Les Paul Strap Locks

[jonc]

I just bought my new baby, a gibson les paul standard traditional pro, and want to install straplocks on her, as I do on all my others. When I tried to however, the schaller screw was too small. Thus, I didnt install it. Any ideas on how to get straplocks on a les paul?

 

[Custom53]

I always buy bigger/longer screws when I install Schallers. (always...!)

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/115776-straplock-question.html

 

[charveldan]

Get a couple toothpicks, put some wood glue on them [careful not to get glue on guitar, have a damp rag ready handy] put the glue & t-picks in the holes & screw in the screws, let dry overnite.

If one t-pick per hole is not enough, use two.

 

[guitarfish]

You can use the original Gibson screws with Schallers if you don't mind about 15 minutes of work. I've done this on a couple LPs and it works great.

First, the strap button at the bottom (bridge) end of the guitar is larger than the other one up by the horn. The reason for this is that during the manufacturing process, the bodies are hung upside down by the bottom, so they need a hefty screw for that.

To use the original screws with Schallers, do this:

-On the screw by the horn, you need need to drill out the hole on the Schaller and make it a little bigger. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the hole, and do this one or two sizes bigger until the Schaller fits through it. Then install the button.

-On the screw by the bridge, put the big screw in your drill, threads first, so that the screw head is sticking out. Now run the drill, and press the rotating head on a file. This will slowly reduce the size of the head. You will also need to make the Schaller hole bigger, just as on the first screw. When done, you can install the bottom button using the big screw.

When done, you'll have two tight fitting buttons, no toothpicks or glue needed. And the other thing is you can always revert back to the stock buttons, the modified screw will still work with it.

Hope this helps!

 

[kirs]

Why doesn't Schaller just make a version that comes screws that fit Les Paul guitars? Les Paul users have to account for around 50% of their customer base. It's ridiculous that you have to drill out the hole and file down the head to make them fit.

I've read a bunch of reviews by noobs who don't know any better and say Schallers suck because they came out on them or they are loose because they used the stock screws.

 

[APHawki]

Noob here...must have got lucky though. I bought Schallers for my Studio and the screws fit perfectly. I was actually kinda surprised because the factory screws looked to be thicker...but once I put the new screws in they seemed to have fit nice and tight.

 

[Tim Plains]

Wood & glue

 

[marc1kim]

Why doesn't Schaller just make a version that comes screws that fit Les Paul guitars? Les Paul users have to account for around 50% of their customer base. It's ridiculous that you have to drill out the hole and file down the head to make them fit.

I bet its more than 50%, not using straplocks on a les paul is a bad idea. But having Les Paul style straplocks for Les pauls would be a lucrative idea. Ive never had to modify my dunlops though

 

[floyd84]

You can use the original Gibson screws with Schallers if you don't mind about 15 minutes of work. I've done this on a couple LPs and it works great.

First, the strap button at the bottom (bridge) end of the guitar is larger than the other one up by the horn. The reason for this is that during the manufacturing process, the bodies are hung upside down by the bottom, so they need a hefty screw for that.

To use the original screws with Schallers, do this:

-On the screw by the horn, you need need to drill out the hole on the Schaller and make it a little bigger. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the hole, and do this one or two sizes bigger until the Schaller fits through it. Then install the button.

-On the screw by the bridge, put the big screw in your drill, threads first, so that the screw head is sticking out. Now run the drill, and press the rotating head on a file. This will slowly reduce the size of the head. You will also need to make the Schaller hole bigger, just as on the first screw. When done, you can install the bottom button using the big screw.

When done, you'll have two tight fitting buttons, no toothpicks or glue needed. And the other thing is you can always revert back to the stock buttons, the modified screw will still work with it.

Hope this helps!

I've always used this method, and it works great. However, the 50's tribute I just got was the first to have screws that worked with the Schallers, so I used them. I'm not sure if any of the other new Gibsons have these as well though

 

[andyb]

Just suggested it to them on their website. Why don't we all drop them a note asking for this? - doesn't ask doesn't get ;-)


Contact Schaller | Schaller-Electronic

Security Locks () | Schaller-Electronic

 

[mattholohan]

Just suggested it to them on their website. Why don't we all drop them a note asking for this? - doesn't ask doesn't get ;-)


Contact Schaller | Schaller-Electronic

Security Locks () | Schaller-Electronic

dropped them a message

 

[lp_junkie]

Here is why this happens-

Gibson uses two different screw sizes, the one near the neck is a smaller than the one at the other end, they screw in a big eyelet hook in the end, hang it upside down and finish it, then instead of filling the hole, they just use a larger screw for that strap button.

I have always filled the holes with match sticks and titebond, never once had an issue I also put a little glue on the threads of the screws as I am installing them.

Mine don't come loose ever.

 

[Custom53]

dropped them a message

They will do the same thing I do... Go to Lowes and buy the right size screw... But they will charge 10 times more for them...

 

[jonc]

Thanks for all the suggestions. This being my first true les paul (I had a double cut standard before) I didn't know about this issue! Thanks again!

 

[guitarflyer]

Schaller i like your locks but get your sh*t together already. GF>