Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

[Gearjoneser]

I've spent my whole life using nothing but Schaller strap locks, and continue to use them on most of my guitars.

But because of this forum years ago, I got turned on to the idea of using both metal washers and Grolsch bottle seals as strap locks, particularly on guitars like an SG or ES-335, because of the need for the strap on the neck joint.

Most importantly is that they stay put, and also don't make rattling noises like conventional strap locks. And they cost nearly nothing. I've found them on Grolsch bottles with the seal contraption on top, and also on olive oil bottles.
And metal washers work even better. There's no chance of your strap coming off, but with all of these methods your strap is considered a permanent attachment. You simply lay it over the guitar, while in the case.

Anyone else use washers or rubber bottle seals as strap locks? Or anything else, like the the Dunlop plastic thingies that use the same concept?

ES-335 with metal washer

SG Diablo with bottle seal

Dunlop plastic strap lock with Seymour Duncan Strap I didn't want to ruin with a Schaller strap lock....cutting the hole bigger.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

Ya know, I ditched my Schaller locks years ago and I'll nver go back to 'em....they make noise , the leave black crap on you when you take them off and they are just a pain in the back to me...

I switched to the leather style locks a while back and really dig 'em...you know the ones.

However most recently I have been using these on 2 of my guitars and rally dig them too and they are dirt cheep and easier to find than the leather ones...

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

However most recently I have been using these on 2 of my guitars and rally dig them too and they are dirt cheep and easier to find than the leather ones...

I have been using these (Dunlop Lok Straps) for years. They are cheap, require no modification to the guitar and they work just fine. Never dropped a guitar!

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I on the other hand had these things until the inner ring got out of the outer one and my strat fell face-first on solid concrete.

The trem bar absorbed most of the impact (as was evident from how the plastic tip was disfigured), the strings the rest.

Not gonna try my luck twice with 'em though...

 

[JeffB]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I have been using these (Dunlop Lok Straps) for years.!

Me 3. I figured I was the only guy using these things, lol.

I've used strap locks from Dunlop/Schaller in the past, but..those cheap plastic things work fine, as long as I don't go all Yngwie!

 

[JeffB]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

wow...my 10,000th post. Thats a lot of opinionated hot air blowin' about!

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I switched to Grolsch-style bottle seals about 9 months ago, after using Schallers for about 30 years. I got a baggie of 25 rubber seals for about 3 bucks on line. They are quieter, and I'm convinced they're less likely to tear the strap button screw out of the wood, because the strap is right against the body. Schallers apply a sideways twisting force to the screw because the strap has extra leverage due to the 1/2" or so mounting point, out from the body.

Grolsch seals are a bit harder to get on and off, but it's no big deal to me... each of my three guitars has a dedicated strap that stays on all the time.

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I'm a big believer in DiMarzio Clip-Lock Straps, but I have done the "Ghetto Strap Lock" thing w/washers as well. Works fine. :friday:

 

[Kam]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I need to get some of those plastic Dunlops for my Supersonic. The strap pin is actually attached to one of the bolts that holds the neck to the body, so I can't replace it to fit a regular Dunlop or Schaller.

Now I'm thinking I might get a metal washer instead. Stronger and thinner too. Perfect.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I leave my Straps on all my guitars. I use the Shallers on a few but I have to admit the rubber washer thing is great. the only negative is getting them on/off. You have to stretch them over the strap button, but other then that they work great.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I've been using Schallers for years. I tried a set from Guitarfetish too and they are a great inexpensive alternative. Most of my guitars have Schallers but my PRS SE and SG Classic just have oversized strap buttons. The PRS came with them and I bought Gotoh oversized buttons for the SG. I'll be using those Gotoh buttons on my next project as well. $4/pair at Mojotone.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

i used to use the dunlop lok strap but mine let go mid show and i damn near dropped my guitar.

i use schaller and dunlop strap locks and the grolsch bottle seals. all my guitars have a dedicated strap so they just live on there and i never have to worry about a strap coming off

 

[Stef]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

However most recently I have been using these on 2 of my guitars and rally dig them too and they are dirt cheep and easier to find than the leather ones...

+1

 

[Varg]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I use the rubber washers, you can find black ones which look better especially on a black guitar with a black strap.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

You have to stretch them over the strap button

Take the button off the guitar first, then put everything on together.

I prefer this method to strap locks too, I've always used washers though, never even thought about bottle seals. Where did you guys get new ones?

 

[Varg]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

Take the button off the guitar first, then put everything on together.

I prefer this method to strap locks too, I've always used washers though, never even thought about bottle seals. Where did you guys get new ones?

Either buy some Grolsch beers or look on ebay for some. I'd send you a pair but I gave my only spare set to my old bassist! :friday:

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

I have never needed strap locks of any sort



Guuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeeesssssss who has no stage presence

 

[woemoejack]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

schallers here too. I appreciate the functionality and basic design to the grolsh method, I may look around for some.

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

Ditched my Schallers for Grolsch washers years ago and I'm never going back.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Washers and bottle seals as strap locks.

Take the button off the guitar first, then put everything on together.

I prefer this method to strap locks too, I've always used washers though, never even thought about bottle seals. Where did you guys get new ones?

That's a lot of work just to take the strap off. Its not that bad. I just pull on it until it pops over. I like to remove the strap when I do a setup on them so I can clean it properly. Pulling the screw out just seems to be asking for other problems, like stripping out a screw.