Roland GR 88]

You replace the original buttons on the bass with the ones in the package. They will ship with screws. Attach the locking pin to your strap and that’s it.
Strap quality doesn’t matter, they can be taken on and off anytime.
There are no disadvantages in keeping your guitar from hitting the floor

 

[MarMar]

You replace the original buttons on the bass with the ones in the package. They will ship with screws. Attach the locking pin to your strap and that’s it.
Strap quality doesn’t matter, they can be taken on and off anytime.
There are no disadvantages in keeping your guitar from hitting the floor

I have a bass on the way that comes with straplock buttons. As I have lusted after said bass for a while, maybe I will buy strap locks for it to keep it safe rather than take them off and put regular buttons back on.

 

[pingvuiini]

I use Dunlop Straploks on all my basses and they are designed to be used with either the locking pins or just the strap by itself if you ever have to borrow one. They also have a flush mounted design that looks cleaner but requires the locking pins.

 

[MarMar]

I use Dunlop Straploks on all my basses and they are designed to be used with either the locking pins or just the strap by itself if you ever have to borrow one. They also have a flush mounted design that looks cleaner but requires the locking pins.
View attachment 4446792

Now those are cool and they seem versatile by your description.

 

[Roland GR 88]

I have a bass on the way that comes with straplock buttons. As I have lusted after said bass for a while, maybe I will buy strap locks for it to keep it safe rather than take them off and put regular buttons back on.

Most of the different designs and some of the same models aren’t compatible with each other so you’ll need to know exactly what buttons are on the bass and try to order just the strap parts alone.
It will be much easier to buy a set in the colour of your choice and keep the old buttons for another time.

 

[JRA]

I have a bass on the way that comes with straplock buttons. As I have lusted after said bass for a while, maybe I will buy strap locks for it to keep it safe rather than take them off and put regular buttons back on.

i think @Roland GR 88 has your back, @MarMar.

to repeat: there is nothing about the common/popular brands that is permanent, and you can use any strap you want!
they're all made to "lock" the instrument to the strap so that the ax doesn't go flying when you least expect it. they're cool, they work!

when you get your new bass, your "NBD," post some pics and mention the strap locks!

 

[MarMar]

i think @Roland GR 88 has your back, @MarMar.

to repeat: there is nothing about the common/popular brands that is permanent, and you can use any strap you want!
they're all made to "lock" the instrument to the strap so that the ax doesn't go flying when you least expect it. they're cool, they work!

when you get your new bass, your "NBD," post some pics and mention the strap locks!

I'm kind of new here and last year I didn't properly do my NBD when I picked up an MIK Squier II P Bass (which has ended up being one of my best sounding basses). Maybe I can do a 2xNBD day and make it official? The one that's on the way is sort of a "holy grail" bass for me.

 

[JRA]

Maybe I can do a 2xNBD day and make it official? The one that's on the way is sort of a "holy grail" bass for me.

perfect! do exactly that --- i love 2xNBD threads! everyone does!

 

[Dave W]

I’ve been using Dunlop strap locks forever. They’re fantastic if used properly, just make sure they click into place.
As others have mentioned they’re not permanent, but once you start using them I don’t think you’ll see a reason to go back.

 

[lokikallas]

I’ve used the schallers for a long time, and the new S lock fixed any issue I had with the original design. Dunlop’s are fine but I prefer the schallers more original strap button look.

 

[Sascha Erni]

I use Schaller S-Locks on all my basses, haven’t had any issues. Main reason I do so isn't that I'm afraid the strap might slip off while playing, but for packing – I prefer rather broad, thick leather straps, removing them when putting a bass into its bag / case is easier for me than trying to somehow mash the fixed strap in. Also, only one strap for both main bass and backup or secondary bass, which is sort of handy as I keep the wireless tucked to the strap rather than my belt.

 

[Billy Bob Bass]

How exactly do straps, straplocks, and straplock buttons work? Do you use straplocks? Is there any disadvantage to straplocks?

Can you remove straplocks from a strap once they are applied or does that strap become sort of permanent with those locks? Would it make more sense to use a nicer strap with straplocks rather than a lower quality or cheaper one?

Would you ever replace straplock buttons on a bass with regular strap buttons?

I used Dunlop Straploks for while, but now I just use the original locks with a rubber washer/ring to secure strap in place. Works fine, no need for expensive strap lock systems. Also, the Dunlops are quite tall. They hit the ground when you use certain guitar stands and in some cases it was a tight fit. The diameter of the included screws is probably not exactly the same as the original screws and sometimes you can't use the original screws because the heads don't have the correct shape to fit in the Dunlop Straploks.

 

[IamGroot]

Drink Grohl Beer or visit a hardware store and pick up some rubber gasksets.

Best solution ever.

 

[KohanMike]

I never used strap locks with any of my 28 bass ukes/mini bass guitars, but I have nerve damage in my neck that's been getting worse. I changed the way I wear the strap and found that I need to unhook the strap from the tail to get it on and off easily, so I ordered a set of strap locks that have a little pin to pull, and I also stopped by Sam Ash and bought a set of Dunlop locks that have a push button to release, which is a bit difficult. I have a feeling the pull pin might be a better way to go.

 

[Geri O]

Here is my version of straplocks….

It’s (usually) a #8 x 1” stainless steel oval-head screw with a cup washer and large flat washer. Behind the strap is another large flat washer and a felt washer that’s against the wood. When I just now took this pic, I realized that I never got around to changing out that screw for an oval-head screw and a cup washer.

Yes, the strap never comes off. There’s a strap for every bass (4, about to be 5).

Somewhere in the late 80s, I had a straplock let go on an Alembic Series 1 bass and I caught it a foot or so from the floor. I’ll gladly admit, it was probably my fault for not ensuring the straplock was fully fastened. Doesn’t matter the reason, I didn’t want that to happen again for any reason.

I know fully well I have weird idiosyncrasies about things like this, another one being I’ll not ever hang my basses from a hanger. Well, they are mine and mine alone to deal with and no amount of uninformed judgement will change any of that. I just don’t want my basses hitting the floor (I don’t know anyone that does).

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I use Dunlop Straploks on all my basses and they are designed to be used with either the locking pins or just the strap by itself if you ever have to borrow one. They also have a flush mounted design that looks cleaner but requires the locking pins.
View attachment 4446792

I've used those for a long time, work great.

I have a strap for every bass and guitar, with Dunlops on all of them.

As was said, once you use them you'll probably never want to be without them.

 

[pingvuiini]

I was checking this dude out for his great technique, but was mesmerized with his straplock system:

 

[B String]

I've used Dunlop straplocks on a few of my basses just on the horn to deal with a bit of neck dive. Works great.

 

[Staccato]

Dunlop does not crossover to other brands. All my electrics are equipped with Dunlop, some with their Traditional model, others with their Dual Design. (They make a Flush Mount model that I have no exp. with.) My Dunlop strap hardware will connect with any of my basses, or other electric guitars, since they all have Straploks. Choose from black, nickel, gold, or chrome finishes.

It locks without snapping in place, quiet-like. To remove, press in the middle with thumb, and it releases. Test each install by holding a foot or two over a bed or sofa to ensure it is holding after connecting the strap at both ends. I've never had a problem although I actually keep in touch with their customer service- that dept. is great, too!