Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a 4003 Ric Bass that I want to put strap locks on WITHOUT MODIFICATIONS. I am not interested in using the toothpick/glue technique. There has to be SOMEONE out there who knows where you can get strap locks with the proper bolt. I am of the understanding that you can only get the bolts that fit the schaller system, but you have to buy the lock mechanism also. Anyone know where to get the straplock Ric-sized bolts?

yep : www.ricpage.com

you may wanna try Dunlop Lok straps - small plastic locking washers you simple place over the normal strap buttons once your strap is on. They are very strong and cost like $4

Or use the old "Grolsch" trick, whereby you remove the little rubber washer from the stopper of an old fashioned/retro beer bottle (Grolsch being the obvious example) and just slip that over the strap button once you have put the strap on. Works just as well as the Dunlop locks, and cost nothing, as you get one free with every beer you buy

something for nothing? great!

The Schaller system works best for me. For semi-hollow body instruments, you may find that the cavity transmits a squeaking sound of the metal parts of the locking system rubbing together. You will hear this through your amplifier.

The solution is to use a nylon washer or rubber grommet between the bolt and the guitar. Also beware, that the Rickenbacker bolt can back off after a period of time.

Welcome, Pheonix.

With stock 4003 strap bolts, you simply get a set of the usual Schaller locking system in any store and use the locking caps only. They fit perfectly. Works for my '98 4003.

As for the RIC bolts backing out, the upper bolt on my '98 did that when new. It hasn't happened again after I wet the hole, applied wood glue to the screw thread and the hole's inner wall, let dry for a few hours and retightened.

I agree with Paul, the bass should already have the proper bolt, all you need is the lock part. Just get a set of Schallers and be done with it. Fender straplocks are the same thing. It will cost you more to get the right sized bolt assembly.

Depends on how old the bass is. The Schaller-ready strap buttons weren't standard until the mid-90s. If Repairgirl's 4003 is older, she'll need to get the buttons with the RIC machine screw from Mike Parks (Owan's link above).

However the Dunlop Lok Straps are great, secure and noiseless. The only downside is you can't quickly switch one strap between several instruments, but IMO every instrument should have its own strap.

Hey, welcome, Repairgirl! It's great to see another "Ric chick" on the site! You'll find that these guys are a great bunch to hang out with online.... Do you also play guitar?

Very interesting subject! How about the old button style? It seems the screw shaft is of a larger diameter than other strap lock systems I've seen, Dunlop being one of them. Are the current Shaller buttons the same diameter as the old button style? And yes, Ric chicks rule!!!

Dano, the Schaller buttons are unchanged, but the issue is that the screw on the special RIC/Schaller buttons is the same larger diameter fine thread machine screw that was on the old style (non-Schaller) RIC buttons. If you buy Schallers at a regular music store, you get the regular small-diameter wood screw.

So to convert an older one, you need the special buttons from Mike Parks unless you can find the proper machine screws and adapt them yourself.

Thanks Dave, I have ordered the current Ric/Schaller buttons through Mike Parks. The pics on the site appeared to be the correct size, I just wanted to be certain.

So Dave,
What year did RIC start using the pre-mid '90s bolts? I assume they replaced the old mutepad screw type with these?
Pheonix indeed has to get a whole set from MP if her bass was made before mid-'90s.

As for RIC Chicks, I love them all!

Susanna Hoffs


Gail Greenwood


Courtney Love


Official RIC ad girl

Paul-- You have class, and the girls in the pix have "taste". ~LOLOLOL~ Or at least I'd like to find out, especially with Susanna & Gail.

Paul, I only know my '93 still had the old style (mute screw) buttons.