Fender Straplocks Arrived/My Verdict.

kraigeyroxx · June 29th, 2009, 01:18 PM

Hi guys
As you may have seen in a separate thread i posted last week i was interested in getting some Fender Strap Locks which are Fenders version of the Schaller Strap Lock. I asked for your opinion and i had a few replies saying they are as good as the Schallers so i went ahead and placed my order.
They arrived today and i installed them straight away. Man were you guys right!! I have had Schaller Strap Locks before on many guitars and i have to say the Fender ones are easily as good. The screws provided with the Fender ones are the same thickness as the original ones that come on the guitar so no need for any modification and they also provide you with a set of nice new felt pads, these strap locks were half the price as Schaller and are easily as strong and my personal favourite thing about the Fender ones is they have the Fender logo engraved on the back! Perfect for any fender lover

Offshore Angler · June 29th, 2009, 02:53 PM

Be careful with them though. I had two guitars hit the stage floor with them. When you gig heavy, the chrome plating wears off the locking post and binds the mechanism, or just dirt and whatever ends up in there. You think it's snapped in but it isn't. One guitar hit me right on the top of my foot and I was limping for a week, so that was the end of those! Went back to the Grolsch locks and never had a problem again in over 10 years. Plus, the Grolsch locks are $8 for 6 and include a free beer with every one. And they make you look like a real player to the guitar fans in the audience.

And on the Fender units, do put LockTight on the threads for the strap attachment. I've seen the nut come loose and fall off, and the guitar falls off the strap.

Failure mode three is when the U-shaped receiver gets turned around on your strap while you play.

furtherfan · June 29th, 2009, 02:54 PM

I just checked.. i had no idea what brand was on mine.. :P

it turns out they are schaller... work fine.

for my other one i ordered the simple oldies (the now lockable skirt-shaped).
.. and a new strap... ofcourse.

kraigeyroxx · June 29th, 2009, 03:03 PM

Man, im really worried about my guitar falling off now lol
I no longer gig due to tendonitis in my left hand but i do still love to enjoy myself at home so i just pray that these Fender Strap Locks hold out. Other than that if i could find a set of schaller strap locks but just the part that goes on the strap, could i put those strap locks on the fender strap buttons?

Offshore Angler · June 29th, 2009, 03:11 PM

Scallers are nice but after some real workouts they have been known to pull the screws out or just mess the screws up.

That's why the old-timers use the Grolsch method. It never fails and requires no modiification of the guitar.

T-Bodz Terry B. · June 29th, 2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Offshore Angler

That's why the old-timers use the Grolsch method. It never fails and requires no modiification of the guitar.

Maybe a silly question, but I've never seen the Grolsch Method ..... something
to do with the same way the berr Bottle Top Fastens to the Bottle? Pics anybody?

Thank you!

Terry

Offshore Angler · June 29th, 2009, 03:43 PM

Guitar tips: DIY strap lock system | Play Like a Girl

The Grolsch Beer Strap Lock - Musformation

Giant · June 29th, 2009, 03:52 PM

i never had any problems with the schallers. i have them on three of my guitars. those other ones that plug into the front of the strap button...THOSE are some real crap locks. i like the schaller (and now the fender) style ones, because even if the spring locks up inside, the guitar still hangs in that u-shape securely.

these are the ones that suck:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...sku=364008#new
i put a set of those on my guitar and they let go THREE times during one 45-min set. i had to take em off to do the next two sets.

beer washer looks kinda cool too.

furtherfan · June 29th, 2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant

these are the ones that suck:
Buy Dunlop Dual-Design Straplok System | Strap Locks | Strap Buttons | Musician's Friend

oh those look unsafe as hell...

Sprocket · June 29th, 2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraigeyroxx

Man, im really worried about my guitar falling off now lol
I no longer gig due to tendonitis in my left hand but i do still love to enjoy myself at home so i just pray that these Fender Strap Locks hold out. Other than that if i could find a set of schaller strap locks but just the part that goes on the strap, could i put those strap locks on the fender strap buttons?

Its not really as big of a deal as some might want you to believe...but when you put your strap on, just make sure the nut is tight on the strap...as the nut does have a tendency to back out after months and months of use. One day you will look and see what I mean, but just check these before putting all of your faith into them.
Ive had mine slip on me, twice, and I was able to catch it...now I just catch it before it becomes an issue.
And I personally blame the strap more than I do the locks, as the strap wears the nut becomes loose. Stretching causes the material to thin and then the parts are no longer tight.
BTW Locktite works nicely for added security.

Regarding Fender strap locks, I just received my second set, and I do prefer them over the Shallers as the design seems more sleek and low profile, 3 dimples on the strap side should hold its place a lil better than without. I also like how it comes with both black and white felts...and theres no need to dowel the screw holes, as its the same size and thread pitch screws.
BUT, out of the box one of the release buttons was catching, like on a burr. I applied some light oil and worked it in and out till it worked freely....and I seem to recall similar issue with the last set which hasnt had issue since...just never had this issue with Schallers, but will probably continue to buy the Fenders unless cost and availability become an issue.

midnight hwy · June 29th, 2009, 08:13 PM

Hmmm... Looks like Schaller is now putting the Fender logo on the strap locks. The last set of Fender packed Strap locks I bought still had the Schaller logo on them (been a few years ago)

I wouldn't worry to much about your guitar falling off. I've been using Schallers on all my guitars for over 20 years now with no failures

Biggest suggestion I can make, and what has already been stated. Use locktite on the nuts that attach the lock to the strap. This has been the only failure I have seen so far, the nuts work loose, fall off, and there goes the guitar.

The screws in the buttons can work loose over time, but I've seen that with about any kind of strap button. I've had new guitars that came with loose strap buttons. Just check them every now and then and you should be fine

kraigeyroxx · June 30th, 2009, 07:17 AM

Thanks guys, i was bricking it thinking my Strat was going to hit the deck!

Offshore Angler · June 30th, 2009, 08:25 AM

Didya ever notice how many people have had various and sundry problems with straplocks - but people who don't use them never seem to say that the guitar came off the strap?

Makes you go "hmmmmm".

Strat-Man-Do · June 30th, 2009, 09:07 AM

Fender and Schaller combined to make the Strap-Locks and the Locking Tuners that Fender is using..............Basically they are Schaller.

The issues that Offshore mentioned are real, and you will need to prevent these issues from occuring at some point. Just be in the habit of checking out the set-up if you are gigging. If the cup going over the strap button is tight it is going to loosen the button from the body much faster than you would imagine.

With a Washer type set-up, do you guys just leave the strap on the guitars? They have to remain on in the OHSC then? Thats the only issue I see with a Washer set-up, Dimarzio use's a locking system utilizing a washer type set-up also.

kraigeyroxx · June 30th, 2009, 10:04 AM

I have a simple yet cheap solution for the nut coming loose on the strap end, use PTFE Tape around the thread and tighten it up over the tape and it wont go anywhere. I have used PTFE Tape on loose jack inputs before and they will never come loose unless you want to lossen it yourself. For those of you who are not familiar with the wonders of PTFE, its a tape used in the plumbing industry. It acts a little like putty under compression, being forced into small gaps between threads in order to create an air- and watertight seal when threaded into a joint. The tape is commonly used commercially in pressurized water systems, such as central heating systems, as well as in air compression equipment and thread joints with coarse threads.

Craig

kraigeyroxx · June 30th, 2009, 10:06 AM

One more thing

This is how cheap it really is.

12 metres for 99p. One roll for under £1.00 and it will last you years

T-Bodz Terry B. · June 30th, 2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Offshore Angler

Guitar tips: DIY strap lock system | Play Like a Girl

The Grolsch Beer Strap Lock - Musformation

Very cool, thank you for the link....

Ludo · June 30th, 2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraigeyroxx

One more thing

This is how cheap it really is.

12 metres for 99p. One roll for under £1.00 and it will last you years

Great tip, kraigeyroxx. PTFE tape does exactly that. As you said, it's meant to stop water joints leaking/unscrewing over time and temperature stress and because it's so compressible it sort of 'vanishes' if you overtighten a screw fitting with it in place. So there's no danger of it harming the thread.

But back to the strap question. I'm trying Jim Dunlop's Lok Straps, which have worked a treat for a few months. They simply consist of two linked, highly frictioned discs which fit over the strap and strap button. You rotate one and as the holes are asymmetrical the overall hole shrinks until it's snug tight on the button. The discs tighten against each other like a clutch and don't move, and neither does your strap.

Pluses

Jim Dunlop Lok Straps are cheap.
They don't require any modification to your guitar.
They seem to work very well.
They also keep your straps pointing upwards, in the right direction, if you see what I mean. So if you keep your guitars on single stands, like I do, and you pick up a new one, the straps don't tend to catch under the foot of the stands as much.
They're easily transferable and once removed, your guitar will look as before.

Minuses

They're visible/noticeable. They come in black and if your strap/strap-hole leather bit isn't black, they're going to draw attention.

The hole is quite small. Those Ibanez-style large front strap buttons are too large and won't work. Although Strat ones fit perfectly.

Your wife might make jokes about fitting certain parts of you into them and tightening them right up to 'make you last longer'. Or maybe that minus is personal to me.

kraigeyroxx · June 30th, 2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ludo

Your wife might make jokes about fitting certain parts of you into them and tightening them right up to 'make you last longer'. Or maybe that minus is personal to me.

LOL on the wife comment. PTFE tape will make any thread you fit it to tight and it is sure to last. After doing some research the Fender/Schaller strap locks i recently purchased are, Fender and Schaller teaming up. Exact same product just with the Fender logo engraved. Any of the above methods work just fine, I guess im just pedantic and want everything to be Fender lol

Sprocket · June 30th, 2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Offshore Angler

Didya ever notice how many people have had various and sundry problems with straplocks - but people who don't use them never seem to say that the guitar came off the strap?

Makes you go "hmmmmm".

I dont know if I would define the issues as "problems" or "sundry"...its just a word of caution, but once you are aware of what could happen...it never does, so no problem.

I for one have several stories where my guitar took a dive, without straplocks, although my guitars never hit the ground, this was the reason for buying strap locks in the first place...and I must have purchased 12 sets since. Just because Im familiar with the issues doesnt mean it is a constant issue...its just something that needs to be observed while putting your strap on.
Theres really no sense in over-exaggerating a minor issue to be a "problem"...alot of us are just suggesting, if you are new to strap locks you might wanna pay attention or address is minor issue.

Ludo · June 30th, 2009, 02:27 PM

Just seen the Grolsch solution. That's got to be too good to be true, hasn't it?

If not, you're left with the colour issue. They're, sort of meaty pink. Which, as a male strapped to the back of a loud guitar, I instinctively avoid. At least while I'm playing.

That aside they're doing pretty much the same job as my Jim Dunlop Lok Straps, but are much smaller and neater. I'm trying it, if only for the beer.

kraigeyroxx · June 30th, 2009, 02:57 PM

I posted a thread a few days ago saying i had ordered Fender/Schaller Straplocks, I installed them last night and all appeared to be ok.

heres the part you MUST READ

When i returned home from work today i couldnt wait to play my Strat and see how my new Strap Locks were.

They are useless!!!!

They come loose after about 5 minutes and i am not gonna trust my new USA Strat with these ever again. They are as useful as a chocolate teapot.

I wrote this new thread to warn all you Fender playes as yesterday they seemed fine, however under further testing these strap locks were a complete waste of money so PLEASE DONT BUY THEM

The packet on the back said Made In Korea (cheap ass crap)

Craig

stonevibe · June 30th, 2009, 03:01 PM

Just goes to show that because something has fender stamped on it, doesn't make it guaranteed quality.

furtherfan · June 30th, 2009, 03:27 PM

ouch.. sorry to hear that.

well, my schallers are fine.... and have been for a very long time.

stratagem · June 30th, 2009, 03:46 PM

Please be more specific on how they "come loose." If they came off of the strap I would consider that to be user error. You've really got to snug those things down.

kraigeyroxx · June 30th, 2009, 05:42 PM

Ive had Schaller Straplocks before and never had a problem, i assumed because they were decribed as Fender/Schaller they would be ok but the write ups i have read said they were Schaller but with the Fender logo are bull.

There are a few faults a noticed on these fender ones but i didnt notice until i actually played my guitar standing up for a few minutes. The thread on the end that locks to the guitar strap wasnt very long at all, nowhere near as long as proper Schallers. Even when tightened with a rachet the nut holding the washer onto the strap end kept coming loose. The black disc that is the bit that actually goes into the strap button giving you the hold until you pull to release was only protruding about 2-3 millimeters if that whereas the Schallers protrude a good 5 mill plus. They rattled around so bad too, Schallers are pretty tight and stay in place but these Fender knockoffs were terrible to say the least. User error doesnt come into it as i have been installing straplocks for years and never had a problem. I have used the old Grolsh rubber washers, jim dunlop cheapo things, schaller straplocks, dimarzio cliplocks etc etc. I tried the Fender ones as i thought Fender have a reputation to uphold so they wouldnt make a bad product. I have learnt the error of my ways and will not be using this product again.

kraigeyroxx · June 30th, 2009, 06:09 PM

please read my other thread, these straplocks turned out to be a nightmare.

It took some testing but now i know

Strat-Man-Do · June 30th, 2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraigeyroxx

I have a simple yet cheap solution for the nut coming loose on the strap end, use PTFE Tape around the thread and tighten it up over the tape and it wont go anywhere. I have used PTFE Tape on loose jack inputs before and they will never come loose unless you want to lossen it yourself. For those of you who are not familiar with the wonders of PTFE, its a tape used in the plumbing industry. It acts a little like putty under compression, being forced into small gaps between threads in order to create an air- and watertight seal when threaded into a joint. The tape is commonly used commercially in pressurized water systems, such as central heating systems, as well as in air compression equipment and thread joints with coarse threads.

Craig

Craig this is Good info bro. I'm gonna go with it, sounds dead right. Though as mentioned....once your aware that specific problems could happen? They never occur. But...........you could never be too safe, and with my luck the one day I'm NOT paying attention...something stupid will happen!

midnight hwy · June 30th, 2009, 08:25 PM

Wow... Sounds like the Proline straplocks that GC sells

The Fender/Schallers used to be real deal Schallers. I wondered when you showed the pictures, and they had the Fender logo (the last pack of Fender labeled strap locks I bought where Schallers), makes me wonder now. My local Fender dealer told me a few years back, the last time I was in purchasing the Fender/Schallers, that Schaller was having health issues in the Schaller family, and that getting anything from Schaller was tough. That makes sense on the Korean made strap locks now.
Good to know though, no more ordering the Fender strap locks

Giant · June 30th, 2009, 10:19 PM

sorry to hear that. i will stay away from em. i got schallers on all my junk, so i wont be shopping for any in the future. but thanks for the heads up.

Turbodog384 · June 30th, 2009, 11:16 PM

I bought some from MF about 4-5 months ago. I checked and they say Made in Germany. There is no mention of Fender anywhere on the packaging. just Schaller.

Turbodog384 · June 30th, 2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Offshore Angler

Guitar tips: DIY strap lock system | Play Like a Girl

The Grolsch Beer Strap Lock - Musformation

How cool is that!!! Does it really work? I've never heard of it before, but will no doubt be trying it out. And for someone who loves to drink as much as I do, it's a real bonus!!

kraigeyroxx · July 1st, 2009, 05:06 AM

Ok i have woken up today with a fresh head and looked at the strap buttons again and again and they are rubbish!
I am so disappointed with the shoddy craftsmanship of these straplocks that i am going to contact Fender direct. I know they probably wont even answer my letter but i think Fender need to know from a players point of view that thier product does not withstand general playing use. If they do answer my letter great i will hear what they have to say for themselves, but if not it just goes to show what companies are really like.
I run a part time gardening business and you are only as good as your staff and your reputation goes on customer satisfaction so i think Fender have to answer me. After all they are the most reputable guitar company in the world and they need to know when they make mistakes.

kraigeyroxx · July 1st, 2009, 05:14 AM

If i knew how to post pics as replies id show you how terrible they are lol

furtherfan · July 1st, 2009, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraigeyroxx

Ok i have woken up today with a fresh head and looked at the strap buttons again and again and they are rubbish!
I am so disappointed with the shoddy craftsmanship of these straplocks that i am going to contact Fender direct. I know they probably wont even answer my letter but i think Fender need to know from a players point of view that thier product does not withstand general playing use. If they do answer my letter great i will hear what they have to say for themselves, but if not it just goes to show what companies are really like.
I run a part time gardening business and you are only as good as your staff and your reputation goes on customer satisfaction so i think Fender have to answer me. After all they are the most reputable guitar company in the world and they need to know when they make mistakes.

it's a shame that Fender sometimes chooses to put their name on products that aren't that well made. it should also be of some concern to them that most people change items (trems, tuners, bridges, saddles) on their strat (a lot of pickups especially) and replace them with other brands, because they're not up to the standard they should be.

that being said... i love Fender...

kraigeyroxx · July 1st, 2009, 05:44 AM

I totally agree, Fender put their name on things thats aren't well made at all.

I am writing to Fender now and my argument is, 90's Strats came with Straplocks as standard but why is it with the 2008-2009 Stratocasters they dont come as standard even tho Fender raised their prices. The strap locks you have to buy seperate in order to keep your guitar safe are not serfitiant enough to keep my £1000+ guitar from hitting the floor. They are a Fender product for Fender Guitars and they dont meet the requirements us players need.

kraigeyroxx · July 1st, 2009, 07:59 AM

Worked out how to upload pics in replies. See for yourselves

drunkinminer · July 1st, 2009, 10:09 AM

I use the rubber gaskets from Grolsch flip caps (mainly because I just never have bought into the hype around straplocks) and they haven't failed me yet when one gets to the point where it looks like it might be getting worn then i just replace it. And besides they are cheap and no permanant mod to the guitar.

kraigeyroxx · July 2nd, 2009, 04:15 AM

Hi Guys
Thought i would inform you that Fender replied to my email today, it reads:

Hi Craig,

Thanks for your email and your honest review of our strap-locks.
We always take letters like yours very seriously as it helps us to improve our products.

I will forward your comments onto our Service Manager and Brand Manager.

Please feel free to get in touch should you have any further questions in the meantime.

Kind regards,

Matt Davey
Service Co-ordinator
Fender GBI

orcslayer · July 2nd, 2009, 07:32 AM

I have used Schallers for years; no problems except the need to occasionally tighten the nut.

However, lately I have tried the simple black nylon discs now in music stores. They have a "keyed" opening for your existing strap button. You just rotate a sliding inner part of the disk to lock it on the strap button. Cheap & effective.