What Are Your Opinions On Straps and Strap Locks?

[Ting Ho Dung]

I have a Monaco Elite and a Studio Custom I'd like to fit. What are some good brands also brands of straps, material, width etc. Do you have a strap and strap locks for each guitar or do you swap guitars on the same strap? Best place to buy them?

Thanks,

--Michael

[MCChris]

The stock strap buttons on USA Hamers are Dunlop compatible, so the easy approach is to start with that brand. I prefer Dunlops over Schallers, as the post goes into the button versus the horseshoe mechanism that can rotate so the open end faces the floor, which can be a bad situation should it fail (that happened to me, which prompted the switch to Dunlops and I've not looked back since).

I have Dunlop strap buttons on all my guitars and click the same basic black leather strap from one guitar to the next. If any of your guitars have a neck dive you should opt for a strap with some grip on the back side.

[hamerhead]

I use Dunlops too, but never liked how far the strap is from the body. I recently learned they make a flush-mount unit that looks like it would fix that. One day I'll get brave and try it.

[tobereeno]

I use Dunlop flushmounts. I don't like strap buttons, and it lets me switch guitars in a set without switching straps very easily. You just have to make sure that when you click it in, it's firmly seated. But they do last - my strap (male end) is over 10 years old and no wear or sloppiness in the fit.

[MCChris]

With flush mounts you're SOL if you forget your strap with male connectors and need to use a regular one.

[LordOfTheThighs]

I GREATLY prefer Schallers over Dunlops. I put a set of brand new Dumplops on a LP I used to have, and fortunately, I was

holding onto the neck of my guitar when the strap came loose from it, courtesy of the Dunflops. I thought maybe I

hadn't made a good connection with the strap to guitar. I played for a few more minutes, and the effin thing popped loose again.

Honestly, you couldn't give me a set of Droplops.

Schallers on the other hand, I love them. I've never had the "horseshoe" part rotate over on me, but that isn't to say others

haven't. But even if they do, they still have the spring-loaded pin that may save the guitar from taking a header.

I'd say you need to make certain that when installing them, you tighten them down good, so it wouldn't happen.

Just my 2¢

[cynic]

I prefer Schallers but also use Dunlops if the guitar comes with them. I've never had a problem with either. My straps don't migrate, so using multiple styles isn't an issue.

I started with Schaller because two methods of holding (spring & horseshoe) seemed a no brainer opposed to one method of holding (spring) with the Dunlops.

[zorrow]

I prefer Planet Waves locking straps: http://www.planetwaves.com/pwPlanetLockStraps.Page

I own three of those and they are the best for me. It's a zero-modification, very dependable solution and they aren't expensive.

However, you migh need to verify they fit to your guitar. For example, they won't work on Epiphone Flying Vees, because the upper strap button on those is too close to the fretboard. Luckily, my 7-string Epi came with Dunlops.

[Stike]

The stock strap buttons on USA Hamers are Dunlop compatible, so the easy approach is to start with that brand. I prefer Dunlops over Schallers, as the post goes into the button versus the horseshoe mechanism that can rotate so the open end faces the floor, which can be a bad situation should it fail (that happened to me, which prompted the switch to Dunlops and I've not looked back since).

I have Dunlop strap buttons on all my guitars and click the same basic black leather strap from one guitar to the next. If any of your guitars have a neck dive you should opt for a strap with some grip on the back side.

MCC says it best.

[serial]

I use both-each have good and bad aspects (Dunlops fail and Schallers rotate).

I now use Couch straps almost exclusively and don't use any strap locks anymore.

Grolsch gaskets were always good for me.

[gtone]

I use both-each have good and bad aspects (Dunlops fail and Schallers rotate).

I now use Couch straps almost exclusively and don't use any strap locks anymore.

Grolsch gaskets were always good for me.

+1 to all. Actually prefer Grolsch gaskets and or plumbing washers with my SG's.

[tbonesullivan]

I use both, and haven't had problems with either. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. The key to this is to make sure they are installed correctly, and maintained correctly.

Dunlop straplocks work great, and you don't have to worry about the nut coming undone, or the cup rotating. You also can use dual design buttons so if you need to, you can use a standard strap. However, you MUST put some 3 in 1 oil on the button end and work it around once a year. You also must take a q-tip or something and clean out the inside of the strap button. If you do that, the chances of the strap coming off are miniscule, as long as you make sure the straps are locked in. that type of joint is quite stable.

Schaller straplocks are also great, but you have to make sure they are installed correctly. The screw for schaller locks is smaller than the screw usually used by a lot of companies for their strap buttons. This means you need to reenforce the strap button hole before installation, with some wood glue and maybe wood shavings. this is particularly important for Gibson guitars, which have a HUGE screw for the bottom strap button. One solution is to re-use the stock screws, but you may need to alter the schaller button or screw a bit to get a good fit. The other real issue with schallers is that the strap end uses a nut to keep it on, and three barbs to keep it from rotating. If the nut loostens, the end can rotate, and the guitar will fall. The "button" that keeps the lock on the strap button really isn't strong enough to hold the guitar by itself. It just keeps it in place. The real weight is born by the cup on the strap end, and if it rotates, problems happen. Also if the nut comes all the way off, you've got an even bigger problem.

So, in short, both have their plus and minus sides. If you keep them properly set up, you shouldn't have any issues.

[RichRS6]

Dunlops for me as said above you can still use a regular strap if you need to plus it's possible to (and cheaper) to separately buy just the part that goes onto the guitar so you can use 1 Strap with many guitars.

Never had a problem with them whereas I had problems with the Schallers nuts loosening off and had one of the cups break.

[tbonesullivan]

Also, as for straps themselves, I like Planet waves and dunlop straps. Not too fond of leather, just due to feel.

[RobB]

I have the same four Moody leather straps I got from Alison at the Marin Guitar Show. She gave me a great deal: 4/$400.00. I use those for my Strat-types. They are great quality and have really broken nicely over the years

LP Special, Hamer Standard, Epi Firebird all have Reunion Blues black merino wool straps. All three guitars are slung low and these straps are solid and comfortable.

LP Standard has a 4" leather Italia strap that murkat kindly included with my purchase of the Epi FB. It's long and really helps with the weight of the guitar.

I use Dunlop flushmounts. I don't like strap buttons, and it lets me switch guitars in a set without switching straps very easily. You just have to make sure that when you click it in, it's firmly seated. But they do last - my strap (male end) is over 10 years old and no wear or sloppiness in the fit.

Big "amen" on that, Tobe. I first put flushmounts in my Wingwie Strat, then a Charvel and, finally in the rest of my guitars. I do NOT like the way Dunlop buttons push the strap away from the guitar body, especially on Standards. None of my guitars are collectable, anyway, so I go with function over form.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses. The key to this is to make sure they are installed correctly, and maintained correctly.

Dunlop straplocks work great, and you don't have to worry about the nut coming undone, or the cup rotating. However, you MUST put some 3 in 1 oil on the button end and work it around once a year. You also must take a q-tip or something and clean out the inside of the strap button. If you do that, the chances of the strap coming off are miniscule, as long as you make sure the straps are locked in. that type of joint is quite stable.

True. Like Bigsby's and tremelo bridges, a periodic cleaning/lube helps a lot.

All being said, I try to NEVER remove my fretting hand from the neck when standing up with straploks! Just paranoid that way, but you never know...

[BTMN]

I might have a set of the Dunlop strap ends I could send your way. I will look in the morning. Unless your strap buttons have been changed, as was posted, they are Dunlop compatible if not Dunlop. Both of those guitars could share a strap.

[RichRS6]

Strap wise I have a local leather shop that makes great adjustable straps for about £25.00 and for a little extra he'll carve whatever design you want into it.

My other half was in a local charity shop a couple of years ago and spotted what she thought was a nice leather belt with bead work roses embroidered on it but couldn't work out how it would buckle up then realised it was a guitar strap, so she bought for £7.50 it and brought it home.

It wasn't really my style as far as straps go but It still had a tag on so we looked it up on the interweb and it turned out to be hand made by a native American custom strap company and retailed at something ridiculous like $600.00 !!

I'm going to have to find it now as we decided it was too good to use as a guitar strap and stashed it away somewhere !!

[Ting Ho Dung]

Man!! All of you have been so helpful, I can't thank you enough. Very good insight and tips from everyone. I spoke with my son this morning and he said he had a strap rigged with Dunlops. (Who knew, right?) So I'm going to try that out today and let you know. They're hooked to a wide suede strap that he got from GC. I'm lazy and usually have aching feet so I have never played standing up, but I'm going to learn. I have something planned that I am very excited about. It's in the infant stages right now but I will share with you all very soon. Thanks again for your help.

--Michael

[BTMN]

I have a set of strap ends I can send ya. PM me your address and I will mail them over.

[Ethan]

With few deviations, I have always used the DiMarzio cliplock straps or the red rubber washers from Grolsch beer bottles without fail.

[Ting Ho Dung]

I have a set of strap ends I can send ya. PM me your address and I will mail them over.

PM sent. Thank you so much. Happy Birthday to me. My 50th is next week but I am blessed with arrested development.

Thanks again,

--Michael

[RichRS6]

My 50th is next week but I am blessed with arrested development.

Thanks again,

--Michael

I believe this is a requirement for membership here.

[Hamer Dave]

May be the planet waves ones mentioned above. I've these simple inexpemsive plastic ones. Got them at Stew Mac for like a buck. You slip them over the strap button and twist 180 degrees. Once they're secure they are darn good. Even working on my 'over the shoulder' guitar toss I felt confident. They have Pat # 435706 on them, no name. Used strictly schallers in past. Like the channel it sits in for added security. Always make sure they're snug. Like to keep straps with each guitar. Found some old western bullet belts I'd like to convert for guitar. If I were to be constant in flailing my guitars around I'd probably do metal washers with extra meaty, long screws with strong straps to assure best security. Also used the square plastic bread bag closures many a time. They work great and simply snap on! Zero cost, and very dependable for normal playing needs.

[Ting Ho Dung]

My 50th is next week but I am blessed with arrested development.

Thanks again,

--Michael

I believe this is a requirement for membership here.

LOL. Which, being 50 or having arrested development?

[RichRS6]

Sorry, should have been more specific, it's the arrested development part I was thinking of.

1962 was a good year though.

[hamerhead]

In a pinch, the little square plastic dealies that go on a loaf of bread work pretty good. Plus, you can make a sandwich.