Schaller vs. Dunlop vs. Dimarzio straplocks?

Mr. Killer · #1 06-29-2009, 11:16 PM

Hi everybody. When I bought my Ibanez (7 months ago), I said to me : "I'd better buy strap locks. I don't wanna break this baby", but never really took the time to look for them. Yesterday, one of the ends of the strap got released somehow, and my guitar almost fell!! That's when I realised: "I'd better get straplocks as soon as possible".

So, the question is: Which of these do you guys preffer: Schaller straplocks, Dunlop straplocks, or Dimarzio cliplocks??

I personally don't like the look of Dimarzio cliplocks (they remind me of schoolbags, I don't know why), but what do you think??

toneboy · #2 06-29-2009, 11:26 PM

I don't like Cliplocks because the tabs hanging off the guitar can scratch it and they just get in the way when I don't use a strap.

Regarding Schallers and Dimarzios, I don't have a preference really.

The screw (for securing the strap button) that comes with Schallers is smaller than the standard Ibanez strap pin screw so you either have to fill the hole and redrill it, grind down the Ibanez strap pin screw to fit inside the Schaller strap pin or get a different screw.

I never put Dunlops on my Ibanezes so I don't know how close the 2 strap pin screw sizes are.

Putting the Schaller strap lock on the strap itself is a bit easier than the Dunlop though you might have to enlarge the holes on the strap. Also, with Schallers, you need to make sure you tighten the strap lock down nice and tight (so it doesn't loosen up) and I'd recommend some Loctite for extra security.

The Dunlop strap lock can be a huge pain in the butt (and fingers) to put on if you strap is thick on the ends but I like the locking C washer because it won't come off under normal use.

Timbaline · #3 06-30-2009, 12:17 AM

Planet Waves locking straps are very good, and they're easy to switch and adjust as regular guitar straps.

toneboy · #4 06-30-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbaline

Planet Waves locking straps are very good, and they're easy to switch and adjust as regular guitar straps.

...but you are limited to their selection of straps and it appears that they locking parts are plastic, not metal and over time, I would not trust plastic as much as metal for durability but they are priced accordingly.

EvoGiant · #5 06-30-2009, 08:37 AM

get the schallers in black. i like these the best. even if something happens with the locking part, the guitar will still hang safely in the u shape. they are the best out there to me. i have them on all three of my electrics.

jb4674 · #6 06-30-2009, 09:34 AM

Personally, I'd get the schallers.

Jimmy

lynchfan6 · #7 06-30-2009, 10:17 AM

I always get the Schallers. All you need are some toothpicks, for when you remove the strap buttons on the Ibanez, the holes will be too large for the Schaller screws. But, just stick a toothpick in the hole on the guitar and snap it off even with the guitar surface. Repeat several times until the hole is nearly full of toothpick parts. Now, the Schaller screw will have plenty to grab onto.

eviltwin · #8 06-30-2009, 11:24 AM

Schallers are rubbish. They squeek and unseat themselves, no matter how many toothpicks you use. The only thing good about them is that the button isn't much bigger than standard so it'll fit in the case.

DiMarzio are much nicer but they will only fit in certain cases and they may damage your paint if you're careless.

RSVampire · #9 06-30-2009, 02:37 PM

I use the Dunlop strap locks on all my guitars and haven't had a problem so far with them

rvai · #10 06-30-2009, 03:49 PM

I use dunlop straplocks and have yet to have any trouble with them

lynchfan6 · #11 06-30-2009, 05:08 PM

I actually have had the Dunlop strap locks on my Les Paul for like 12 years now,,
and they're still tight and doing just fine. My other guitars have the Schallers, my
ESP had them for 11 years and many gigs,,,,never a problem. If you make sure the
screws go in tightly, they are great. Point is, I think that the Dunlops and the
Schallers are both excellent, and I don't think you'll go wrong with either.

tom1325 · #12 06-30-2009, 06:12 PM

about the dimarzio plastic things scratching the guitar body, i just wrapped a sock around the plastic parts,haha, works though!

Mr. Killer · #13 07-03-2009, 09:05 PM

Hey guys, I've just found out that Schaller straplocks are not available in this country

So, I have to choose between Dunlop, Dimarzio and Planet Waves.

About Dunlop and Dimarzio: do they fit the Ibanez RG guitar cavity, or do I have to use toothpicks too??

About Planet Waves: Are these reliable? They're just made of plastic. They don't seem built to last...

Thanks for all your answers to my original question!!

toneboy · #14 07-03-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Killer

About Dunlop and Dimarzio: do they fit the Ibanez RG guitar cavity, or do I have to use toothpicks too??

I can't speak for the Dimarzio but the Dunlops will work fine with the screws they come with - no toothpicks required.

Quote:

About Planet Waves: Are these reliable? They're just made of plastic. They don't seem built to last...

I haven't used them but it's your guitar and if your gut tells you they won't last then I'd go with your gut.

yellowshirtguy · #15 07-03-2009, 10:37 PM

The dimarzio clip locks work great. I have them on my washburn, and there are 2 small nicks on both sides where the clip has nicked the body. Doesn't really bother me on that guitar since the guitar is just my every-day casual guitar, but I haven't figured out what type of strap locks I am going to use on my Ibanez Radius.