Guitar strap locks are one of the coolest little guitar gadget style inventions I’ve ever come across.
Have you ever had a guitar strap slip off the hook, or have you seen this happen to someone else? Often times the guitar crashes painfully to the floor, and sometimes, never to get back up.
A close friend of mine destroyed a beautiful $1500 GNL when his strap slipped off by accident.
Not very cool.
So what’s the answer?
Guitar Strap Locks
Considering they only cost about $15 on Amazon, strap locks can literally save you hundreds or thousands of dollars and the grief of a destroyed guitar.
About the only downside that I can think of to using guitar strap locks is that you need to dedicate a particular strap to a particular guitar, if that can even be classified as a concern.
In this video I demonstrate how to install the Schaler strap locks on your guitar. It’s very easy, and boils down to these steps:
- Remove existing strap knobs.
- Screw Schaler guitar strap locks back into the same holes.
- Attach the other end to your strap.
That’s it!
Click Here To Get Schaler Strap Locks ($15-$20)
Video Problems? Watch How To Install Guitar Strap Locks on Youtube
Woah! Jonathon, I’ve never seen anyone that fast with a screwdriver!
[Reply]
Jonathan Reply:
February 27th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
LOL – as I said in the video… it takes a LOT of practice =).
[Reply]
BTW, regarding loose screws…I had the same problem but couldn’t fit a larger screw through the hardware without drilling/tapping the metal. Someone at the guitar store recommended I try to fill the hole with bits of toothpicks and wood glue. This worked perfectly to tighten the fit.
[Reply]
Hmm that’s a good tip Doug! I’ll have to give that a shot, as these screws could do with a bit of a snugger fit.
[Reply]
Hey Jon,
I have a fender acoustic guitar where the plastic strap peg on the bottom of the guitar seems to come loose (with the strap still attached to it)at inopportune times. Thank God I haven’t dropped it on the floor- yet. The peg is just pressed into the thin wall of the guitar body, so not much holding power. Do you have a good way of making the peg stay put??? Just use Elmer’s Glue?? I’d like to use strap locks here also but I am worried that the screw threads won’t hold in the thin wall of the body. I suppose I could remove the strings and get someone with small hands to reach thru the sound hole to install a washer and nut on the inside of the body??
[Reply]
Jonathan Boettcher Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:32 am
Hi Bill,
I’d probably try the option with the nut & washer before going for the glue… I think it would be more secure long term.
[Reply]
do you know of a strap lock thqt fits over the end when the end has a 1/4 inch plug in it?
[Reply]
Jonathan!
I have been enjoying your tips and website for some time now and I would like to support you to the extent that I can afford by either buying one of your CD lessons or giving you a monetary donation. My preference would be to purchase a CD but I dont know if you make any money on the CDs(yet). Can you comment?
Mahalo from Hawaii, Jim
[Reply]
Jonathan Boettcher Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 5:18 am
Hi Jim, thank you very much – yes, I do make money of the DVDs, so if you’d like to purchase one, I’d really appreciate it!
Cheers,
Jonathan
[Reply]
When you say “About the only downside that I can think of to using guitar strap locks is that you need to dedicate a particular strap to a particular guitar…” does that mean you need to goet a special strap? Also, couldn’t you just get multiples of the same strap locks?
[Reply]
Jonathan Reply:
September 29th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Hi David,
No special straps are needed… however the other side of the lock needs to be fastened to your strap, which means you can’t use that strap on another guitar. So as long as all your guitars and all your straps are using the same strap lock hardware, then they will be interchangeable.
[Reply]
David Reply:
October 2nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
Okay, thanks for the info.
[Reply]
The best advice one can take to the bank. I have them on all of my guitars. Some words of wisdom. If you have several guitars,or have several straps for one guitar or 20 guitars use the same type of strap loc. I made the mistake of not researching this item and after buying 4 or 5 of the push in type of locks,I bought the one’s that you pull a spring loaded release out and slide the locking device into the guitar. I changed the push type over to the pull type,now any strap,and any guitar is easy and interchangeable. A no brainer. John
[Reply]
There is something else I would like to share with all of you. Locking tuner. You break a string and now you have to stop and change it out. Instead of wrapping the string a couple of times in the tuner hole,just put the new string into the tuning device and with the thumb screw,put tension on the string and lock the thumb screw. Adjust the string in just minutes. Easy to tune and very little stretching of the strings from that time on. I don’t like to work for 5 or 10 minutes to get the guitars tuned up and adjust a few things. I can spend more time on playing instead of working on it. I have to be honest,I do enjoy working on guitars. There is a time for that,but not when your time is limited and you just want to play. John
[Reply]
[...] and they're cheap and easy to install as well. Here's a quick video showing you how to install guitar strap locks on your guitar. 7 Comments – Leave a comment! « Previous PostNext Post » 7 [...]
Bought the schlaeger lock on your recommendation.Did attach them but had difficulty. The nub that goes through the guitar strap is so short that the washer and nut will not seat on even a moderately thick strap. Had to use a spare ultra thin nylon strap instead of my beloved black leather strap. Why dont they make the post a half inch longer to correct this problem. I cant be the only one that noticed this. Lock is very secure though.
[Reply]
Jonathan Reply:
March 16th, 2011 at 9:25 am
Hmm that’s strange, I have a nice thick leather strap myself, and it fit quite nicely…?
[Reply]
Grow a mustache as that stuff on your lower chin gives you a frowny look .
[Reply]
Hey Jon,
Thanks for the video,bro. I wish you were just a little bit earlier with it though,as I just put strap locks on my guitar a couple of weeks ago. I just wanted to comment on your strap. I think its cool. If I am not mistaken, Magic Slim uses one just like that. Cool stuff Jon…keep up the great job you’re doing. Love all your e-mails.
[Reply]