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Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Archive through January 07, 2011 » Archive: 2009 » Archive through August 16, 2009 » Strap locks? « Previous Next »

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lscolman
Junior
Username: lscolman

Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 2:32 pm:   Edit Post

Hi,

Wondering if there are strap locks which are compatible with the existing hardware on an Alembic.

I'm not really keen on replacing the existing hardware on my spoiler.

Cheers, Lee
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2477
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 6:16 pm:   Edit Post

It should've came with strap lock buttons on it. I happen to like the Dunlop and all my have them but I think Alembic comes factory with Schaller unless ordered otherwise

OO
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6149
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 6:24 pm:   Edit Post

A Spoiler would likely have some with strap pins. If you want locks on it, you'll need to change the anchor, and as Olie states, Dunlop and Schaller and the choices.
fernandobicho
Junior
Username: fernandobicho

Post Number: 12
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 7:55 pm:   Edit Post

Hi
Jim Dunlop STRAPLOK fits well in my '92 Elan 5..
cheers
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2239
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, June 07, 2009 - 3:11 pm:   Edit Post

I don't know other makes, but the Schallers are an easy replacement. You unscrew the original strap holders, then you use the same screw to install the Schaller studs. Piece of cake.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2269
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Sunday, June 07, 2009 - 4:26 pm:   Edit Post

It's a good idea to put some sort of glue in the screw hole before replacing the straplok. I replaced the pins on my epic some time ago and forgot the glue. halfway through a gig I noticed the screw was almost out. A lucky escape that taught me a lesson ;-)

Graeme
jakebass
Member
Username: jakebass

Post Number: 76
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Sunday, June 07, 2009 - 4:55 pm:   Edit Post

I did the same on my MK deluxe Graham...
I had a similar moment of horror looking down and seeing the screw out :-0
Jake
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6157
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 9:56 am:   Edit Post

I prefer the method of fill the hole (wood and glue), redrill the pilot hole and install with a standard wood screw and no glue. You might want to take it out later.

Also, please don't fall prey to the "security" of any strapholder, lock or otherwise. You need to check the anchor pin regularly for signs of wood cell compression. If it's even slightly loose, tighten that up! If you wait until it's wobbly, it may strip out completely, and possibly leave you with an Alembic on the floor.

Also, if you are a straplock user, do check the connection on the strap regularly as well. Those nuts can back off and cause a similar tragedy.

Even if you use lowly pins like I do, it's still prudent to check the anchor for compression.
sonicus
Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 97
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post

For added protection for a straplock user perhaps using a thread locking product such as "LOCKTITE" on the straplock nut. What do you think ? one would have to apply it sparingly as not to stain the strap.
hb3
Advanced Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 377
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 11:17 am:   Edit Post

"Also, please don't fall prey to the "security" of any strapholder, lock or otherwise. You need to check the anchor pin regularly for signs of wood cell compression. If it's even slightly loose, tighten that up! If you wait until it's wobbly, it may strip out completely."

That's about where I am w/ my jazz bass. I have to retighten before every gig. It's worrisome
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 3910
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 12:50 pm:   Edit Post

I just found a new company that makes straps with a lock built right in. They work on any guitar. I bought a couple, a leather one and a hemp one with a 60's type design. The lock portion seems to work very well. It is especially good for instruments with the strap pin on the back at the foot of the neck rather than on the upper horn. I find that most straplocks dig into me on these type mounts. The Lock-it straps are no thicker than a regular strap. The leather one was only one layer - I'm used to 3 layer Moody straps. Otherwise it was quite nice. here's a link.

Bill, tgo
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6158
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 1:01 pm:   Edit Post

Adding Locktite is fine on the nut - again, it's best not to just think one can forget about it at that point. Maybe I'm a little crazy, but I would still check the connection at least once a week.

I'll have to try one of those straps, Bill. Thanks for the tip!
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2483
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 1:01 pm:   Edit Post

Pretty cool strap Bill!

Hugh, Elmers glue and wood matches (or any slither of wood) always fixed that problem for me. My Jazz was the same way, I slipped some wood and glue into hole screwed the button in and let it dry overnight. Hasn't come loose in 20 years since repairing it.

OO
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 885
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 1:08 pm:   Edit Post

This is what I have done for years.
Sonicus beat me to it but use Loctite thread locking fluid on the screw going into the wood, drop the fluid into the hole and replace screw.
It will come loose with relatively easy reverse torque unlike glue which is very difficult.
Loctite the nuts on the strap connectiors as sonicus says, you only need a small amount and it holds fast..it also comes loose easily for replacement.
I assume that wear and tear wil happen eventually where there is wood/metal interface with some movement so always check every few months that all is secure..I once saw a Gibson Les Paul bounce on the stage, it survived but the owner had a heart attack!!
sonicus
Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 98
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 1:08 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Bill , those sure look like swell straps. I think i will order The light brown 2.5 inch model
Thanks ,
Wolf
sonicus
Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 99
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 1:19 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Mica ,
I don't think that that is a little crazy at all. it's always to better to safer then sorry, especially when it comes to our most prized instruments;such advice is priceless.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8186
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 4:57 pm:   Edit Post

I've added Mica's comments to the FAQ section.
zooberwerx
New
Username: zooberwerx

Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 7:32 pm:   Edit Post

I just installed a set of gold Dunlops. Be sure to use the enclosed screws not the old ones. I place a felt pad under each strap pin and soap the screws liberally. Take your time and use a clean PH bit. I've never had one loosen or back out.

Riis
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8188
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 8:19 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Riis; welcome to the board!
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 1044
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 9:33 pm:   Edit Post

I've had a few bad Dunlop experiences so I prefer the Schalers. They instil confidence but they still have to be checked as Mica suggests.
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2503
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 10:05 pm:   Edit Post

HI Danno! Where you been hidin' brother?

I've had both Schaller and Dunlop "give loose" on me. I use the Dunlop now mainly because I like the recessed locks. Nice clean look.
Danno is correct though, always check the lock and the button.

OO
georgie_boy
Senior Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 793
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - 6:25 am:   Edit Post

I replaced the buttons on my Series 1 with Schaller.
I did exactly what Adriaan did....easy!!!
I've just re-checked them after reading this post.
All is well.
ALWAYS check both the instrument AND the strap on a regular basis!!

(Message edited by georgie_boy on June 16, 2009)
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2504
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - 6:40 am:   Edit Post

Yep George at our age we need to have the butt-on checked regularly! ;(

OO
(Sorry couldn't resist!)
georgie_boy
Senior Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 794
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - 8:08 am:   Edit Post

You better believe it brother!!
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 900
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - 1:47 pm:   Edit Post

That was a bit b(anal) wasn't it???
jphilauren
Junior
Username: jphilauren

Post Number: 49
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post

Loctite on the screw going into wood might that not have a damaging effect on the wood. Thought Locktite was for metal on metal applications. I agree with Locktite on the metal nuts especially with thicker staps, just purchased Italia Straps, they had buy one get one free sale. Only problem is the thickness of straps

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