FEATURE
Lock, Stock and Roll:
STRAP LOCK ROUNDUP
BY CHRIS KIES
It’s pretty obvious that guitarists are concerned mostly with guitars, amps and overall
tone—and that’s PG’s central focus, too—but
sometimes we can neglect the small but basic
precautionary steps that would protect our
most prized possessions. So, we decided to
pay some attention to the often-overlooked
accessories that can potentially save guitars
from crashing to the floor at the next practice
or gig: strap locks and locking straps.
To test these various devices, we used a pair
of standard guitars everyone can relate to: an
all-mahogany 2008 Gibson Les Paul Studio and
a 1980s Japanese Fender Stratocaster. Before
assembling all of the locking mechanisms, first
we checked the packages to see what was
included in each. Then, we compared strap
buttons and screws to the standard Gibson
and Fender equipment. After assembling each
mechanism, we maneuvered the guitars through
rigorous stage-ready jolts, jumps and twists to
assess the quality of each product. We lifted
the guitars by their straps, shook them, yanked
on them, and even tried a few strap-spins
(we’re a little rusty). It was a lot like being 12
again, bouncing off the walls like there would
be no price to pay, but this time we’re calling it
research. Basically, we did all the things we could
think of to make a proud guitar owner wince.
Then, when we came to our senses, we checked
to see how each fixed assembly would fit with
the guitars in their cases.
Strap Lock Systems
Schaller Security Locks
The pioneer in the strap locks, Schaller has
been producing Security Locks for 30 years, and
they’re featured on select Fender Custom Shop
models. The Schaller Security Locks are the
smallest in this roundup, but their size doesn’t
diminish their ability to stand up to the competition. Actually, the lack of mass may be a benefit
compared to other, clunkier locks. The screws in
the package were smaller than standard Gibson
screws, which could present a problem. Also,
if the lock assembly isn’t fastened 100% snug
on the strap, or your strap is very worn, it could
easily slide through a large or loose eyehole. To
ease your worries, all Schaller products are guaranteed for five years.
Like many of the others, the use of ball bearings and springs means you could experience
problems down the road if you don’t keep them
properly lubricated. Once everything is assembled, secured and lubed, though, the standard
chrome Schaller locks are easy to fasten and
unfasten. They’re sturdy and dependable, and
they’ll last through all of your slinging and swinging. They’ll also fit easily within the Gibson case
and won’t damage your guitar during storage.
Schaller sells pins separately, so you can deck
out all your guitars and just use your favorite
strap for all your guitar changes. They’re available in chrome, gold, satin and ruthenium.
List $14. 99–19. 99
schaller-electronic.com
Hennessey Strap Locks – Metallics
Made of anodized aluminum, the Metallics were
the easiest in the group to assemble. All they
required was inserting the mounting screw (
identical to the Gibson’s) and tightening the strap
pin, then screwing a fastener to the inside of the
strap holes. The lock itself contains a spring and
ball bearings, which indicate the lock’s security
with a convincing “pop.” The locks disengage
with a simple push-button, but remain locked
with any additional pressure or weight on the
assembly, which is ideal for those accidental
bump-and-runs with other gear and bandmates.
After passing all the simulated stage encounters trials, the locks were still intact and beg-ging for more. With strap pins similar in size to
standard Gibsons, the Hennessey locks had no
problem fitting in the snug case. One thing that
really stood out in this package: a felt washer
included to protect the guitar against the metal
pins—we’re sure that taking such care is greatly
appreciated by guitars everywhere. Pairs come
in silver, purple, red, gunmetal, blue and black.
List $29–41
hennesseyguitarparts.com
Dunlop Dual-Design Straplok System
Dunlop has been producing these since 1988,
and they’re OEM products on several brands
of guitars and basses. They’re probably the
most noticeable strap retainer devices in our
roundup. One area these aim to address is the
pin connector that attaches to the strap. To
counter a tendency for strap lock connectors to
fall through the eyehole of a worn or distressed
strap, Dunlop designed a fatter, more obtuse pin
connector to keep the strap where it’s supposed
to be, on your guitar.
They’re release-tested up to 800 lbs, so we did
our best to make them fail. The locks didn’t
flinch. The 360° groove-and-ball design allows
the unit to rotate without catching, and the
case-hardened steel skin guarantees long life.
We did notice that the push-button is difficult
to disengage when the lock and bearings
haven’t been lubricated, which can be inconvenient. Again, this is either a blessing or a hassle,
depending on how often you’re making guitar
changes with one strap. The Straploks come in
black, chrome and gold finishes.
List $20–30
jimdunlop.com
Ernie Ball Super Locks
These are tested for over 850 lbs of pressure,
which should offer sufficient safety even for
owners of old-school LPs. Ernie Ball worked
with a company called Robust Mechanics on
the mechanical engineering, and the Super
Locks debuted at ’08 Winter NAMM. The necessary assembly was straightforward, and the
screws and strap buttons matched the standard
Gibson parts, making it an easy swap-out. This
package does not offer a protective washer to
safeguard guitar finishes.
