Fender Straplocks Arrived/My Verdict.

[PeteG45]

I use Schallers but I always open up the hole on the end of the strap to properly fit the threaded part of the strap lock. I was hoping that Fender would offer something to make up for the issue but I guess they figured that you didn't want a replacement set.

It is a shame that they have gone down the path to the cheap side. They need to realize that their reputation depends on the quality of their product and that the internet has made it possible for the consumer to spread the word quickly. Build a good product and it'll spread like wildfire, build a bad product and it'll die on the vine.

[ThreeHands]

I tried using the (Great schallers strap lock) that all of my friend had talked about back in the early 90's. but I found that they made alot of noise through my valve amps.
(mainly because I wind the amps up hard and back off the guitar volume)
so I just ended up screwing the straps strait to the guitars with a couple of washers on each side.
I now most of you will think that this is a little extreme but it's been working for me for more than 19 years now.

[stratagem]

kraigey,
Thanks for the clarification. I have the Fender's also (came with mine) and the problem was trying to put them on a thick leather strap. It took weeks for the leather to 'flatten' and allow the nut to fit flush. That's why I suggested 'user error'. The singer in my band installed his upside down and barely screwed them on so there was no way to tell whether you knew what you were doing.

I wanted to give Fender the benefit of the doubt... I'll be interested to see what the Service Manager, or whoever, says in their reply.

[Strat-Talk]

I decided to merge the OPs two threads on this topic because combined they provide a better balance of opinions on this subject. Previously they were two threads and the second one had a PLEASE READ shouting headline.

[Sprocket]

IM trying to understand if hes having problems with the screw pitch, which is easily remedied with a toothpick and some wood glue(Ive always had to do this with Schallers).
Or if its the thickness of the strap?(as mentioned by another poster, youve got to give the leather time to compress and give)
Or if its the actual locking tab?(mine had a minor burr that was worked out with a lil oil and some movement)

I think you are over reacting...as those have got to be the only issues that could have arisen.
Maybe a picture of the actual problem might explain a lil better?

[kraigeyroxx]

The strap buttons were not coming out of the guitar end, no need for tooth picks etc etc as they were solid. The problems were in the end that attaches to the strap end. The black disc kept slipping out of the strap button as it was not long enough to go far enough into the strap button. The nut that threard onto the strap end also kept un-doing intself, After it happened twice i decided to tighten the nut with a wrench but this only gave me an extra 2 mins or so before the problems repeated to happen. I am not an overly active guitarist, I dont prance around my room whilste playing and do guitar swings or anything like that so the product was just not good enough to keep the strap locked onto the guitar even when just standing and playing to backing tracks.

Some of you may think i am overacting but my opinion is, they used to include strap locks to their guitars in the 90's and now they dont. Even tho they have raised the price of the USA Strats by a few hundred, so you have to buy these strap locks as an extra because they are not factory installed. Naturally i thought 'Fender Guitar Fender Product', it seemed the best way to go but truth is Fenders product is not good enough to keep my guitar safe so i am going to find something else.

[Sprocket]

Yeah, you should probably just use those bottle tops or Dunlops.
If the straplocks dont have any toolmarks, Id give you $10 for them(shipped)...or maybe you can just return them?

[kraigeyroxx]

The straplocks are in as new condition but i am currently awaiting a reply from the seller as to whether i am getting a refund or not.

[AllroyPA]

Dunlops work well.

[still_fiddlin]

Those look pretty much the same as the unbranded ones I bought in the local shop. I think the blister pack said "Allparts" but I could be remembering wrong. I think they work well. They did come with 4 nuts, so I spun on the 2nd one as a lock. Seems like they haven't been going anywhere, but after reading these threads I took them off and put some Loctite Blue on them for good measure.

Now, why do we need them? I don't know. I never had these things before, but maybe it's poorer quality straps (or I'm just cheaper, which is definitely true, and the straps I buy aren't as good), but I had my strat slip off twice. Caught it both times, but sent me looking for these. The added benefit is that when the strap gets all twisty, it's a snap to unhook, straighten, and put back on.

[Giant]

just gotta watch that end thats swingin around when you do that. i smacked my tele like that a couple of times. ha ha. still better than it crashin to the floor mid-song though.