Best strap locks without drilling?

[ErictheRed]

Okay, maybe my original post and thread title was misleading; I'm not a pansy who doesn't know how to use basic tools. If I bought Schallers, I'm sure I could install them just fine with some minor adjustments to the original Gibson screw, maybe the toothpick trick, whatever.

But I thought that someone out there would have made a quality product that would fit over a Gibson Les Paul's original strap button. Maybe I'm totally wrong.

Instead of recommending Schaller's for the zillionth time on these boards, I had intended this thread to discuss a different style of strap lock system, one that works with the original Gibson Les Paul hardware.

 

[Atomic]

okay..
there are things that work with most original strap buttons.. they are of the plastic type like you see here:

but in my experience with moderate to heavy use they just dont hold up.
the Dunlop plunger type strap locks are good, and the part that goes on the guitar looks like a standard strap button. however, i dont like these either because the ball-lock type system tends to get sticky over time and eventually the plunger doesnt lock any more.

to the contrary, ive had my original set of Schallers on multiple guitars over the last 12 years or so, and they are still going strong. aside from that, ive never had anyone tell me that my guitar was not original because it didnt have the "Gibson Les Paul Official Super Mega Awesome 100% Certified" strap buttons.

if you ask a question around here, you have a chance of getting a smart-assed answer.. this is true.. BUT, ive kept up with this thread, and people have given you straight answers to your question. there is a reason why everyone is recommending a particular product. its not because were all assholes who want you to change your strap buttons so that we can assimilate you into our Schaller loving culture. its because you asked a question about a good method of locking your strap to your guitar, and we all tried to answer you as best as we could. if you dont like it then go invent something else. if its good, we'll buy it from you.

 

[diceman]

The simple answer is that there is no strap lock on the market which works with stock Gibson strap buttons.

The plastic clips are crap.

Any mod where you are required to leave the strap on the guitar at all times will damage your lacquer finish.

The Schaller causes less damage to the guitar than any method where you will have the strap sandwiched against the body by a "Grolsch mod" or those crappy clips.

It sounds like what you are suggesting hasn't been invented yet. I don't know how many variations on strap buttons Gibson uses, but there are more than one type. There just isn't a viable market for something like that... (Because everyone uses Schallers, or the Allparts Schaller type lock (also made by Schaller) for a few bucks less).

 

[Deus Vult]

i've used the plastic dunlop clips that lock over the strap button. they have worked, but after a while they will crack...at least they did on my R9, but maybe i am a wild player. i finally put schallers on her and havent looked back.

but $3 served me well for months.

 

[GeeJay]

Schallers on mine. Didn't need to drill anything..

 

[guitarfish]

The stock screws in my '08 LP didn't quite fit with Schallers, so I modified the stock screws a little bit, and made the hole in the Schaller button a little bigger. This is a very simple process, and worth it to use the stock screws instead of the skinny little ones that come with the Schallers.

 

[Thunder Dump]

On a related note, on my new Epi 1960 Tribute it comes with the Epiphone strap locks. I've always used (and love) Schallers so I'm used to the plunger-style release. The Epis don't appear to have any release mechanism--it's just a friction fit snap ring. Is this correct? Or am I just strong-arming these things on and off when I should be releasing them a different way? Or are they designed *not* to be removed (leave the strap on all the time)?

Anyone ever use these?

 

[Reaperc89]

I use metal dunlop strap locks on my guitars with no issues. Guitarfetish also offers a set of straplocks that look like they may be decent.
Pair of Gold Strap Locks- Straplok style HEAVY DUTY

 

[danzego]

Instead of recommending Schaller's for the zillionth time on these boards, I had intended this thread to discuss a different style of strap lock system, one that works with the original Gibson Les Paul hardware.

You got exactly what you asked for: the answer to "what are the best strap locks without drilling?". The fact that you're seeing Schaller's for the "zillionth time" on this board should mean something. If there was a better method, ESPECIALLY one that allowed you to use the stock strap buttons, chances are, you would be hearing about those for the zillionth time instead.

Just buy a set; everything will be ok.

 

[Ermghoti]

I installed Schaller's on my VM a couple of weeks ago. I tried the stock Gibson screws, but the head of the screw sat too high in the strap button for the lock to go on. Thankfully, the Schaller screws worked just fine.

One one of my guitars, I drilled out the Schaller button and relieved the head of the screw so as not to bother with the toothpick. Not worth it, but it makes for a good stroy.

 

[lp_junkie]

If you are drilling, you are doing it wrong.......

Schallers- all you do is take off old strap buttons, push a toothpick in the screw hole, break it off flush with the surface and attach the straplocks strap buttons with the supplied screws. It only requires a screwdriver and 2 toothpicks.

 

[tnvnl]

One one of my guitars, I drilled out the Schaller button and relieved the head of the screw so as not to bother with the toothpick. Not worth it, but it makes for a good stroy.

Thats the only proper way to do it, I dont really want a smaller screw+toothpick holding up my heavy and expensive guitar. Toothpicks are for cleaning your teeth.

By the way , it is "very" worth it if you cherish your guitar. I have dont that to all my Gibsons, and several other Gibsons also, and several other non Gibson guitars.

 

[lp_junkie]

tnvnl- I've been doing it for almost 30 years never had a problem with the toothpick method, my guitars have been played all over the US and several other countries. But you have to do what you think is right with your gear..... my guitars are just tools not precious relics to be worshipped.

 

[tnvnl]

Likewise, I am coming up on my 30th year as we speak, My guitars are not "precious relics" by any means, I simply dont trust the little screw Schaller sends, for the weight of the guitar. Ya know, Gibson put that diameter screw in there for a reason, I prefer to stick with that size. I would rather be to big, than not quite big enough. The screws Gibson install are not the same size, they put the bigger screw where the most shear force and weight are applied. Im glad you have never had a problem with the toothpick method.
I also, for added protection, put threadlocker on the screw when I reinstall it, it's there forever.

 

[lp_junkie]

tnvnl- there is a little secret about the Gibson screw size-

when they paint them, they hang them from the bottom strap button screw hole, by a larger screw in eyelet, and Gibson being cheap, just uses strap button screws the same size as that hole instead of something smaller.............................

 

[nick1962]

Okay, maybe my original post and thread title was misleading; I'm not a pansy who doesn't know how to use basic tools. If I bought Schallers, I'm sure I could install them just fine with some minor adjustments to the original Gibson screw, maybe the toothpick trick, whatever.

But I thought that someone out there would have made a quality product that would fit over a Gibson Les Paul's original strap button. Maybe I'm totally wrong.

Instead of recommending Schaller's for the zillionth time on these boards, I had intended this thread to discuss a different style of strap lock system, one that works with the original Gibson Les Paul hardware.

I have a Planet Waves strap with locking system on one of my LPs - I do throw a few shapes when I play and so far nothing has come loose....

 

[DanW]

The screws Gibson install are not the same size, they put the bigger screw where the most shear force and weight are applied.

It's got nothing to do with shear force!

You must not know about Gibson's finishing process?

 

[thinkorswim]

Okay, maybe my original post and thread title was misleading; I'm not a pansy who doesn't know how to use basic tools. If I bought Schallers, I'm sure I could install them just fine with some minor adjustments to the original Gibson screw, maybe the toothpick trick, whatever.

But I thought that someone out there would have made a quality product that would fit over a Gibson Les Paul's original strap button. Maybe I'm totally wrong.

Instead of recommending Schaller's for the zillionth time on these boards, I had intended this thread to discuss a different style of strap lock system, one that works with the original Gibson Les Paul hardware.

Yeah, I mean what is the point of doing it right and doing it once?

If you want to protect your Gibson Les Paul in Honeyburst...spend the $20 and be done with it. Or spend you whole life trying to find some imitation or easier way out and spending 2-3 as much on a bunch of gimmicky plastic crap.

Keep the originals in the case and you'll always have them.

Schaller.

Schaller.

Schaller.

and for good measure...Schaller.

 

[kernelofwisdom]

What's left to be said? The OP knows about Schallers but doesn't want to use them. The Dunlop plastic things have been cited. That's pretty much the long and short of it.

 

[Mike-t]

If you are drilling, you are doing it wrong.......

Schallers- all you do is take off old strap buttons, push a toothpick in the screw hole, break it off flush with the surface and attach the straplocks strap buttons with the supplied screws. It only requires a screwdriver and 2 toothpicks.

I can do it with one

Likewise, I am coming up on my 30th year as we speak, My guitars are not "precious relics" by any means, I simply dont trust the little screw Schaller sends, for the weight of the guitar. Ya know, Gibson put that diameter screw in there for a reason, I prefer to stick with that size. I would rather be to big, than not quite big enough. The screws Gibson install are not the same size, they put the bigger screw where the most shear force and weight are applied. Im glad you have never had a problem with the toothpick method.
I also, for added protection, put threadlocker on the screw when I reinstall it, it's there forever.

I'm sure Gibson grinded the screw head and drilled out the bobbin on every schaller they installed on guitars at the factory!

New Gibson Custom Inspired By Models Make History with Record Sales and New Arrivals

"British guitarist Mick Jones appeared on recordings by George Harrison, Peter Frampton, Spooky Tooth, and the Leslie West Band before forming the rock band Foreigner and going five times platinum with their 1977 self-titled album. The Gibson Custom shop honors his success with a recreation of his original Les Paul Custom.

The Mick Jones Les Paul Custom features a one-piece solid mahogany body with aged ebony finish and gold-aged hardware. With a Mick Jones profile, the one-piece mahogany neck includes pearl block inlays. Two ’57 Classic exposed coil pickups are also included in the guitar’s design along with a black metal jackplate and black Schaller strap locks."