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Post by steamroller on Jan 28, 2023 19:34:04 GMT -7
My Fender Telecaster came with strap loks. They're getting on my nerves. If they're not adjusted just right, they are tough to get on, even tougher to get off. The strap won't fit in the case with the instrument, so I don't leave the strap attached. Is it a bad thing to use regular buttons and strap on a guitar? I have played decades with regular straps and buttons on acoustic guitars, but accustic s are lighter, my Telecaster weighs a couple of pounds more. I know I know, this is minor thing, but do most use strap loks on their electric guitars? -steamroller-
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Post by Don A on Jan 28, 2023 19:59:48 GMT -7
I use regular straps and strap buttons on my guitars and add soft flip top beer bottle washers on my Les Paul, H-535 and others where they're more likely to be severely damaged if the guitar falls. They go on and come of easy and are very secure.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 29, 2023 0:49:09 GMT -7
I like the rubber ones too, but my favorites are the Dunlop "7000 Loc Strap". Simple, easy, and secure.
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Post by steamroller on Jan 29, 2023 1:49:22 GMT -7
1. Are these "washer" types of locks pretty quick to snap on and off?
2. Are others displeased with the metal strap-lok?
I wouldn't want to drop a guitar, but I sure miss the convenience of a simple strap.
-steamroller-
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 29, 2023 5:02:49 GMT -7
Like Don said, they go on and come off easily, and they work well. The Dunlop one simply slips over the strap button, and you twist the tab 180 degrees to lock it over the strap. They're great.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jan 29, 2023 5:22:49 GMT -7
I use the Schaller S Locks on every guitar. Smooth, easy operation; solid and safe. That way every guitar operates the same.
That said, the only time I take a strap off is when the guitars go in their cases for transport, so I’m not fiddling with the strap locks much. I’m more concerned with preventing an accident in use.
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rudeboy
Full Member
Rudecaster into a Z...heaven.
Posts: 124
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Post by rudeboy on Jan 29, 2023 7:45:38 GMT -7
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Post by helmi on Jan 29, 2023 7:46:38 GMT -7
I don’t think I’ve NOT used strap locks in the last 35 yrs, and I honestly don’t know anybody who doesn’t use them on an electric. What kind are you using? I know with PRS cases, when you put a strap lock on, it is longer then the stock buttons, , and you have to force them in a little bit, but the inner padding will form too it. I’ve never left a strap on a guitar when putting it in the case. I would worry about the metal on the strap scratching up the front of the guitar!
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Post by Seńor Verde on Jan 29, 2023 8:47:25 GMT -7
I know people who have used Schaller and Dunlop metal straplocks that have failed. I also know that if these people checked their gear regularly they would have noticed that either the nut was loose or the metal had worn to the point things were getting risky.
I put Gibson strap buttons on all my guitars and use rubber washers. I really like them. Metal straplocks can rattle and squeak under certain conditions and if you're not careful, they may swing around and chip the guitar's finish if you are holding the guitar and fling the strap over your shoulder. Seems the only time the washer will fail is when you are putting it on or taking it off, so it should be reliable once on the guitar. I keep a few in my gig bag, in case one does wear out and break.
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Post by Don A on Jan 29, 2023 8:47:54 GMT -7
I like the rubber ones too, but my favorites are the Dunlop "7000 Loc Strap". Simple, easy, and secure. These work really well and go on and come off easily.
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Post by RickJames on Jan 29, 2023 8:54:56 GMT -7
I like the rubber ones too, but my favorites are the Dunlop "7000 Loc Strap". Simple, easy, and secure. Same here
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Post by steamroller on Jan 29, 2023 9:07:15 GMT -7
I read somewhere that my Fender strap-loks are manufactured in Korea by a company named Ping. But the locks say Fender.
-steamroller-
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Post by dcarver on Jan 29, 2023 10:37:17 GMT -7
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Post by mule43 on Jan 29, 2023 11:58:44 GMT -7
I read somewhere that my Fender strap-loks are manufactured in Korea by a company named Ping. But the locks say Fender. -steamroller- Fender strap locks used to be made by Schaller, not sure if that is true today. I had the Fender locks on my strat and when I started using the Schaller S-Locks I did not have to change the buttons.
I have heard of people having to take a fine file or maybe emery paper to the locks to smooth out rough edges to have them slide better. I have not had to do that myself but I have found over time that they do get dirty and need cleaned.
Of course you can just change the buttons. For years i did not have strap locks and did not have any problems with the strap. My Gretsch still does not have locks and I have not had problems with the guitar and straps. Of course I don't jump around or anything when I play!
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Jan 29, 2023 12:06:08 GMT -7
1. Are these "washer" types of locks pretty quick to snap on and off? 2. Are others displeased with the metal strap-lok? I wouldn't want to drop a guitar, but I sure miss the convenience of a simple strap. -steamroller- I have a bunch of the red type rubber washers. If you want to try some I can ship you some for free. That way you can see if that is the route you might like. I just need an address to ship to.
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Post by Buzz Fretwear (Ignatius) on Jan 29, 2023 12:21:04 GMT -7
Hate strap locks. I use rubber washers or oversized strap buttons. Actually the oversized strap button is probably the least fussy but completely adequate solution. Stew Mac used to sell a t-shaped strap button that works really well also.
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Post by JeffG on Feb 6, 2023 12:15:34 GMT -7
Loxx are the way to go. Incredible design and super secure.
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Post by The Bad Poodle Experience on Feb 7, 2023 13:17:42 GMT -7
drink two of these (per guitar). problem solved.
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Post by RickJames on Feb 7, 2023 15:27:38 GMT -7
drink two of these. problem solved.
YES, per hour!
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Post by wubberdubber on Mar 20, 2023 11:38:51 GMT -7
If I ever bought a guitar with those big metal strap locks, that would be the first thing to come off. The rubber washers work fine with no mods or extra strain on the wood. Nylon washers at the hardware store work great too if you want something stiffer...just cut a slit on one side with scissors to slip them on. WAYYYY cheaper than any commercial strap lock system.
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jmb
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by jmb on Mar 20, 2023 16:18:37 GMT -7
Suhr puts these oversized strap buttons on his guitars. It eliminates the need for strap locks. I don't know why everyone doesn't do that. I have to use strap locks on all my Fenders and Gibsons. With my luck, I would wind up with a broken foot!
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Post by zpilot on Mar 21, 2023 0:53:59 GMT -7
I like these because the button can also be used with a strap that doesn't have the strap lock. Very convenient in case you find yourself in a situation where you have to use a regular strap. It is also an oversized button and very secure.
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Post by adam on Mar 21, 2023 5:34:08 GMT -7
Has anyone actually had a guitar hit the floor when not using strap locks? I've had plenty of times where the strap broke loose, but I never dropped the guitar. Just wondering.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Mar 21, 2023 8:10:19 GMT -7
I've caught several guitars on the way to the floor, but mercifully my reaction time was decent and avoided hitting the floor. That was sufficient warning for me, however, to go with strap locks. I have a strap on every guitar, so I'm not changing straps when changing guitars, so the strap locks are not much of a complication for me.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Mar 21, 2023 9:11:19 GMT -7
I love my Dunlop metal locks on my Jazzmaster. I felt something was necessary. I have not tried, but it looks like when you have the strap side off that the guitar side is just an oversized button. I've wondered if that would hold a strap more securely.
My Heritage Custom Core is a more recent addition and I need to figure something out. The button is too small and it doesn't take much to get off balance enough to pull the top strap right off. I have some of the rubber gaskets and they work fine, but I much prefer having something that locks on and is easier to take on and off. It took me a couple weeks to be consistent when I first got the Dunlop, but once I got the hang for how they wanted to attack and detach I've had no issue. Maybe yours need a little silicon spray??
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Post by Ridgeback on Mar 22, 2023 11:43:44 GMT -7
I've used Schallers for years. They do require a bit of maintenance on the spring locking pin every now and then to make sure it doesn't get loose but I like the fact that even if the spring pin comes apart, the button still stays in the U shaped strap part. Don't much care for the occasional squeaking but that's my fault for being lazy.
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Post by smolder on Mar 22, 2023 21:23:22 GMT -7
I use strap locks on Gibson and PRS guitars, but Fender buttons are larger and work great. That said, most guitars here have a dedicated strap.
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Post by RickJames on Mar 23, 2023 5:28:45 GMT -7
All my guitars have dedicated straps, and remain on the guitars in stands 24 seven, unless take them for service, then it’s hard shell cases. Otherwise reunion gig bags.for most gigs.
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Post by steamroller on Mar 27, 2023 11:44:36 GMT -7
After examining my strap-lok, I noticed the rear lock has more threads on the engagement bolt. When this lock is screwed down tight it has held it's adjustment. Unfortunately that adjustment is too short. The protrusion, doesn't engage enough. I don't trust it, which kind of defeats part of the purpose of the strap-lok. I filed the edges of the the "bolt" portion of the lock, and adjusted for less engagement, and it snaps on and off very well now. But the bolt has excessive threading, and the adjustment lengthens on it's own. This makes the engagement surface longer and I have a tough time getting the strap unlocked due to arthritis. I am going to see if loktite (locktight?) Will hold the correct engagement adjustment. Please excuse my terminology, I'm not an engineer!
-steamroller-
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Post by adam on Mar 27, 2023 15:15:27 GMT -7
FWIW, I have 3 or 4 guitars with the original strap lock buttons. All but one I just use regular straps on them and they have been fine and I don't even think about it.
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