TheGreek Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 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?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazzbass Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Loxx are good and have an increasing range of designs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Bassman Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Loxx for me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Browning Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 A strip of gaffa around the strap just above the strap button (with the strap on the bass!!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiophonic Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coilte Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 How about using the plastic ring at the top of a Grolsch beer bottle ? https://molloys.ie/beer/grolsch-swing-top-450ml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilco Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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.......! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 The grolsch ones work so well that Fender decided to get in on the action Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 There you go: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/q-parts-metal-series-straplock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toneknob Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Grolsch bottle washers, but preferably the old more rubbery variation, the newer ones are more plasticky and not so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 [quote name='toneknob' timestamp='1505984307' post='3375596'] ... the newer ones are more plasticky and not so good. [/quote] Much like the music, then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 (edited) [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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockfordStone Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 i used to use strap locks, now its all about grolsch bottle washers, much cheaper and do the job really well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisJaxon Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocker Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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