When setting your sights on the big stage, it’s important to have your guitars safe and secure whenever you rock out to your favorite tune. I’ve rounded up some of the best guitar strap locks out there today. Read on to find out.
Overview (Strap Lock)
I hope it’s not too late. You may be reading through this and are still wincing in pain at the horrific incident that happened to your guitar.
I really hope not.
But what we have in our plate today is an accessory that not many guitarists prioritize. After all, it may not be as flashy as a well-designed guitar strap or an effects pedal that screams doom. Strap locks rarely get the attention they deserve. But what makes it an essential piece of accessory?
First, let’s find out exactly what they are.
What Is A Strap Lock?
From the name itself, a strap lock simply ensures that your guitar won’t snap out of your strap and fall into the ground.
Thanks to today’s advancements in design and technology, several companies and manufacturers have come up with genius ways of how to make sure that your instrument stays exactly where it belongs.
I personally see strap locks as more than something made exclusive for guitarists that swing their instruments on stage. And any serious gigging musician should invest in a good one.
It can be something used to bring peace of mind to any musician who plays live – especially for those who really like to make their way and venues they play in. There are certain artists who like to go crazy with their guitar tricks on stage, and a strap lock is definitely the solution for them to be able to do so.
With all that out of the way, let’s get right into the buying guide.
Buying Guide
As always, you always want to consider your budget when aiming for strap locks.
Luckily for any sort of skill level, there are budget-friendly alternatives to even the most expensive ones. After all, as long as they help keep your guitar secure, it works, right? Another one is strap lock type.
There are washer types that you simply insert after you put on your strap and you’re good to go. There are also other lock types that you install as an actual part of your electric guitar. Both of these have their advantages and disadvantages, such as price, durability, and ease of installation.
Now that the nitty-gritty of things is dealt with, let’s get right onto our list of the best guitar strap locks.
Schaller S Locks
Starting off our roundup are S Locks from Schaller.
These bad boys are renowned for being some of the most reliable offerings of strap locks available out there today – and they are on the more expensive variants. Schaller is a German company that manufactures their strap locks using hardened steel. This makes this strap lock extremely durable.
These locks are also strap-friendly. Schaller S Locks boasts a decent length in their locking screw, making it possible for you to pair it well with your favorite strap.
Dunlop SLS1031N Straplok
Our next selection is from a renowned company that needs little to no introduction at all – given the fact that they were able to produce some of the most iconic effects pedals and guitar accessories in the world.
The SLS1031N Straplok from Dunlop boasts a release test of 800lbs.
It’s designed as a retainer system consisting of a strap lock button and a locking pin, making it easy to install and use. A lot of users are not fans of the suggested drilling though, so it helps to try it out with the dedicated screw initially.
Another thing that makes this lock stand out is that it gives you the option to retain your strap while swapping guitars, thanks to its genius design.
Ernie Ball Super Locks
Making it to number 3 on our list is another name that is trusted among the guitar community for their strings, straps, and yes, apparently, even strap locks.
Ernie Ball Super Locks sports an eye-catching Ernie Ball-branded head and has black, nickel, and gold strap locks available. A lot of users found it easy to install and operate, while making it almost impossible to accidentally open the locking mechanism.
Thanks to its quick release system, these locks are preferred by players who want to click out of certain straps or guitars in-between sets.
Fender Strap Blocks
Ah, yes.
Another manufacturer that needs no introduction. The fine folks over at Fender offer us the Strap Blocks. These are washer-type or washer-looking locks that are probably the easiest to install in this roundup.
Don’t be fooled by their simple design though – these are perfectly capable of securing your guitar in place whenever you feel like rocking your socks off.
What players found most useful is that these pairs are extremely affordable and quite easy to install.
BrightVision Rubber Strap Locks
Completing our roundup is an offering from BrightVision. These plain looking rubber strap locks still manage to hold your guitar in place and make you confidently move and groove. Sporting what is called a “Grolsch-style” washer design, these locks are pretty simple to install and easy to use.
If you’re a musician looking for a budget-friendly way of getting familiar with strap locks, then this might be for you.
Conclusion
When it comes to playing live, peace of mind and enjoying what you do is crucial. This is why strap locks play an important role in the safety and security of your instrument.
After all, no one wants to see their guitar dinked, or worse, smashed, after playing their best show, right?
So consider getting a decent pair of strap locks now and feel the difference!
