Strap Locks.

[Bigkap]

Just some advice.
Just got a 1979 Les Paul Standard all original.
Not convinced that using a leather strap will keep it safe when standing up.
Seen Strap Locks but not sure about putting new screws into the body as some screws are either too long or too short.
Have used the Grolch rubbers on other less expensive guitars but tried tonight on the les Paul and they fell off! Hence the post. Any ideas would be great

 

[MarcB]

Get the Jim Dunlop rubbers.. thicker and tighter fit.. strap locks are illegal on old guitars.

 

[CK6]

Just some advice.
Just got a 1979 Les Paul Standard all original.
Not convinced that using a leather strap will keep it safe when standing up.
Seen Strap Locks but not sure about putting new screws into the body as some screws are either too long or too short.
Have used the Grolch rubbers on other less expensive guitars but tried tonight on the les Paul and they fell off! Hence the post. Any ideas would be great

I’d use a Charvel strap button as they’re oversized. Combined with Grolsch washers you’re good to go

 

[jrgtr42]

I've heard of people modifying the strap locks to work with the stock screws. |I think that means drilling out the centers of the buttons, at least on the Schaller style, to fit the existing screws.
I think there are some straps with built- in locks. |I had one a long time ago and wasn't really convinced on that either.
I don;t have any vintage guitars, but |I use Schallers on most of mine, and Grolsch washers on others, except my |Rickenbacker I have a couple metal washers over the strap buttons.

 

[Bigkap]

Thank you everyone for the advice and its greatly appreciated.​

I agree with MarcB as I dont wont to change anything on the guitar. ​

But with your suggestions and searching, I found these that I will try.​

D'Addario Flex Lock Strap Blocks​

and

D'Addario Dual-Lock Guitar Strap Lock​

Until I am satisfied that these work, the guitar does not leave my home.
Again, thank you all for taking the time to respond
Steve

 

[Señor Verde]

I'm a rubber washer guy and never had an issue. Whatever you end up using, check them regularly. I know of a few people who have had Schaller or Dunlops wear out after years of use causing failure, or a nut came loose allowing the guitar to fall.

 

[mdubya]

Metal washers (particularly in the upper bout strap button).

Fool proof, gig ready SG with original strap buttons.

I ordered several sets of these recently. They are large enough that it is easier to permanently install the strap with them. I have squeezed on rubber washers for effect, but they are not necessary.

https://warmoth.com/osb1

 

[56lp]

I have seen these strap locks advertised recently:

Rok Lok

Seems worth trying them. They are also sold on Amazon. No tools required. No modification to the guitar. Works with any strap.

 

[dwagar]

I use Schallers on all my Les Pauls.

I bought a new SG Tribute awhile ago, it has wider strap pins on it, I don't think a strap will come off it so I didn't bother with strap locks.

 

[J T]

Mojoaxe has these. Maybe these will work for you. He opens again in March.

 

[renderit]

I have Schallers on a number of guitars and they work ok but you have to hog out most straps to use them.

ALWAYS use the Mojoaxe screws though, the ones Schaller supplies are crap.

 

[DrewB]

I have Schallers on a number of guitars and they work ok but you have to hog out most straps to use them.

ALWAYS use the Mojoaxe screws though, the ones Schaller supplies are crap.

...and now Schaller have gone to a one-piece button/screw atrocity. A customer brought me a guitar to repair yesterday after one of the screws twisted off as he was installing it. Rookie mistake, sure, but the crap design and materials are disappointing.

 

[charliechitlins]

Metal washers (particularly in the upper bout strap button).

Fool proof, gig ready SG with original strap buttons.

I ordered several sets of these recently. They are large enough that it is easier to permanently install the strap with them. I have squeezed on rubber washers for effect, but they are not necessary.

https://warmoth.com/osb1

These are called fender washers and are by far the simplest and most secure method.
Take your strap button to the hardware store and find the washer that fits over the smaller, inner part of the button, but not the larger outer part of the button.
I have been doing this since about 1975 and thousands of gigs with no problem.
I have never had a strap that didn't fit in the case of damaged a finish.

 

[charliechitlins]

When considering straplocks, don't forget the most basic mechanical rule:
More parts=more stuff to go wrong.

 

[J.D.]

I've done the "MojoAxe Mod" many times. Just grind the guitar's original screw head OD down just enough to fit inside the straplock button ID, and drill out the center hole of the straplock button just big enough to allow the original screw threads to fit. I'll usually place a small felt washer under the straplock button, so the slightly larger button does not leave an imprint on the finish if/when reverted back to stock buttons. Of course you will need some common tools and mechanical ability to do this job yourself, otherwise just buy the MojoAxe kit.

 

[Wilko]

I have no problem with using strap locks on my guitars, vintage or not. I know it's a divisive topic whether Dunlop or Schaller, But I firmly in the Dunlop camp. Fewer parts and they use a pin lock technology. Pin lock is far superior design and approved for military/aircraft use. Holds vertical or shear loads. Been using since about 1981 with zero issues.

if worried about the length of the button, sometimes ill just slip a regular strap over the button and use the strap lock separate as a washer. Holdsthe strap closer to the body.

 

[metropolis]

I do have some of the straplocks that require new screws / buttons on some guitars, and my preference is to use Schallers, but for anything old that I don't want to modify I use the Fender rubber stoppers. They can dry and crack but I've only had that once, and I have them on 6 or so guitars with no issues. Sometimes it can be a squeeze with a thick strap and small button but once they're on I've not had an issue and I'm gigging 50+ year old guitars.

 

[J T]

I have no problem with using strap locks on my guitars, vintage or not. I know it's a divisive topic whether Dunlop or Schaller, But I firmly in the Dunlop camp. Fewer parts and they use a pin lock technology. Pin lock is far superior design and approved for military/aircraft use. Holds vertical or shear loads. Been using since about 1981 with zero issues.

if worried about the length of the button, sometimes ill just slip a regular strap over the button and use the strap lock separate as a washer. Holdsthe strap closer to the body.

Yeah I never had any problem with Dunlops. They are no BS and just work.

 

[57StratSpanker]

I've used Dunlops for several decades without a single failure. Every guitar and bass gets those, plus I have several acoustics with the Dunlop strap button on the neck heel. They work and part of my string changing ritual is to check the strap button screws for tightness.

 

[Bigkap]

Unfortunately the rubbers didnt work. They came off!
I also got some D'Addario Dual Lock guitar strap lock which seems promising.
The Rok Loc mentioned above also looks good.
Finally, I also like the washer method.
Once again, thank you all for your advice.
Time to get ready to pop along to Gibsons "London Garage" to have a look around.
Thanks
Steve