Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 Almost dropped my guitar today. I used Fender rubber strap locks (think Grolsch washers without the beer and fender branded) but I found one broken on the floor. The rubber has split down the center line, almost I'd the fabrication process left a seam there. So what strap locks do you recommend? I was hoping not to have to mess with guitar's hardware, I'm worried about exchanging the pins, but my other cheapskate idea is to use a metal washer which would require I unscrew the pins anyway. I have only one guitar (I do happen to have several cheap straps), so quick change is not big on my list. I'd do want something reusable as I'm thinking about getting a wider strap in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 8, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 When I post from my phone, it removes all lines breaks so my posts end up looking like a block of text Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jtr654 Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 Schaller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RGfretter Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 I have a couple of locking straps. They work well. But I use non-locking as well so I am always in the habit of checking and rarely to I let the neck go without my hand on it when bending down to adjust a pedal or pick a pick up off the floor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 8, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 In the case it was the butt end that lost its rubber washer and I felt it go and saved it because I had my hand on the neck. I put another one of those rubber thingies for now. I not longer trust them, but better than nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members t_e_l_e Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 almost dropped my strat once, next day i went to buy schaller strap locks, since than i have them on all of my electrics, never looked backits 15-20$ investment, where you never bother to drop a guitar again minor downsides:the screw of the schallers is mostly a bit smaller than the standard pin screws you need to remove -> toothpick and wood glue and everything is finethe schallers become lose over time (the part mounted on the straps), you need to check them from time to time, and tighten them up again. if maintained regulary, they are worth every penny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members WRGKMC Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 I only use strap locks on my Paul For others I use a washer on the end of the button that's just large enough to fit through the strap hole. I usually have to use a longer screw as well. It works just as well as a strap lock and only costs $1 for a washer and screw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members thatsbunk Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 I use dunlop strap locks on all my guitars... IMO just easier to use the same brand for everything (That way I can use one strap for multiple guitars). Gotta use different straps for guitars that have the mount on the horn vs. ones with mounts behind the neck though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mr.Grumpy Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 I use Schallers on a few of my guitars. I'll admit they're a bit of a hassle to install and maintain, but I like the piece of mind. Did I say MAINTAIN? Yes, I did...straplocks are not failproof. The nut holding the straplock bits on your guitar strap can come loose, so check it before putting on your guitar. The strap button can also work loose over time, check those too. The little plunger pin can use a drop of oil every 5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ido1957 Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 Schaller on all my electrics as soon as I bought them. My Strat needed the toothpick and glue thingy and has never failed in 25 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 8, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 I just dropped by GC and had them match MF 15% off sale, so just over $13 with tax. I'm getting ready to install them now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 8, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 Them=schaller by the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 8, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 The new screws were a little thinner, as expected from my research, so I used a mix of wood glue and sawdust as I have done in the past for stripped screw holes (not on guitars though). I guess that's similar to the superglue+toothpick. The strap to guitar connection is further away from the body of the guitar, which I don't care for on the back of the neck joint button, but I guess I'll get used to it. I must say that without so many people saying they love/trust those, I'd be pretty nervous. I think may put some loctite on the nut or I'll be paranoid that it'll come loose. I also hadn't realized the religious war between Schaller and Dunlop! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 FWIW, I've never used them and never had a strap come off. Good luck and Happy New Strap Locks Day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Grant Harding Posted September 8, 2014 Members Share Posted September 8, 2014 I use a Planet Waves strap that has built-in locking things on my main guitar. For the others I use those plastic ones that slide over the strap button and twist to lock. Both very cheap solutions and work on any of my guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 9, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 9, 2014 The guy at my local guitar shop said he's had mixed feedback with those plastic ones (also made by Dunlop I think). Maybe he wassd just trying to up sell me the schallers, but since he wanted $25for themanx wouldn't price-match MF, I walked away with nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted September 9, 2014 Members Share Posted September 9, 2014 Go into any hardware store and tell them you want a couple of E clips. $0.75 each every day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ido1957 Posted September 9, 2014 Members Share Posted September 9, 2014 Yeah strap locks are pretty pricey compared to those plastic things. Not worth the price they ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Virgman Posted September 9, 2014 Members Share Posted September 9, 2014 I use a 5 cent washer from Home Depot. Smaller than the large end of the strap button but larger than the smaller end. Strap goes under washer. Of course you can't unhook it but I use $5 Ernie Ball nylon straps. Each guitar has its own strap. Those $5 Ernie Ball straps are good. Clapton uses them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted September 9, 2014 Members Share Posted September 9, 2014 I use a 5 cent washer from Home Depot. Smaller than the large end of the strap button but larger than the smaller end. Strap goes under washer. Of course you can't unhook it but I use $5 Ernie Ball nylon straps. Each guitar has its own strap. . . . Similar to my suggestion of an E clip except you can slide it out and unhook the strap. Actually, I could do the same thing you do. My "good" Ibanez acoustic, my Alvarez RD10 acoustic tuned in Nashville, my Strat, and my bass all have their own straps so I could attach them more-or-less permanently. I don't though because I've never had a strap come off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Virgman Posted September 9, 2014 Members Share Posted September 9, 2014 Similar to my suggestion of an E clip except you can slide it out and unhook the strap. Actually, I could do the same thing you do. My "good" Ibanez acoustic, my Alvarez RD10 acoustic tuned in Nashville, my Strat, and my bass all have their own straps so I could attach them more-or-less permanently. I don't though because I've never had a strap come off. When your acoustic goes out of tune do you have to go back to Nashville for a tune-up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted September 10, 2014 Members Share Posted September 10, 2014 When your acoustic goes out of tune do you have to go back to Nashville for a tune-up? Fortunately no, since it's over 300 miles one way from St. Louis. FWIW, "Nashville" tuning involves tuning the 6th through 3rd strings an octave higher than normal, like the octaves on a 12-string. I set up the guitar that way to experiment with the alternate tuning but I don't really play it much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members onelife Posted September 14, 2014 Members Share Posted September 14, 2014 I like these... I use them on all my guitars without any need for modification - I also like the fact that they keep the strap flush with the body Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members papaschtroumpf Posted September 14, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 14, 2014 Are those the dunlop brand ones? I kept reading reviews that say they broke easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members onelife Posted September 14, 2014 Members Share Posted September 14, 2014 I've been using the Dunlop brand for decades and have not had one break yet. They are probably different now (cheaper Chinese made) and I haven't bought any in the last five years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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