Schaller S-Lock Install - Bye bye beer washers!

[MattyD]

For everyone fighting straps, buttons, and blowouts, I figured I’d write a longer post about my journey with strap attachment. Hope it helps future Bass Buddies!

Just a short while ago I was having some issues with keeping my straps from slipping over my buttons. It was driving me mad. I decided to do what I do when problems drive a little me too batty, buy a six pack.

Except this time my beer came with funny caps (and it was a 4 pack). Grolsch beer with flip top lids. I figured anything named after the legendary musician couldn’t be bad…

So I took the bright red washers and slapped them over my buttons. STRAP LOCKS BABY! Well sort of…

While they did a great job of keeping my straps connected, a new problem started, friction. The tightness of the connection was so much that it was working my strap buttons loose. You’ll know things are getting bad when your strap buttons start squeaking.

After tightening my screws a couple of times I knew this game would eventually end in disaster as my screw holes were gradually turning into sawdust.

So I hit the forums to see what strap locks my favorite bassists were using. After some research I landed on Schaller S-locks

I ended up buying two sets but most people can probably get buy with one set and just buttons for their other basses.

The install is pretty simple. First I had to remedy the loose hole on my Stingray. A little wood glue, some sawdust, and split toothpicks later and I was in business.

Out with the old - I removed the old strap buttons from both of my guitars and started installing the new buttons.

The Schaller locks require an Allen key to install so I had to dig around in the tool drawer but the nice thing about that is the screws and buttons seem like they are one piece. So you can get them started with your fingers instead of fumbling with a screwdriver trying to align the screw.

After that the clips go onto your strap and are secured with large metal washer-like retainers. There is even a through hole in the washer in case you want to use an Allen key to provide more torque.

These washers also feature a small set screw (slot screw head) that enables you to add another level of security to the washer.

The locks snap right into the buttons with a satisfying click. It’s like having a seatbelt for your bass.

All in all the install wasn’t too bad for 2 basses. I also like the look of these compared to some of the other strap locks on the market. They don’t stick out as far.

Anyway that’s my Schaller S-lock story. I’m hoping that is the very last time I’m going to have to mess with strap buttons!

[howard]

@MattyD

I ended up buying two sets but most people can probably get buy with one set and just buttons for their other basses.

Yep this is what I do. You can buy the buttons alone pretty cheaply; I always order a pair when I get a new instrument.

…and voila, now I just need one strap for all my instruments.

[faydout]

I may look into this in the new year if I don’t have to drill anything out or expand the holes on my basses to fit these. I really like new strap I got for my BB so being able to swap them out that easily would be cool.

[MattyD]

The screws might be a little bigger. My stingray was fine but my fender I cracked the finish around the holes. It’s an older guitar so I don’t know if the felt just pushed too much or what. I don’t over tighten things so I’m not sure what exactly caused it but it’s just a tiny chip near the felt.

[faydout]

@MattyD

I cracked the finish around the holes

Which is why I haven’t done locks to this point.

[MattyD]

I would have to break out the calipers and measure. My advice would be if you hear any cracking to just stop. I think it’s a fair trade vs a button coming loose and destroying your instrument (0r your face)

[howard]

I’ve never had a problem just screwing them in the old holes without drilling. In fact you want them to have wood to bite.

[MattyD]

Oh wait… Now I think I know what it was. That was the hole that was previously blown out and I fixed with toothpicks. But then again I did that with my other bass too so who knows. I’m going to chalk it up to older paint.

[sunDOG]

@MattyD

Schaller S-locks

I’ve got them on the Dingwall and the Ibanez EHB. The 90s Hohner has black ‘Grolsch’esk’ rubber washers and really should get an upgrade. The other basses can wait…

@howard

and voila, now I just need one strap for all my instruments.

I find that each bass seems to require a different length strap, depending on the placement of the lower button and the length of the ‘horn’ - very frustrating - each bass has its own strap!

[howard]

@sunDOG

@howard

and voila, now I just need one strap for all my instruments.

I find that each bass seems to require a different length strap, depending on the placement of the lower button and the length of the ‘horn’ - very frustrating - each bass has its own strap!

Never needed or wanted this myself; my basses and guitar all hang the same.

Interesting that it makes a difference for you; feel is king though so you do what is best for you

[faydout]

@sunDOG

black ‘Grolsch’esk’ rubber washers

I’ve been doing a mix of these in the front and the locking D’Addario clips on the back end of all my basses.

[John_E]

@howard

I’ve never had a problem just screwing them in the old holes without drilling. In fact you want them to have wood to bite.

Some Squire holes are too small and need a wee bit of drilling to open up but otherwise they go in just fine on all the basses I’ve put them on.

[MattyD]

This was a squire

[Vader]

Yeah, as soon as I found out locks require removing pieces and putting new ones on I backed away - at least for now.

Although messing up my bass would be a great justification for buying a second, right?

[faydout]

@Vader

great justification for buying a second, right?

*Another

Although I’m perfectly content with my stable atm.

[fennario]

@sunDOG

I find that each bass seems to require a different length strap, depending on the placement of the lower button and the length of the ‘horn’ - very frustrating - each bass has its own strap!

That’s been my experience as well, although I just end up adjusting the strap length each time I move it between basses. You do it enough times and you know the right way to adjust it for each.

[fennario]

@MattyD

The locks snap right into the buttons with a satisfying click. It’s like having a seatbelt for your bass.

This is my favorite part about Schallers - no need to press the button to lock it into place, just slide the part on the strap over the pin on the bass and the bevel takes care of the rest. “Snick.”

[Barney]

@MattyD

but my fender I cracked the finish around the holes.

This is why you drill the hole to the appropriate size. So the shank of the screw matches the drill bit size.

If you pre drill then you won’t stress the finish and crack it like the OP @faydout

In the Dunlop strap lock instructions it even tells you what size drill bit to use. It might on the Schaller’s?

Dunlop StrapLok Strap Retainers (Installation Instruction)

[Whying_Dutchman]

@MattyD

I cracked the finish around the holes

I had the same issue on my HBs!

Be carefull to attach the Schaller locks as tight as possible to the strap.
They tend to turn around and the bass can fall out of the lock!

[MattyD]

I have the locks real tight on the strap and the set screw is also in.