Which strap lock system fits G&L best?

[fraidykat]

Good morning,

I have a few G&L guitars and an L-2000 bass. I've just recently thought about adding strap locks. What brand is the best fit to keep the guitars as stock as possible?

Thanks,
Fraidykat

[yowhatsshakin]

Hi fraidycat,

I don't use strap lock buttons myself but here is one of darwinohm's Lunch Reports where strap lock buttons are discussed. Especially bassman's contribution will be of interest to you.

Just to get you started.

- Jos

[stagecoach]

I use the SCHALLER STRAPLOCK as you can still use a normal strap if required.

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/SL3C.htm

I also like them because they sit in a cup, so if something fails your guitar doesn't go south. And I find them super easy. It is always the first mod I do to any guitar

[offplanetfilms]

+1 for the SCHALLER STRAPLOCKS! They won't let you down.

[chedwerks]

I have Ernie Ball and they too retain the ability to use a strap without the system. The buttons are better than the original actually

[sirmyghin]

I use the SCHALLER STRAPLOCK as you can still use a normal strap if required.

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/SL3C.htm

I also like them because they sit in a cup, so if something fails your guitar doesn't go south. And I find them super easy. It is always the first mod I do to any guitar

These but I offer one piece of advice. USE THE STOCK SCREW, they will fit and are not of smaller diameter, this will greatly reduce the chance of tear out. The screw they provide you with is of smaller diameter. It may take a tap, but the stock screw (off the original button) can be used.

[jdavies]

I have used the Schaller for a few years and the only issue I have is that on a thick leather strap the nut that locks down the large flat washer can come loose (and go missing!). For that reason I now prefer Dunlop straploks or ernie balls (similar system and mostly interchangeable) which use a split ring or circlip to lock the washer to the locking pin and strap. I also find them easier to push to disconnect the strap as you have a more solid platform to push against.
Another consideration is that the dunlops aren't affected by the orientation of the pin if you are swapping instruments and straps around.
the Schallers sometimes needed pivoting to align correctly tp the pull of the guitar which would progressively loosen the holding nut on a thick strap.
This didn't affect me as much as I usually leave the straps on when a lock is fitted.

Hope this is helpful
cheers
Jeremy

[rpt]

Twenty years with Dunlops and never a problem.

[Boogie Bill]

I have a couple of G&Ls with Schallers, but as a rule I don't replace them. The standard strap button works fine for me. But then, I don't do a lot of jumping around on stage....EARTHQUAKE!!!! LOL!

But, ALL of my Gibsons get Schallers. I hate the Gibson strap button with a passion. And they have acknowledged to me that it is "insufficient", but they won't change the desing because it is "traditional". (Gibson's words.)

I've had one of the Dunlop Strap Locks fail on me--one of the ball-bearings came out, and I nearly dropped my Les Paul Special.

Schaller.

Bill

[darwinohm]

If you are going to use straplocks, the only one I would recommend are the Schallers/Fender. I have Musicman straplocks, similar to Dunlops on my Stingray 5 and one popped out and I caught the guitar. Anything with ball bearings to seat in a groove can fail. The lock on the Schaller cannot fail as a pin drops in a hole. I have at 30 sets of Schallers/Fender and they have never failed. Someone mentioned the nut/washer coming loose. That is the only way that a Schaller could fail, or the mounting screw could fall out. I always check both after a gig.-- Darwin

[Bing K]

I use Schallers on my own and at the shops we recommend Schallers even on guitars with tapered holes. example: Guild Bluesbird. We do install other Brands at customers request. The tapered hole can be bridged with a very thick pick but you must use a long screw . The pick makes for added "bling" also.
No matter which brand you use we recommend the screw be installed with superglue. Use caution when installing because if the superglue spreads from the hole to the finish there is damage.

Also on the Schallers and any others that use a nut over a washer to retain the attachment end to the strap. Use a hard binding lock-tite or super glue on the threads of the nut and shaft. Some sort of locking compound keeps things much more secure. Especially considering the point brought up by jdavies concerning thick straps.

Still, no matter which brand you choose, check each pin and attachment end each time you suit up.

sirmyghin brings up the point about the size of the screw. He's correct about getting the best bite in the body possible. What limits the screw size is quite often the diameter of the screw head as it has to fit in the pocket of the pin. The practice we have adopted is grinding outer diameter of the screw head until it fits nicely in to the pocket of the pin.

[biff725]

Another Vote For Schallers Here. Easy To Install And Well Worth The Money. I Use Them On My 81 L2000 Series E Bass And My Guitars.