Switching from Schaller to Dunlop strap locks

[Brigserman]

I see this topic has been covered here, but not my specific quedtion. I’d like to replace the Schaller strap locks with Dunlop. The screw that came with the Dunlop locks is slightly larger than the Schaller. I’m concerned that if I keep screwing it in, it will crack the finish in my SC Deluxe. Any experience with this? Thanks!

[rv_bass]

Welcome.

Two options I can think of:

1. Drill out the hole to match the diameter of the Dunlop screw
2. Go down to the hardware store and buy a screw with the same diameter as the Schaller screw, but with a smaller head so that it fits inside of the Dunlop strap button enabling you it insert the strap lock pin.

I like the Dunlop strap lock buttons too, but more for just attaching the strap without the lock pin, so I just use the Schaller screw, but but the head is usually too big to fit inside the Dunlop strap button.

Those are my thoughts.

[Brigserman]

Thank you! Option 2 sounds like the smart play here!

[lbpesq]

Hi Brig, and welcome to the club!   Just out of curiosity, why are you switching?   Personally, I prefer the Schallers because if they fail they will still hold the guitar up.  If the Dunlops fail, the guitar falls.

Bill, tgo

[rv_bass]

I don’t use mechanical locks. If I feel the need to lock the strap in place, I just use the strap and these types of rubber washers, works well for me.

[gtrguy]

I routinely buy slightly larger and also longer stainless screws for my gigging basses. I then have to turn their heads down slightly on my TAIG lathe to fit inside my straplock buttons and also usually have to drill out the hole in the buttons to be just slightly larger for the screws.  I then drill a longer hole in the bass. This permanently fixes any strap problem and gives me total peace of mind.

however, without access to a small lathe, I don't know how else you could apply this solution.

[Brigserman]

Hi Brig, and welcome to the club!   Just out of curiosity, why are you switching?   Personally, I prefer the Schallers because if they fail they will still hold the guitar up.  If the Dunlops fail, the guitar falls.

Bill, tgo

Strictly for comfort. The pin on the Schaller sticks into my stomach where it connects near the neck. Since this is a Stanley Clarke Deluxe, that strap pin faces your body.

I installed new screws from the hardware store and solved the problem!

[lbpesq]

Hi Brig, and welcome to the club!   Just out of curiosity, why are you switching?   Personally, I prefer the Schallers because if they fail they will still hold the guitar up.  If the Dunlops fail, the guitar falls.

Bill, tgo

Strictly for comfort. The pin on the Schaller sticks into my stomach where it connects near the neck. Since this is a Stanley Clarke Deluxe, that strap pin faces your body.

I installed new screws from the hardware store and solved the problem!

I hear ya.  The one strap I have with Dunlop locks is for a guitar with a back-facing button so the strap lock doesn’t stab me.

Bill, tgo

[goran]

Hey I switched from Schaller to Dunlop on every Alembic bass. For me screws were the same as the Schaller ones, maybe try to just use Schaller screw, the rest from Dunlop, it should be all good.

[Brigserman]

Thanks to everyone for their input. Very helpful!

[fivestringdan]

That's good advice.

I switched back to Dunlop after Mica suggested giving the Schaller locks a try. My problem was I couldn't keep the lock upright on the strap. Even tightening it down and locking the set screw it still wondered. So back to my old standard strap locks.

Welcome.

Two options I can think of:

1. Drill out the hole to match the diameter of the Dunlop screw
2. Go down to the hardware store and buy a screw with the same diameter as the Schaller screw, but with a smaller head so that it fits inside of the Dunlop strap button enabling you it insert the strap lock pin.

I like the Dunlop strap lock buttons too, but more for just attaching the strap without the lock pin, so I just use the Schaller screw, but but the head is usually too big to fit inside the Dunlop strap button.

Those are my thoughts.