Strap Lock Question (forum search done, exact answer not found)

Jules

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Aug 12, 2012
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Location
Cairo, Georgia, United States
I bought Schaller strap locks for my SBMM before funding out the EB made a similar type product. From what I have read, I gather that the strap button stock on a MM bass/guitar are not compatible with a EB locks set. Is that correct.

Being overly anal as I am, I have a few concerns over replacing strap buttons. Damaging the bass, breaking a screw, and unoriginal equipment on the bass, are the three best that I think are the least likely to cause me to seem like a real goof. I also want to be able to use the same strap for whatever bass I am using, so getting extra buttons is of issue as well.

If the EB locks won't work with the MM buttons, are there any strap locks that will work with the stock buttons? I know it REALLY is no big deal to switch out the buttons, just not a big fan of jacking around with something that was perfect from the start.
 
That is correct, Jules. Strap locks, including EB locks, are not compatible with the the OEM strap button.

I wouldn't be too concerned about replacing the strap buttons. Especially if you're replacing them with EB product. Their QC is second to none, and their strap locks are designed as a direct replacement. I have them on mine and wouldn't gig without them.

Nice pics, by the way. Have you plugged that bad boy in?

tbone
 
just make sure you keep the original strap pins handy, in case you do sell and you want to return it to its original status.
I like Ernie Ball straplocks on my EBMM basses, and Dunlops on everything else.
 
That is correct, Jules. Strap locks, including EB locks, are not compatible with the the OEM strap button.

I wouldn't be too concerned about replacing the strap buttons. Especially if you're replacing them with EB product. Their QC is second to none, and their strap locks are designed as a direct replacement. I have them on mine and wouldn't gig without them.

Nice pics, by the way. Have you plugged that bad boy in?

tbone
Actually I have yet to touch the thing. My cab has been delayed getting shipped so I am going to have use my headphone amp for now anyway.
 
I swap out the buttons on all of my guitars with Schallers and the MM shop-installed screws usually work fine. In a couple of cases I have used 2" screws. Whatever I do, I always retain the original hardware - just in case.
 
Will Dunlop straplocks fit without modification or do they require different screws?
I have Dunlops on all my basses including my Stingrays but I was a big concerned with the Bongo and the softer basswood.
It also seemed like the screw for the Bongo was quite a bit longer than my Rays.
 
They require small head screws that come in their package. The regular EB screws will not work (won't fit inside the hollow part of the Dunlop receptor). I don't recall if the EB screws are interchangeable. This is an EB forum, so ixnay on more talk about other brands, K?
 
I swap out the buttons on all of my guitars with Schallers and the MM shop-installed screws usually work fine. In a couple of cases I have used 2" screws. Whatever I do, I always retain the original hardware - just in case.

This. Exactly what I do as well. Works great every time.
 
Will Dunlop straplocks fit without modification or do they require different screws?
I have Dunlops on all my basses including my Stingrays but I was a big concerned with the Bongo and the softer basswood.
It also seemed like the screw for the Bongo was quite a bit longer than my Rays.

I think the other brand screws are shorter. I always use the original screws so I don't have to worry about the screw threads not matching. On one set the screw head wouldn't fit into the button hole so I took it to work and ground a little off the head diameter. I also like to put a drop of wood glue in the screw hole before re-installing the button for extra insurance on the fit.
If you want some extra strap integrity while keeping all original equipment they make a washer type lock that goes on the factory button and keeps the strap from sliding off.
 
Schallers are a quick and easy swap. You can use the exact same screw that came with your bass. I have done it many times, and if you ask my wife, she'll say I'm no Mr. Fix-it.
 
I bought some Schallers recently. They are now being sold with the longer screws to be used with the EBMM basses. Easy swap out. Just look at the package before you buy to see if they have both screws. Cheers!
 
I use the EB strap locks. Best I have come across. I have used most of them. Especially with how violent I play. No failures.
 
just make sure you keep the original strap pins handy, in case you do sell and you want to return it to its original status.
I like Ernie Ball straplocks on my EBMM basses, and Dunlops on everything else.

+1
 
Wow.. I never knew that EB made Straplocks. Must be something new. I have dunlops on most, and schallers on the rest. If I'd known about the EB ones though I would have put them on my MM basses. Then again, they look kinda bulky and heavy. I've already put locks on all my guitars, so there really isn't any reason to make changes.

The EB stock buttons have REALLY long screws, and I think the thread pitch/width is different from dunlop and schaller. So, a little hole filling may be required.
 
The EB stock buttons have REALLY long screws, and I think the thread pitch/width is different from dunlop and schaller. So, a little hole filling may be required.

When I changed mine out I just went to the local ACE Hardware and showed them the original EB screw. They matched it up thread/length and then slightly ground down the head on the new ones so that it would drop into the Dunlops. Cost me .13 cents each and they fit and look perfect without having to make any changes to the body.
 
I got a set of EB Super Locks today. I love the fact that they screw on with the screws already in the bass. I started the screws with my fingers to be sure I was properly threading them. The screws go in a little deeper with the replacement buttons so there are no security worries. I bought mine in black since my bass and strap are black. I figured they would be more subdued an less obtrusive looking than chrome. The fact is that they are far smaller than they seemed to appear in the photos I saw when I ordered. In the picture they looked akin to door knobs but look very nice installed.
 
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