Members wkrantz7 Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 I installed Schaller Strap Locks to protect my Gibson Les Paul Custom, and its been coming off at the front lock. It just slips off the lock, when I'm least expecting it. I'm not talking about the strap separating from the lock, I'm actually talking about the mechanical connection between the lock and screw slipping apart. At my last practice i was talking to my bandmates and the lock just unlocked and my Les Paul Custom just fell to the floor. What's going on here, isn't the point of a strap lock to not let the strap fall off?
Members Jarick Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 You need to install the strap locks so the open part of the "U" is facing upward. That way the guitar rests inside the little metal "U".
Members ajympt Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 because you didn't use dunlops... This.
Members PunkKitty Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 because you didn't use dunlops...Yup.
Members and Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Dunlops failed on me during a gig, same exact way as described in the OP. I did catch the guitar before it hit the ground, but I'm double checking the strap locks before every gig now.
Members kayd_mon Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 You need to install the strap locks so the open part of the "U" is facing upward. That way the guitar rests inside the little metal "U". I have Schallers on nearly all my guitars, and they've never failed. The U-shape makes it so that if the mechanism breaks, the guitar won't necessarily fall (if the locks are installed like quoted above). I've read about the Dunlop ones breaking, and if they do, there's nothing to hold the guitar in. To each his/her own, though.
Members *BLEEP* Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Dunlops failed on me during a gig, same exact way as described in the OP. I did catch the guitar before it hit the ground, but I'm double checking the strap locks before every gig now. I only use the double-locking Dunlop Straploks, not the older and longer "original" StrapLok with the single lock (single click lock).
Members *BLEEP* Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 I have Schallers on nearly all my guitars, and they've never failed. The U-shape makes it so that if the mechanism breaks, the guitar won't necessarily fall (if the locks are installed like quoted above). I've read about the Dunlop ones breaking, and if they do, there's nothing to hold the guitar in. To each his/her own, though. The Schaller failure I've heard about (from Rickenbacker bass players) is that something in the channel wears out and the guitar suddenly falls off the strap without warning.
Members wkrantz7 Posted March 8, 2011 Author Members Posted March 8, 2011 Alright, good points, from now on I'm going to snuggle the strap in between the lock and screw, instead of binding the strap to the lock with the nut.
Members *BLEEP* Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 This could easily turn into a protracted Dunlop versus Schaller religious war -- or not. It usually does, unfortunately.
Members Crisco Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Dunlop does it!Schaller slips and comes looseand unless you just enjoy messing with loc-tite and carrying a wrench to every gig to make sure the Schaller stays tight and won't fail(which I did until I just got fvckin sick of it) ... & having to 'glue & toothpick' the hole because the screw is too small? ..Really.Buy The Dunlop Original Strap Locand be done with it.I am.
Members D Carroll Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 I use Hebbessey locks, and they work great.
Members DaleH Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 I use Hebbessey locks, and they work great. Did you mean Hennessey?
Members bluesnapper Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 I use rubber washers (Grolsch bottle tops) and they've always worked fine. Occasionally I replace them as the rubber degrades over time. Of course, the failsafe solution is to use metal washers - if you never take the strap off your guitar then this is probably the best way to do it. Much cheaper than buying straplocks too...
Members Mel Cooley Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 The only reason I use Schallers is because Dunlops failed me. I've never had a Schaller fail in the two decades I've used them.
Members Jarick Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Seriously, the Schaller literally cannot fail if installed properly. That "U" channel will hold the guitar, even if the pin is not locked. The weight of the guitar rests inside the "U" and there's a groove so it can't pull back out. I installed them upside down when I first used them and of course eventually the guitar fell. Once I installed them properly, you can pull the pin to release it and it still won't fall.
Members FarToMany Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Seriously, the Schaller literally cannot fail if installed properly. That "U" channel will hold the guitar, even if the pin is not locked. The weight of the guitar rests inside the "U" and there's a groove so it can't pull back out. I installed them upside down when I first used them and of course eventually the guitar fell. Once I installed them properly, you can pull the pin to release it and it still won't fall. Absolutly. Its called attention to details, Maybe they should include a instruction sheet with them to point out this fact (or do they, I havent bought a set in easily 5 years). No way it can fail with the U facing up. 20+ years of using them and never any trouble at all. Maybe the obvious isn't so obvious. Only other thing I noticed is usually the hole in the strap itself needs to be opened up a bit for the Shallers to fit right---but its one of those little attention to details I was talking about. No toothpicks, loc-tite or anything else mentioned above needed after intial install on my part. But to each thier own, everyone will always have thier own idea what is best.
Members Crisco Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Sorry to say but anyone who's dumb enough to put the U in upside down shouldn't be holding a guitar much less strapping one on.Details or no details.I have my Flame Suit OnSo roll the fireballs!!!
Members kayd_mon Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 The Schaller failure I've heard about (from Rickenbacker bass players) is that something in the channel wears out and the guitar suddenly falls off the strap without warning. I hope that never happens to me...! I think that at the end of the day, any mechanical device can fail. I've had good luck with Schaller. I'm not necessarily averse to the Dunlop ones, I like a lot of their other products. I don't like their size, though.
Members dparr Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 I haven't had a Schaller Strap Lock fail on me in about 30 years. I don't see how it's possible if they are installed correctly.
Members cBc Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Thishttp://www.stewmac.com/shop/Hardware,_parts/Electric_guitar:_Strap_buttons/Gripper_Strap_Buttons.html?tab=Pictures#details
Members FarToMany Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 Sorry to say but anyone who's dumb enough to put the U in upside down shouldn't be holding a guitar much less strapping one on.Details or no details.I have my Flame Suit OnSo roll the fireballs!!! I sooooo wanted to just say that---glad you did, LOL
Members Crisco Posted March 8, 2011 Members Posted March 8, 2011 I nearly lost my Custom due to the Schaller washer just coming loose, pieces fell to the floor - and unless you're aware of this it could be costly.This was shortly after I double wrenched it tight front and back. Regardless of how tight it was it would eventually loosen again.I carried a screwdriver and a small wrench in the case with the guitarfor a while after this happened but eventually bought some Dunlops and was simply amazed thatI didn't need the tools any longer.You have to get the clip-in washer on the Dunlop secured tightly against the center sometimes a second push with more force is needed but once it's in there it doesn't fall out. Ever.
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