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What’s new at Zystrix? Read on… March 31, 2025 The Best Strap Locks for the Metal Guitarist In the last issue we looked at guitar straps (click here for a refresher) and there was a free download of Djammincabs Super Maxxx 4x12 Impulse Responses version #2. Those cabinet impulse responses are designed for pedals that utilize only very short files (less than 50ms). In this issue we’re going to look at the most bang-for- the-buck strap locks for the metal guitarist. There are a lot of locks available, but we’re going for the best ones. And we’re also going to look at an inexpensive strap lock that’s for the do-it-yourself musician. And it costs less than a dollar (USA). So sit back and relax. Welcome to Zystrix, the heartbeat of the universe. Where creativity and free-thinking have more value than conformity. Background Artwork The colorful artwork that surrounds the edges of this website is invisible to many cell phone users. It’s included here for your enjoyment. Multiple copies are tiled together for a cohesive and seamless background seen all around this page. Enjoy. Strap Lock Introduction Welcome to the strap lock edition. Strap locks are handy for keeping your guitar from falling off your shoulder or off the end of the strap. No one needs a broken head stock or a horrible gouge in their guitar. And most strap locks replace your existing strap buttons (or pins), and they usually have a locking mechanism to keep your strap in place. Many guitarists use them, and if your strap is sturdy, they're definitely useful in avoiding a possible expensive catastrophe. Unfortunately I broke off the head- stock of a 1958 Les Paul because I wasn’t using them. Strap locks replace your already existing strap buttons (or pins), and usually you just unscrew your current strap buttons and replace them with the ones that came with your strap locks. If the screws are too small for your previous holes simply use toothpicks or wooden stove matches to take up the slack in the guitar body. And strap locks are pretty easy to install for the do-it-yourself type, but if you don’t feel that confident there are guitar repairmen who can do it for you. And as we’ll see later, there’s always the super inexpensive do-it-yourself type of strap lock for the adventurous guitarist, this one costs less than a dollar USA, they are very secure, and they last for a very long time (or at least mine have). So here we go, let’s explore commercially available (or not) strap locks. THE FINE PRINT: We never use affiliate links to monetize this website. Unlike most music websites, Zystrix never receives any commission on any gear or software you may purchase via a link on this website. Ever. This keeps our reviews dead honest, removes financial conflicts of interest, and also helps keep your price of gear lower. The Best Strap Locks Schaller S-Locks Schaller is the first company I can remember to offer a strap lock. I sold them at my guitar combo music store (yes, I used to own a music store back in the 1980s). The idea caught on fairly quickly, and the locks are still quite popular today. Not one buyer ever complained or brought them back for a refund, and some are still being used after all these years. They are easy to install using two screwdrivers (one is very small as seen on the right), and they look good offering several colors: Chrome, Satin Chrome, Black Chrome, Nickel, Ruthenium, Gold, Copper, and Satin Pearl. They are also made of hardened steel for added durability, and they can accommodate a thicker strap (like leather). This is by far my favorite commercially available strap lock. They are a little more expensive at $27.95 USA and free shipping, but they are worth it. Click here for more info or to order the Schaller Strap Locks. Fender Strap Locks Fender offers two different strap lock types: the more expensive Infinity Strap Locks (seen on the left), and the budget minded version (see right) that suspiciously looks like the Schaller strap locks. The Infinity Locks are the more expensive option and they are designed to provide security since they are made from steel, easy installation, and 360-degree rotation. I’m not sure how 360 degree rotation is a plus unless you are the type of player who constantly rotates their guitar from front to back to show the audience a hidden message on the back of your guitar, or maybe you play your guitar behind your head. Anyway, they come in four colors, feature a unique side-pinch release mechanism, they sport the familiar scroll type Fender letter F, and are compatible with most guitar straps. On the other hand, Fender also offers a cheaper version that looks like the Schaller design. I’ve heard they are durable but I don’t know of anyone who has used them for any length of time. At any rate, if you are looking to save money on strap locks this may be your commercial prayer answered. These strap locks will set you back $11.49 USA and free shipping for the inexpensive Fender model, and $26.99 USA and free shipping for the Fender Infinity model. Dunlop Strap Lock This popular strap lock comes from a company that claims their strap lock is so secure that it’s release tested for up to 800 lbs. That would be an alarmingly heavy guitar, or your friend could ride your guitar like a pony and it would still hold up for a terrific rock show. It features a 360-degree groove and ball design allowing the unit to rotate without catching or sticking. They are made from case-hardened steel and come in various colors. It is possible to purchase the buttons separately to install on all your guitars and then use only one strap, and the buttons are standard enough to also work with or without the strap lock. So if you forget your good strap all your guitars can still be used with a junkie spare strap. The tolerances on the locking part are close enough that it may be difficult to install on thicker straps. The bulky metal appearance may not be visually appealing for some, but to me if it holds up your guitar then that’s all that really matters. These strap locks weigh in at $20.76 USA and free shipping. Click here for more info or to order a Dunlop Strap Lock. Rok Lok This is the bastard step child of commercial strap locks that nobody talks about. The thing that’s nice with these is the fact you don’t need to do anything to your guitar, and they fit most strap buttons. Seriously. There’s no drilling, no screwing, no installation of different strap buttons, or anything. You simply put their strap lock on your strap and you are ready to go. It’s quick on and quick off the guitar with the quick- release mechanism – that’s nice. And I understand they are made from some kind of hard-as-steel plastic – they say it’s safe and secure and reliable – but somehow that still makes me nervous. They also don’t fit very well on guitars where the strap button is on the side, like some Shark-fin or Flying V models. In that case you’ll have to plan ahead and remember to put one side backwards when installing the strap lock on your strap. It’s a relatively inexpensive and easy way to go to keep your guitar from falling off the strap to a possible doom. These strap locks are only $19.99 USA and free shipping. Click here for more info or to order a Rok Lok. Strap Lock do-it-yourself This is by far my favorite strap lock of all time. They work great, they last a long time, for the price of one commercial strap lock you can build over ten of these, and I like that smug feeling of turning up my nose to the establishment and saying I did it myself. They rock. For this project you’ll need at least a pair of new steel strap buttons (pins) or more and these can be found for about 30 to 50 cents each if you shop around a little bit more than I did. For tools you’ll need a typical Phillips screwdriver. And, of course, you’ll need a sturdy guitar strap. You’ll also need a heavy duty zinc plated steel flat washer with a hole in it wide enough to put the base of the strap button through (see washer hole dimension d1 in the flat washer drawing), but not so wide that the button top also goes through. And it also has to be wide enough to block the strap-hole from sliding over and off the washer (see dimension d2 in drawing above). I usually look for a washer that’s about 1.5 inches wide and heavy duty (thicker) is better. Also, look for a new button with a wide top that can retain both the washer which in turn retains the strap. Bass guitar buttons work good too. The widest end of the button will stop the washer from going completely through. I usually go to the hardware store (Ace Hardware USA has hundreds to choose from) with my new strap button to see if the washer has the correct hole size for the button button base to fit through and is 1.5 inches wide. For the hardcore do-it- yourself guitarist this flat washer type can also be done with a large fender washer and then drilling out the correct button-base hole size. But you shouldn’t have to go through that much work unless you want to. Once you have the correct button-base sized hole to just fit the button-base through the washer hole size simply put the flat washer on the outside of the strap and put the button through both the washer and the strap (see button setup above) and screw the button into the guitar. Do not pinch the strap or washer between the button and the guitar – it must fit loosely and be able to turn around (mine goes 360 degrees) as needed. This method has a few things going for it. The strap will not come off unless the strap tears or breaks, or if it is physically unscrewed, or if the guitar screw breaks, or if the washer wears out the strap button (I’ve worn out a few buttons and I replace them before they completely give out). The guitar isn’t going anywhere – guaranteed. The main problem with this method is that the strap is not easily changed from guitar to guitar. But for me that’s not a problem because I never change straps between guitars; it’s one strap for one guitar until one or the other wears out. Another problem could be that the strap doesn’t fit in your guitar case while connected to the guitar, so you’ll have to plan ahead for that. If you can put up with those issues you’ve made yourself a super sturdy strap lock that will last a long time. Now that you have no fear, impress your friends and play your guitar behind your head. Strap Lock Conclusion Strap locks come in many types and colors, and what I tried to do here is choose only what I feel are the best. Strap locks are essential for keeping your instrument from suddenly landing on the floor, so make sure the strap lock you choose is compatible not only with your guitar but also your strap. And don’t forget to purchase a sturdy strap (see previous issue) because holding up your guitar is only as good as the weakest link. Also, look for something that’s relatively easy to install, and most of the ones available (including the ones listed here) are easy. And for some guitarists it matters if it’s a fast and easy way to attach and remove the strap. These choices do that (except for the last one). For other guitarists it makes no difference because the strap remains with the guitar all the time, hence the do-it-yourself strap lock listed above. Above all, make sure the strap lock is durable and makes a secure connection because there isn’t much of a demand for a guitarist with a broken instrument. With so many choices available I hope this listing has inspired you to do your strap lock shopping with due diligence. Don’t touch that dial… Stay tuned next time… Well, that’s it for strap locks, it’s time to move on. Next time we’re going upstairs to look for some excellent guitar cables, and then we’re coming back down with the best for the metal guitarist. And we’ll also cook up another solo piano tune, a free download from Dangerous Neighbors. Maybe I’ll see you then. I would change my mind, but I don’t think the other one would work any better. Knowledge, art, and music for all.

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