MusicMan Beginner's question

[jerome75]

Hi everyone,

I bought today a Stingray... Amazing ! I used to play on an Ibanez SR700 and it seems like I had never played the bass before today.. It is a real slap machine !

I have a question related to strap-locks: do you have an advice in order to unscrew properly the screws on the Stingray?

I'm actually not able to do that...

Sorry for this question but I wonder if there are some specific straplocks for the Stingrays so that the "native" screws don't have to be removed.

Many thanks in advance,
Jérome

 

[bovinehost]

The screws holding the strap buttons - they won't come out?

I use Dunlops so the 'native' screws must be replaced, and I've never had a problem getting them out with....well, a screwdriver.

 

[jerome75]

Thanks

Either I'm not strong enough or it is impossible to replace the screws manually on my Stingray ...

I will try again but I wouldn't like to damage this beautiful bass

 

[bovinehost]

Well, as far as getting the original screws out, they should come right out with a little muscle and a Phillips screwdriver.

Usually, with straplocks, the replacement screws are longer and can be tough to get back in. What works?

SOAP! Yup, get yourself a bar of soap and rub a little bit on the shafts of the replacement screws. Makes it a lot easier plus your bass will smell like spring in Ireland.

 

[tom_683]

Is it easy to install the strap locks? I want to put some in but im always worried about messing with my bass. Is it easy to do yourself?

 

[bovinehost]

I am not Mister Handy With Tools. If I can do it, you can do it. Easy steps to follow:

1. Use Phillips screwdriver to remove original strap buttons.
2. Place old strap buttons in tiny ziploc bag for future reference.
3. Rub new screw shafts lightly with bar soap.
4. Insert in original screw hole, tighten.
5. Have martini.

 

[jongitarz]

Jack...you rock

 

[bing4sons]

In the case of my Axis SS, the original screws were larger than the screws that came with the strap locks, so I used the original screws.

Bing

 

[shaver]

i found that the replacement screws fit in perfectly, although hard to get in, it fit...I also found that the strap locks were hard to fit onto my strap, the dunlop at least, The part that keeps it on the strap is a pain to get in, but is worth it cause dunlop worked the best for me of all the strap locks.

 

[LeftyLB]

According to the writers at Bassist Magazine (UK publication) the most cost effective and reliable way of ensuring your strap stays in place is to use the rubber seals from the tops of Grolsch Beer bottles.

http://www.grolsch.com/

Not only are they the perfect size to lock your strap with, but you get a free bottle of refreshing European beer with each strap-lock you purchase.

Not recommended for those bass players who insist on taking 4-5 basses on stage everynight as playing can be effected!

Liam

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Lefty...I'm after an article from a back issue of those magazines...do you save them?

 

[LeftyLB]

I subscribed from issue one so I should have them all at home still.

What are you looking for?

If I have it I will get it scanned and email it to you.

Cheers

Liam

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Thanks Liam...I'll send you an Email.

 

[jubjub721]

thats bassist magazine
not bass player right?

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Yep..."Bass Player" is US. Lefty has"Bassist"..... UK publication but no longer printed.

 

[jadesmar]

Can someone please post a description on how to use the rubber stoppers from the grolsch? I am not getting the mental image.

 

[LeftyLB]

The Rubber stopper is circular with a hole in the middle, like a miniture car tyre or a polo mint.

Therefore, you pull the stopper off of the bottle lid, put your strap on your bass and then place the rubber stopper over the strap holder where it is a tight fit and locks the strap on to the bass.

You then drink the bottle of Grolsch, buy a second one and repeat the exercise for the other end of the strap.

Repeat this exercise until all guitars in the band are covered or you have passed out on the floor.

 

[jongitarz]

I was told the same thing by one of our artists Phil Chen, but he also uses string retainers in addition to the beer washers...He says it never comes loose

Jon

 

[easelkillya]

That's fascinating about the Grolsch beer stoppers. Oddly enough, I have a bottle in my fridge. God only knows how longs it's been there. Do they work just as well after you've taken them off and on several times, or are they a disposable deal?

 

[LeftyLB]

If you think about it, this is a self-answering question, if you like the taste of Grolsch Beer!.

Enjoy

Liam