My trusty old strap is getting a bit worn on the tail end and I’m thinking of trying some straplocks. Anyone have a particular make/model they like, or are they all pretty similar?
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What kind of straplocks do you use?
- Thread starter Balog
- Start date
I use:
Dunlop Dual Design
Schaller S-Locks
Gotoh SLR
They have their differences. I like them all. If I had to stick with just one, I might lean towards the Gotoh. I had the most trouble getting used to these (locks do not engage as easily as the others). Now that I know how to get them locked in correctly I like the design.
For anyone wondering why I use more than one brand of strap lock. I buy a strap for every guitar and some locks work better than others for certain guitars.
My acoustics use S-Locks because you can buy an end pin jack adapter that uses S-Locks. First time I used Gotoh was to match cosmic black hardware on a bass. Prior to those, I was exclusively Dunlop Dual Design. I initially liked that I could use Dual Design without locks if needed. After years of not needing to, I no longer find dual design to be necessary.
Dunlop Dual Design
Schaller S-Locks
Gotoh SLR
They have their differences. I like them all. If I had to stick with just one, I might lean towards the Gotoh. I had the most trouble getting used to these (locks do not engage as easily as the others). Now that I know how to get them locked in correctly I like the design.
For anyone wondering why I use more than one brand of strap lock. I buy a strap for every guitar and some locks work better than others for certain guitars.
My acoustics use S-Locks because you can buy an end pin jack adapter that uses S-Locks. First time I used Gotoh was to match cosmic black hardware on a bass. Prior to those, I was exclusively Dunlop Dual Design. I initially liked that I could use Dual Design without locks if needed. After years of not needing to, I no longer find dual design to be necessary.
Dunlop Dual Design. The black ones work bestest 
either Dunlops are Schaller are a solid choice, trusted by pros
they do have different drawbacks and handling nuances, I switched from Dunlops to Schallers and don't regret it. others had gone the way around.
they do have different drawbacks and handling nuances, I switched from Dunlops to Schallers and don't regret it. others had gone the way around.
I have the Schallers and Dunlop. But one failed on me. The mechanism fell apart. I use the rubber washers now. They work brilliantly well and are cheap enough that when they fail (or start to fail) you just get a new one.
I've got a couple basses with strap buttons on the Back... IE Thunderbirds... they just get the Fender rubber washer.
Otherwise...
Dunlop
Otherwise...
Dunlop
I've used the rubber washers from Grolsch bottles for years without issue, but recently went back to a set of Schaller's after one popped off and my strap slipped. You need to make sure the Schaller's are tight before every gig, but they do offer more security over the washers.
Dunlop on all of my basses. Not saying there's no better, but they do work and I've never had one fail.
Schaller S locks for me on all bases.
no more the case with S-locks tho, they have a screw that prevents them from unscrewing as the previous model did.
Always used Dunlops. It’s how I “knight” a bass as a keeper. If I’m on the fence I’ll use rubber washers for a few shows. When a bass earns its place in the stable it gets Dunlops.
Dunlops seem a bit more common stock on basses I’ve snagged recently. Serek, Lull, and Elrick all came with them.
Dunlops seem a bit more common stock on basses I’ve snagged recently. Serek, Lull, and Elrick all came with them.
I've been using Schallers for many decades now.
Grolsch beer locks, but if you use them a lot drink enough beer to change them out every 3 months or so. I kinda like the black Fender ones also, they're a little thicker.
I have the gold Schallers and a pair of the ESPs in matte black. They're both great. Schallers feel a touch sturdier but the ESPs are a bit lower profile, which is a meaningful trade-off.
