There are countless tales of guitars falling off straps, from those who've purchased their first-ever guitar to others who've done significantly more financial damage to a custom shop Gibson. How do you avoid becoming part of the guitar-dinging community? By getting a set of the best strap locks of course.
Strap locks replace your existing strap pins and provide a locking mechanism to keep your strap in place. This reduces the chance of your guitar falling off to pretty much zero, and looks way neater - albeit much less punk - than duct-taping your strap to your guitar. Loads of live players use them, and they're definitely useful for home guitarists too, ensuring no nasty accidents with your pride and joy.
Best guitar strap locks: Product guide
Material: Hardened steel
Finishes: Chrome, Satin Chrome, Black Chrome, Nickel, Ruthenium, Gold, Copper, Satin Pearl
Style: Strap-fitted
+ High-quality build
+ Suitable for thicker straps
+ Range of finishes
- They’re a bit predictable
Schaller is perhaps the most famous and well-used strap lock manufacturer out there. Alongside Jim Dunlop, the German company is one of the earliest innovators in this field, having first developed its product in 1981.
Working on a pull-pin-style system, S-Locks are easy to take off when need be, but sit firmly enough that you don’t have to worry about any accidents.
Their extra-long threads make them more suitable for thicker straps than any other product on this list. And these guys are also pretty easy to install, with the button and screw coming as a set piece that you can just screw into place with an allen key.
Material: Rubber
Finishes: Black, Red
Style: Block
+ Affordable
+ Very easy to install
+ Limited colour range
- Not as secure as their steel counterparts
If you’re planning on taking your guitar strap on and off a lot, and you aren’t an acrobatic performer, then you might want to consider Fender’s Strap Blocks. With their rubber build, they’re unassuming to look at, but they’re actually pretty effective.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect the same level of quality that you’ll get with other locks further up this list, but these guys are a great no-fuss, tried-and-tested option.
They slide over the top of your strap and button and can be attached to your guitar in a matter of minutes. As they’re made of stiff rubber, it does take a little bit of effort to get them on, but that’s kind of reassuring.
Material: Steel
Finishes: Chrome, Nickel, Black Chrome, Gold, Antique Copper, Antique Brass, Skull Gunmetal/Black, Victorian, Black Victorian, Henry and Mary
Style: Strap-fitted
+ Low-profile button
+ Easy to install
+ Unique and effective fastening system
- Can only be fixed with the provided tool
Schaller and Jim Dunlop could justifiably describe themselves as the ‘big two’ of the strap lock world at the moment – however, if this set is anything to go by, German firm Loxx could soon be joining them.
Based on mechanisms designed for the auto industry, the Loxx Strap Lock System works for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. It comprises low-profile pull-pin systems that are neatly cased in smart little buttons. They’re easy off and on, but unlikely to pop off.
One of the best things about the set is the provided fixing tool, which is basically a cross between a spanner and a two-prong case wrench. Look after it, though, as it’s proprietary, meaning you’ll need it to make any adjustments.
Material: Hardened steel
Finishes: Nickel, Black, Black Nickel, Brass, Gold
Style: Strap-fitted
+ Well-priced
+ Great functionality
+ Range of different finishes
- They stick out a lot
Like the Schaller S-Locks, the Jim Dunlop StrapLok Strap Retainers Dual Design (SLS1031N) have carved out a longstanding reputation for quality and reliability.
However, whereas Schaller’s locks work on a pull-pin-style system, these have a button-style release, which means they’re a little harder to get on and off but less prone to accidental releases. One thing to note about button-style locks is that they sit a fair way off the guitar, meaning it won’t fit so well inside a snug hard case with the strap on.
Overall, though, Jim Dunlop’s strap locks are a superb offering and a great alternative to the Schaller S-Locks, especially given their more affordable price point. We love them for bass as the extra security is reassuring with a heavier guitar.
Material: Steel
Finishes: Chrome, Black, Gold
Style: Strap-fitted
+ Difficult to accidentally open
+ Very functional
+ Comparatively expensive
- Bulkier than you might want
Very comparable to the Fender Infinity Strap Locks, Ernie Ball’s Super Locks are a great option for those guitarists who like a pinch-button release. They're extra secure, so we love them for heavy guitars like a Les Paul.
As you’d expect from some of the most expensive strap locks on the market, the build quality here is exceptional. It gives you that extra reassurance when you're spending a lot of money on a guitar that it'll stay in perfect condition.
The looks will be divisive, but ultimately that’s a matter of personal taste, though. Going on quality alone, the Ernie Ball Super Locks are a seriously safe choice that you can put your trust in.
Material: Steel
Finishes: Chrome, Black, Gold, Red
Style: Strap-fitted
+ Very functional
+ Difficult to accidentally release
+ Great for Fender owners
- Bulkier than we generally like
One of the main differences between strap lock systems is the way in which you lock them, and, while everybody will have a preference for a certain style, it’s hard to look past the Fender Infinity Strap Locks for sheer functionality.
Thanks to their smooth, ball-bearing-style system with pinch-button release, they’re incredibly easy to take off, but almost impossible to do so accidentally.
One thing to consider is that, even though they look very compact, these strap locks actually stick out a fair way, so you might need to take your strap off if you’re packing the guitar away. They do look cool, though, and would really enhance the look of your Fender guitar.
Material: Hardened steel
Finishes: Black, Gold, Nickel
Style: Strap-fitted
+ Easy to install
+ No rattling
- On the pricier side
While D’Addario can hardly be thought of as a newcomer to this scene, its PW-SLS-02 Universal Strap Locks are one of the more recent additions to the market. Launched in 2018, they’ve taken off in a pretty big way, becoming a fierce competitor to Schaller and Jim Dunlop’s offerings.
For good reason, too. Working on a pull-pin-style system, D’Addario’s locks are functional and boast a short profile that sits very neatly alongside your guitar body – something D’Addario was conscious of when designing them.
One key feature of D’Addario’s locks is that their pull pin is mounted on a big button. This can be both a good and a bad thing. On the positive side, the larger surface area is easy to grip – handy for when you need to mount and dismount the locks. On the negative side, there’s more chance that the locks could get snagged on something. This is worst-case scenario stuff, though, and the PW-SLS-02 Universal Strap Locks are generally an efficient and effective solution.
FAQs
How to choose the best strap locks for you
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