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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Strap Locks Or Locking Straps?
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 6 2013, 12:38 PM
If this is a repeat subject, I apologise.
I wanted to buy some strap locks for my guitars and whilst searching, I came across some straps which have locking devices already installed on them..like spring loaded clips on both ends, therefore eliminating the need for the traditional metal strap locks. Does anyone have any advice on this subject please? If I had to replace my strap buttons...would that be a straight forward replacement for the existing buttons?
I have another question...deviating slightly...I want to put a strap button on my Dean acoustic steel string..on the neck heel maybe...anyone got any tips or advice ?
Posted by: PosterBoy Feb 6 2013, 12:56 PM
I like the planet waves locking straps, though the length adjustment clip bit is a weakness, I've had two of them break, so my strap length is now fixed by me tying a knot in the strap!
Posted by: mad Feb 6 2013, 01:34 PM
I use these:
http://www.thomann.de/de/schaller_security_locks_c.htm
Very happy with them.
As for the button on your acoustic, this one has been mounted by a guitar tech on one of my acoustics:
I remember he used a wood drill before he screwed..
.. sorry for my bad english 
I wanted to buy some strap locks for my guitars and whilst searching, I came across some straps which have locking devices already installed on them..like spring loaded clips on both ends, therefore eliminating the need for the traditional metal strap locks. Does anyone have any advice on this subject please? If I had to replace my strap buttons...would that be a straight forward replacement for the existing buttons?
I have another question...deviating slightly...I want to put a strap button on my Dean acoustic steel string..on the neck heel maybe...anyone got any tips or advice ?
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 6 2013, 02:02 PM
Haha Thanks...I dont think I'll buy one of those then!
http://www.thomann.de/de/schaller_security_locks_c.htm
Very happy with them.
As for the button on your acoustic, this one has been mounted by a guitar tech on one of my acoustics:
I remember he used a wood drill before he screwed..
.. sorry for my bad english
I've had the schallers before...they are good, but I always think they stick two big lumps of metal on your guitar.
I think I'll get a strap button and install it myself on my acoustic. Thanks
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 6 2013, 05:58 PM
I have never got along with strap locking units - almost ruined a guitar using them 
but I am the kind of guy that jumps off things on stage and moves around a lot. I HONESTLY think that a well built strap will work just wonderful, rather than the strap locking units that will wear and tear the wood of the guitar due to the screws going up and down when you move ..
Posted by: The Professor Feb 6 2013, 06:46 PM
I have always used strap locks, and never had any problems with them. In fact, the only time I've ever had a guitar slip on me was with a Gibson I had where I was too lazy to put the strap locks on. One night on stage it slipped off the strap, but luckily I caught it about an inch from hitting the ground. So I use them to this day on every guitar I own.
Posted by: derper Feb 6 2013, 07:18 PM
I was recently going through the same decision, but never seemed to really like the strap lock systems I had encountered already. But, my cheap plastic "strap lock" was too unreliable.
There is a local Portland company (can't remember the name) that makes a $5 strap lock system which is VERY simple.... they are basically little rubber o-rings that you put on after you've put on your strap. Simple, cheap, very effective....hold the strap on very well, for cheap, with no installed parts!!
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 7 2013, 10:39 PM
but I am the kind of guy that jumps off things on stage and moves around a lot. I HONESTLY think that a well built strap will work just wonderful, rather than the strap locking units that will wear and tear the wood of the guitar due to the screws going up and down when you move ..Maybe a helmet would be better for you Cosmin rather than strap locks!!
Good catch..saved a few quid!
I have had them before...but I seem to remember they looked a bit bulky.There is a local Portland company (can't remember the name) that makes a $5 strap lock system which is VERY simple.... they are basically little rubber o-rings that you put on after you've put on your strap. Simple, cheap, very effective....hold the strap on very well, for cheap, with no installed parts!!
I think I have seen something similar on ebay...small plastic things that look a bit like plectrums..that I assume are put on the button and slotted into a lock after.
Posted by: Rammikin Feb 8 2013, 03:47 AM
Personally I wouldn't use anything other than Dunlop Straploks on any guitar I don't want crashing to the ground because the strap slipped off the guitar. These lock the strap to the guitar, but you can still remove the strap with the push of a button.
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/original
Cosmin, I don't understand your comment. These attach to the guitar with a screw the same way a standard button does.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 8 2013, 09:51 AM
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/original
Cosmin, I don't understand your comment. These attach to the guitar with a screw the same way a standard button does.
Correct but the strap locking unit applies tension on the screw at a point which is further away from the body of the guitar, thus moving the screw more easily and creating space in the body of the guitar. The friction of the screw eats the wood away, loosening it more and more. This will not happen in the case in which the tension is applied at the base of the screw which is also tightened well into the body of the guitar.
Hope this makes sense as I can't find any schematics for now
It's about creating a lever system and applying force at a different point, thus creating friction and eating away the wood. I had to deal with this situation with Warwick strap locking units.
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Feb 8 2013, 09:56 AM
I had my basses crash off regular straps too many times that installing Strap Locks on my basses was a must. I tried some brands and settled to Dunlop Strap Locks. Seems the like the best system and most high quality one and hasn't failed me since. Its actually easy to install too (especially for me who freaks out having to "drill something" od modify on my bass) - you just unscrew the old strap button and put in a new one which screws in tight and that is it.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 8 2013, 10:08 AM
If you don't jump around that much, it can be a solution, but after what happened to my old MMM, no more strap locks for me!
Posted by: Rammikin Feb 8 2013, 05:07 PM
It's about creating a lever system and applying force at a different point, thus creating friction and eating away the wood. I had to deal with this situation with Warwick strap locking units.I think I understand what you mean. The strap is a couple mm farther away from the body, so it exerts more leverage on the button. I'm not familiar with Warwick, only Dunlop, but I would think the screw would have to be pretty weak for that to be a problem?
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Feb 8 2013, 05:19 PM
I can definitely see this happening, mine has survived for years of jumping now but I had bad experience with some other system which had one screw (part on the strap) that would unwind on its own every time.
It might depend on the system though, Dunlop one feels pretty safe and well made (metal part on the strap side enters inside the button).
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 9 2013, 09:04 AM
Then again, my reluctance to use straplocking units is a bit unjustified by the fact that I haven't tried any other brand aside from Warwick Maybe I should re-consider my options
Posted by: klasaine Feb 9 2013, 05:03 PM
I still use the standard Dunlops but I too have had 'straplocks' pull right out of the back of a guitar.
These are cool too ... http://www.gamlinsmusic.co.uk/musical-instruments/guitar-accessories/strap-locks/item/lok-strap-plastic-guitar-strap-retainer-pair-471/
And these ... http://www.andertons.co.uk/misc-guitar-accessories/pid12542/cid590/jim-dunlop-straplok-plastic-strap-lock-price-per-pair.asp
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 9 2013, 07:26 PM
I still use the standard Dunlops but I too have had 'straplocks' pull right out of the back of a guitar.
These are cool too ... http://www.gamlinsmusic.co.uk/musical-instruments/guitar-accessories/strap-locks/item/lok-strap-plastic-guitar-strap-retainer-pair-471/
And these ... http://www.andertons.co.uk/misc-guitar-accessories/pid12542/cid590/jim-dunlop-straplok-plastic-strap-lock-price-per-pair.asp
They all look like good solutions..if the Grolsch one works...then its probably worth cutting one out of a tyre rubber or similar.
Posted by: ConnorGilks Feb 9 2013, 08:30 PM
I use DiMarzio Clip-Lok straps (Locking straps, not locking buttons) exclusively, they are the only ones I trust to hold my guitars properly whether I'm playing a chill jazz gig or throwing the guitar around at a punk show. Haven't had a single issue with them, but had many issues with strap locks like the Dunlop ones. Some people just use a big washer over their strap buttons but those aren't as safe as the DiMarzio ones come with longer screws than and stock strap buttons. Very secure, very easy to use, worth the money! Just my opinion though, I know people who haven't had issues with their Dunlops or DIY washer method buttons.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 10 2013, 10:16 AM
So, those DiMarzios are a better option in the first place just for the fact that they don't create leverage on the screw! This could be interesting
Posted by: derper Feb 15 2013, 07:22 PM
That video is basically the same thing as the local portland rubber straplock system I was talking about. A bit more "heavy duty" from the looks of it, but it works EXCELLENTLY and only cost about $4. Love it. But....I didn't get any beer with mine! 
Posted by: Headbanger Mar 7 2013, 04:00 PM
In the end, I decided to put Schaller strap locks on both of my electric guitars, my Fender Strat and My Epiphone Les Paul. Three reasons.
1) The Epiphone locks were difficult to remove...and one broke during the process (Pics below)
2) Having Schallers on both Guitars meant interchangeable straps.
3) I found two Schaller locks (minus their buttons) in my guitar bits and pieces box..I think I took them off another Fender that I had about 20 years ago, because I didn't know how to use them..I don't ever remember screwing them to a strap ..I may have even put the strap hole over the round locker knob and thought they where a disasterous invention : 
(no google in those days).
I ordered two new Schaller strap locks and buttons from the UK and two Schaller strap buttons from Germany (for the bits I found.)
All came this week and I had an interesting strap lock/button changing couple of hours, which I thought may be worth sharing with GMC'ers, as it wasn't so straightforward as I thought it would be.Exciting pics below with exciting explanations!!
Epiphone Strap locks..showing how a clip had broken off during strap removal.
I tried to fit the Schaller strap button to my Epiphone but the screws that they had arrived with were too thin and just pulled out of the old screw holes...I realised I had to use the original Epiphone screws with the Schaller buttons. The problem was that the Epiphone screws wouldn't fit into the Schaller holes (pictured).
So... I drilled them........A drilled Schaller button (right) a standard (non drilled Schaller left) Both upside down.
After I drilled the hole I realised that the Epiphone screw heads wouldn't fit through the top of the Schaller button holes either....so I ground them down on my grinding wheel until they fitted. screw head ground down pictured.
After drilling and grinding...the buttons where ready...Pictured above.
The Fender wasn't a problem..although I replaced these two huge strap buttons and was able to re use the Fender screws without modification.
I told you these pictures were full of excitement!!!!
It was however worth the effort...Both guitars are now re buttoned with Schallers...without having to re drilled either guitar...Thankfully.
These Schallers are so easy to use compared to the Epiphone strap locks or even the normal button only ones.
The Guitars with their new strap locks fitted..I don't usually hang them with straps already on...in fact I don't hang the Epiphone at all..she sleeps alone in her case..
Maybe one day someone will find this info useful...if not it would make good bedtime reading for an insomniac..
Posted by: Digimortal Mar 14 2013, 11:35 PM
I have used the Grolsch 'straplocks' since i started playing guitar 20 years ago (i'm from Holland, Grolsch country). Funny to see them mentioned here.
Here is my strat with the Grolsch system :
I use Dunlop's now on most of my guitars though.
Posted by: dcz702 Mar 15 2013, 02:15 AM
I wanted to buy some strap locks for my guitars and whilst searching, I came across some straps which have locking devices already installed on them..like spring loaded clips on both ends, therefore eliminating the need for the traditional metal strap locks. Does anyone have any advice on this subject please? If I had to replace my strap buttons...would that be a straight forward replacement for the existing buttons?
I have another question...deviating slightly...I want to put a strap button on my Dean acoustic steel string..on the neck heel maybe...anyone got any tips or advice ?
I've used both shaller and dunlop. I prefer dunlop the feel really secure and I put them on all 3 of my guitars so when I switch I just use one strap. The shaller locks seems good to I had them on my fender but I replaced them with dunlops just so I could. use one strap. The shaller use gravity of your guitar to hold it they lock in to place and are u shaped so one you stand they roll and the button sits in the bottom of the u shape the dunlops need to be pressed in and yo here a click to release just press in and pull out. The screw for the dunlop is a bit bigger but I didn't need to drill just take I piece of dry bath soap and roll the screw on it to give it a little grease then slowly screw and carefully screw in. I did it on a Gibson lp and fender deluxe first try no problem.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 15 2013, 09:49 AM
Since this post is up for discussions again I will admit that I have removed all the strap locking devices from my guitars - I also admit that since quitting Voodoo, jumping around on stage has decreased close to 0
Posted by: Darius Wave Mar 15 2013, 10:11 AM
I use Schaller strap locks. I never had issue with them. The only thing to be careful is to keep the screw cap tight on the strap (it likes to roll off after some time). Cool thing about it is You can buy the mount-in-the guitar parts separately. You can then have one strap that would fit all Your guitars or Two straps with different length adjustments to use whenever You like.
Good, thick strap made of leather also make sens but only if You don't remove it all the time. I have a guitar that never fell of (at leas for the last 5 years) but the strap is on the guitar all the time. Many cheap straps have leather endings but if You remove it every time You put Your guitar to the case, they start to wear-off.
I had some Warwick Strap-locks once but they sucked because the locking system was based on some little bullets which were hiding while You press the "button". Once the guitar has fallen on the ground, the button hit the ground and the bullets were locked forever.
Posted by: Headbanger Mar 15 2013, 10:17 AM
Sorry but I think you're mistaken about how the Schaller locking system works:The Schaller locks also have a locking system other than gravity...with the button on the strap you pull a barrel outwards to allow the insertion of the guitar strap buttons and then when in position the (spring loaded barrel) locks into the recess on the top of the guitar button keeping everything secured with or without gravity.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 15 2013, 10:28 AM
Good, thick strap made of leather also make sens but only if You don't remove it all the time. I have a guitar that never fell of (at leas for the last 5 years) but the strap is on the guitar all the time. Many cheap straps have leather endings but if You remove it every time You put Your guitar to the case, they start to wear-off.
I had some Warwick Strap-locks once but they sucked because the locking system was based on some little bullets which were hiding while You press the "button". Once the guitar has fallen on the ground, the button hit the ground and the bullets were locked forever.
Man... those Warwick straps were the worst for me
Almost ruined my old MMM baritone
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