Ernie Ball Strap Locks

[stu42]

Thanks for the info.

I had the Dunlops a looong time ago (probably 20 years ago) and I got rid of them because I noticed over time that the part that attached to the strap (call this the "locking part") started developing more and more play when inserted into the button. When I let the guitar hang naturally the locking part looked like it was just barely holding on - which didn't give me a lot of confidence.

So, I switched to the Schallers because I just think they're inherently more secure. But, I don't like the rattle and squeek they make. The solution to that is DO NOT attach the locking part to the strap. What I do now is just put the strap onto the Schaller button, as you would a normal strap button, and then I fit the locking part onto the button. That way, the strap is sandwiched between the guitar and the locking part. Voila...secure, and no more noise.

When some people had rumoured that the E.B. strap locks would fit over top of the existing strap buttons I thought they would work this way. I guess not though. If I have to change the button that's okay. The main benefit I see of the E.B. strap locks over the Schallers is that you get to use the same size/diameter of screw as the stock ones - which is a significant advantage because otherwise you have to drill out the guitar, glue in a dowel and then drill a smaller diameter hole for the Schaller screw/button...which is a pain and makes no sense!!!

I'm thinking I could use the "sandwich" approach with the E.B. system as well if I want - which is cool with me. On the other hand, if the E.B. locking part fits more securely than the Dunlop system then that would be better as well.

 

[candid_x]

Isn't that a hassle to strap on each time, to do the sandwich thing?

As mentioned, I found that by running a tiny bit of vasoline through the u channel with a q-tip solved the squeak and rattle issue on the Schallers.

Also, I found the existing MM guitar strap button screw to work just fine with the Schallers (at least to my recollection). I think you may be referring to Gibson's screw, which is wider than the one that comes with Schallers, and so inserting a toothpick in the hole takes up the extra space. I've never been too keen on that idea.

Also curious on which of your guitars the screw worked its way loose. Might it have been on one that you used the toothpick?

 

[candid_x]

Looking again at the EB design again, I think I may just order a couple. I like that there's no bulky protrusions (unlike Schallers), and that it requires depressing both buttons to release.

 

[stu42]

Isn't that a hassle to strap on each time, to do the sandwich thing?

As mentioned, I found that by running a tiny bit of vasoline through the u channel with a q-tip solved the squeak and rattle issue on the Schallers.

Also, I found the existing MM guitar strap button screw to work just fine with the Schallers (at least to my recollection). I think you may be referring to Gibson's screw, which is wider than the one that comes with Schallers, and so inserting a toothpick in the hole takes up the extra space. I've never been too keen on that idea.

Also curious on which of your guitars the screw worked its way loose. Might it have been on one that you used the toothpick?

Yeah...it's not the most convenient thing to have to do the sandwich thing but I'd never tried the vasoline approach. The sandwich approach was suggested to me by a guy who works at a local guitar shop.

The issue I had with the screw coming loose was on a G&L L2500. Come to think of it, I've never had a problem with the screw diameter on my Strat though so maybe it's only an issue with certain guitars that use a larger diameter screw. I fixed the problem with the G&L by drilling a larger hole where the strap button was and gluing in a solid-wood dowel and then drilling a proper sized hole for the Schaller screw. That worked well but is not something I want to do with all my guitars.

Maybe I'll try the vasoline approach on my Strat - I just hope it doesn't make a mess of the strap button - leaving vasoline on it when I take the strap off.

 

[candid_x]

lol, try just a tiny bit of the vasoline, I mean just barely enough to coat the channel.

I was looking around at my straps, which I use all of on the same guitars, and realized that since they all have Schallers already, it would mean switching all of them or none of them to the EB's. At 20 or more bucks a pop, that's a bit much right now.

 

[DrGonzo5150]

lol, try just a tiny bit of the vasoline, I mean just barely enough to coat the channel.

I was looking around at my straps, which I use all of on the same guitars, and realized that since they all have Schallers already, it would mean switching all of them or none of them to the EB's. At 20 or more bucks a pop, that's a bit much right now.

But think of all the money spent on vasoline you would save

 

[Colin]

My first shipment of strap locks ran out the door. The second shipment arrived today and this time I'm grabbing some for myself. They're really cool!

 

[Rokstar]

Can someone post pics of their guitar with the straplock buttons installed? I'm just curious to see them with out the strap and locking piece...

 

[INMT]

 

[Rokstar]

Rock on! Thanks bro! Can you use them as regular strap buttons too?

 

[INMT]

Rock on! Thanks bro! Can you use them as regular strap buttons too?

Yes.

 

[mikeller]

Gotta a question - is the screws with the EB Stap Locks the same size as the original strap pin screws? Thank you

 

[Eilif]

They are the same diameter, but the screws that come with the strap locks are of a different length. I suggest using the screws that come with the strap locks.

 

[mikeller]

Thanks very much. Two sets bought & installed!!!

 

[TheBassGuy]

I've just searched the forums about a question I have, but can't find a straight answer. I just bought an EB super lock set on a webstore for my new EBMM Sterling. Right after, I went to search for installation instructions. I found this video on EB TV were the locks are installed. At one point, the guy (Drew) uses a drill for the holes and that made me scared. I don't like the idea of drilling holes in my brand new Sterling. Further searching releaved that it's not needed, but other posters say it is needed?! My question: Do I need to drill holes? It's a Sterling 4, which has a DOB: 12/30/08

Sorry if I bump up an old topic, but it seemed kinda sensless to open a new one for this little question.

 

[5Stringer]

No worries at all. The screws are the same as we already use on the Music Man strap buttons that are already on the guitar. You can use the original screws or the ones that come with the Superlocks, they are the same.

(by the way - this was not a coincidence )

Dan

 

[drewbixcubed]

ReB87: It's that guy (Drew)!

You only need to drill the hole if the current hole does not meet the specs on the packaging (7/64" diameter, 1.5" deep). The diameter of your MM instrument should be fine, but the depth may not be. We have recently modified the depth of the strap button holes in production to better fit the Super Locks (for potential future users).

A good way to check the depth is take something small that can fit into the hole (like a string), bottom it out, mark the point where it protrudes from the body, remove the string, and measure from the end to your mark.

The possible issue that can occur if the hole is not the correct size is the screw will bottom out before the button is tight to the body, thus resulting in loose strap button or a potentially stripped screw (depending on how hard you force the large screw into the small hole).

Hope the "extended" description helps!

 

[TheBassGuy]

Thanks Dan & Drew!

 

[TheBassGuy]

Just a little update. I received the strap buttons today and installed them. It was a very very easy installation! No drilling, same size screws as Dan and Drew said. Only thing I struggled with was the washer at the upper horn. I can't get it straight on my Sterling, but hey, that's only cosmetics.

 

[5Stringer]

The nylon washer on the upper horn is different from the other one, it is curved instead of flat. Is there a chance you may have mixed them up? If you need a new curved washer, let me know and I will send you one.

Thanks

Dan