Strap Locks anyone ??

[jalevinemd]

So long as everyone understands that this is true only with the newer style Dunlop straplocks. The vintage style (which they still sell) do not have the larger buttons and would be a disaster waiting to happen without the locking mechanism.

[jalevinemd]

Double Post
 
(Message edited by jalevinemd on July 12, 2015)

[fmm]

I've got Schallers on everything.  Fender used to sell the Schaller strap buttons as a spare part, as some of their instruments were built with Schallers.
 
This allows you to have Schallers on everything without requrieing a strap for each instrument.
 
I did have a Schaller wear out.  It had been on the bas for 25+ years.

[edwardofhuncote]

Huh - I hadn't even thought of that bonus fmm... that's a great point - THANKS! I suppose the only catch might be needing a different strap length for different shaped basses so they wear about the same.
 
I'm ordering a set of gold Schallers later today. Going to give them a try on my Persuader for a while. I really appreciate all the advice fellas!
 
BTW - fmm, not sure if you ever saw the post, but my bass is the sister to your old Spoiler #5560... just one serial number apart. (mine is #5559)

[fmm]

Edward: I did see that, small world.
 
When I get a new student, I usually buy them a set of straplocks, and install them.  The original strp buttons go in a zip lock bag in the bass case (or gig bag).
 
If they trade that bass off to get a new one, they can replace the original buttoms and keep the strap locks.

[jazzyvee]

I've had one of my Schallers go down. It was on my Europa bass the one on the upper horn wore out a flat spot and then the button on the strap got stuck when I pulled it to remove the strap. Other than that I think they are all fine. The oldest is on my 1992 strat ultra and it came as standard.

[bigredbass]

I'm swimming upstream here.  
 
I had the Schallers and ultimately went back to the Dunlops; I got tired of pulling on that 20# spring they use and I was always afraid I'd scratch the axe with that 'horeshoe'-shaped part on the strap.  And somehow it seems more intuitive to push the button on the Dunlops than to pull the stem on the Schallers.
 
Go figure . . . . .
 
Joey

[sonofa_lembic]

I'm with you Joey.  I prefer the Dunlops for lower profile, and less chance of scratching my finish.  I have both on various instruments in my collection, but find the countersunk Dunlop barrel to be the most resistant to allowing the screws to back out.  The barrel is fully supported by the wood around it, and thus you eliminate the leverage factor that causes the screws to loosen and tear the wood from the threads.

[edwardofhuncote]

I just got a set of gold Schaller strap locks out of the mailbox... =) Will try to install them later this evening for a trial-run Sunday at a block party gig.

[mica]

Here's what I don't like about Straplocks - the false sense of security. Just because they say lock in the name doesn't mean you don't have to check them. It's nice to add the Locktite as Keith pointed out, but on the instrument end, the wood cells will still suffer from compression over time - they can't avoid it. So it's really important to check at least once a month that the anchor isn't coming loose. Yes, the recessed Dunlops do better, but compression will still happen.  
 
This is true for regular strap pins as well.

[edwardofhuncote]

Installed...
 

[keith_h]

I had a button unscrew on my Jazz Bass years ago when I first started using the Schallers. Although the screw would tightened the hole was slightly oversized from the original screw. I fixed this but also got in the habit of giving the buttons a spin everytime I pick up an instrument. If the button moves I know it needs tightening.  
 
Keith

[hieronymous]

Also, be really careful with the tiny little knob that you pull up on - that can come unscrewed. I have a bad habit of fiddling with things like that while I'm talking, etc., and once while I was standing there with my bass I managed to unscrew that button - it came flying off, the spring went shooting out - fortunately I was holding the bass so it didn't hit the ground! Never did find the spring! It was on my Stanley Clarke bass - like Bill TGO it was always poking me (the one on the back of the body) so I have just left it off...

[edwardofhuncote]

Been trying these out this evening... I'm not 100% sold yet, but they bug me a lot less than they did.  
 
Pros:
I swear it sounds silly, but I think the bass actually wears and balances better with them than with regular buttons.
 
Let's face it, gold plating is pretty awesome.  
They look nice and appropriate to the rest of the instrument.  
 
Cons:
I can't get past the feeling like there's slop in the fasteners connection to the strap pieces.  
 
I totally see what you guys mean about loctite. Definitely needs some kind of stick-um on these threads.
 
I might actually get used to them... more later.

[edwardofhuncote]

Okay, I'm sold - gold Schaller strap locks it is. I've tried them every way imaginable, and I get it now. I refuse to think of them as a safety net, but they are an added level of caution, albeit a passive one. They look nice too, and maybe I can use this same strap on my custom fretless. (one day!)
 
Totally unanticipated bonus - I wouldn't have thought the extra 1/4 of offset created by the upper horn straplock would matter, but there is a *definite* difference in the balance of my slightly neck-heavy Persuader. It wears naturally about 10-4 now, versus 9-3 without.
 
Thanks for the pointers fellas... I love this place!  =)  I'm off to find some blue loctite.