Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Who has converted a bass to use flush mount strap-locks?
- Thread starter whitedk57
- Start date
It just seems like such a commitment to change on the instrument, that unless it is ipso-de-facto by future players; it remains within a certain realm of players that can accommodate said "gear." Maybe more so for purists, that want a bass that harkens back to vintage, this would elude that entirely.
I get it though, I like having my bass locked in and not having to worry about it flying off mid-set, despite my flailing and acrobatics.
Last edited:
Nice, but what if you have five or ten basses, some acoustic?
I use these. Only a few seconds to switch the strap to another bass.
I use these. Only a few seconds to switch the strap to another bass.
I countersunk on my former custom. I used regular strap locks. I just took my time, step drilled and pulled it off, it wasn’t difficult. I liked the way it looked and it seemed to balance out better on the strap. I don’t think I’ll do it on any of my other basses though, unless I get a wild hair......
Attachments
Wine stores sell them by the bag, even Amazon sells varying colors and sizes now. I use the washers on almost everything. Just a couple with strap locks...cough cough my Rics...that came with the bass
I have the flush mount only on the heels of my semi hollow and my beatle bass. Regular dual design on the bridge end. I like that it rolls away from gut just a little less. 
Flush mount straploks look cool, but I will never have them put on one of my instruments because IF something happens to your strap (left at home, breaks, I dunno what else) you're up a creek. Murphy is real.
Yes, the normal straplok pins are huge and stick out from the instrument, and make sitting it down on a slick surface a VERY bad idea, but IF something happens to your strap, you have options; borrow a strap or make something that can work in a pinch (cut your belt?).
I'll go with practicality over aesthetics every time.
Yes, the normal straplok pins are huge and stick out from the instrument, and make sitting it down on a slick surface a VERY bad idea, but IF something happens to your strap, you have options; borrow a strap or make something that can work in a pinch (cut your belt?).
I'll go with practicality over aesthetics every time.
As a strap-lock snob, I have to admit that I am gravitating towards these:
Fender Strap Blocks Strap Locking System (set of 4) - Black/Red
Cheap, they work great, and you don't have to deal with some nasty beer to get them
I still love my Dunlop Strap Locks and will still use them. In fact, these work great with the regular Dunlop Straplock buttons. Heck you could even install the straplock part after you put on your strap and the washer and there no chance of the strap and washer coming off. Even if they do manage to come off the button, the attached strap lock part would catch it.
The main reason I started doing this is simply because I just started liking having my strap attached closer to the body instead of sticking out from the straplock. The disadvantage of course is that it makes it very time consuming to swap straps.
Fender Strap Blocks Strap Locking System (set of 4) - Black/Red
Cheap, they work great, and you don't have to deal with some nasty beer to get them
I still love my Dunlop Strap Locks and will still use them. In fact, these work great with the regular Dunlop Straplock buttons. Heck you could even install the straplock part after you put on your strap and the washer and there no chance of the strap and washer coming off. Even if they do manage to come off the button, the attached strap lock part would catch it.
The main reason I started doing this is simply because I just started liking having my strap attached closer to the body instead of sticking out from the straplock. The disadvantage of course is that it makes it very time consuming to swap straps.
I've done it to one bass, and I'm considering doing it to another. If I'm going to use StrapLocks at all I definitely prefer them to be flush mount/counter-sunk.
On the bass that I'm considering flush mounting the StrapLocks, if I wind up not proceeding with that modification I'll just use regular straps without the Dunlop locks on it; I really do not like how "proud" of the instrument the non-flush StrapLocks sit.
On the bass that I'm considering flush mounting the StrapLocks, if I wind up not proceeding with that modification I'll just use regular straps without the Dunlop locks on it; I really do not like how "proud" of the instrument the non-flush StrapLocks sit.
I have to admit, I am a little nervous to even attempt this. Drilling holes in my brand new bass seems scary even though I would like to put on strap locks. I don't move a lot when I play but I have dropped a bass or two in my day after not carefully ensuring my strap was all the way on the peg.
How complicated is this?
How complicated is this?
I've stolen the shoulder strap off of my drummers cymbal bag before. I've also layered two lengths of gaff tape together sticky side in and poked holes in each end.
"Used to be you could get them off of European beer bottles, but they seem to have found a way to permanently attach them to the stoppers. At least the German ones anyways." If your talking about Grolsch just heat them under some hot water tap water and they'll slid right off.
That's why I don't use the flush mounts. I have the dual use Dunlops on every bass and if I somehow forget a strap, I can probably get a backup from a guitar player. But I mostly have a strap per bass and keep them in the case with the instrument. So far that has worked. Knock on wood.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
A couple of problems with flush mounted locks:
1. You can't use a regular strap with them (nice to have the insurance if you misplace the strap with the locks.
2. It's an irreversible mod if someone doesn't like it.
1. You can't use a regular strap with them (nice to have the insurance if you misplace the strap with the locks.
2. It's an irreversible mod if someone doesn't like it.
Definitely not an upgrade for anything that has vintage value.
These work perfectly with the original strap buttons. Easy to put on and take off.
Last edited:
What's the best drill bit for (no, not for metal, ha) installing a recessed straplock receiver? I would presume that you'd want a bit that would leave a flat-bottomed hole, no? End mill? EDIT: looks like they make Forstner bits in 3/8" size, so that would work.
Last edited:
I love the clean look, but the irreversibility and incompatibility worries me. I have a #1 and a #2 that I expect to never sell, but there's always other basses around I bought on a whim, those would be foolish to modify because they all eventually get sold, so I'd have to keep track of which strap I have with me to determine which bass I can play....
I have them on every electric bass and guitar I own. And I have the other male end Dunlop locks on every strap in my collection. I requested my new Modulus build to have them installed as well. Its easy 3/8" drill bit marked at 1/2" depth with a piece of tape, start the drill in reverse so you dont chip the finish. Then you take the smaller 7/64" bit taped off at 1" and drill. Use some bar soap as a wax for the screw, jam it all together and its awesome. Just be careful to keep the drill as straight as possible.
I have a couple of basses that came with the recessed Straplocks. The rest of my basses get the surface-mount variety if they don't already come with it. I have several straps, all equipped with the Straplock pin, so any strap works on any bass -- and at least one strap lives in the same bag as cables, power cords etc. so there's no forgetting.
The Straplock makes things simpler for me, and they're readily available and completely reliable. Are there other ways of achieving the same goal? Sure.
The Straplock makes things simpler for me, and they're readily available and completely reliable. Are there other ways of achieving the same goal? Sure.
