• From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Topic: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

Hey everyone,

Maybe this has been asked before but I just can't seem to find it....

On my '09 R8 Les Paul, I want to put on a good set of strap locks.  I took the R8LP to my local guitar store.  They were going to put Schaller's (?) on but the screw for them was quite shorter than the screws that come with the guitar.  Also, the screws that were taken out of my R8LP did not fit into the strap lock (head of screw was too big).  They suggested usuing a mahagony filler and redrilling the holes for the shorter screws.  I don't want to do that.  Currently I am using those cheap plastic strap locks and they are ok but I really don't trust them too much.

Can any of you suggest a set that possibly have the correct size screws?  Anyone else run into this issue?  What did you do to fix that issue?  I am guess it would be the same issue for any 50's reissue Les Pauls.

Thanks,

Barry

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

Dunlop strap locks. Very easy to swap with no additional drilling.

  • From: Canterbury
  • Registered: 2010-05-27
  • Posts: 310

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

I say Schaller all the way....

Here's one way to do it, its very unintrusive to the guitar:

http://forums.gibson.com/default.aspx?g … mp;t=22187

Refresh for pics.

  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

I say Schaller locks are great.  I have them on every guitar I own including a R8.  I have a simple way of fixing this little problem.  I dip tooth picks in wood glue and push them into the hole.  Once you cant get anymore in there let it dry for about 30 minutes. Then put on the schallers. I've never had one come out, loosen, or fail.  If you want put the schallers in before the glue drys.  It will lock the screw down even better.  And I really dont think the strap locks takes any value off the guitar.  Its not a vintage guitar and the strap locks makes it more secure.

  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

I have both I actually prefer the dunlop ones (you have the option of using a dif strap atleast then as the strap button is still big enough). But honestly I've started using rubber washers on my new guitars, standard strap buttons > strap > rubber gromet /washer its the safest I've had on a guitar not a chance it will come off...

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

wharris wrote:

Dunlop strap locks. Very easy to swap with no additional drilling.


Do the screws that come with the guitar fit int eh Dunlop system or are the screws with the Dunlop system the same lenght as the ones that come with the guitar?

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: South Brunswick, NJ USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 133

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

I've used Schaller's for years...never had a problem!

Russ B.
  • From: Essex UK
  • Registered: 2010-03-19
  • Posts: 164

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

I use the red rubber caps from a Grolsch bottle, look cool and boy do they grip well, plus you get the benefit of drinking the Grolsch in the first place, I promised to get a few sets for my friends but after I had done about 20 sets, I couldn't be bothered any more and went for a sleep instead!! lol  lol

Seriously, they work really well.

Have Fun and laugh like it's your first time! You never know you might get to like it! big_smile
  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

LesPaul4 wrote:
wharris wrote:

Dunlop strap locks. Very easy to swap with no additional drilling.


Do the screws that come with the guitar fit int eh Dunlop system or are the screws with the Dunlop system the same lenght as the ones that come with the guitar?

THe Gibson screw are a little short if I remember. The Dunlop screws will screw right into the holes without any new drilling.

  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

wharris wrote:
LesPaul4 wrote:
wharris wrote:

Dunlop strap locks. Very easy to swap with no additional drilling.


Do the screws that come with the guitar fit int eh Dunlop system or are the screws with the Dunlop system the same lenght as the ones that come with the guitar?

THe Gibson screw are a little short if I remember. The Dunlop screws will screw right into the holes without any new drilling.

Grolsh bottle washers. Haha!

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.

11 Reply by StewartW (edited by StewartW 2010-07-13 10:15:08)

  • From: Essex UK
  • Registered: 2010-03-19
  • Posts: 164

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

jakey wrote:
wharris wrote:
LesPaul4 wrote:

Do the screws that come with the guitar fit int eh Dunlop system or are the screws with the Dunlop system the same lenght as the ones that come with the guitar?

THe Gibson screw are a little short if I remember. The Dunlop screws will screw right into the holes without any new drilling.

Grolsh bottle washers. Haha!

Jakey, honestly no Haha, have a look at the following photo's: Grolsch Bottle washers make great straploks, pictures are here:

www.myspace.com/stewartw

Just ckick on pics and have a look!! lol  lol

Have Fun and laugh like it's your first time! You never know you might get to like it! big_smile

12 Reply by DAN (edited by DAN 2010-07-13 16:50:50)

  • DAN
  • Gold Member
  • Offline
  • From: Lima, Ohio
  • Registered: 2010-01-14
  • Posts: 94

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

I removed the Dunlops from my LP and refilled the holes with a dowel rod, and re-drilled.
I put in Schallers instead because I see them as LOW PROFILE and dont stick out as much as the Dunlop, and I saw more leverage for a tear out with the Dunlops, since it is high profile, and the push button male post connects are so shallow in the long tube female connector.
I got black Schallers for my black strat.
My 02' Tele came with Schallers.

If you re-plug your hole with a dowel rod, be sure to cut a ''V" notch down the length of the dowel rod to allow excess wood glue and air to escape, or else the dowel rod will push it's self out the hole due to hydrolic pressure. You may have to first drill the hole a little larger....taking dark Mahogony wood with it, to get a dowel rod of size to eventually drill into. Get a dowel rod just shy of the circumfrence of the Schaller female piece. The glued in dowel rod will be of harder wood than the guitar wood.
My complaint with both sytems are the skimpy screws they provide....so then go with the Schaller's lower profile.........I also dont like the washer used on the strap connection. I find I have to re-tighten the connector on my strap. I wish they provided a polished lock washer. >> DAN

79' Epiphone Genesis Custom, 89' pre-reissue Les Paul Standard, 90'Strat Plus,
02' Tele (ash), 91' Martin HD-28, Epi A-12 acoustic, Fender Hot Rod Deville 2x12
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Strap Locks for r8 Lespaul

All my guitars used Schaller strap locks because the strap is closer to the guitar. Dunlops have the straps attached outside the strap knob. I just got a PRS that has Dunlops, and they're totally fine. Now that I tried em I liked em

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool