Ideas for strap locks

[TheGreek]

I was changing some strap locks over earlier and realised how bland and uninteresting the design of most strap locks are. I mean, the visible part is essentially they are just a piece of metal with a hole in, like a washer.

Now I have some old coins somewhere, you know 10p and 50p pieces which would be far more interesting than the plain bit of metal (though too thick). I also have some metal plectrums which would be an improvement.

I got to thinking, let's consult with the BC Massive for ideas, many heads being better than one, and all that...

So any ideas of ways to improve strap locks with a bit of lateral thinking??

[discreet]

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

I don't use any metal ones since I had a schaller diconnect itself and drop my first Fender bass onto the floor during a rehearsal in the early 80s.

Since then I've only used grolsch stopper seals and rubber shower hose washers

[discreet]

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' timestamp='1505943154' post='3375457']
...I had a schaller diconnect itself and drop my first Fender bass onto the floor during a rehearsal in the early 80s.
[/quote]

I've had incidents with both Schaller and Dunlop. Been using Loxx for quite a while and no issues... yet.

[Rich]

Been using Schaller locks since 1986, not a single issue. Yes they're a bit'functional' but I don't mind -- I adore engineering, so for me functional design IS attractive

[bazzbass]

straplocks are the biggest con ever. I had some Dunlops and had to keep tightening the straplock onto the strap.....well if I have to do that every time what's different from checking that the strap is on properly?

idiotic

Grolsch type rubber washer does it for me, plus you get to drink a nice beer

[Skybone]

I've used both the Dunlop & Schaller strap locks for years, and like Rich said, functional engineering is good design.

That said, I always found the Dunlops to be really clunky & awkward, the Schaller's just work. Never had a problem with them either.

[Oopsdabassist]

Was a dedicated Schaller user for years, mainly as I had more basses than straps, and swapping was quick and easy. But in the end the rattling annoyed me too much, so I am now a firm Grolsch washer fan.

[Grangur]

These:
http://www.diy.com/departments/plumbsure-rubber-hose-washer-pack-of-5/178427_BQ.prd?icamp=recs&rrec=true

Fancy only selling them in 5s!! How short-sighted is that?

[Bolo]

Loxx are good and have an increasing range of designs.

[Urban Bassman]

Loxx for me too.

[Steve Browning]

A strip of gaffa around the strap just above the strap button (with the strap on the bass!!).

[radiophonic]

Back in the day we used those plastic clips that were used to fasten the neck of the bag that supermarket bread came in. Whatever happened to those?

[Coilte]

How about using the plastic ring at the top of a Grolsch beer bottle ?

https://molloys.ie/beer/grolsch-swing-top-450ml

[Wilco]

The Fender ones are really good, although a dab of superglue on the thread of the part that goes on the strap is a good idea.

Would appeal to those 'functional engineering' types! Lol

Obviously look better on a Fender though.......!

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

The grolsch ones work so well that Fender decided to get in on the action

[Happy Jack]

Reverting to Mick's actual question, decorative straplocks have been around for ages.

I use some with a sort of 'Sonne In Splendoure' design, I got them years ago in both gold (coloured) and silver (coloured) and they work just fine.

[Happy Jack]

There you go: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/q-parts-metal-series-straplock

[toneknob]

Grolsch bottle washers, but preferably the old more rubbery variation, the newer ones are more plasticky and not so good.

[Happy Jack]

[quote name='toneknob' timestamp='1505984307' post='3375596']
... the newer ones are more plasticky and not so good.
[/quote]

Much like the music, then.

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1505968997' post='3375515']
straplocks are the biggest con ever. I had some Dunlops and had to keep tightening the straplock onto the strap.....well if I have to do that every time what's different from checking that the strap is on properly?

idiotic

Grolsch type rubber washer does it for me, plus you get to drink a nice beer
[/quote]

If you were having to keep tightening the Dunlop ones to the strap as they kept coming loose then they weren't Dunlops!

Just sayin' as they say

Edited September 21, 2017 by stingrayPete1977

[RockfordStone]

i used to use strap locks, now its all about grolsch bottle washers, much cheaper and do the job really well

[Dad3353]

I tried a G[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]rolsch bottle washer once, with no success ...[/font][/color]



... I have used Dunlops on all my guitars and basses since, with no problems at all.

[ChrisJaxon]

LOXX all the way for me. 3 straps, 5 guitars, and always swapping around, they are an ideal and robust solution, and have never failed...so far!

[Rocker]

Fretmeister suggested the use of bass string trees as strap buttons. I got a pair and, had to enlarge the screw hole for the screw to fit through it, they work very well. The strap buttons fitted to most basses are way too small IMHO.