Guitar Strap Comparison

Code001 · Jul 24, 2006

I wrote this awhile back on HC when it wasn't nearly as bad as it is today. Enjoy:

Well, I got my DiMarzio Clip-Lock strap today. People wanted me to do a comparison since everyone is saying Dunlops fail by design. I have been using Dunlop StrapLoks for over 6 years now. Here is my review and comparison between the two.

Hardware:

Here is the hardware laid out on the table. I don't have the parts that go on the strap since I didn't have any extra and they're a real bitch to get off the strap. On the right is the DiMarzio stuff. Note that they have 2 sets of screws and NYLON washers. The 2 different screws are for two different screw widths. I thought that was really cool! You don't have to really do any drilling then. Also, I found out they use nylon washers because when you are tightening the screw down, the part that stays on the guitar will move and shift. This allows you to move it back towards the center without harming the finish or backing the screw out.

Here is a screw comparison picture.

Right is Dunlop, middle is the smaller DiMarzio screw and left is the bigger DiMarzio screw. That sucker on the left is HUGE!

Dunlop assembled and not installed on the guitar.

DiMarzio assembled and not installed on the guitar.

Dunlop Installed

Dunlop Dual Design Installed

DiMarzio Installed

At first the strap wasn't to my liking. It kept messing with my shoulder and I found out the reason was because I had the DiMarzio name tag on the front. There is extra stitching and whatnot there and it kept catching my skin. I swapped the DiMarzio logo to the back end of the guitar (switched the strap around) and it is MUCH better. I love this strap a hell of a lot more than my Ernie Ball straps. It's real smooth seatbelt material. Nylon I believe. Anyway, after comparing the two, I believe the DiMarzio is a much better design. I can see how the Dunlops can fail due to the ball bearings wearing, not properly engaging/disengaging and/or inside of the post that stays on the guitar wearing. Flame away.

Edit: Today I now have the DiMarzio logo facing front. It doesn't seem to bother me anymore. I must be weird. :?

Mudder · Jul 24, 2006

I use the Dual Design locks with two different straps, one a nylon type with the locks, the second a thick leather Levies that's absolutely money. Comfy and well made.

ihave27frets · Jul 25, 2006

I prefer the Schaller myself, it just seems safer to me.

mrp5150 · Jul 25, 2006

ihave27frets":38806 said:
I prefer the Schaller myself, it just seems safer to me.

+1

Zach · Jul 25, 2006

ihave27frets":a0f6f said:
I prefer the Schaller myself, it just seems safer to me.

orangekick · Jul 25, 2006

I've never had a DiMarzio click strap fail on me.

MrDan666 · Jul 25, 2006

orangekick":86bc7 said:
I've never had a DiMarzio click strap fail on me.

Me either! and iv put them through hell!!

Right now i dont have any straplocks on, but the strap pins are fucking huge! so the straps fit insanely tight around them!

Dan

ColourofFire · Jul 25, 2006

ihave27frets":5ef98 said:
I prefer the Schaller myself, it just seems safer to me.

I also have schallers, I just bought one set one day, and I'm happy with em, so I bought another for my backup guitar, they never failed me, so I see no reason to change.

Duke309 · Jul 26, 2006

The only ones I use are schaller, never failed on me yet.

Anonymous · Jul 27, 2006

When I place the strap onto the Dunlop Strap locks on my guitar, I put the strap onto the chrome pin and simply place the locking mechanism into the holes in the end of the pin.

This way, there is no extra stress on the pin from having the guitar strap attached at the outside end and the strap still won't come lose.

Rather then drill extra deep holes into the guitar, I simply put a dab of super glue onto the screw after placing it through the Dunlop pin just before screwing it into the guitar. Everything stays tight, and I never have to commit to using the same strap with the locking part always attached to it, so I can change straps at will and still keep it locked onto the guitar.

Scott Ians Beard · Jul 27, 2006

I had a schaller bail out on me unexpectidly, but luckily i caught the guitar. I then moved all my guitars to Dunlop Dual Designs and they have been great. The only issue is that on one guitar the wood around the strap pin has stripped, and the pin wobbles.

My next guitar will get a DiMarzio. If i like it, ill change all the others....

Thanks for the review, BTW!