Guinness21 Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Hi, my dad plays a Hofner Violin bass and has mentioned he wanted some strap locks for it. I thought it was a good opportunity for a christmas present. Trouble is I have no idea where to start! I have locks on my stingray, but they're quite substantial. Anybody got any recommendations or ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 To do that you'll need to replace the existing strap buttons, and whatever you use will not look right on a violin bass. Does he like lager? If so, buy him a case of Grolsch. Swing-top bottles, natch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 I'm not a purist, and fit Dunlop Straploks on all my instruments (well, not the drums, obviously..! ), including my Hofner Verithin. If the 500/1 has ordinary buttons, they're an easy replacement, but if there's no neck button, it might be best to adopt the 'dog-leash' method, where the strap is wrapped around the neck joint, and so can never slip. The lower button can be a straplock, though. Some folks install a button (or Straplok...) in the heel, on the high 'E' side, which helps the 'hang' of the bass, apparently. Too many choices, eh..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guinness21 Posted November 22, 2015 Author Share Posted November 22, 2015 Thanks Dad3353. How difficult was it installing the dunlop strap buttons? Did you have to re-drill the holes for the screws, or did the dunlop screws go straight in? Just tookthe pics, are they standard strap buttons? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 (edited) The Dunlop screws are a bit longer than 'standard' button screws, so I always drill a pilot hole just to the full depth, to avoid any risk of splitting. Other than that, it's plain sailing (except one unlucky accidental purchase of [i]recessed [/i]Dunlops,not at all suitable for hollow-body instruments..!). No, it's very straightforward, and enables me to use any strap on any instrument with no faffing about. I don't jump about like Flea, but I've never had a strap failure since using these (decades, now... ). Hope this helps. Edited November 22, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guinness21 Posted November 23, 2015 Author Share Posted November 23, 2015 I get a bit nervous when drilling is involved, installed a set of locks on my stingray but they were Ernie Ball so I used the same screws. Are the straploks my best bet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 This is the 'official' Hofner method, as used by Sir Paul ... [url="http://www.hofner-guitars.com/guitar-accessories/guitar-straps/vintage-bass-strap.html?___store=guitar_store_en&___from_store=guitar_store_de"]Hofner 'Official' strap ...[/url] This would still be improved by a Straplok at the other end, I'd say but some rely solely on the 'dog leash' attachment, seen here ... [url="http://www.pickofthericks.com/productimage.php?product_id=524¤t_image=2"]Hofner 'Dog Leash' strap ...[/url] Everyone has their own philosophy on the subject; for my part I settled for Dunlop yonks ago and that was that. I don't even give it thought any more, I simply fit 'em and it's done. I'm quite confident in my ability to deepen a screw hole, as I've done it so many times now, so... Your move may vary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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