We’ve all seen the video clips of the guitarist who loses their guitar due to a guitar strap failure. Maybe it’s happened to you as well. One thing is for sure: It’s not pretty, and it can do major damage to any guitar. Fortunately, guitar strap locks were invented to solve the problem, and keep our beloved guitars safe.
What is a Guitar Strap Lock?
Guitar strap locks are devices that attach to a guitar strap button, and securely fastening it to the guitar. Traditional strap buttons are adequate, but offer no back-up plan for a guitar strap breaking loose from the button. Guitar strap locks provide a far more secure connection between the guitar and strap, and ensure that your guitar won’t suddenly come crashing down to the stage (or bedroom) floor.
How do Guitar Strap Locks Work?
Traditional guitar strap buttons are simple: The guitar strap has a hole at each end, and you thread the strap buttons on the guitar through the holes. With a strap lock, the guitar strap buttons are replaced with specialized strap buttons. The locking strap buttons pair with another component that attaches to the strap. To attach the strap to the guitar, you simply snap them together, and the locking mechanism secures the connection.
Can Strap Locks Be Installed on any Guitar?
Strap locks can be installed easily on any guitar, provided that you have two guitar strap buttons. Almost every electric guitar will have two strap buttons already installed. Acoustic guitars may have either one or two strap buttons. If your acoustic only has one strap button, you will need to install an additional button. For more on guitar strap buttons, see our article on How to attach a Guitar Strap.
How do you Install Strap Locks?
Installing guitar strap locks is straightforward. Some strap locks have specific installation instructions, but basicially, installing strap locks consists of 3 steps:
- Install the new guitar Strap Buttons on to your guitar
- Install the Strap Lock mechanism on to your guitar strap
- Join the strap to the guitar by snapping them together
Fender has a great video that outlines these steps:
Best Guitar Strap Locks
Now that you know what strap locks are and what they do, let’s look at the best strap locks available today. These strap locks work exactly the same for bass guitar as well.
1. Schaller S-Locks
Schaller was among the first to make strap locks for guitar, and is still considered the benchmark. The “S” in S-Lock stands for “silent security”, which when you think of it, is a great way to describe strap locks in general. These Schaller strap locks include an extended thread length on the buttons and an increased gap between the lock wheel and base of the lock to accommodate today’s thicker guitar straps. The stainless steel bolt is beveled to ensure easy snap-in. Schaller strap locks are the standard, and a quality choice.
Schaller S-Locks Install Video
2. Fender Infinity Strap Locks
Fender’s Infinity Strap Locks are a stylish choice. In addition to being possibly the best looking strap lock system, the Fender has a ball-bearing-style system with an easy pinch-button release. The Fender “F” adorns the strap button, so naturally, these are ideal for Fender instruments. And, Fender strap locks use the same size mounting screws as Fender’s standard strap buttons, so that means less modification to your Fender guitar.
3. Dunlop Straplok Dual Design
Dunlop’s “Dual Design” are the most versatile in our list. The advantage of Dunlop’s “Dual Design” is that you can use the strap buttons both with or without the strap locking mechanism. Without it, they perform like regular, non-locking strap buttons. The locking design is a plunger-type, with a button, and attach by pushing them straight on, instead of sliding in like the Schaller. These strap locks offer Dunlop’s “Retainer System”, which is a little bit more involved to install than some others. The flip side is the versatility you get by being able to use both locking and non-locking straps.
Dunlop Straplok Install Video
4. D’Addario Universal Strap Locks
Designed in partnership with Ned Steinberger of Steinberger Guitars, D’Addario’s strap locks are simple to install. Using a pull-pin-style system, D’Addario’s locks low profile, sitting close to the guitar body. You can tell that D’Addario put time into rethinking how a strap lock should look, and these have become quite popular.
D’Addario Universal Strap Lock Install Video
5. D’Addario Dual-Lock Strap Locks
If you are looking for the easiest to install option that also costs the least, then you’ve found your strap lock in the The D’Addario Dual-Lock Strap Lock. This simple design utilizes your existing strap buttons without modification—no drilling or threading locking attachments to your guitar strap. As a bonus, the Dual-Lock can be clipped onto your instrument cable, preventing it from accidentally catching and pulling out of the jack when you inadvertently step on your cable (haven’t we all done this?)
6. Ernie Ball Super Locks
Ernie Ball’s Super Locks are a solid choice if you favor a pinch-button release. The Ernie Ball Super Locks are on the pricey side, but the build quality here is top notch. Some people may not love having the Ernie Ball logo so prominently displayed, but that’s up to you. And, if you have a Music Man guitar, it’s an appropriate choice. These have been on the market for a while now, and offer good quality and reliability.
Ernie Ball Super Locksk Install Video
7. EVH Strap Clasps With Eye Hooks
Why would you get a strap lock that includes screw eye hooks for hardware instead of strap buttons? Well, because you want to be more like Eddie Van Halen, of course. The EVH Strap Clasps are a replica of the connectors that Van Halen fastened to his original Frankenstrat. Crude by some standards, these strap locks get points for authenticity, and will work with any EVH-branded strap.
8. Stagg SSL1 Strap Locks
Stagg SSL1 strap locks are an alternative to Schaller for less dough. The fit and finish is not quite up to par with the Schaller, but that’s the tradeoff for functional strap locks that are around half the price you would spend for Schaller. The Stagg SSL1 is available in gunmetal black, chrome, and gold colors. One thing to consider is that the Stagg may not be the best choice if you have a guitar strap that is on the thick side.
For more information on how to attach and adjust your guitar strap, check out our article How To Attach a Guitar Strap. Happy Playing!