Customer Reviews

Dunlop Dual-Design Straplok System, Nickel

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I've used Schaller Strap Locks, DiMarzio Clip Locks, and Dunlop Strap Locks. The Dunlop ones do not require tightening of a nut or any real maintenance other than occasionally lubricating the locking mechanism. The Schallers I used to have also made a creaking sound if they weren't lubricated every few months. I agree with the previous reviewer that they do stick out further than regular strap buttons and can be a pain to fit to your guitar but once you do, it gives you a more stable set up.

I put a set of these on a Gibson SG Standard and the Gibson screws had a head that was too large in diameter. I then placed the stock screw in a drill, just like you would place a drill bit, and ran it accross a file until the diameter of the stock screw head was small enough to fit the Dunlop strap button.

I used to use the Dunlop straplocks exclusively on my guitars - that is, until I went to pick up my Jazz Bass right before a gig, and the upper straplock released from the bass, and I watched in slow motion as the bass fell to the ground with a crash. The bass survived, with minor cosmetic injuries, but after that day, I switched to Schallers and have never looked back.

Well, to be honest, I do look back once in a while, because the Schaller's system for attaching the lock to the strap (uses a nut to hold down the strap) comes loose after a while, and requires retightening. But since the Schallers come stock on the nicer Fender guitars anyways, it's what I'm sticking to.

Once you get these installed they work fine. The part that goes on the strap is an ugly hassle to install, but (obviously) you don't have to do that very often. I've got Schaller strap-locks on another guitar, and of the two I prefer the Schallers only because of initial installation. Ordinary latching and unlatching is simple and easy in both cases.

Both stick out quite a bit more than normal strap buttons; the Schallers have more of a pointy thing on 'em than these do, but I've got those on an SG and the one on the strap button behind the heel of the neck hasn't stabbed me yet, so I figure that's not an issue.

Except for the neck-position button on the SG, all of the original strap-button screws were significantly larger than the locking button screws, and the locking buttons' screw holes were too small for the original screws to be re-used. Same deal with both brands. So I used glue; there's no sense locking your strap securely to a screw that'll just slide out. Naturally, you might think twice about doing that with a guitar that's worth much. On the other hand, your guitar may just have skinny screws, in which case it's a non-issue.

No terribly strong preference, really, taking the long view. Both do the job.