Mr.Ace
Bass players rule!
- Sep 8, 2015
- 1,120
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- Endorsed by Fusion ( maker of killer gig bags)
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Straplocks
- Thread starter Frampton
- Start date
I've recently removed the lock ends from my straps (which I've used for years). Couple of reasons:
- With use they got a little noisy.
- While I love to move when performing, most of my gigs are in tight spaces, so not a lot of room for dancing (so low risk of dropping).
But specifically why I'm taking them off has more to do with now feeling like they're Extra Bits. Eventually I'm going to fill and redrill all the strap lock holes and go back to the stock buttons.
- With use they got a little noisy.
- While I love to move when performing, most of my gigs are in tight spaces, so not a lot of room for dancing (so low risk of dropping).
But specifically why I'm taking them off has more to do with now feeling like they're Extra Bits. Eventually I'm going to fill and redrill all the strap lock holes and go back to the stock buttons.
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I have Dunlop StrapLocks on two out of my eight basses. All the rest have Grolsch beer bottle washers.
The reason I have Straplocks on one bass is because way back when I played in a band that actually had paid roadies (!) my personal bass handler dude begged me to get them to make his job easier.
The reason I have Straplocks on another bass is because I bought it second-hand and it came that way.
The reason I don't have StrapLocks on any of my other basses is because I hate them; they offer no advantage other than quick on/off of the strap, and I'd rather leave the straps on all the time. They're not more secure (than rubber washers), and they can be a point of failure. And, unless they're counter-sunk, they move the attachment point outboard by several millimeters, which arguably could impact the balance but definitely impacts the aesthetics. They cost more, they weigh more, and they often rattle/buzz.
And don't get me started on the Schaller POS StrapLocks!
The reason I have Straplocks on one bass is because way back when I played in a band that actually had paid roadies (!) my personal bass handler dude begged me to get them to make his job easier.
The reason I have Straplocks on another bass is because I bought it second-hand and it came that way.
The reason I don't have StrapLocks on any of my other basses is because I hate them; they offer no advantage other than quick on/off of the strap, and I'd rather leave the straps on all the time. They're not more secure (than rubber washers), and they can be a point of failure. And, unless they're counter-sunk, they move the attachment point outboard by several millimeters, which arguably could impact the balance but definitely impacts the aesthetics. They cost more, they weigh more, and they often rattle/buzz.
And don't get me started on the Schaller POS StrapLocks!
I have those on one bass. I own 4 basses and use primarily 2 straps. These are a problem if you don't have them on all of your basses!
My son’s strat has factory strap locks, which I liked at first enough to put them in my basses. (I store them in a case so a strap gets loose quickly with daily on/off for practice). But the Schaller/Fender locks unscrew so easily, it’s annoying and dangerous. Plus the ball end you pull on also unscrews really easily, with no way to tighten it properly. My son noticed it happening and instead of asking me what to do, threw them in the trash at school.
Seems like a good idea that needs re-engineering.
Seems like a good idea that needs re-engineering.
I've used neoprene washers for many years. Cheap and effective, and they don't take up any room in a case. I use a dedicated strap for each of my basses, so they stay on all the time. But they ARE easy-on and easy-off if needed.
That said, I feel compelled to post a reminder that I'm sure you all are aware of, but is easy to forget: There is one HUGE problem with any system you use (regular strap locks; no strap locks; Grolsch washers; neoprene washers; etc.). IF the wood around the screw gets weakened and the screw pulls out, NO strap lock will prevent that. So my advice is to get into the habit of "testing" the tightness of the button itself every time you put your bass onto your shoulder. At the first sign of looseness, utilize the toothpick or small dowel repair method to ensure the integrity of the screw in the wood.
That said, I feel compelled to post a reminder that I'm sure you all are aware of, but is easy to forget: There is one HUGE problem with any system you use (regular strap locks; no strap locks; Grolsch washers; neoprene washers; etc.). IF the wood around the screw gets weakened and the screw pulls out, NO strap lock will prevent that. So my advice is to get into the habit of "testing" the tightness of the button itself every time you put your bass onto your shoulder. At the first sign of looseness, utilize the toothpick or small dowel repair method to ensure the integrity of the screw in the wood.
I DID use strap locks after my Reverend Rumblefish bass slipped off the strap and was severely damaged, i.e. the whole body had to be replaced. There was no wild body movement involved whatsoever. I do not use them anymore because I have switched to Lock-It straps.
Lock-It Guitar Straps
Go Bucks! When I was gigging, my Ric slipped out from it's mooring on the strap... no damage, as I had my left hand anchored pretty well... I bet I didn't miss a whole bar, before kneeling on the stage and playing it like an upright, on my knee. Unsure what the audience thought, but my band mates got a good laugh out of it, when they realized what happened.
Except it makes it a PITA to remove the strap. They are great if you never take your strap off when you case your bass.
On that note, the last parts bass i did i put Gotoh oversize buttons on it and it is the same thing, a PITA to remove the strap but i’m confident the strap will never come off on it’s own. That bass lives in a gog bag so it’s no prob leaving the strap attached but basses that live in HSC’s sleep strapless so i use Schaller/Fender strap locks and have never had a strap problem from any bass so equipped.
I first encounterd Schallers on a new Fender i bought in the early 90’s that came with them. At first i was confused by the strap buttons until i plundered the case candy and found the strap portion of the system along with the included strap. There were no instructions included but you really didn’t need any. That same set of strap locks is on it’s third (or fourth or fifth??) strap and the only time they have ever come loose is when i took them off a worn out strap to put them on a new strap and FWIW, i’ve never used anything but wrenches on them, no threadlock, ever. I still have that bass and the strap still locks just fine and has never loosened up, just like the many other problem free sets of Schaller/Fender strap locks i’ve used over the years, and i’m still using today.
Had straplocks on everything since '77. Don't leave home without them.
I think strap locks are a nuisance that I just do not need to worry about when I am jamming. I feel that I am careful enough when changing guitars that I don't sling my stuff around, nothing has happened to me in many years.
99.99999% of the time you don't need a life preserver. If you ever do, you'll be glad you had it.
Y'all who *don't* use straplocks are crazy. But hey, it's your bass, do what you will.
How to get a million hits on youtube- Drop your bass mid song.
Mr.Ace
Bass players rule!
- Sep 8, 2015
- 1,120
- 1,050
- 49
- Disclosures
- Endorsed by Fusion ( maker of killer gig bags)
Cant stand cantilever strap lock buttons. Seem to put an incredible amount of unnecessary stress on the instrument. But hey some people love them
i'm sorry to say (or admit) that i use them out of habit --- for many years --- even though these days i'm pretty stationary (or even sitting) and doubt that i need them like i used to (or like i think i used to!)
old habits!
old habits!
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I'm using Ibanez basses & LTD guitars, so they came with over-sized buttons.
It still surprises me to see $2K Fenders with the worst straps buttons in history.
