Strap Locks & Screw Hole Sizes

[Halowords]

I tried looking for this, and it looks like we have some Schaller and Dunlop Strap Lock users. Reviews basically have fans of both. I've also seen Hennessey Strap Locks.

 

First, unless I'm mistaken, they're all great and I should just get what's available for cheapest or flip a coin. I know, it's one of those age-old dead horse debates to be beaten. My assumption is they are all great, but if there's reasons to go with one over the other I'd listen.

 

Second, the real reason for this, I'm wondering if either/any brand has the same screw-sizes as the stock Heritage strap buttons. The knock on Schallers is that their screws are often smaller than at least some brands' of guitars' strap buttons. However, I've also read you can go all MacGuyver and stick toothpicks in the hole and then screw in the straplocks just fine. The knock on Dunlop seems to be some find Schallers better, but that can go both ways (hence my assumption in the first assertion).

 

Sorry for such a boring topic, but I'd appreciate any input regardless.

[big bob]

I tried looking for this, and it looks like we have some Schaller and Dunlop Strap Lock users. Reviews basically have fans of both. I've also seen Hennessey Strap Locks.

 

First, unless I'm mistaken, they're all great and I should just get what's available for cheapest or flip a coin. I know, it's one of those age-old dead horse debates to be beaten. My assumption is they are all great, but if there's reasons to go with one over the other I'd listen.

 

Second, the real reason for this, I'm wondering if either/any brand has the same screw-sizes as the stock Heritage strap buttons. The knock on Schallers is that their screws are often smaller than at least some brands' of guitars' strap buttons. However, I've also read you can go all MacGuyver and stick toothpicks in the hole and then screw in the straplocks just fine. The knock on Dunlop seems to be some find Schallers better, but that can go both ways (hence my assumption in the first assertion).

 

Sorry for such a boring topic, but I'd appreciate any input regardless.

schaller/grover = same size. Love them.

[Mikenov]

I use Schallers . I like them fine. You can just get a slightly bigger screw or use the original screw from the Heritage strap locks with the schallers.

I personally have been using one of these straps though

http://www.lockitstraps.com/

And what I like with these is they work on ANYTHING and lock good.

I probably won't bother with strap locks anymore.

[Spectrum13]

If you plan to install on a semi, consider both as the button on the neck heal might have a higher profile with Schallers. I have no problems with Schallers but I can see the logic of using one of each.

[tbonesullivan]

the profile might actually be higher with the dunlops. The schallers have the "button" that you pull on, but they also hook around the strap buttons, which are also stick out less than the dunlop buttons. The dunlop locks, on the other hand, plug into the ends of the strap buttons, so they stick out pretty far.

 

I have schallers on my H535 (came with them), my H150CM (came with them), my SG Supreme (came with them) and my SG standard (I put them on). I use dunlop on all the other guitars I have, and yes.. most of them came with dunlops. Hamer has used the dual design buttons as their standard strap buttons for years, carvin guitars can be ordered with them pre-installed for like 7 bucks, and I just find them a bit easier to use, so I put some on my tele.

 

here's a good blurb I wrote over at the Gibson forum about strap locks:

 

both the Dunlop and Schaller locks have their strengths and their weaknesses. The JD button is HUGE, however it also works with a standard guitar strap in case you lose the locks. The Schaller button is much smaller, but can't easily take a normal strap. The dunlop lock plugs into the end of the strap button, so it sticks out a lot farther than the schaller lock, which goes around the strap button.

 

The Schaller locking mechanism itself has a "fail safe" design where most of the weight is born on the "cup" of the locking mechanism. The lock itself is a button on the inside and does not bear much weight at all. In the event of mechanical failure, your guitar won't go anywhere. The Dunlop lock on the other hand has three small ball bearings on a post that fit into a groove in the inside of the button. If the locking mechanism jams or gets dirty, it can fall off. if you aren't good about remembering to keep the inside of the button clean and oiling the lock once a year, I'd go with the Schallers.

 

Another thing to consider is the way the locking end attaches to the strap itself. The Dunlop end clips on with a sturdy spring clip that holds the strap between two washers, one of which is crown shaped to protect the locking button from accidentally being pushed. These are damn hard to get on/off, so I can't see them ever coming off accidentally. The Schaller ends have a washer and then a bolt (like on an input jack) that secures the strap in place. This can get loose as the strap ages and conforms more to the lock end, so you'll want to check the tightness periodically to make sure it won't be coming off.

 

So, each system has inherent strengths and weaknesses. I currently have 10 guitars and 2 basses. My Gibson and Heritage guitars (4) have Schaller locks. My Carvin guitars/basses (2 and 2), my Fender, and my Hamers all have dunlop locks. The Carvins AND the hamers actually came stock with dunlops. The fender was retrofitted. I can say that on guitars like the SG and my H535, which have the neck joint strap button, the dunlop is definitely lower profile.

[Kuz]

Schallers strap locks on ALL my guitars. Same size screw as Heritage uses, just put a tooth pic into the hole, break it off at the level of the guitar, install strap lock & turn the screw over the tooth pick, THEN ROCK!!!!!!

[Guest HRB853370]

Schallers strap locks on ALL my guitars. Same size screw as Heritage uses, just put a tooth pic into the hole, break it off at the level of the guitar, install strap lock & turn the screw over the tooth pick, THEN ROCK!!!!!!

 

Right on Kuz!

[GuitArtMan]

I've been using these for 10+ (or is it 15+ ?) years now:

 

 

Inexpensive, no modification necessary and I've never had a failure.