Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: lscolman on June 05, 2009, 02:32:21 PM

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: lscolman on June 05, 2009, 02:32:21 PM

Hi,
 
Wondering if there are strap locks which are compatible with the existing hardware on an Alembic.
 
I'm not really keen on replacing the existing hardware on my spoiler.
 
Cheers, Lee

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: olieoliver on June 05, 2009, 06:16:22 PM

It should've came with strap lock buttons on it. I happen to like the Dunlop and all my have them but I think Alembic comes factory with Schaller unless ordered otherwise  
 
OO

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: mica on June 05, 2009, 06:24:57 PM

A Spoiler would likely have some with strap pins. If you want locks on it, you'll need to change the anchor, and as Olie states, Dunlop and Schaller and the choices.

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: fernandobicho on June 05, 2009, 07:55:17 PM

Hi
Jim Dunlop STRAPLOK fits well in my '92 Elan 5..
cheers

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: adriaan on June 07, 2009, 03:11:11 PM

I don't know other makes, but the Schallers are an easy replacement. You unscrew the original strap holders, then you use the same screw to install the Schaller studs. Piece of cake.

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: jacko on June 07, 2009, 04:26:25 PM

It's a good idea to put some sort of glue in the screw hole before replacing the straplok. I replaced the pins on my epic some time ago and forgot the glue. halfway through a gig I noticed the screw was almost out. A lucky escape that taught me a lesson ;-)
 
Graeme

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: jakebass on June 07, 2009, 04:55:25 PM

I did the same on my MK deluxe Graham...
I had a similar moment of horror looking down and seeing the screw out :-0
Jake

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: mica on June 09, 2009, 09:56:42 AM

I prefer the method of fill the hole (wood and glue), redrill the pilot hole and install with a standard wood screw and no glue. You might want to take it out later.  
 
Also, please don't fall prey to the security of any strapholder, lock or otherwise. You need to check the anchor pin regularly for signs of wood cell compression. If it's even slightly loose, tighten that up! If you wait until it's wobbly, it may strip out completely, and possibly leave you with an Alembic on the floor.  
 
Also, if you are a straplock user, do check the connection on the strap regularly as well. Those nuts can back off and cause a similar tragedy.  
 
Even if you use lowly pins like I do, it's still prudent to check the anchor for compression.

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: sonicus on June 09, 2009, 10:38:26 AM

For added protection for a straplock user perhaps using a thread locking product such as LOCKTITE on the straplock nut. What do you think ? one would have to apply it sparingly as not to stain the strap.

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: hb3 on June 09, 2009, 11:17:56 AM

Also, please don't fall prey to the security of any strapholder, lock or otherwise. You need to check the anchor pin regularly for signs of wood cell compression. If it's even slightly loose, tighten that up! If you wait until it's wobbly, it may strip out completely.
 
That's about where I am w/ my jazz bass. I have to retighten before every gig. It's worrisome

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: lbpesq on June 09, 2009, 12:50:48 PM

I just found a new company that makes straps with a lock built right in.  They work on any guitar.  I bought a couple, a leather one and a hemp one with a 60's type design.  The lock portion seems to work very well.  It is especially good for instruments with the strap pin on the back at the foot of the neck rather than on the upper horn.  I find that most straplocks dig into me on these type mounts.  The Lock-it straps are no thicker than a regular strap.  The leather one was only one layer - I'm used to 3 layer Moody straps.  Otherwise it was quite nice.  here's a link (http://www.lockitstraps.com/products.htm).
 
Bill, tgo

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: mica on June 09, 2009, 01:01:08 PM

Adding Locktite is fine on the nut - again, it's best not to just think one can forget about it at that point. Maybe I'm a little crazy, but I would still check the connection at least once a week.  
 
I'll have to try one of those straps, Bill. Thanks for the tip!

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: olieoliver on June 09, 2009, 01:01:17 PM

Pretty cool strap Bill!  
 
Hugh, Elmers glue and wood matches (or any slither of wood) always fixed that problem for me. My Jazz was the same way, I slipped some wood and glue into hole screwed the button in and let it dry overnight. Hasn't come loose in 20 years since repairing it.
 
OO

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: terryc on June 09, 2009, 01:08:05 PM

This is what I have done for years.
Sonicus beat me to it but use Loctite thread locking fluid on the screw going into the wood, drop the fluid into the hole and replace screw.
It will come loose with relatively easy reverse torque unlike glue which is very difficult.
Loctite the nuts on the strap connectiors as sonicus says, you only need a small amount and it holds fast..it also comes loose easily for replacement.
I assume that wear and tear wil happen eventually where there is wood/metal interface with some movement so always check every few months that all is secure..I once saw a Gibson Les Paul bounce on the stage, it survived but the owner had a heart attack!!

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: sonicus on June 09, 2009, 01:08:16 PM

Hi Bill  , those sure look like swell straps. I think i will order The light brown 2.5 inch model  
      Thanks ,
                           Wolf

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: sonicus on June 09, 2009, 01:19:22 PM

Hi Mica ,  
                I don't think that that is a little crazy at all. it's always to better to  safer then sorry, especially when it comes to our most prized instruments;such advice is priceless.

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: David Houck on June 15, 2009, 04:57:15 PM

I've added Mica's comments to the FAQ section (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=221).

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: zooberwerx on June 15, 2009, 07:32:33 PM

I just installed a set of gold Dunlops.  Be sure to use the enclosed screws not the old ones.  I place a felt pad under each strap pin and soap the screws liberally.  Take your time and use a clean PH bit.  I've never had one loosen or back out.
 
Riis

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: David Houck on June 15, 2009, 08:19:49 PM

Hi Riis; welcome to the board!

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: dannobasso on June 15, 2009, 09:33:14 PM

I've had a few bad Dunlop experiences so I prefer the Schalers. They instil confidence but they still have to be checked as Mica suggests.

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: olieoliver on June 15, 2009, 10:05:16 PM

HI Danno! Where you been hidin' brother?  
 
I've had both Schaller and Dunlop give loose on me. I use the Dunlop now mainly because I like the recessed locks. Nice clean look.  
Danno is correct though, always check the lock and the button.  
 
OO

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: georgie_boy on June 16, 2009, 06:25:50 AM

I replaced the buttons on my Series 1 with Schaller.
I did exactly what Adriaan did....easy!!!
I've just re-checked them after reading this post.
All is well.
ALWAYS check both the instrument AND the strap on a regular basis!!
 
(Message edited by georgie_boy on June 16, 2009)

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: olieoliver on June 16, 2009, 06:40:58 AM

Yep George at our age we need to have the butt-on checked regularly! ;(
 
OO
(Sorry couldn't resist!)

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: georgie_boy on June 16, 2009, 08:08:13 AM

You better believe it brother!!

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: terryc on June 16, 2009, 01:47:15 PM

That was a bit b(anal) wasn't it???

Title: Strap locks?
Post by: jphilauren on July 03, 2009, 12:30:27 PM

Loctite on the screw going into wood might that not have a damaging effect on the wood. Thought Locktite was for metal on metal applications. I agree with Locktite on the metal nuts especially with thicker staps, just purchased Italia Straps, they had buy one get one free sale. Only problem is the thickness of straps