Straploks vs. Dunlops

[Sifl]

I've used those lil plastic twistloks with decent success, and I think I still have a set in my cable-ammo-box.

What type of ammo? I have a .50 cal ammo box my tank commander let me have after I left the Army.

 

[Russell L]

I believe both work well. However, I prefer Schaller's

Me, too. Just got a new black set of Schallers. Paid $37 at a local store, but worth it, IMO. (Actually, my son paid for them since he lost my previous set, messing with my stuff, argh).

 

[gjbassist]

I prefer Schaller's. I have used Dunlop's in the past but didn't care for them as much. For one thing the metal retainers are a pain to install. They also have a tendency to vibrate and create unwanted noise! Never had any issues with the Schaller locks. I have the Schaller buttons installed on four basses and a guitar and use one strap for all of them.

 

[Russell L]

BTW, I saw Fender knock-offs of the Schaller design for $16. I wonder if they are as good a quality as the Schallers? I didn't wanna take a chance on them, though.

 

[gjbassist]

Me, too. Just got a new black set of Schallers. Paid $37 at a local store, but worth it, IMO. (Actually, my son paid for them since he lost my previous set, messing with my stuff, argh).

$37, Ouch! Did they at least buy you a drink before they scr#wed you?

 

[Rickett Customs]

BTW, I saw Fender knock-offs of the Schaller design for $16. I wonder if they are as good a quality as the Schallers? I didn't wanna take a chance on them, though.

They're very similar. BTW, $37?!?!?!!?!?
Oooooweeee! You can get 'em for $15 all day long on the the internets.....

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I have used Dunlop's in the past

They also have a tendency to vibrate and create unwanted noise!

I've never experienced that, Nor have I ever heard of any one having this exsperience with the Dunlops.

 

[Kwesi]

The Dunlops look funky so I prefer Schallers.

 

[Chef]

The other potential problem with Schallers is that the strap end can rotate on the strap til "it's upside-down," and then you can potentially drop your bass.

Hasn't happened to me, but I saw it happen to one of my guitar players once.

 

[gjbassist]

I've never experienced that, Nor have I ever heard of any one having this exsperience with the Dunlops.

That large metal ring that sits around the lock button on the strap floats freely. I have heard it vibrate when certain notes were hit, particularly on bass. I found it annoying enough that I put electrical tape around it to keep it quiet. Can't believe I'm the only one that has experienced this?

 

[Chef]

You must have super thin strap ends!
I usually have to use pliers to crush the whole she-bang together enough to set the locking c-clip.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

You must have super thin strap ends!

That's what I was thinking.

It's a job within itself to get it on the strap and when it's on it's on and there is no moving at all.

 

[Rickett Customs]

The other potential problem with Schallers is that the strap end can rotate on the strap til "it's upside-down," and then you can potentially drop your bass.

I could see this happening on one that is not tightened enough, but I have not had this happen though personally.

The clip that holds that Dunlop lock in place on the strap is part of the design that I don't like, sits loose on most straps.

So I guess there's give and take on each one, for sure.

 

[Mound of Sound]

Yeah, gots to say I'm a Schaller guy as well. I've just never had a problem. I wrench down the nut on the strap and use a drop of loc-tite.

Schaller strap locks on Amazon for $16.

 

[mmbongo]

For one thing the metal retainers are a pain to install. They also have a tendency to vibrate and create unwanted noise!

You did something totally wrong during installation for either of those statements to be true!

 

[Berger912]

i have always used Schaller's i put a drop of thread lock on the nut and it has NEVER come loose in over 20years of using them. second thing i really like about them is the strap it much closer to the body over the Dunlops. they are both good really would come down to preference IMHO.

Peace
Dave

 

[Jarrett]

Dunlops for 20 years. Came on my first Ken Smith. I sold the bass but kept the strap and used it for the last 20 years on every instrument I've had since then, so they all had to get Dunlops too I dig it when builders sink them flush into the bass. My '93 Warwick is like that. Cool thing is I'm into the Carvin SB5000's lately and they have a factory installed Dunlop option. Wonder if they would sink them? Hmm...

 

[onda'bass]

Dunlops rules period.....no issues ever 20 years exp

 

[TRichardsbass]

I was a Dunlop guy for nearly two decades. Now I don't use 'em at all. Got caught in a few situations where I had to use someone else's bass and I only had straps with my straplocks in 'em and their basses were standard.

However, I have switched all my instruments over to "gripper" strap buttons. Same ones as found on Kubickis. Available from Stew Mac for $2.97 a pair, or less if you buy three or more. I have never had a problem with these and I have never even come close to losing a bass with this design.

They work as well if not better, and I never have to worry about what or whose strap will be on the bass or I'll be using.

One other advantage is that they look really cool.

Otherwise, go Grolsch washer (or one available at your hardware store.) They work as well if not better and cost pennies.

If anyone wants at least a half dozen Dunlops, complete, PM me. I pretty much will give them away at this point.

 

[Yerf Dog]

Dunlop Dual Design