What exactly IS the point of strap locks?

[glassjaw7]

I've used different brands throughout the years but haven't found the perfect one yet. Also tried the PW locking straps but they seem a bit flimsy, like they might break from the weight of a Les Paul. I dropped my LTD Viper years ago and messed up the neck before I was straplock user and have been using them ever since.

 

[Spaceboy]

I have not ruined any guitars with my Loxx and they are easy to install. The bottle tops work great too though, but it's annoying to take the strap off when wanted. I don't like the other strap locks out there, too bulky and fidgety.

I get animated with my instrument and I play music where it's normal to be bumped into or have people on the stage, jumping off, etc. I couldn't play live without locks.

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

I'm fat, I sit down, no need for a strap!

 

[fearhk213]

I had some very close calls when I first started gigging not using strap locks, so I'm definitely pro strap lock. I've used Dunlops and Schallers, but prefer Schallers. The one thing you have to watch for with the Schallers is the nut coming lose on the strap because they definitely will over time, so you have to be conscience to check them.

 

[geetarmikey]

I had some very close calls when I first started gigging not using strap locks, so I'm definitely pro strap lock. I've used Dunlops and Schallers, but prefer Schallers. The one thing you have to watch for with the Schallers is the nut coming lose on the strap because they definitely will over time, so you have to be conscience to check them.

Exactly my point! I've had the same Grolsch stoppers on my LP for about 11 years and not one single problem.

 

[Fragglerick]

I've been using Dimarzio clip-lock straps on my guitars since waaaaayyyy back. I don't flip my guitars around any more but it's nice to not worry about a strap letting go.

 

[BC Audio]

The other issue no one has yet mentioned is leaving the strap in the case with your guitar. Those of you who leave the strap on all the time, do you run the strap behind or in front of the guitar when you put it in the case? I used to run the strap behind the guitar, and found that some cases - like old Gibson brown and black cases - are not very deep, and the added thickness of a strap makes it hard to close the case, and pushes the face of the guitar against the case.

 

[halebox]

Ive been using them for years but my 3 new cheap lpm les pauls have huge buttons and the straps are staying on and I like the feel better than the straplocks.

 

[some dude]

The other issue no one has yet mentioned is leaving the strap in the case with your guitar. Those of you who leave the strap on all the time, do you run the strap behind or in front of the guitar when you put it in the case? I used to run the strap behind the guitar, and found that some cases - like old Gibson brown and black cases - are not very deep, and the added thickness of a strap makes it hard to close the case, and pushes the face of the guitar against the case.

That's why I use strap locks on Gibsons.

On guitars I can toss in a gig bag (aka, Fenders) there's no need because the strap never needs to come off.

 

[barnesjd]

The other issue no one has yet mentioned is leaving the strap in the case with your guitar. Those of you who leave the strap on all the time, do you run the strap behind or in front of the guitar when you put it in the case? I used to run the strap behind the guitar, and found that some cases - like old Gibson brown and black cases - are not very deep, and the added thickness of a strap makes it hard to close the case, and pushes the face of the guitar against the case.

SGs work out perfectly. Since the neck strap button is on the back of the body, the strap can fold flat. Run it behind the body from the neck and fold it on top next to the bridge.



LPs are trickier because the strap button's position causes there to be one twist in the strap. Fortunately with my case, it doesn't fit snugly against the body's contour. There is enough room to run the strap around the body, and fold it up in the little cubby hole it produces.

 

[barnesjd]

That's why I use strap locks on Gibsons.

Instead of all that messy machinery, just use simple math to solve the problem like Planet Waves elliptical strap buttons.

 

[romanianreaper]

I love the Planet Waves strap with the dial that turns and tightens on your strap lock. Works great!

 

[Bob Savage]

They're a pain to install and can even ruin guitars, so if you feel you need your strap more secure why not use those cheaper plastic circular things you see at music store counters usually or, better yet, those rubber beer bottle stoppers?!

In all my time of gigging, I've never needed to take the strap off my guitar for whatever reason. It doesn't get in the way when when the guitar's in the case or I'm sitting down and playing.

I'm probably missing something here, but I guess it's something I've never got!

Mike

Sorry for all of the convoluted replies in this thread.

The point of strap locks is to keep your guitar from falling to the floor when you're playing in a standing, upright position. They're unnecessary when you play sitting down.