Schaller vs. Dunlop Strap Locks. Which one is better? I would go for the Schaller. Why? Please let me explain. I have seen so many guitars fell off from their straps, and that’s why I am glad somebody invented the strap locks. It hurts to see a guitar dropped and more so if it is an expensive guitar.
What is the Difference Between a Regular Guitar Strap and a Guitar Strap with Strap Locks?
A regular guitar strap has a slot where you will insert the regular strap buttons. The regular strap buttons are installed on the guitar. This is not a secured system, as the slot is just on a piece of leather and has no locking feature.
On the other hand, a guitar strap lock system consists of two parts. The guitar strap locks button which is installed in the guitar and the guitar strap lock/ retainer which are fixed in the guitar strap. Then the two parts are locked together using a locking device. This adds more security to prevent the separation between the guitar strap and the guitar.
Schaller and Dunlop are the two of the most popular guitar strap locks available in the market. Both are well made, but they are of different design.
Click on the image for more information.
Dunlop Dual Design Strap Locks
It is one of the most popular brands of strap locks. It is well made and the price is reasonable. It comes in black, gold and chrome/nickel finish.The Dunlop Strap Locks comes in two parts, the strap lock button which is installed in the guitar and the guitar strap retainer which is installed in the guitar strap. The Dunlop featured the dual-design feature where you can also use a regular strap without the locking retainer.
It is intended as a very convenient alternative in case you forget to bring your guitar strap with the strap lock retainer installed. This design could be a cool feature for some, but I do not like the idea of using a regular strap without a strap lock retainer on an expensive guitar. Even temporarily as it is an invitation to a disaster.
So this feature is a no-no for me. It is very tempting to use a regular strap without the lock retainer as an alternative if the proper strap is not available. If the guitar strap with the Dunlop Strap Lock Retainers installed is not available, I will not dare use that expensive guitar. I will drop it sooner or later. There is also a feature that I think is scary with the Dunlop Strap Lock. The locking mechanism on a Dunlop is a ball type lock, and if that ball lock fails, you will drop the guitar. I do not like a design that if one safety feature fails, there is no backup.
There is also a feature that I think is scary with the Dunlop Strap Lock. The locking mechanism on a Dunlop is a ball type lock, and if that ball lock fails, you will drop the guitar. I do not like a design that if one safety feature fails, there is no backup.
This strap lock is well-made but my only concern is the design features.
Click on the image for more information.
Schaller Strap Locks
It is one of the most popular brands of guitar strap locks. It is priced almost the same as the Dunlop and it comes in black, gold and chrome/ nickel finish. The Schaller Strap Locks comes in two parts. The Strap Lock Button is installed in the guitar while the strap lock is installed in the guitar strap. The Schaller has a horseshoe clip on the strap lock ( the one installed in the guitar strap) where you insert the strap lock button and locked in place. If the locking mechanism fails, the strap lock button is still in the horseshoe clip and will not get detached. Gravity will keep the strap in place as long as you do not raise the guitar over your head abruptly.
I like that redundant security feature over the Dunlop. Another feature of this design which I like is you can only use a guitar strap with the strap lock installed. You can not use a regular guitar strap without the strap lock installed. This feature is good because you will have no choice but to use the guitar strap with the strap lock installed otherwise you cannot use the guitar. This means your guitar is always protected from being dropped.
That is why we provide strap locks, so we do not use regular guitar straps without locks. Using regular straps without a lock is hazardous for an expensive guitar. The guitar will be dropped sooner or later. So it is always a good idea to have that guitar strap with a strap lock attached to that expensive guitar whenever it is out of the case. You will save it from being dropped.
Conclusion
I will opt for the Schaller Strap Locks than the Dunlop Dual-Design Strap Locks. The Strap Lock Buttons will set on the Horseshoe slot which is a redundancy which I think is a good backup if the lock fails. I also like the idea that you will not be able to use the guitar if you do not have the strap with the Schaller Strap Lock installed. The guitar is protected all the time.
I do not like the idea of the Dunlop pin type lock as it has no backup if it fails. The idea of being able to use a regular strap without the Dunlop Strap Lock Button is an invitation for disaster. You will be tempted to use a regular strap without a strap lock button installed as an alternative. Guitars should not be used without a strap lock. Even temporarily.
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Very important details to set up locks
Hi, Daniel,
Thank you for the comment.
Den
Schallers as of recently are “so” secure that the ball end pops off and you can’t get the strap off. I have seen this now several times. If you don’t mind taking a sawzall to your 3k Gibbo’s strap button to get it off of there……………………………
On the other hand i have used Dunlops for years even on very heavy guitars such as a Gibson double neck with no issues at all. All you need to periodically do is hit them with a little light lubricating oil and you are good. Dunlops fit nice and snug while the Schallers seem to flop around while attached, not very confidence inspiring.
Hi Peter,
You have a good point, but in my opinion, I would rather have a locking system that will jam if it fails (but still secure the guitar) rather than a locking system that will drop my 3k guitar when it fails.
All mechanical components will fail at a certain time, and a little maintenance is required, but the main point here is security.
I have been using Schallers for years on my own guitars and on my customer’s guitars but I still have to see one with a button “popped off”. I also have a Dunlop given to me by a friend but I did not install it on my guitar.
Well if that happens, I do not think you have to saw the strap lock off. There are workarounds for that and a guitar tech with limited skills can easily fix that.
The thing is, you will still save your 3k guitar when a Schaller lock fails.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
When I was in high school my grandmother bought me a really beautiful Les Paul knockoff; it is white with gold hardware and black trim. After I got it i bought a very wide white leather strap to hold the guitar up as it was very neck heavy and liked to drop if I used a regular strap. Unfortunately, I did not purchase strap locks right away and ended up dropping my sweet guitar!
I bought them after that though!
HI Rhett,
That hurts! What if it was a Vintage Gibson? That would be something to grieve. Guitar strap locks is a must for a guitar, especially with a heavy guitar like that.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Thank you for the info. I was looking for a new strap for my guitar when I found this. And this helped me make a decision. Great advice. I did not know about guitar strap locks. It is good you pointed out the differences between the two models of straplocks. I think I will go for with your recommendation of the Schaller.
Hi Vanessa,I highly recommend the Schaller over the Dunlop because of the added security features.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
I believed I used Dunlop strap locks for my Gibson SG when I had it and I loved them. I just had to pull the button when I wanted to release the strap, and they were super easy to put back on. I loved knowing that my guitar would never drop, and having a strap lock really made me feel safe about swinging my guitar around during shows. I would recommend any kind of strap lock to any guitar player. You have some great choices here!
Hi Dan,
A guitar strap lock is a must for every guitar.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hey Den!
I really enjoyed your review on guitar strap locks. The Schaller locks definitely look to be the better deal. I use to play guitar but not so much anymore. I’ll be sure to tell my friends about these, as I don’t think a lot of people know about these handy gadgets. Thanks for sharing, keep up the great work.
Hi Steve,
Schaller Straplocks are much better designed than the competition. Please do your friends a favor by informing them. I agree with you as not so many people knows the importance of straplocks.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi,
I am loving the review. Glad I ran across your review. It has enlightened me to strap locks on guitars, which i never knew existed lol. I agree with your recommendation about the Schaller Strap Locks. I think it offers more security than the Dunlop. This is the one I will install on my guitar. Thanks a lot.
Hi Roger,
Schaller has more security feature than Dunlop and that is the reason I recommend this strap lock.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
It depends on the guitar you are using. You definitely want something more robust that can lock that strap in if you have a Jackson or a Les Paul(Gibson not Epiphone). You want to do everything within your power to keep that beautiful guitar from falling. If it’s a Yamaha or another cheap one you really don’t care and can use that Dunlop Strap Lock or just a regular strap post.
What’s your favorite strap to use with the Schaller strap lock? Dunlop is a favorite of mine actually. They make a strap that withstands all the punishment you can inflict on it without the possible fall. They withstand up to 200 lbs. of pull. Crazy right?
Hi, Jason!
Expensive guitars should not be used without strap locks. Schaller Strap Locks are better than the other strap locks available in the market in terms of added security.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hello, Den. I have played guitar most of my life (not professionally) and the Schaller strap locks work well. They make putting on the strap easy and less time consuming. I take care of my guitars. I still have the first one I ever purchased in 1982 and pick it up every once in a while to play. Nice article. Good luck with your website.
Hillard
Hi, Hillard!
I like the Schaller better than the Dunlop in both security and function aspect. The Dunlop Dual system is not a good idea as you might have the accident while using a regular strap.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi Den, it’s great to know Schaller is better than Dunlop. With the security feature and everything, it sounds like Schaller is the one to have.
Are there any occasion that you might want to have Dunlop strap locks as a spare? Emergency, etc? Or do you never need to use Dunlop if you always use a strap with a lock button?
Thanks for the great advice.
Hi Ray,
Schaller offers better security than Dunlop. If you have a Schaller Strap Lock you do not need a Dunlop.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
This post is very educative and informative to me. Personally, I am a guitar player but rarely do I think about safety of the guitar than how playing it. According to your explanation, I have realised that the kind of strap lock I use is very important.
This is the first time I’m hearing this and will consider your suggestion for my guitar safety. My guitar is already fitted with Dunlop strap lock and initially I thought that it’s safe but your post has taught me otherwise. Thank you for this information.
I have enjoyed reading your post.
Best of luck
Paul.
The Schaller Strap Lock offers more security features than the rest of the market. A strap lock is a must for every guitar especially the expensive ones.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
I am looking at my mom’s guitar whom she gave to my bf. I didn’t even know that these strap locks existed. I will pass this onto my bf, he plays the guitar and would be really interested in this article. The Schaller does look bulky but if it serves it’s purpose then I would opt for that thanks to your review.
Hi Gladwell,
The Schaller is the best guitar strap locks available in the market. The redundancy on its security features makes it a step ahead of the other straplocks.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
I won’t lie, videos of guitar straps failing are pretty hilarious don’t you think? But jokes aside it’s good to see there’s as real solution out there for such a problem. I can see the advantage of the Schaller over the Dunlop that you pointed out. Hopefully more guitarists will be aware thanks to your review. Maybe some instructions on how to properly attach them too? Otherwise, great review.
Hi Ryan,
No need for those instructions. Once you see it actual, it is easy to figure out. It comes also with documentation on how to install. I do hope this review will make guitar players be aware of the risks that they are facing when they are not using straplocks.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
I could not have come across this post at a more perfect time! I recently bought a guitar and I have been curious about the different strap options. I have only played it sitting down thus far as I am terrified of dropping and breaking it. Now I know the importance of strap locks. Thank you very kindly for this very informative post.
Hi, Misty,
Strap locks are essential parts to a guitar. You should pick the Schaller Strap Locks as it has more security feature on it. Dropping a guitar is costly, a strap lock is not.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi Den,
I have had occasions when my guitar had slipped out while performing a gig. I currently use a Dunlop strap lock on my guitar. No major damage but boy was it embarrassing. I was totally unaware of the Schaller Strap lock. Sounds like a product that I am about to purchase. Thanks for the info.
Regards,
Jerome.
Hi Jerome,
The Schaller Strap Lock has more security feature than the Dunlop Strap Lock. Yes it is worth buying those Schaller Strap Locks.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Great review. Love it! I’ve personally only used the Dunlop Strap Locks when playing the guitar. And although it doesn’t fail often, when it does, it’s kind of scary. So I might take you up on your recommendation for the Schaller Strap Locks. You described it well and it seems appealing.
However, sometimes I like to go for what looks better. Is there a recommendation you would give me based purely on visual?
Hi Caleb,
I would say the Schaller looks better. The stability of the Schaller Strap Locks is due to its design that even if the lock fails the strap is still in the slot.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Thanks Den – this is a concise quick breakdown of these two strap locks. As someone who has played guitar a lot i can relate to what your saying, its so annoying when a guitar keeps dropping from having a rubbish strap lock.
After reading your review, i now know that the Schaller Strap Locks are probably the best to go with 🙂
Hi Marley,
The Schaller Strap Locks is the way to go. Its security feature is more practical, more robust compared to the Dunlop Strap Locks.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi, I can let you know that I used the Dunlop straplocks for many years and loved them. The main reason that I bought them was that they were the only option I could find at the time! Luckily they were pretty easy to install and use. But you’re right, I always had to use the specific strap that had the lock attached. I did however love the simplicity of the click on and click off. At the time, I was copying some Guitar Gods and throwing the guitar around my neck (so you see why I was keen on having a locking mechanism!), and the Dunlops never failed me once. I now have sons who are using the Schaller type locking and they swear y their strength and stability. I’m just glad they went with locking mechanisms at all so the chance of dropping those beautiful guitars is as small as possible.
Hi Gavin,
Guitar strap locks really works and the Schaller is the most sturdy design. I just want to point something here in case you did not realize that you can use a regular strap on a Dunlop. That is why it is called dual design.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
As a guitar player I know exactly what you mean by having a guitar drop because of a broken strap clip. These strap locks are something I will in invest in. People who are not musicians cant understand why we are about our instruments. Its one thing for you yourself to accidently damage your guitar but for someone else to do it is another story especially when they didn’t have permission to touch it.
Hi Johnny,
I absolutely agree with you. Our guitars are like a part of our body that we have to take care of them. A strap lock is an essential part of a guitar and an expensive guitar should have one.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Good strap locks are such a key unit for a guitar. They are cheap, especially when compared to the price of repairing a guitar.
It’s always tempting to take the lazy way out and just use the straps without locks. I think a lot of musicians has learned this lesson the hard way. Yes, the Schaller is my choice.
Hi Keith,
Guitar strap locks are essential for a guitar especially if it is an expensive one. I agree a strap lock is way cheaper than repairing a broken guitar. Yes a lot of guitar players learn the hard way.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi
Glad I found your post. I had no clue such a thing existed. Well actually I never searched for a strap lock. My guitars fell more than once gladly most of the times I managed to prevent from hitting the ground, but it hurts when they do.
Loved your strap locks and I’m surely will get some to hold my guitars.
Great post, thank you
Hi Pedro,
Strap locks are essential for a guitar. Most players don’t realize it until they learn it the hard way. Straplocks are much cheaper than repairing a guitar, especially the expensive ones.
Thanks for your comments,
Den
thank you for the review.
it has certainly made me think.
i do not know anything about guitars. but, my daughter wanted one. so i bought her one. and that was it. i never thought anything about what you have mentioned. you clearly know what you are talking about.
you have now made me think. i have had a quick look at your links to amazon and can see the schaller costs comparatively and considerably more. but i guess a faulty guitar would cost more.
thank you for the review. i will have another look at the guitar and take it from there.
by the way, how long do these locks last?
Hi Arif,
You should install straplocks on guitars with value because it really saves it from being dropped. Schaller Strap Locks lasts a very long time.
Thanks for your comments,
Den
Nice review. Havning used bothy of these I’d say the Schaller are definitely more robust and do give you an extra sense of security.
But if looks are important, then I personally think the Dunlop strap locks look better, but oh that mechanism, never seems strong enough to me!
One other problem I had with the Dunlop strplocks is that until the strap is reasonably thick, you can get a buzz from the vibration of the big washers – something you won’t get on the Schallers as you can screw them down tight.
Hi Al!
You must be an experienced guitar player having used both strap locks. I agree with all of your ideas regarding both strap locks. We both have the same choice.
Thanks for the comments,
Den