Author Topic: Straplocks (Read 625 times)

hb3 · « **on:** July 22, 2007, 04:30:09 PM »

I was thinking of installing some on my SC custom.

I was looking at the Schallers, then saw some reports of screws not fitting, stripping out, making the holes bigger, etc.

Anyone have any experience with installation?

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2007, 05:13:49 PM »

About every player I know that uses strap locks uses Schallers. With the pull release (as opposed to most others' push-button type) accidental release is impossible. The channel on the strap cradling the post is belt-and suspenders security. As to the screws, yes, they're a little bigger than most stock strap button screws. I've seen this cure the stock strap button working loose - the stock screw has stripped the hole, but I've never seen nor heard of the Schaller screw coming loose. I wouldn't use anything else.

Peter

chuck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2007, 05:25:19 PM »

I installed my first set of Shaller strap locks this past saturday.Almost everyone at the N.C. gathering was using them.They are great.Use a little candle wax or bar soap rubbed into the screw hole and on the screw thread if they fit to tight.

Chuck

(Message edited by chuck on July 22, 2007)

(Message edited by chuck on July 22, 2007)

hb3 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2007, 06:08:00 PM »

Cool. I guess what I specifically read about the Schallers was that somehow the pressure or weight exerted on the screws caused the screwholes to become bigger over time or something.

Heh. He said screwholes....

2400wattman · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2007, 08:24:44 PM »

If you move a lot and shift your bass around you might want to get some longer screws as the screws that come with the Schallers are about the same length. If not then the stock screws will be fine. Other than bolting the strap directly to the bass, these are the best you can get. I also recommend putting a little carmex or vaseline on the strap button to lubricate it. The friction can work the screw lose. I'm going to stop here..................

keurosix · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2007, 09:13:54 PM »

Hugh,
Straplocks are the way to go. There are two types: (Schaller) One has a standard post that attaches to the guitar, with a horse-shoe shaped strap attachment that has a spring-loaded pin you pull up on to release the lock. This is the better design. The other (Dunlop?) has a long strap barrel attached to the guitar, and a large capped strap attachment that inserts into the barrel and locks in place when you push down on the button on top. This design has 4 tiny ball bearings that lock in a groove in the barrel, and retract when the top button is depressed releasing the lock. I have had these fail numerous times, and they wear out quickly because the balls are too small. Also, because the lock releases with a push of the button, you can drop your guitar with a misplaced bump! That'll scare your pants off too! Imagine pulling up your guitar and your pants too! You'll miss more than a few beats!
I can also say that any straplock needs to be checked often for loosening hardware: Check the nut on the strap with an adjustable wrench. Leather compresses. Check the screw in the body. Alembics with a mahogany core tend to loosen up on the screws. You can tighten it only so much before you need to add a toothpick. If this works only temporary, you may need to follow the fix in the FAQ section about drilling out the hole, gluing in a hardwood dowel, and redrilling. Sorry, I can't find that post right now, but it it there. I have never had to go this route yet, but it really depends on how much you move around when you play.
Kris

dannobasso · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2007, 09:20:04 PM »

Old trick I use on all my basses (I shift and move around a lot) is to get a wooden toothpick, place it in the hole [sometimes 2 pieces] to really make the fit tight. Very often the Schallers are a smaller diameter screw than other brands. Even with this treatment I still have to tighten up the screws from time to time.
I only use schallers on my instruments.

hb3 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2007, 10:29:44 PM »

I wish I'd spent the bucks on recessed strap locks...

2400wattman · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2007, 11:19:27 PM »

The recessed locks are the Dunlop brand which are of the same design Kris was talking about. I've actually seen the posts break on these things. They're just not very reliable over time and they will break. Schallers are the way to go, or you could check out the DiMarzio ClipLok straps where there is a portion of the strap screwed to the bass(on each end) with a female clip end on it and the strap clicks to it.

adriaan · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2007, 01:12:29 AM »

With the Schallers, don't forget to re-tighten the nut on the strap - it gets loose over time.

FC Bass · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2007, 01:48:04 AM »

I use Schallers on all my basses, they're great! Just use the original screws from your bass (not those supplied with the Schallers)
The screws on my (ex) Gibson the Ripper did not fit in the strapholders (screwhead too big) so I sanded them down to fit.

to_81_0190 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2007, 02:05:47 AM »

I agree to Adriaan. It's very important point.

When I changed strap button to straplocks, I have used original screw for straplocks to prevent the screw hole loose. Then the original screw head was larger than the hole of straplocks, I prepared another set of original screw and ground it's head to fit.

Toshiaki

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** July 23, 2007, 05:57:44 AM »

I have the locks on my MK signature bass and as per usual the holes lost their threads.
Use the cocktail/match stick trick but put a few drops of thread locking liquid in the hole, this stuff is used on bolts which are prone to vibration, it doesn't completely glue the screw in but if you have to remove it at sometime use a good quality and tight fitting screwdriver to loosen it. Don't use epoxy because if the screw snaps then its new holes or a very careful drilling job!

lbpesq · « **Reply #13 on:** July 23, 2007, 07:39:14 AM »

I also use Schallers on several guitars and have had no problems. I thought about the recessed locks, but decided against it. With the Schaller system, if my strap breaks, or I forget it, a regular old strap will work in a pinch. With the recessed locks, forget or break your strap at a gig and you're SOL.

Bill, tgo

olieoliver · « **Reply #14 on:** July 23, 2007, 07:52:06 AM »

I used the Schaller many years ago but stopped and went with the Dunlop after I had one come loose during a gig.
The nut on the saddle unscrewed. I've use the Dunlop since probably the 80's and have never had one drop.
You are right about the recessed locks Bill but I never show up to a gig with just one guitar or strap. Guess my boy scout roots kick in here. LOL

Be prepared, Olie

(Message edited by olieoliver on July 23, 2007)