Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have '90 360 w/ black hardware that has two strap buttons that look like the mute adjustment bolts on the bass tailpieces. They are one piece and the screw is rather large. They can only be screwed and unscrewed by hand. Do they work with any locking mechanism?

Are the "BOLT STRAP LOCK" (http://www.rickenbacker.com/images/boutique/05904.jpg) at the rickenbacker boutique a direct replacement that works with Schaller locking mechanism? Are they "one-piece" with a thicker bolt than regular "2-piece" schaller-buttons (which is what I got on my 4003)?

If not, I have a bunch of schaller strap lock pins but because their screws are thinner it looks like I'll have to fill the holes with bits of toothpicks.

The Ric "bolt strap lock" is a direct fit. Yes they are one piece with the thicker bolt that works with the Schaller strap locks.

If you want to use a non-rick schaller button on a rick you can do this....get a 10/24 x 3/4" long allen head countersunk machine screw and put it in a drill and turn the head down on a file until the head will fit inside the button. Drill the back of the button up to 3/16" so the shank will fit through. The reason you want to use a countersunk head vs. a socket type head is there is less metal to grind down so it's easier. This is how I put black buttons on my 4004 as RIC has discontinued black hardware.

Brian - thanks, are these a ric-only part? They're $10 each (!) right?

Mark - that's a great suggestion given the fact that my guitar has black hardware, but unfortunately i don't have the tools to do it (file or drill bit).

Gene, I can make you a couple of screws to fit. I'll e-mail you off-Forum with details.

Old thread I know, but my '78 3001 has the old style strap buttons that look like the mute adjustment bolts on the bass tailpieces. The question was asked above, but I don't think was answered: is there a strap lock that will work with these original pins?

The reason I ask is because one of mine seems to be superglued in.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I don't want to drop this beast on my foot.

Thanks...

Other than the plastic disc type of locks (Dunlop possibly) I don't know of any that work with the old style bolts. The plastic ones wear after a while & aren't all that reliable.

They may only have a dab of white glue securing them. I usually do that to keep mine from backing out & they sometimes take a pretty good hold.
When this happens I use Vice Grips wrapped with a piece of thick cloth to keep from damaging the bolt heads.
Then I secure the strap to the bass using the stock bolts & a washer over the hole in the strap. It's the safest way.

Chris, there may be an alternative. I use a locking strap on my 1981 460 BG which has the old-style strap bolts. I think it's made by Planet Waves ... let me see if I can find a link to one ... aha, looks like it's now a discontinued item, but here is an NOS one that is similar to mine:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Planet-Waves-Black-Locking-Classic-Guitar-Strap_W0QQitemZ160100543699QQcategoryZ64420QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I've not used it on a bass, so let me give that a shot first before you decide on one like it.

Edit: on reading Kevin's post, it sounds like the plastic in this type of locking strap will give it a short lifetime.

Thanks for the input gentlemen.
I went ahead & pulled the trigger on the eBay find...for 10 bucks it's worth a shot.

Kevin - its definitely superglued in....
Gary - if those ebay straplocks don't work , don't worry - I won't hold it against you!

Thanks again guys.

Ask Elys Rand, his 21-fretter, going to be shipped soon, has black schaller security locks on it and the original "vintage" strap buttons are in the case.

I recently took the vintage strap buttons off my 73 azureglo and used non rick shaller buttons with the modified screw method. I didn't want to take a chance with that bass hitting the deck since it took me five years to find one.

For your consideration a couple of Ricks, pre and post GCC (Gary Clauson Conversion)

Those Planet Locks look to be a better design than the 1980's ones I have, so you may do quite well with those.

Mine rely on two small nubs on the backside of the top disc to provide resistance & keep them from turning back around, which is why they don't work all that well.

We'll see upon arrival. I'll post an update.
Thanks again...

Whoa, Dude!?! Conjoined Rics!!!