Bass guitar strap locks are a necessity if you want to protect your investment in a quality bass guitar. If you’re a bass player, you know how heavy electric bass guitars can be, especially if you’re playing a 5-string bass or 6-string bass. Guitars are already prone to falling off their straps, but bass guitars are even worse due to their weight.

So, you’re probably wondering, then, what are the best strap locks for bass guitar? There are two main choices available.

(1) Dunlop – Dunlop strap locks are a very popular choice, and are made by a company with a reputation for excellence, Jim Dunlop. Dunlop strap locks use a push-pull pin-based system. Dunlop claims that the locks are rated at 800-lbs of pull, so chances are, you won’t have any problems with them.

The downside to the Dunlop strap locks is that, if the pin does fail, there’s no secondary system in place. The guitar will fall and fall hard. However, it’s also worth noting that the strap pin itself is designed to be used with just a regular guitar strap if need be (the so-called Dual Design system). All in all, the Dunlop system is a fine choice.

(2) Schaller – Schaller strap locks are another popular choice, and, to be honest, are my personal favorite. Schaller strap locks use a locking cylinder that keeps the strap secure along with a U-shaped cradle that supports the strap. Unlike the Dunlop system, the Schaller system can still be effective if the locking system fails. The only downside to the Schaller strap locks is that the washer holding the strap button needs to be tightened regularly.

Either system can be effective, and there are bass players and guitar players who swear by either one. I personally prefer the Schallers for two reasons. (1) The U-shaped cradle provides an excellent backup should the system fail (which none of mine ever have. (2) In my personal opinion, the Schallers just flat out look more hip than the Dunlops, but that’s just my view.