New Ball user - strap lock question

[electric gypsy]

Hi everyone,

New user here. I just purchased a Music Man Reflex and have a newbie question regarding strap locks. I've noticed that the case is very form fitting. Will the guitar still fit in the case with the strap locks? I'm just wondering if the buttons will be longer than the stock ones.

Also, just to be sure it is not necessary to drill into the guitar in order to install the locks, correct?

Thanks!

 

[tonelover]

You can buy Ernie Ball Super Locks to ensure that no drilling is necessary and that they will fit in the case. I use them on my Music Mans and have had zero problems.

 

[electric gypsy]

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I'll be picking some up today.

 

[DrKev]

Wait a second, according to the official EBMM video it IS necessary to drill the holes. Being a slightly bigger guitar body than other EBMMS, does the reflex have it's own unique interior case mould? Will the strap locks still fit?

I would call customer service to check first, just to be sure. You'll find their number over here.http://www.music-man.com

 

[brokenvail]

Wait a second, according to the official EBMM video it IS necessary to drill the holes. Being a slightly bigger guitar body than other EBMMS, does the reflex have it's own unique interior case mould? Will the strap locks still fit?

I would call customer service to check first, just to be sure. You'll find their number over here.http://www.music-man.com

The video does say that but I have never had too and I have but them on 5 or 6 music man guitars. I actually use the same screw that the current strap buttons have instead of the ones that come with the locks. Works just fine for me.

 

[RobW]

The video does say that but I have never had too and I have but them on 5 or 6 music man guitars. I actually use the same screw that the current strap buttons have instead of the ones that come with the locks. Works just fine for me.

Ditto, I have the EB strap locks on 3 Axis' and did it this way

 

[Danserrano]

Same. I've had eb locks on a morse, 25th, and two jps.

 

[electric gypsy]

Wait a second, according to the official EBMM video it IS necessary to drill the holes. Being a slightly bigger guitar body than other EBMMS, does the reflex have it's own unique interior case mould? Will the strap locks still fit?

I would call customer service to check first, just to be sure. You'll find their number over here.http://www.music-man.com

The sales rep I spoke with said it's pretty much standard procedure to drill the holes in all of their guitars when installing EB strap locks and recommended doing so. Based on some of the replies here it seems unnecessary. I was a little surprised by their response.

 

[yellowv03]

I use schallers on all of my guitars including my 4 Balls. I use the stock screws with them. I have no idea why drilling the holes would be recommended.

 

[DrKev]

I'll tell you why...

You can quite easily force a screw into a hole that's a little too small. Screws for wood are self-tapping and will usually go in OK, sometimes with a bit of effort. It will feel good and tight and all should be well. But forcing it in may weaken the screw and that means that you risk breaking the head off the screw. That could happen at any point in the future just loosening or tightening it! If the screw is weakened enough it can eventually snap just from the weight of the guitar (I've seen that happen during a gig, mid song)! Strap locks are useless if they are not attached to the guitar - guitar crashes to the floor!

When that happens you have but two options - try the very risky manoeuvre of trying to drill the old screw out or just leave it where it is, try to cut any projecting metal flush with the finish. Then drill a new pilot hole for a new screw as close as you dare to old one. With a bit of luck the new strap button hides the old screw shaft.

Believe me, I've seen it enough times to know it can happen more often than you'd think! Re-drilling an existing hole is the safer bet, if you take the time to do it carefully.

And there is always the very slim chance that forcing a screw into a smaller hole can stress the wood so much that the wood splits...