Strap locks that don't require replacing original strap posts?

[skewzme]

Some carbon fiber guitar makers recommend NOT replacing the original strap posts. Any ideas on how to lock in a strap without replacing the original posts?

[Melt in the Sun]

A locking strap would work, but runs the risk of bonking up the finish around the button:
https://www.sweetwater.com/fender-quick-grip/series

Which CF makers recommend against changing them? I like the D'addario elliptical buttons and was going to put them on my X20, but didn't feel like chasing down the appropriate machine screws to put them in.

[mountainmaster]

The rubber ring (beer bottle) variety usually works for me.

Rubber rings do not work on strap buttons that are a combined output for an amplifier, but you probably would not want to replace those anyway.
The strap usually fits so tight around them that they don't need locking.

We have these in the Netherlands:


Buy a strap lock and get a free beer.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by mountainmaster

The rubber ring (beer bottle) variety usually works for me.

Rubber rings do not work on strap buttons that are a combined output for an amplifier, but you probably would not want to replace those anyway.
The strap usually fits so tight around them that they don't need locking.

We have these in the Netherlands:


Buy a strap lock and get a free beer.

We also have these Grolsch bottles in the USA. Great Beer--I Love It!

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by skewzme

Some carbon fiber guitar makers recommend NOT replacing the original strap posts. Any ideas on how to lock in a strap without replacing the original posts?

Which ones recommend this? I've owned 5 Emeralds and 4 RainSongs and don't remember either of those two making this recommendation. I also changed out all their strap buttons and never encountered any issues doing so or changing them back to their stock buttons when the guitars were eventually sold. I've done so with every other wood guitar I've ever owned as well. I prefer the old Planet Waves buttons (now D'Addario). Even without a strap lock system they are much better at holding onto a strap due to the deep recess and highly angular cut design as compared to most normal buttons that are more curved and rounded.

Button on my IRIS DF:



On a carbon fiber RainSong:



And on an Emerald X7:

[skewzme]

[QUOTE=Methos1979;7238009]Which ones recommend this? QUOTE]

McPherson. Says in in their FAQ section of their home page.

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by skewzme

McPherson. Says in in their FAQ section of their home page.

Ah. Never owned a McPherson. Yet!

[mountainmaster]

Originally Posted by skewzme

McPherson. Says in in their FAQ section of their home page.

And here's why:

Q: Can I put Strap Locks on my Carbon Series Guitar?
A: Removing the button on the heel of the guitar can be very problematic. This machine screw is bored into a metal pin in the heel of the neck. Modifying this is not recommended.

[Marshall]

Originally Posted by Methos1979

9

On a carbon fiber RainSong:

What is that?

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by Marshall

What is that?

That is the Acousti-Lok from MusicNomad that is designed to allow strap locks on guitars with input jacks. Works slick. While the stock button is designed to work with a different system, you can replace it with the button style of your choice which for me is the D'Addario Universal Strap Lock system. Here's more info and photos from another recent thread about the subject:

Another big fan of the MusicNomad Acousti-Lok device that just replaces your existing jack with no alterations as it screws on. Just make sure you order the correct one as they sell both a metric and standard thread version.

As for the front of the strap, I've tried the headstock thing and just can't warm up to it so I finally learned to install my own. It can be a little disconcerting the first time you do it but there's not mystery. I did a step-by-step post on how to do this with photos that you can view here:

Installing a front strap button in the 'Taylor' position (heel)

Here's a few photos of one of my guitars that have the Acousti-Loc device installed - I used strap locks on my guitars but you can just use most any strap on them, even thick leather ones that are just about impossible to get over a jack:

[Marshall]

Hhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm

I'm not interested in the Strap-Lok. I like the Acousti-Lok device, but the button you attach a strap to is small. Looks like you need the bigger piece from the Strap-Lok to get the bigger flanged nut. You see, I tie a shoelace around that post and tie that to my straps. I don't remove the strap. I always used to use these: Acoustic Strap Secure



But the guy who sold them can't get any more made.

[Rudy4]

A lot of folks who use a strap with the usual output jack as used by K&K as well as others like to use the Tapastring StrapKeeper.

[Marshall]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

A lot of folks who use a strap with the usual output jack as used by K&K as well as others like to use the Tapastring StrapKeeper.

Yes. I bought one of those. And I like it so far. I bought 4 more that are sitting in my parts bin for future use. But I still like the Acoustic Strap Secure best for my purposes. But you can't find them any more. That's why I liked the button on the Strap Lock Secure. But I'm not buying 2 $20 devices just to get a big flanged nut I can tie a shoestring around and feel secure.

[Steve Christens]

Originally Posted by skewzme

Some carbon fiber guitar makers recommend NOT replacing the original strap posts. Any ideas on how to lock in a strap without replacing the original posts?

The ones on my Composite Acoustics GX and Emerald X7 are easy to replace, BUT they are not held on with screws, but rather bolts with nuts.

[FrankHudson]

Three options, two already mentioned.

Locking straps. Work fairly well. Obviously they limit what straps you can use which is a factor for some.

Rubber washers. Effective. Cheap. Somewhat of a pain to put on and remove, and as far as I'm concerned I wouldn't want to use them on a guitar where I was always taking the strap on and off.

And then there's this little do-dads.

D'Addario Stap Locks

Also inexpensive. Easy on and easy off. And bonus cable hook if you want to use it as well.