Strap Locks for Sqnk. reso

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 13 Jun 2016 10:38 am

Looking for input on use and type of strap locks on a squareneck reso for stand up playing.

On my standard guitars, I notice that the guitar swivels more easily with locks than with a standard button. I'm wondering if this would cause any stability concerns with stand up playing.

I only need a lock for the tailpiece end, the headstock end has a loop with a strap quick disconnect.

Not buying another strap. I have one I fashioned, but this one, or any other cannot attach permanently because the case won't close up with it. So the strap has to come off and stash rolled up in the head of the case. Because of that, it needs to be a quick and easy operation.

I don't like the 4-ball Dunlop style because it puts the strap end too far from the guitar and the button is too long for the case space.

I believe the Schallers will work, but I'm interested in a couple of new styles such as the Loxx and the Hennesey.

Another concern is the button screw size etc., since that screw is what attaches the tailpiece to the endblock.

Input appreciated.

Rick Langdon · Post by **Rick Langdon** » 13 Jun 2016 10:52 am

I use Schallers on all my Square Necks ... they work very well and I have no issues playing standing with these ...

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 13 Jun 2016 10:58 am

I'm perfectly happy with Schaller, and that being the case haven't tried the Loxx or Hennessy because I have no reason to switch. Both units look interesting, but just from checking them out online I like the design of the Hennessy better.

Been using Schaller for years. And since the Schaller does the job very well for me, I don't think of it as the same sort of thing as trying different bars, capos, or picks because the "latest & greatest" might be an improvement over what I have been using and will make me a little bit better player - or maybe a little bit happier player.

I have Dunlops on a couple electric guitars, and when I received my lap steel for standup playing from Bill Asher last year it already came set up with the Dunlop. And even though I prefer the Schaller, it doesn't make enough of a difference to me that I feel compelled to switch. Maybe I will at some point, but once the strap is in place and I'm standing and playing be it on dobro or steel guitar, I don't even think about the strap lock, unlike how I might be conscious of the difference between two different bars or two different capos.

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 13 Jun 2016 11:26 am

Schallers on all of my square necks.

FWIW, every Beard guitar is built with the Schaller.

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Steve Green · Post by **Steve Green** » 13 Jun 2016 12:02 pm

I use this type of strap lock on my square neck reso. If I had a real expensive guitar, I may go with the Schaller or something more substantial, but I've never had any problems with this one. I think it's by Dunlop, and available from Elderly.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 13 Jun 2016 12:19 pm

I've got those Steve. I use them on a couple of my standard guitars. The opening is too small for my reso button though. I can force it on and off but it's too difficult to futz with.

Since I have to change it anyway, I only want to do it once so I thought I'd get some input from players using the newer mechanical locks as well as the current ones.

Paddy Long · Post by **Paddy Long** » 13 Jun 2016 3:28 pm

I have Schallers on my Beard MA6 -- very solid and secure.

Peter Harris · Post by **Peter Harris** » 14 Jun 2016 6:05 am

I have Schallers on every guitar that I own...

..only point I would make is that a dot of (someone else's) nail polish on ALL the threads is good insurance against everything becoming unwound at an inappropriate moment..

..this INCLUDES the thread on the internal end of the release button which holds the spring and some other very-small-and-hard-to-find-on-a-darkened-stage bits together...

Don't bother to ask me how I know this.. $:\$

Peter Jacobs · Post by **Peter Jacobs** » 14 Jun 2016 6:42 am

I'm a Dunlop user for my stand-up steel - the version that's on it is inset into the end of the steel, so it doesn't stick out at all. I feel it's very secure.

Planet Waves has some diamond shaped strap buttons that are supposed to be more secure than the standard round ones. I haven't tried these, though.

Another alternative is the old favorite Grolsch beer bottle washer. It's a red washer that seems to be the right size for most strap buttons. Plus you get beer.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 15 Jun 2016 4:12 pm

Thanks. www.musiciansfriend.com is running a 15% off accessories sale, so I ordered the Dunlop Dual Design model locks along with a few other items. I think this model will work OK on the tailpiece....we'll see.

I did not get any input about the 2 newer designs I referenced and the online reviews weren't conclusive.

I have some Dunlops, along with Schallers, so I know how those install and work.

Dave Thier · Post by **Dave Thier** » 16 Jun 2016 6:24 am

I use Schallers on all my squarenecks. They work well and if it ain't broke...